Fall 2025 Engineering Magazine Issue
Discover the latest innovations, student stories, and groundbreaking research from San José State University’s College of Engineering. Don’t miss the Fall 2025 issue—read it now!
Student Profile – Dori Hjalmarson
Dori Hjalmarson is entering his second year in the master’s program in Human Factors & Ergonomics at San José State University (SJSU). Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing soccer and spending time with friends.
Born in Tsushima, Japan, Dori moved to the United States at age two and has lived in the Bay Area since he was four. While he isn’t the first in his family to attend college, he is the first on his mother’s side to pursue higher education, and the first to focus on engineering. Originally an undergraduate psychology major, he once planned to become a school psychologist. But a Human Factors course at SJSU, taught by Dr. Anthony Andre, showed him a path that combined his interest in people with his curiosity about technology.
This summer, Dori interned at Samsung Research America as a UX Researcher on the Mobile Platform Solutions team. He contributed to enterprise projects by creating journey maps, developing personas, and conducting usability tests to uncover pain points in product use. The experience reinforced the importance of early communication with stakeholders, as well as tailoring research insights to the right audience. “As a UX researcher you are always telling a story based on your findings and insights, so understanding your audience when presenting is key.”
Dori discovered the Samsung opportunity on LinkedIn and credits SJSU’s strong alumni network for opening the door to his interview. He also credits his graduate program with helping him develop a systems-thinking mindset, which he believes is essential to applying human factors research to real-world product design. Looking ahead, he hopes to work in the healthcare space, particularly with biomedical products, digital health or healthcare robotics, where his research can directly improve lives.
CSU Trustees Award for Outstanding Achievement
Photo: Robert C. Bain
San José State University student Tanequa Bailey has been awarded the 2025 CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement, the highest honor in the CSU system. The recognition includes a $7,000 scholarship and celebrates her academic excellence, resilience, and community service. As a software engineering major, Bailey is dedicated to developing technology that expands access to resources for underserved communities. Having overcome homelessness, she now plans to pursue a master’s degree and a career focused on equity-driven solutions.
Passion in Action: SJSU Engineering Clubs Launch Students Forward
At San José State University, student clubs aren’t just extracurricular — they’re experimental testbeds, career accelerators, and creative playgrounds. At the September 8 engineering club fair, multiple clubs came together to demonstrate their projects, their passions, and their energy and drive to recruit new members.
This wasn’t your typical club fair. It was a high-octane, hands-on display of rockets, jet engines, RC aircraft, simulations, and the brainpower behind them, to name a few. What tied it all together? A common mission: give students real, relevant experience — and make all engineering disciplines visible.
Among the stars of the event were several student-led teams tackling propulsion— from centrifugal jet compressors to liquid rocket engines. These aren’t just theory exercises; students are building actual hardware from scratch, learning to simulate performance, test systems, and work with the kind of materials used in real aerospace applications.
Each team operates like a small engineering firm— with leads in research, manufacturing, controls, and testing. And while each project has its own goals, they all share one thing: a deep belief that starting from first principles leads to better engineering and stronger collaboration.
It’s not one club doing all the work— it’s a network of student organizations with overlapping missions, shared members, and a spirit of collaboration. One club might focus on propulsion, another on aircraft design, and another on satellite systems. Yet they come together to share tools, organize events, and support each other’s progress.
Some clubs run aerospace workshops and industry tours— eight in the past year alone— to companies like NASA, Archer, and Joby Aviation. Others host hackathons or build resume-worthy projects with faculty support and industry mentorship. Whether it’s systems integration, composite fabrication, or real-time telemetry, students are learning by doing, not just sitting in lectures.
Engineering student clubs are inclusive, supportive, and fun. Students spoke openly about how they found their footing, broke past self-doubt, and built a network of peers who inspire them to keep going— especially valuable for those who entered college unsure of where they belonged.
There’s a strong push to make sure everyone feels they have a place, regardless of background or identity. For many, the clubs aren’t just a way to make projects a reality, they’re a way to build confidence, leadership, and lifelong friendships.
At the end of the day, these clubs are doing more than prototyping, they are testing ideas, building grit, and helping students translate their academic knowledge into real-world impact. With guidance from faculty, support from alumni, and a community that believes in them, SJSU’s engineering student clubs are proving that the road to their future starts right here at SJSU.
Banafa – Quantum Computers Could Break Bitcoin and Ethereum
Gold Bitcoin and Ethereum cryptocurrency coins with candle stick graph chart, laptop keyboard, and digital background.
Quantum computers could one day break the security that protects major blockchains, putting large amounts of money at risk. Newer blockchains like Solana are easier to upgrade, but Bitcoin and Ethereum would face bigger challenges. SJSU professor Ahmed Banafa said Bitcoin may need a hard fork, meaning people would have to move their coins to new wallets. While quantum computers can’t do this yet, experts say that preparation can’t wait.
