Student Profile – Udayveer Singh Grewal

Udayveer Singh Grewal is set to graduate this semester from San José State University (SJSU) with a degree in Civil Engineering. His journey from New Delhi to Silicon Valley reflects both resilience and ambition.

Back in New Delhi, India, where he spent his early years, he attended  Mayo College, a boarding school in Ajmer. After ninth grade, his family relocated to the United States, and he completed school at Washington High School in Fremont, California, and later joined SJSU. Udayveer finds balance through long-distance running and basketball, hobbies that keep him balanced for the demands of engineering courses.

The move was a turning point for Udayveer. He was captivated by the thoughtful infrastructure designs of buildings, roads, and public spaces that were all around his new environment. This fascination soon evolved into a career aspiration: “I realized I wanted to choose a profession that would help me work closely with the design and construction of these structures,” he shares. A pivotal moment came during his senior year of high school, when he interviewed a civil engineer for his English project. Hearing firsthand about the profession’s impact and daily duties solidified his decision to pursue civil engineering.

Eventually, Udayveer landed an internship at Kimley-Horn in summer 2024, a nationally recognized engineering consulting firm. As an intern, he contributed to land development projects, focusing on creating and optimizing entitlement plans for major retail brands. He gained technical proficiency and confidence through this role due to its extensive use of AutoCAD. Additionally, working on drafting Storm Water Pollution Prevention Plans (SWPPP) for large-scale projects deepened his understanding of environmental compliance and sustainable drainage systems. Organizing construction documents for multi-family housing developments has further exposed him to the complexities of both onsite and offsite improvements. “The internship solidified my interest in land development and helped me decide that this is the field I want to work in the future,” he reflects.

Kimley-Horn is known for its reputation as an intern-friendly company with a strong focus on mentorship, hands-on training, and professional networking, all of which appealed to Udayveer. After connecting with the team at an SJSU career fair, he was impressed by their commitment to developing young professionals. The firm’s national presence and involvement in major infrastructure projects offered the scale and impact he was seeking. “I was excited to gain experience at a firm with such a broad reach and to be part of projects that have a real impact on communities,” he says.

For any students hoping to land his role, Udayveer recommends building a solid academic foundation and becoming proficient with industry-standard tools like AutoCAD. But he also emphasizes the power of networking, “ Building that personal connection can go a long way,” he shares. Udayveer encourages students to demonstrate eagerness to learn: “Companies like Kimley-Horn value a strong work ethic and a positive attitude just as much as technical skills.”

Reflecting back, Udayveer is most proud of his ability to quickly adapt and learn new skills, especially when tackling unfamiliar software and real-world engineering challenges. He believes this adaptability is essential for success in the fast-evolving field of civil engineering.

In the future, Udayveer envisions himself as a licensed civil engineer, leading transformative building projects that shape urban skylines and serve diverse communities. His dream is to contribute to large-scale mixed-use developments that prioritize both structural integrity and environmental sustainability. Through green infrastructure, improved stormwater management, or energy-efficient systems, he aims to help build a better future for cities and the environment.

“I want my work to contribute to building a better future—both for cities and the environment.”
— Udayveer Singh Grewal

API & SWANA Heritage Month – Rachid Yazami

Rachid Yazami, born in Fez, Morocco, in 1953, stands as one of North Africa’s most influential scientists and inventors, renowned globally for his groundbreaking work in battery technology. He holds a PhD in Materials Science and Electrochemistry from the Grenoble Institute of Technology. His invention of the graphite anode for lithium-ion batteries in the early 1980s revolutionized portable electronics and electric vehicles, enabling the development of rechargeable batteries now used in billions of devices, from smartphones to laptops and EVs. With over 150 patents and 200 scientific publications, Yazami’s influence extends across academia and industry.

In 2025, Yazami was awarded a new patent in China for a safety feature that helps prevent fires and explosions in EV batteries, an innovation that addresses a major concern as electric cars become more popular. This breakthrough is especially important for regions with extreme climates, making EVs safer for everyone.

As we honor North African Heritage Month, Yazami’s latest patent in China not only advances the safety of electric vehicles worldwide but also shines a spotlight on North Africa’s enduring legacy of innovation and its vital role in shaping a sustainable future.

