The SWE.et Life

SWE Members from left to right: Camie Canestrino, Aleeza Huraira and Jasmine Kurian

In a recent conversation, three members of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) explained why they joined the club and what they continue to get out of their membership.

Aleeza Huraira, president of the SWE and a third-year computer engineering student, explained that she joined the organization to overcome feelings of loneliness and make new friends. She also shared that the club played a key role in helping her secure an internship with a semiconductor company in the summer of 2023. “The opportunity at Advantest in 2023 gave me my first technical experience within a company and allowed me to leverage that role to step up into a higher one at Uber this past summer,” explained Aleeza.

Jasmine Kurian, a third-year computer engineering major who transferred from Bakersfield Community College, sought advice from a family friend, an alumnus, before making the decision to transfer to SJSU.  “She gave me one piece of advice, and that was to make sure I join SWE, which is a testament to how wonderful this club is,” said Jasmine.  As a transfer student, coming to a four-year university can be daunting, especially being so far from home, but Jasmine found a sense of community, belonging, and an increased sense of confidence through her affiliation with SWE.

Camie Canestrino, SWE’s Evening with Industry director and second-year aerospace engineering student, joined SWE in 2023 because she was determined to join an SJSU club.  Camie’s decision to join the club was highly influenced by meeting Charlie Warner, president of the club in 2023.  According to Camie, Charlie was really convincing and charismatic about why SWE is a great club. The club has enabled Camie to create new friendships and also grow professionally. “The resume events, and encouragement to go out and seek opportunities, helped me get my upcoming internship with the National Reconnaissance Office (NRO). SWE creates a wonderful and uplifting environment,” said Camie.  The NRO is a part of the  U.S. Space Command and is responsible for designing, building, launching, and maintaining intelligence satellites. Camie is on track to have her NRO internship start in the summer of 2025.

While the W in the SWE name stands for women, the club welcomes individuals from all ethnicities, backgrounds, and genders.  In other words, SWE is for anyone looking to grow personally and professionally.  To learn more about SWE, their events, and about becoming a member, visit the club’s website.  SWE is currently looking for new officers, which is a great opportunity to improve your leadership skills and become more proficient professionally.

WSJ Ranking

Today, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) released its 2025 rankings for the Best Colleges in the United States. San José State University (SJSU) achieved an impressive 4th place among public universities and 16th nationwide. According to the WSJ, SJSU earned a strong overall score of 84.4, with an outstanding 93 in salary impact. The high ranking reflects our commitment to academic excellence and the success of students and alumni, further solidifying SJSU’s reputation as a top institution in higher education.

AI companies see San Jose as a place for growth featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

San José is positioning itself as a key player in the AI revolution, attracting companies like Couchbase, which recently moved its headquarters to the city to remain at the forefront of innovation. With a strong ecosystem of talent, infrastructure, and partnerships with institutions like San José State University, the city is primed to support the next wave of AI advancements.

Read the full article now!

Spartan Racing Takes 1 Year Worth of Work to Amazing Results in Michigan 2024

In 2023, the Spartan racing team had its eyes set on launching its most innovative electric vehicle to date but was disappointed at the SAE racing event in Michigan by not passing one of the requirements.  However, this did not deter the team, it only inspired them to aim higher as they looked towards 2024.

The Spartan racing team designed and manufactured an incredibly competitive vehicle with the SR-15 model, which was unveiled at the Candy Shop in the summer of 2024. The team was able to pass through all examinations (Mechanical, Electrical, Dynamic) with ease due to rigorous preparation and performing mock inspections with alumni to ensure things were done right. This allowed the team to finish all inspections first, giving them ample time for the competition.

As a result, Spartan Racing was able to accomplish the following in the 2024 competition:  1st for the Cummins Innovation Award, 2nd for the Cost Report, 3rd in endurance, and 5th overall.

For 2025, Spartan Racing aims to improve their performance.  Since many of the team’s senior members have graduated, new blood has entered the arena, giving them a new outlook on innovation and thinking.  Good luck with the 2025 Spartan racing competition!

