Student Profile – Deema Saddik

Deema Saddik, a Junior in Industrial and Systems Engineering (ISE) at San Jose State University (SJSU), stands out not only for her academic journey but also for her passion for engineering and commitment to community service. Growing up right here in San Jose, Deema’s journey into engineering was inspired by her natural affinity for math and science. But the event that ignited the spark was when she became a volleyball coaching assistant in high school and started analyzing how to improve the team’s performance. She soon discovered a love for problem-solving and a desire to make meaningful contributions to society through process and system improvements.

She always imagined going to a school far away from home so San Jose State’s College of Engineering was initially not in Deema’s plans. However, after touring various universities, she saw what SJSU had to offer: hands-on programs and proximity to industry leaders in the Bay Area.

The decision to remain in the Bay Area came with financial stress which was eased by the Dale and Sue Missimer Engineering Scholarship. Deema is grateful for the scholarship’s support.

Reflecting on her college experience, Deema emphasizes the importance of time management and prioritization. Lessons she learned through balancing academics in the transition from high school to college. The advice she would give to her past self would be not to strive for perfection, but rather excellence, Perfection is unattainable and comes with the risk of your well-being. Excellence, however, reflects more on the real-world setting of what you already have and know. She also advises incoming students to embrace self-discovery, seek guidance, and trust their instincts when navigating major life decisions.

Outside of academics, Deema is actively involved in community service. She has been volunteering at a local Sunday school for the past six years. As a Muslim, she believes that everyone is a brother, a sister, and a family. This has been reflected in her classroom, fostering a collaborative and safe environment for students to have open discussions, explore their identities, and connect with one another.

Looking ahead, Deema envisions a career where she can merge her engineering expertise with her passion for social impact. Her dream job involves working with medical devices in the healthcare industry to help improve the diagnostic process and quality of care for patients.

Deema’s story reminds us of embracing uncertainty as an opportunity for growth and self-realization. She advises others to seek guidance, reflect on personal values, and to have trust in oneself.

2024 SJSU Engineering Showcase Recap

On Monday, April 15, the College of Engineering (CoE) held its annual Showcase where alumni and industry friends engaged with the next generation of talent, innovation, research, and designs. The Showcase event was a part of SJSU’s Research Week 2024, which ends on Friday, April 18. The focus of the CoE event was on fostering connections and highlighting the amazing projects students have been working on.

On display at the event were: algorithms for self-forming DNA meshes, facial recognition models for identifying various types of autism, materials used to create a buoyant cement canoe, quantum computing, stackable cube clusters for personal cloud storage, urban forestry data collection, smart farming monitoring, and so much more.

The Spartan SR-14 electric car won as the most engaging project, and the Mechatronics and Control System Design of a Bimanual Hand Exoskeleton with a Sensorized Soft Glove captured the most innovative category win. Both of these projects fall under the Mechanical Engineering department umbrella. Congratulations to both teams!

Alumni and friend of the CoE, Tim Li, received the award of distinction which recognizes an individual who has achieved superior professional accomplishments and applauds the recipient’s outstanding citizenship through community or professional service. Well done, Tim!

A huge thank you to the sponsors: The Beall Family Foundation, San Jose Water, and Salas O’Brien for their contributions and commitment to the College of Engineering that made the 2024 Showcase possible!

Diversity Month

Image courtesy of MIT, Department of Physics

Nergis Mavalvala’s journey to Cambridge University speaks volumes of perseverance, passion, and the pursuit of knowledge. As a Pakistani-American astrophysicist, Mavalvala’s groundbreaking work in the detection of gravitational waves has earned her international acclaim.

Born and raised in Pakistan, Mavalvala’s early years were shaped by a curiosity about the cosmos. Educated at the Convent of Jesus and Mary, she pursued her passion for physics and astronomy at Wellesley College in the United States, under the mentorship of Rainer Weiss at MIT.

Mavalvala’s contribution to the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) project revolutionized our understanding of the universe and helped engineers to develop spacing equipment better. Over two decades, her relentless efforts led to the historic observation of gravitational waves in 2015, when two black holes collided, confirming Einstein’s theory of relativity, which proposes that gravity arises from the curvature of spacetime.