Read more about his inventions now!

SJSU College of Engineering 2025 Showcase Kicks Off Research Week

Across the different departments of the College of Engineering (CoE) at SJSU, students are not just hitting the books; they are building the future with their own hands. Through bold innovation, collaborative design, and real-world problem solving, knowledge seekers are developing projects that are transforming lives and industries. From robotics to rockets, their creativity has no limits. Here are some, but not all the projects that were on display at the 2025 Showcase that kicked off the university’s Research Week at SJSU, where faculty, staff, supporters, and alumni were able to view.

Walking Toward Independence

At the intersection of robotics and human health, student teams at the SJSU CoE have focused on developing robotic exoskeletons and mobility aids for individuals. These wearable technologies use sensors, motors, and artificial intelligence (AI) to help individuals regain balance and movement, offering new hope for stroke survivors, those with tremors, and mobility issues, just to name a few.

Helping the Visually Impaired Navigate the World

An inspiring effort is underway that involves robotic and AI-guided systems for the visually impaired. CoE students are designing smart canes, wearable devices that use ultrasonic sensors, and real-time mapping to help users safely and confidently navigate their environments, both indoors and out.

Stretching the Genome: A New Frontier

In the realm of bioengineering, students are exploring genome stretching techniques that could revolutionize personalized medicine. By manipulating DNA at a molecular level using microfluidics and nano-tools, they aim to enhance genome sequencing and diagnostics, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in genetic research.

From Cement Canoes to Concrete Ideas

In a mix of fun and function, the civil engineering program at SJSU, after a hiatus, has reignited the participation in an annual international competition where students build and race concrete canoes—yes, canoes that actually float! These projects require advanced knowledge of material science and buoyancy, blending structural engineering with a healthy dose of creativity. In the 2025 competition, SJSU CoE concrete canoe team went from 7th place to 3rd place from 2024 to 2025, and has their sights set on 1st place in 2026. Go get them, team!

Bridges Built on Innovation

Speaking of structures, bridge-building contests are a mainstay in engineering education. Students use lightweight materials to construct efficient, load-bearing bridges. The goal: create maximum strength with minimum weight.

Engineering Speed: The Rise of Electric Race Cars

Automotive engineering students are continuing their efforts with electric vehicle (EV) racing cars. These battery-powered speedsters are designed from the ground up, blending mechanical, electrical, and software engineering into sleek, competitive machines. Many have since participated in national competitions like Formula SAE Electric.

Powering Progress Through Diversity

Among all these exciting developments, one trend is reshaping engineering in an equally important way: the rise of women in STEM. Student organizations and national initiatives are actively supporting and mentoring women pursuing this goal, making classrooms and labs more inclusive, diverse, and dynamic.

From health tech to high-tech, bridges to biomechanics, today’s engineering students are not just dreaming about the future—they’re building it. With their hands on the tools and their eyes on the stars, they’re proving that innovation is a team sport, powered by purpose, and driven by passion.

Federal judge declares that Google’s digital ad network is an illegal monopoly – Featuring Prof Ahmed Banafa

Google has been labeled an abusive monopolist for allegedly exploiting its digital advertising empire to stifle competition and inflate profits. A federal judge ruled that Google unfairly tied its ad services together, forcing publishers to rely on its ecosystem, a move the Justice Department says hurt news outlets and online businesses alike. With the government now seeking penalties as severe as breaking up Google’s ad business or even selling its Chrome browser, the tech giant plans to appeal the decision.

Watch the full video to learn more about this ongoing lawsuit.

College of Engineering GO Program to Conclude This Semester

The College of Engineering’s GO Program will officially conclude at the end of this semester. Designed to encourage student engagement through events and activities, the program has provided students with opportunities to earn points toward a variety of prizes.
Students who have accumulated 30 points or more are encouraged to redeem their points for rewards as outlined on the CoE GO Program webpages by May 1st.

For details on available prizes and the redemption process, please visit the GO Program section on the College of Engineering website or fill out this form. Don’t miss your chance to claim your rewards before the semester wraps up!