Professor Ahmed Banafa’s weekly tech report

For the new students and a refresher, this is Professor Ahmed Banafa’s weekly tech report. He is a long-time professor here at SJSU, teaching ENGR 10 courses. With years of experience, he is one of the trusted sources that news outlets turn to for technical advice
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Waymo is expanding its autonomous vehicle service beyond San Francisco, now reaching Daly City, Broadmoor, and Colma, marking a significant step in its Bay Area growth. Despite facing controversy, including an incident where one of its vehicles killed a dog, Waymo’s expansion is fueled by a $5 billion investment from Alphabet. Click here to watch the full report and Professor Banafa’s interview.

Aviation and Technology Department banquet

Earlier in 2024, over 100 attendees gathered at the annual Aviation and Technology Department banquet to honor scholarship recipients and recognize distinguished alumni.  The attendees included scholarship donors, students, alumni, faculty, and parents.

28 students received scholarships and many met the generous donors who provided financial support.  The department recognized two alumni, one in Aviation and one in Engineering Technology.

Aviation alumni, Pamela Svrdlin, has over 20 years of experience in the industry and is currently the Operations Supervisor at Hayward Executive Airport. Prior to her current post, she was the Airport Operations Supervisor for the Santa Clara County Airports. Pamela has also been involved with the FAA federal grant and capital improvement projects with budgets of $2.3M to $5.4M. She is active in community relations and outreach and is a major supporter of the SJSU Aviation program. She is a member of the Aviation Program Advisory Board.

Technology program alumni John Fisher has over 29 years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry where he provided technical expertise, was an instructor for leadership
skills for advancement, carried out financial performance, contract negotiations, and ISO 9001 compliance.

Congratulations to all the scholarship recipients, and thank you to our donors for your continued generosity.

Prof. Ahmed Banafa – How to Protect Yourself from ATM Skimming

Skimming, a growing epidemic in the United States, is fraud that takes consumers’ credit and debit card information at Automated Teller Machines (ATMs), fuel pumps, and checkout stations.  As we continue to migrate to a cashless society, skimming has become an increasing problem affecting more than 315,000 cards and 3,500 financial institutions, according to a 2023 study by FICO, the credit scoring company.  To learn more about the subject and how to protect yourself.

Read the full Times article.

SJSU Hosts Cybersecurity Camp for Local High School Students

What’s been happening at San Jose State University (SJSU) during the summer while most students have been on break? The week of July 22 to 26 proved to be an exciting time for local students from American High School, Archbishop Mitty High School, Cupertino High School, De Anza College, Evergreen Valley High School, Fremont High School, Independence High School, Lincoln High School, Notre Dame High School (San Jose), Piedmont Hills High School, Santa Teresa High School, Saratoga High School, The Rock Christian Academy (homeschool), and Valley Christian High School. These students had the opportunity to participate in a cybersecurity camp that was a collaboration between the College of Engineering, the College of Science, and the College of Information, Data and Society at SJSU, teams from California State University San Bernardino and Fresno State University, in a California state-funded Work Force Innovation Technology Hub (WITH) Cyber project, for which Dr. Melody Moh and Dr. Xiao Su are the Principle Investigator (PI)s at SJSU.

During the week-long event, attendees learned commands in Linux and were introduced to the components that make up cybersecurity and how to defend against applications from exploiting individuals, more commonly known as hacks. The high school students thought it was helpful not only to learn about defending against cybersecurity hacks but also to gain insights into various career paths in the industry.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, cybersecurity jobs such as Information Security Analyst have a growth potential of 32 percent over the next 8 years.  Cybersecurity jobs have been in high demand because more and more industries are using technology to run their businesses, which makes them more vulnerable to external threats.

One student thought that getting a perspective on cybersecurity defense from a Supervisory Cybersecurity Advisor in the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency/Department of Homeland Security (CISA/DHS), a representative from Google, and the CEO of a startup was invaluable as it demonstrated the need for this skillset in a real-world setting. Other students thought that learning about cybersecurity tips to keep themselves secure was a way to defend against the personal risks that many individuals face today.