Perhaps equally as remarkable as her scientific achievements is Mavalvala’s advocacy for academic and inclusion in STEM fields. As an openly queer woman of Pakistani descent, she has shattered stereotypes and defied societal expectations, serving as a role model for aspiring scientists from underrepresented backgrounds. Mavalvala stated, “I grew up in a family where the stereotypical gender roles were not really observed. So I grew up thinking women can, must, and should do anything and everything.” She also believes that access to education is how you can find who you are, do what you love, and contribute to society anywhere in the world for anyone.

Mavalvala’s impact extends far beyond the laboratory. Today as the Dean of MIT’s School of Science, she is dedicated to fostering an environment where all individuals, regardless of background or identity, can thrive and succeed. Her commitment to mentorship and advocacy has inspired countless students and researchers to pursue their passions.

In a world where scientific progress thrives on diversity, Mavalvala stands as a symbol, reminding us of the transformative power of inclusion. As we celebrate her achievements, let’s remember that embracing diverse perspectives is key to unlocking new dimensions in science and engineering.

5 Questions with Author, Educator, and Influencer Ahmed Banafa

Discover Prof. Ahmed Banafa’s insightful perspective on the current state of artificial intelligence and its ethical considerations. From addressing bias and fairness to envisioning the impact on the future job market, he provides comprehensive insights into AI’s challenges and opportunities, from recommendations for minimizing bias in AI algorithms, to effectively integrating AI into education. Professor Banafa offers a roadmap for navigating AI technology’s complex landscape. Read the full article now.

Student Profile – Aryan Gaur

Meet Aryan Gaur, class of 2027 freshman who just started his journey here at San Jose State University (SJSU) as a Computer Engineering student. Growing up in San Ramon, Aryan isn’t the first in his family to pursue higher education, but he’s determined to make a significant impact with his chosen major. Inspired by his father’s experiences living in a rural Indian community that lacked healthcare resources, Aryan aims to leverage his engineering skills to bring about positive change. His goal? To develop solutions that address the pressing needs of underserved communities, like the impactful work of Zipline, a company that he admires for utilizing drone technology for medical supply distribution in Africa.

Considering SJSU College of Engineering’s reputation for excellence and affordability, Aryan’s choice was easily made. Securing a scholarship that covers his tuition has been a significant relief, allowing him to focus wholeheartedly on his studies and future aspirations, especially during his freshman year. Reflecting on his journey thus far, he emphasizes the importance of truly believing in yourself in the face of doubt. When encountering moments of uncertainty, he learned to trust his abilities and remain unwavering in his pursuit of excellence.

Aryan envisions his future career tackling global challenges, particularly for the betterment of healthcare accessibility and technology innovation. He aspires to apply the skills taught at SJSU to meaningful projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of those in need. Outside the classroom, Aryan is passionate about lacrosse and hopes he will be given a chance to play on the SJSU school team, embracing opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.

For high school seniors and incoming freshmen, Aryan offers a piece of invaluable advice through his own experiences: prioritize building meaningful connections. Recognizing the significance of collaboration and support networks, he encourages incoming students to take advantage of opportunities available to them now, connecting with peers and mentors who can inspire and support them along their academic journey. Even though his journey is just starting here at SJSU, we believe Aryan’s future will be full of success all because of his determination, resilience, and the belief that with the right mindset, anything is possible.

Diversity Theme – Young Inventions

Have you ever considered the possibility that some of the world’s most groundbreaking inventions weren’t conceived by renowned leaders or seasoned engineers, but rather by high school seniors, 15-year-olds, or even 11-year-old prodigies? These innovations bear the mark of youthful brilliance, challenging the conventional notion of who can shape our world.

11 Amazing Things Invented by Kids

10 Children Who Are Changing the World, One Invention at a Time

Braille – Louis Braille, 15

Louis Braille, a French educator who lived from 1809 to 1852, is celebrated for his invention of the Braille system, a tactile reading and writing method for the visually impaired. Braille’s blindness was caused by a childhood accident at his father’s harness shop at the age of three.

The existing system at the time, presented by Captain Charles Barbier, was used by the French military for silent communication, using twelve dots to represent sounds. However, Braille saw the potential for a simpler and more efficient method. By the age of 15, he had invented the now-famous system using just six raised dots arranged in a rectangular cell. This ingenious design allowed users to decipher letters with a single finger touch. Each combination of dots represents a different letter, number, punctuation mark, or even musical symbol. For instance, the letter “a” is represented by a single raised dot in the top left position of the cell, while “b” adds another dot below the first.