GTI Study Abroad Program
The SJSU College of Engineering’s Global Technology Initiative (GTI) gives students a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective on technology, business, and entrepreneurship through a summer study abroad program in Taiwan. Participants get to engage in lectures, projects, field trips, and cultural experiences. All program expenses, including airfare, accommodations, and program fees, are covered by the College of Engineering, with students only responsible for food costs. To learn more about eligibility and application requirements, visit the program website. The deadline to apply is October 31, 2025. Apply now and don’t miss this chance to expand your horizons!
Sean Aochi, Global Technology Institute Program, Taiwan 2025
Spending four weeks in Taiwan opened my eyes to a completely different culture. I loved exploring night markets, trying local foods, and visiting landmarks like Longshan Temple and the National Palace Museum. Collaborating on a robotic arm project with SJSU and Taiwanese students also taught me teamwork in a hands-on way.
“Overall, I think that this trip to Taiwan was incredible. The food was amazing, the views were beautiful, and most importantly, the people were some of the nicest I’ve ever met in my life.” –
Nicholas Arnett, Global Technology Institute Program, Taiwan 2025
Taiwan was the perfect blend of innovation and culture. Working on a robotic arm project helped me quickly learn C#, while exploring museums and markets gave me new perspectives on technology and life abroad.
“The study abroad trip to Taiwan was an incredible experience.”
Sairam Balaumar, Global Technology Institute Program, Taiwan 2025
My first solo trip abroad was filled with surprises, from building a quadcopter UAV to racing virtual bikes and tackling quirky food challenges. Exploring night markets, beaches, and temples gave me a real taste of Taiwanese culture. Beyond academics, the friendships and adventures made the experience unforgettable.
“I doubt any other trip I make can ever compare to this trip to Taiwan. I made some lifelong friends, some memories that will stay with me forever…”
Jordan Delos Reyes, Global Technology Institute Program, Taiwan 2025
In just three weeks, Taiwan changed how I view engineering, teamwork, and culture. Designing an AR drone simulation pushed me technically, while tea-making, aboriginal dances, and lab visits showed me Taiwan’s innovation and traditions.
“Reflecting on my three weeks in Taiwan, I’m incredibly grateful for the experiences, friendships, and lessons gained throughout the program.”
Evan Doerpinghaus, Global Technology Institute Program, Taiwan 2025
What started as a low-cost study abroad opportunity turned into an invaluable life experience. The program blended hands-on labs, cultural excursions, and late-night adventures that brought classmates and locals closer together. From biomedical labs to temples, it gave me both academic growth and lasting friendships.
“Would I recommend this program to future students? Absolutely. It offered a unique chance to explore a new culture, connect with people from across the world, and step outside the bubble of everyday college life.”
Toby Lee, Global Technology Institute Program, Taiwan 2025
My time in Taiwan was full of challenges and surprises, from adjusting to dorm life to overcoming language barriers in the lab. Along the way, I built friendships and discovered skills I never expected.
“It was truly a trip I will never forget, from meeting friends, to the experiences we had, to the education we were able to receive.”
Karina Wong, Global Technology Institute Program, Taiwan 2025
At first, I worried about being far from home, but the GTI program proved to be an amazing opportunity. I built close friendships and explored Taiwanese culture, while gaining hands-on lab experience. Looking back, I’m grateful I took this leap because it gave me confidence and memories that will last forever.
“My experiences in this program may have actually inspired me to pursue study abroad programs more often, and even continue my Chinese studies so that I could keep in touch with my Taiwanese friends.”
Makerspace Availability
The College of Engineering at San José State University has reopened its Makerspace—a hands-on, immersive lab designed to enhance student learning through real-world experience in areas like 3-D printing, welding, machining, and rapid prototyping. Closed for four years due to COVID-19, the space has been revitalized with new equipment and improved student access, thanks to the efforts of lead technician Mike Parker and his team. The Makerspace will be open to students currently enrolled in engineering classes. For more detailed information on how to get access, please refer to the Makerspace website. The Makerspace not only supports academic and project-based work but also aligns with the university’s sustainability goals. Plans are underway to introduce plastic recycling technology, allowing students to convert waste into usable filament for 3-D printing, making the space both innovative and environmentally responsible.
SJSU Safety Escort Program
If you ever feel unsafe walking on campus, SJSU’s Safety Escort Program is available 24/7 to accompany you to any location on campus. Escorts are typically trained student assistants with police radios, or a police officer, if needed. The Safe Ride Program extends coverage just beyond campus boundaries Monday–Friday, 7:30 p.m.–1:00 a.m. (staff permitting). To request an escort, use any Bluelight phone, elevator phone, or call 408-924-2000. Visit the Safety Escort Program webpage for more information.
Attention Students: Campus E-Vehicle Policy at SJSU
Electric scooters, skateboards, and bikes are welcome for commuting, but keep in mind that SJSU is a dismount zone. Park them at designated drop-off zones or bike enclosures. Bringing them inside academic buildings is prohibited due to fire code regulations. Ride to campus, then walk. Remember that safety and compliance come first! To review the full policy please visit the Electric and Shared Mobility Services webpage.