Another student thought ahead about how to implement artificial intelligence into coding cybersecurity with the ability to analyze logs, predict threats, read source code, identify vulnerabilities, and even reduce the exploitation of weaknesses.

Overall, student attendees to the cybercamp thought it was a great way to introduce cybersecurity to young people, and some admitted that they didn’t know a lot about the subject prior to coming to camp, but that participation in the event definitely piqued their interest.

The rising seniors and junior students were made aware of the cybersecurity camp through teachers who thought they might benefit from attending.  This was encouraged not only to make students aware of the opportunity but also of the potential in learning cybersecurity fundamentals and skills that enable them to safeguard their online presence and learn about career choices.

We’d like to give a big shout-out to organizers from SJSU including Dr. Tonia San Nicolas-Rocca, Dr. Kaikai Liu, Dr. Melody Moh, Dr. Xiao Su, and the student team consisting of Edison Fuh, Zach Hobbs, Ethan Issakhari, Grace Li, and Samir Rahman, and the CSU San Bernardino team for pulling the event together, dedicating their time to the cause, transferring knowledge to students and making it an experience to be remembered.

SJSU Computer Engineering student cricket player

Image (Image courtesy of MLC Photos)

Sanjay Krishnamurthi, a senior computer science major at San Jose State University, has taken the cricket world by storm. Playing for the San Francisco Unicorns in Major League Cricket, Krishnamurthi’s standout performance on Tuesday saw him score an astounding 79 runs off just 42 balls against the league’s top team, the Washington Freedom, and their star bowler, Saurabh Netravalkar. His impressive feat, which included six “sixes” and five boundaries, earned him player of the match honors and led his team to a crucial victory.

Krishnamurthi’s success on the cricket field is matched by his academic dedication at San Jose State, where he is set to graduate in 2025. With the Unicorns heading into a decisive qualifier match, Krishnamurthi’s exceptional skills and mature approach could be key to their championship aspirations.

To read more about Sanjay’s incredible journey in the Unicorns’ playoff run, check out the full article.

Disability Awareness Month

Image (Image courtesy of Spectrum News 1)

The National Institute of Health reports that scientists and engineers with disabilities face a higher unemployment rate in the U.S. unemployment rate in 2019. However, student Anna Nack is determined to change this statistic, using her personal story to promote disability inclusion within the engineering industry.

Anna grew up as an orphan in Armenia and was born with a rare genetic disorder, Nager syndrome, which affects her speech, hearing, and facial structure. Despite these challenges, Anna’s adoptive family supported her through numerous medical procedures, including receiving cochlear Baha implants. It works by using bones in your skull to send vibration into the inner ear, which significantly improved her ability to communicate.

“When she got those Baha hearing aids, it was a total game changer,” her father James Nack recalled. The implants provided Anna the opportunity to hear her mother’s voice for the first time, a moment that profoundly impacted her life and aspirations.

“The Rochester Institute of Technology was the only college that I applied for because I just knew in my heart that this is the one,” she said. She found a university that not only captured her interest but also embraced her differences, so it was an easy decision for her from the beginning.

Anna’s passion for biomedical engineering was driven by her own experiences with transformative medical technology and fuels her motivation to advocate for others. “Biomedical engineering because of how science and technology interlink one another and how it can really impact the lives of others,” she explained.

Anna has undergone between 11 to 15 surgeries to address various aspects of her condition. Her father, James, and her adoptive family expressed their unwavering love and support for her throughout the process. “When you saw the picture of her, we just fell in love,” he said.

Reflecting on her condition, Anna doesn’t see it as a difference but a uniqueness in the world. “This is something that makes you different, that makes you special,” she said. “And I would rather be, you know, different and special than, you know, a normal, average human being.”

Anna hopes her story will spark more diverse engineers to tackle technical challenges from unique perspectives. “This device literally changed my life in the most unique way,” she shared, emphasizing how a small piece of technology can alter someone’s life forever.