The system revolutionized literacy for blind people, empowering them to read and write independently, and opening doors to education, employment, and a more fulfilling life. Today, Braille remains the foundation of written communication for the visually impaired, with adaptations for various languages across the globe.

The Water Talkie – Richie Stachowski, 11

Richie Stachowski’s journey of innovation does not know any age limit, despite being just 11 years old. Living in Orinda, California, Richie’s fascination with underwater exploration during a family vacation sparked the idea for his groundbreaking invention, the Water Talkie. While snorkeling in Hawaii, he wanted to talk with his father about the mesmerizing marine life he encountered, but couldn’t underwater.

Recognizing the absence of such a device, Richie was determined to create one. With limited resources, Richie used 267 dollars from his savings at 11 years old to fund the whole project. He conducted research, prototypes, and tests in his family’s swimming pool, and in the end, he perfected his invention. The Water Talkie is a revolutionary tool that enables clear communication between people while underwater.  The Water Talkie operates by utilizing a combination of a snorkel mouthpiece, a plastic cone, and innovative mechanisms to prevent water infiltration and transmit sound effectively underwater. The invention was later picked up by Toys R Us and mass-produced 50,000 units in his first pitch to the company where he asked them for the purchase order, underwater.

JustinKase – Justin Rivard, 18

Justin Rivard, a senior at Somerset High School in Wisconsin, noticed a potential flaw in his school’s emergency response plan to prevent intruders from entering the classroom, instructing students and faculties to barricade the door with heavy objects. This method did not consider if the lock had been broken, the shooter could have used force to push the object out and enter the classroom. This led Rivard to conceive the idea for the JustinKase. Fueled by his passion for hands-on work and problem-solving, Rivard crafted the device in his personal workshop, guided by his tech and engineering teacher, Eric Olson. The JustinKase functions as a door-locking mechanism designed to resist intruders and keep everyone in the classroom safe. Constructed from steel plates, handles, rods, and locking knobs, the device is lightweight yet offers heavyweight resistance. When inserted beneath a door, the plates extend outward and fit securely into the door jams. Any attempt to push the door open activates the mechanism, preventing it from budging even under immense pressure. Rivard’s dedication to safety led him to produce enough JustinKase devices for every classroom and meeting room in his high school, with additional orders from neighboring school districts. Through his innovative mindset and entrepreneurial spirit, Rivard demonstrates that impactful inventions can originate from the inventive minds of young individuals, showcasing the potential for innovation within the next generation of engineers and inventors.

BMES conference recap

Image – Left to right: Dr. Patrick Jurney, Dr. Alessandro Bellofiore, Conference President – Christian Catano, Dr. Lin Jiang, Dr. Yun Wang and Dr. Abdulmelik Mohammed

The annual Bay Area Biomedical Conference took place on April 3, 2024, at the San Jose State University Student Union.  It serves as a forum to see the latest advances in medical device technologies and regulations. When biomedical engineering (BME) student volunteers were asked why they attended they all had a different reason to go. Shweta Raghuraman wanted to see what was out there in the BME industry.  Talia Litvin thought it would be a nice chance to meet people majoring in BME and also see what is happening in the industry. Emily Harvey wanted to expand her knowledge by attending the conference.  Akshaya Snankar Ganesh hoped to explore the BME area more intently.  They also wanted to network, get a better perspective of the biomedical industry, expand their knowledge on topics such as how artificial intelligence could be used in radiotherapy for cancer and stem cell research, and see all the different career paths the industry had to offer.

Derrick Richardson, a presenter at the 2023 conference who is currently working for Alumis, a company focused on immune-mediated diseases such as lupus and Crohn’s disease, saw the conference as a way of plugging into the SJSU community.  He also loves talking to students and having them pick his brains. Mr. Richardson has another connection with SJSU– he is a lecturer for the College of Engineering.  He was asked by Dr. Guna Selvaduray and Dr. Alessandro Bellofiore to teach a class on project management, which he started doing in 2021.

Daniel Ramos, a junior biomedical student who has been more focused on his studies in previous years at SJSU, saw the conference as a good way to get more involved in campus activities. “It is important for me as a BME student to come and support the department,” he said.  “I hope to network and get a chance to meet some of the presenters.”  Daniel plans to pursue a Ph.D. , so meeting individuals like Dr. Will Lioneweber, a presenter from Stanford, to get more insight into the program and learn about other research prospects, was just the type of networking opportunity he was looking for.

He also wanted to grow his knowledge in BME fields that he currently isn’t doing research in.  “I’ve expanded my knowledge in 3D bioprinting for example, but I’m looking to grow my understanding in areas such as regenerative medicine, and there are a lot of presenters at the conference who are touching on that topic,” he added. Bioprinting leverages 3D printing technology, but instead of using plastic or something similar, the technology turns out functioning biological tissue. One presenter Daniel hoped to see at the conference was Dr. Ngan F. Huang, an Associate Professor in the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery at Stanford University.  “She is doing stem cell research which is very applicable to 3D bioprinting because it can be used to grow cells to treat cardiovascular and musculoskeletal diseases,” Daniel said.

Don’t miss the next Biomedical Engineering conference in 2025!

The CMAA Club Makes Its College of Engineering Debut

There is a new club at the College of Engineering focused on civil engineering, but is open to students of all majors.  The Construction Management Association of America (CMAA) is now being represented at San Jose State University (SJSU). The inspiration for starting a CMAA chapter comes from Joyce Lewis, a graduate student in civil engineering who has a deep passion for making a difference in individual lives and communities. She saw the impact that CMAA events had on students from other universities and was further encouraged to start the club after receiving two scholarships from the organization. This inspired Joyce to dedicate time and effort to start the new SJSU chapter even with her demanding academic schedule.

Joyce hopes to bring a better understanding of the benefits of being a member of CMAA, which is to provide civil and other engineering students with valuable practical knowledge to elevate their understanding of the industry to a professional level. The club’s activities aim to create opportunities for career growth, and access to scholarships, and encourage collaboration with professionals within the larger construction industry. “We have Spartan alumni members within CMAA who are eager to share insights and offer mentorship, enriching the academic journey of our members,” said Joyce.

For the remainder of the Spring semester, the club will mainly focus on academic excellence and will have one very impactful volunteer opportunity for students with the non-profit organization, Rebuilding Together Silicon Valley.  This organization is well known for providing critical repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners and community centers, all at zero cost to those receiving the services.  Students interested in this rewarding community activity can email the CMAA SJSU chapter at cmaasjsuchapter@gmail.com for more information.

To find out more about CMAA visit the Northern California chapter website.

Pushing the Boundaries: AI for Creativity and Open-Ended Tasks – Prof. Ahmed Banafa

As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve, it has shown remarkable performance in narrow, well-defined domains such as image recognition, game-playing, and natural language processing. However, its ability to exhibit true creativity and excel at open-ended tasks remains largely unexplored. This area holds immense potential for pushing the boundaries of what AI systems can achieve. Although AI has made significant progress, the challenge of developing systems capable of open-ended creativity and versatility remains a formidable frontier. With ongoing research in AI for creativity, we can look forward to a future where AI can perform tasks previously thought impossible.

Read the Full Article…

Student Profile – ​​Elizabeth Bremberg

Meet Elizabeth Bremberg, a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering major with a Robotics Minor at San José State University (SJSU).  Elizabeth’s journey into engineering was sparked by her early fascination with sciences. It was her involvement in a local Girl Scout robotics troop, the Space Cookies VEX Team, that ignited her passion for robotics and engineering.

The deciding factor for her during high school to pursue engineering was the practical and applied approach that was lacking in science. Through hands-on experiences and mentorship from women engineers, Elizabeth found her calling in Mechanical Engineering, especially with robotics.

Choosing SJSU’s College of Engineering was a natural decision for Elizabeth since it was her parent’s alma mater and the opportunities presented by Silicon Valley’s tech hub. The diversity among the faculty members and their years of industry experience was what solidified her decision in the end.

Elizabeth was awarded the Gordon Family Scholarship twice, allowing her to pursue education without the burden of additional debt and alleviating financial stress on her family. Thanks to this scholarship, she was even able to declare a minor to add to her academic achievements.