Her determination to advocate for disability inclusion in STEM fields is steadfast. Anna believes her experiences can lead to more success stories, showcasing the importance of diversity in engineering.

James acknowledges Anna’s profound motivation, stemming from her early life experiences and being aware of the opportunities available to her. “Coming from an orphanage [in] Armenia, where the other children had severe disabilities, and recognizing the opportunities that she has and what life can be and how people can reach their full potentials, I think motivates her to a degree that we can never really understand,” he said.

By sharing her journey, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their differences and pursue their dreams in STEM. Ultimately, contributing to a more inclusive, innovative future, and greater disability awareness in technology inventions moving forward.

Read the full article…

What to know about the global technology outage – Featuring Prof Ahmed Banafa

A massive IT outage grounded flights, knocked banks offline, and media outlets off air in a massive disruption that affected companies and services around the world, and highlighted dependence on software from a handful of providers. Watch the full interview to see what Professor Banafa had to say about the outage.

Events on July 25

1984: During the Soyuz T-12 mission to the Salyut 7 space station, Svetlana Savitskaya became the first woman to perform a spacewalk
1946: Crossroads Baker was an underwater nuclear test. The bomb was detonated 90 feet underwater in the lagoon of Bikini Atoll. It was the first underwater nuclear explosion
1878:  Louise Joy Brown was born, the world’s first IVF (test tube) baby
1976: NASA’s Viking 1 orbiter snaps the infamous “Face on Mars” picture.

Black Engineer Week 2024 Creates Summer Excitement for Engineering Students

Black Engineer Week (BEW) has become an anticipated yearly event, with its 4th annual gathering happening this past June. Historically, African American engineers have been underrepresented in Silicon Valley, one of the richest areas in the world. To this end, BEW aims to bring African American engineers to the forefront and foster connections amongst the engineering community.

The event focuses on increasing the number of African American engineers in Silicon Valley by connecting engineering students with professionals in an effort to cultivate relationships, foster internship opportunities, and provide pathways to become industry engineers.

Three Cal Poly Pomona engineering students explain why they were inspired to attend the week-long event, and what they got out of it. Mechanical engineering student Orobosa Aghahowa attended to network and to see how her skills could be incorporated into the various companies that she was able to visit through BEW 2024.

Britney Collier, a computer science major, said “This trip has given me more focus on what I want to do because I want to concentrate my efforts on artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.” Britney received some great advice on how AI can potentially affect biases for people of color. “It’s been great making connections with individuals from companies such as AfforAI and Intuitive, so getting the mentorship and guidance has been amazing,” she added.

Christian Martin, a computer engineering major, commented, “It’s been great getting exposure to the industry, meeting people from the various companies, and finding out about different jobs so I can figure out what I want to do when I’m ready to seek employment.”

BEW attendees also visited: Cisco, Linkedin, and Nvidia. This was supplemented by some fun activities like golfing at the Spartan Golf Complex, hiking, and visits to the Tech Museum and the San Jose Museum of Art. The last stop the attendees made was at Stanford University’s Shriram Center for Bioengineering and Chemical Engineering, hosted by Ena Luis, Hao Lyu, Alam Mahmud, Costas Parkatzidis, Yuran Shi, and Chuanzhen Zhao. Attendees had the opportunity to create polymers and visit working labs in the facility.

Many thanks to Professor Folarin Erogbogbo, Founder and Organizing Chair of the event, for his leadership, and recent Biomedical graduate, Aretha Alcarez, for all her hard work. Follow the Black Engineer Week’s Instagram account to learn about next year’s event.

Disability Awareness Month

How Adversity Led to a Lifetime of Engineering and Invention – Medium 

Image courtesy of Medium

In the world of engineering, Dr. Rory Cooper’s story stands out as a profound example of the union of necessity and innovation. As the visionary behind the Human Engineering Research Laboratories, a collaboration between the University of Pittsburgh and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Dr. Cooper’s groundbreaking work in assistive technology has significantly enhanced countless lives, as he carved a path from U.S. Army veteran to a prominent bioengineer contributing to the transformative power of inclusive engineering.