Beyond academics, Elizabeth is actively involved in both school and community activities. Being in Beta Upsilon Chapter of Alpha Omega Epsilon, an SJSU sorority that focuses on promoting and uplifting women and other underrepresented individuals in STEM fields. She also volunteers with the Space Cookies VEX Team, providing guidance and support to aspiring engineers. Additionally, she serves as the president of Circle K International on campus, coordinating service projects to benefit the local community.

Looking towards the future, Elizabeth aspires to combine her passion for robotics with her love for nature. Her dream job involves exploring innovative soft robotics, with a focus on biomimicry to create robots that will help our ongoing problems of conserving natural resources.

Reflecting on her journey, Elizabeth wished that she had started researching all her possibilities and options sooner, this would have helped her tremendously when entering upper-division courses and her career field. One way she advises is talking to people with different backgrounds in classes or student organizations to get a better sense of all the opportunities that are being offered that you might not see.

Elizabeth also never thought of applying for scholarships, due to the pool of applicants she would have to compete with, but after having started the process, it was no longer intimidating. She encourages students to apply for any or all scholarships they can find, even off-campus opportunities.

Elizabeth’s story is about determination, passion, and a commitment to making a difference in both the engineering field and the world at large. As she prepares to graduate, her journey will hopefully inspire fellow students, showcasing the transformative power of education and the boundless opportunities within the engineering field.

Don’t miss out on an opportunity to apply for College of Engineering scholarships.  Apply here.

Women’s History Month – SWE

Established in 1950, the Society of Women in Engineering (SWE) is an international not-for-profit educational and service organization dedicated to advocating for women in engineering and technology. In 1978, San José State University officially recognized SWE as a club on campus.

Since its inception, the club’s mission has been to assist students, irrespective of gender, in realizing their full potential. This is done through a range of initiatives such as workshops, company tours, networking events, guest speakers, and mixers. SWE collaborates with clubs like SOLES and BASE to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds and disciplines within engineering.

SWE extends its reach beyond college students to include K-12 students interested in engineering. The club develops outreach programs like “WOW! That’s Engineering” for high school girls interested in engineering and “SWE++” Python coding classes for middle school girls.

Two of SWE’s biggest events are the SWE National and Local conferences which provide valuable opportunities for students to connect and learn from industry professionals. Recently, the club received support from the organization to sponsor 11 members to attend the Las Vegas SWE Local event, enabling these students to immerse themselves in the world of professional engineering. One highlight of the event was that attendees had the privilege of connecting with the women who founded the club in 1978.

SWE remains dedicated to empowering students in engineering and is committed to fostering inclusivity and opportunities for all. Together, we’re shaping a future where every voice matters and every dream is achievable.

Tech expert explains advantages of sovereign AI for governments, companies – Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Santa Clara-based chipmaker Nvidia announced a new partnership with Oracle focused on what’s known as sovereign artificial intelligence (AI), meaning individual countries or companies produce AI using their own infrastructure and workforce allowing them to keep data secure. KTVU’s Alex Savidge discusses the advantages of this strategy with tech expert and San José State University professor Ahmed Banafa.

Fortinet Hosts College of Engineering Students

On Monday, March 18, 2024, students from San José State University’s (SJSU) Tech 165 Wireless Communication Technology class were invited to see the inner workings of Sunnyvale, California-based company, Fortinet, a leading provider of Cybersecurity and Mobile Security solutions.

This tour was organized by Dr. Sina Aboutorabi, course lecturer, and Ms. Rachel Moussa, Director of Business Development for the Fortinet Training Institute.  Students heard from the technical staff at the company on the products – hardware and software solutions.  They also received a tour of Innovation Labs, interacted with the Human Resources team, and were able to meet SJSU alumni working at the company.

Fortinet will be working with the SJSU College of Engineering Aviation and Technology Department in providing tools and wireless cybersecurity-related training to faculty.  SJSU students appreciated the knowledge they gained and the visit that was set up by Fortinet employees, Ms. Rachel Moussa and Mr. Alex Samote, VP of Product Development.

Silicon Valley Leadership Symposium

Insight, Engagement, and How to Shape Your Life and Society

The last Spring 2024 Silicon Valley Leadership Symposium (SVLS) occurred on March 21 where guest speaker Roger Crockett, Founder & President, Return on Character (ROC) Leadership Advisory, brought a different view of industry to the College of Engineering.

Roger discussed how engineers can transition into the role of leading a team. He emphasized embedding flexibility into your career plan, and that happiness and fulfillment need to be a part of your goals. As he put it “life should be about putting a smile to the heart and peace to the soul.” Roger highlighted choosing hobbies that engage you and to surround yourself with people that bring you joy. He closed his talk by stating that no one looks like their story and not to judge a book by its cover.

Roger is a graduate of UCLA and got his master’s with honors in Business Journalism from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism. He was Chicago Deputy Bureau Chief for BusinessWeek and a contributing writer for Harvard Business Review online. He also spent 27 years at Newsweek prior to moving into industry and then starting his own consulting to advise individuals in Silicon Valley leadership roles. Join us in the Fall for more opportunities to engage with more inspirational speakers!

Student Profile – ​​Kyle Fitzpatrick

Kyle Christopher Fitzpatrick is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at San Jose State University (SJSU), originally from Martinez, California. Raised by a single dad, he is the first in his family to pursue a college degree, which pushed him even harder to get straight A’s in all of his classes. Kyle’s journey to academia wasn’t conventional. He chose to serve in the Navy for four years, then fueled by a desire for change and a passion for engineering, he decided to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.

His passion lies in renewable energy, and committing to environmental sustainability goals. Kyle envisions himself in the future making a tangible impact by designing and implementing innovative renewable energy resources. This aspiration led him to choose SJSU’s College of Engineering, where he felt a sense of belonging during his campus tour.

Thanks to his military service Kyle has received financial support from the GI bill, but it can only go so far in the heart of the Valley. Receiving support through the Silicon Valley Engineering Scholarship has eased some of the financial burdens for Kyle. This support allowed him to invest in essential resources like a new laptop and school supplies, alleviating stress about rent and other expenses, and allowing him to excel further in his academic career.

Reflecting on his journey, Kyle emphasizes self-belief and perseverance. Despite initial doubts about his academic capabilities, his military experience has helped him find a sense of resilience and determination. His advice to others facing similar doubts is simple yet profound: try, stating that “Many people turn down opportunities because they think it is beyond their capabilities, but you’ll never know until you try.”

Looking ahead, Kyle’s plans after graduation are ambiguous. His ultimate goal is to establish his own renewable energy business. However, he recognizes his current skill level and the importance of gaining further hands-on experience and knowledge before starting this entrepreneurial endeavor. Post-graduation, he plans to explore opportunities in research or startups to refine his engineering skills and broaden his understanding of the industry.

SJSU’s College of Engineering does not see Kyle Christopher Fitzpatrick as just a student, but a visionary driven by a passion to make a positive impact on the world through sustainable innovation. His journey is an example of the transformative power of self-belief and determination, inspiring others to pursue their dreams against all odds, or just try.

Women’s History Month – WIE coverage

ON MARCH 16, 2024 OVER 670 INDIVIDUALS attended the 10th annual Women in Engineering Conference hosted by San José State University’s Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering. Among the attendees, over 44 colleges and universities were represented, and 23 sessions surrounding topics such as responsible technology, human and technology, sustainable future, and technology frontiers were given by various speakers.

The theme of the conference was “Responsible Engineering for a Better Future” and it gave women in engineering a chance to Learn, Connect, and Be inspired. Attendees were able to expand their knowledge about cutting-edge technologies such as sustainable supply chains, responsible artificial intelligence, sustainable water management, ChatGPT and beyond, future trends in robotics and human interaction as well as advice on job and internship searches.

Thank you to the sponsors: The Mark and Carolyn Guidry Women in Engineering Program Fund, Dexcom, Google, Netgear, Applied Materials, ASML,  Erica Lockheimer, IBM, KLA, Lockheed Martin, Marvell, Synopsys and TSMC. Your generous support is vital to the success of the Women in Engineering Conference.

To learn more about Women in Engineering, visit the WiE website.

Discussing the potential TikTok ban – Prof. Ahmed Banafa

A new bill targets TikTok, potentially forcing its Chinese parent company to divest or face a U.S. ban. With 170 million American users, content creators face fears about the impact on businesses and free speech rights. Explore what technology professor Ahmed Banafa predicts about the application’s future.