At 20 years old, Dr. Cooper suffered a spinal cord injury during his military service, an event that changed his life’s direction. Deciding to pursue higher education, he recalled “Engineering seemed like a natural thing to do.” Witnessing the outdated state of wheelchairs, unchanged since World War II, he began designing his own. This hands-on experience, combined with his studies at California Polytechnic State University and the University of California, Santa Barbara, led him into the field of rehabilitation engineering, dedicated to improving the lives of people with disabilities through technology.

Dr. Cooper’s innovations, such as the Ergonomic Dual Surface Wheelchair Push Rim and the Smart Wheel, have been transformative. These devices significantly reduce the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome and rotator cuff injuries which affect almost 80% of wheelchair users. Thanks to his inventions, 60% of these injuries have been reduced, enhancing the quality of life for those with disabilities.

One of his notable inventions is the variable compliance joystick with a compensation algorithm, a customizable tool enabling individuals with limited mobility to operate powered wheelchairs and participate in activities like powered soccer. “My inventions have never made me a lot of money, but I have been paid more in smiles and happy tears than most inventors ever have,” says Cooper.

Dr. Cooper’s path was challenging, to say the least, from financial constraints to the academic world’s initial focus on publishing over patenting inventions. However, a societal shift around 2010 toward valuing the impact of technology on a person’s life, opened new opportunities for him.

His personal experiences have deeply influenced his work. Cooper emphasizes the importance of listening to and collaborating with the community he serves. This cooperative approach is particularly evident in his work with veterans, who often provide crucial feedback as early adopters of new technologies.

Dr. Cooper is a passionate advocate for diversity in invention. He has spoken to Congress on this issue, highlighting how a lack of diversity can hinder innovation. “Increasing the number of women inventors and creating opportunities for individuals from lower socioeconomic backgrounds would significantly enhance U.S. innovation,” he asserts. His very own journey illustrates the vital role of breaking down barriers and highlights the economic and creative benefits of inclusive practices.

To cultivate more inventors, especially from underrepresented groups, Cooper believes higher education must become more accessible and affordable. The focus should shift from financial gains to impactful changes, addressing the needs of diverse populations and increasing opportunities.

Dr. Cooper advises aspiring inventors to embrace tenacity, perseverance, and hard work. Building a diverse network and learning from others is essential. “Hard problems are hard for a reason,” he notes, encouraging inventors to tackle challenges and seek solutions that make a significant difference.

Dr. Rory Cooper’s work illustrates how engineering can break traditional boundaries to create life-enhancing solutions. His story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of inclusivity, diversity, and relentless innovation. By raising awareness and fostering a more inclusive engineering community, we can ensure technology continues to empower and improve lives for everyone, regardless of their abilities.

As we celebrate pioneers like Dr. Cooper, let’s commit to a future where engineering and innovation will enable everyone to thrive beyond social norms.

July 11 Fun Fact History Events:

1934: Engelbert Zaschka of Germany flew his large manpower plane without assisted take-off at  Berlin Tempelhof Airport.
1962: NASA announces its lunar orbit rendezvous plan to land astronauts on the moon and back on Earth.
1979: NASA’s Skylab, America’s first space station, crashed down to Earth with parts littering across populated areas in Western Australia.
2021: Richard Branson traveled to the edge of space on the Virgin Galactic Unity 22, making him the third oldest person to travel to space.

Patelco makes minor restorations; customers still left in the dark – featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Patelco Credit Union, based in Dublin, experienced a cyber-attack causing a week-long customer lockdown, leaving many still unable to access accounts or perform basic banking operations. Despite assurances from CEO Erin Mendez that customer funds are secure and some functions are restored, frustrations remain high. The incident has led to lawsuits and concerns over data security. Watch the full interview to see what Professor Banafa had to say about the incident.

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