Student Profile – Nikitha Fernandes

Nikitha Fernandes, a senior in Biomedical Engineering, reflects on her 4-year journey pursuing engineering at San José State University (SJSU). Raised in Cupertino, California, Nikitha’s interest in engineering stems from her innate curiosity about building and coding, intertwined with her passion for bettering people’s quality of health.

Initially wanting to be a doctor, Nikitha’s trajectory shifted during high school as she discovered the field of biomedical engineering. Recognizing it as the perfect bridge between her passions, she set her sights on contributing to the healthcare sector through innovative engineering solutions, and SJSU was the perfect location due to the vast opportunities provided here, plus being close to her family.

She was nervous about entering engineering, due to her late decision to pursue the field, which resulted in a lack of foundation in math and science in her freshman year. However, Nikitha found the ideal environment to nurture her interests, supported by robust resources and a vibrant community at SJSU to support her success.

One pivotal aspect of Nikitha’s college journey is her involvement in extracurricular activities, particularly the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). Joining SWE not only provided her with a supportive network but also allowed her to assume leadership roles, fostering personal growth and a sense of empowerment. Serving first as club treasurer and currently as director of professional development, she was able to plan outreach events to help K-12 girls who are interested in engineering.

Between her studies and club leadership, Nikita was worried about her time not being used wisely to better her financial situation. However, as a recipient of the Gordon Family Scholarship, Nikitha expresses that these aids have eased her financial stress, allowing her to fully focus on college life without feeling guilty.

When navigating through moments of doubt during her college journey, particularly challenging coursework, Nikitha found solace in maintaining a balance and reconnecting with her passion for engineering through Girlstart, a program that teaches elementary girls fun STEM activities. It reminded her of why she chose an engineering major in the first place and her goal of being a role model for younger generations.

As Nikitha ends her undergraduate journey at SJSU, her story stands as a testament to passion, advocacy, and interdisciplinary engineering. From navigating doubts to discovering her true calling in biomedical engineering, her impact has been significant to our community, inspiring many young generations to come. Nikita’s journey serves as an inspiration to all who dare to chase their dreams with unwavering determination and purpose.

Women’s History Month – Inventions

image courtesy of The United States Patent and Trademark Office

In 1903, while visiting New York City, Mary Anderson from Birmingham, Alabama, conceived the idea for the windshield wiper. Frustrated by the obstructed view caused by snowfall blocking her view from her streetcar window, Anderson envisioned a device that could clear the windshield with ease. Her invention consisted of a lever-operated rubber blade mechanism, which she patented in 1903. The windshield wiper revolutionized automotive safety by ensuring clearer visibility during adverse weather conditions, reducing accidents caused by impaired vision caused by external factors such as rain, snow, etc.

Lisa Gelobter, a computer scientist and technologist, made a lasting impact with her creation of the Graphics Interchange Format, commonly known as GIF. Gelobter’s innovation gained popularity in the late 1980s while she was working as part of a team at CompuServe, where she focused on developing image compression techniques. The GIF format allowed for the storage and exchange of images with relatively small file sizes, making it ideal for online use, solving the technical problem of compressing images but ensuring minimal data loss. GIFs quickly gained popularity as a means of expressing emotions, humor, and communicating information across the rising internet landscape. Today, GIFs remain a global form of communication, adding personality to digital conversations with their animated visuals and versatility.

Patricia Bath, an ophthalmologist and inventor, introduced laser cataract surgery to the medical world. Born in Harlem, New York, in 1942, Bath was driven by a passion for addressing preventable blindness, particularly in underserved communities. In 1988, she patented the device and method for laser cataract surgery, which utilized a laser to make precise incisions in the eye, facilitating safer and more effective cataract removal. Bath’s invention significantly improved the outcomes of cataract surgeries, offering patients enhanced precision, quicker recovery times, and reduced risk of complications compared to traditional surgical techniques.

Nuclear AI – Prof Ahmed Banafa

Explore the dynamic frontier of Nuclear AI that examines its definition, benefits, risks, and future implications. This discourse navigates the potential of AI to revolutionize nuclear technology, enhance safety, and optimize energy generation. Emphasizing the need for ethical frameworks, regulatory oversight, and global collaboration.