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.

Read the full story…

Spartan Racing

Watch the Formula SAE EV – Design Review and Awards Ceremony!

Spartan Racing’s recent journey to the FSAE competition in Jackson, Michigan, was marked by a series of significant achievements and smooth progress. The team arrived early at the track, quickly moving through the mechanical, accumulator, charging system inspections, and the E-Tech inspection, where they were the first team to qualify. Their success continued as they were also the first to get through the rain test and completed the brake test on the first attempt. These early achievements set the stage for their participation in dynamic events, where they made it to the design finals and secured strong finishes, including 1st for the Cummins Innovation Award, 2nd for the Cost Report, 3rd in endurance, and 5th overall.

oSTEMClub

In honor of Pride Month, we are thrilled to introduce Out in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (oSTEM), a new and vibrant club dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals within the STEM fields at our university. As the largest chapter-based organization of its kind, oSTEM boasts more than 100 student chapters across colleges and universities, as well as professional chapters in cities around the globe. This fall semester, oSTEM brings its mission to our campus, aiming to create a supportive space where LGBTQ+ students can thrive and celebrate their unique contributions to STEM.

Leading the charge are three passionate individuals: Jasmine Phan, the president, an undergraduate majoring in computer science. Jasmine is dedicated to using their leadership skills to create a welcoming community for all members. Misa Church, the club’s Treasurer, is an undergraduate majoring in aerospace engineering with a minor in green engineering. Their keen organizational skills and financial acumen are crucial for the club’s success. Dr. Brianne Gutmann, the faculty advisor, specializes in physics education research. Her expertise and guidance are invaluable in steering the club towards its goals.

oSTEM plans a variety of events designed to support and encourage its members, including community building/social events, professional workshops on resume building and interviewing, activism initiatives, study sessions, navigating academia as LGBTQ+, insights from speakers and alumni, field trips (job sites, museums, amusement parks, etc), and much more.

The leaders of oSTEM are deeply motivated by their personal experiences as members of the LGBTQIA+ community. They have witnessed firsthand the lack of representation and support in STEM fields and are committed to advocating for a more inclusive environment– an environment where peers can interact and deepen their connection with other students without societal fear. OSTEM hopes to build a more empathetic and understanding community through open dialogue and not just being aware, but actually understanding the challenges coming from the invalidation of different lived experiences in the community.

The club hopes to collaborate with all other campus clubs because diverse interactions can enrich the learning experience for everyone. While the SJSU PRIDE Center offers significant support, oSTEM feels that more specific resources from STEM departments and faculty would greatly benefit their mission. Financial support, DEI-focused initiatives, and progressive classroom ideologies are among the improvements they hope to see.

To stay updated and get involved with oSTEM, check out their Linktree. Fill out the General Interest Survey Form, follow their Instagram (@ostemsjsu), and join their Discord for the latest news and events. We look forward to seeing the positive impact oSTEM will have on our campus community and beyond.

Happy Pride Month!

Apple unveils “Apple Intelligence” features at WWDC announcement breakdown with Prof Ahmed Banafa

Last week, Apple announced its partnership with OpenAI, bringing a major upgrade to Siri. They added feature integration into many of its applications called “Apple Intelligence,” which can perform image generation and text generation. Watch the full interview to hear Professor Ahmed Banafa break down the technology and what it might have in store for us in the future.

Wildfire mapping with NASA and drone

SJSU Engineering Students Team Up with NASA to Map Wildfire Trajectories with Drone Technology

Project Firewatch, initiated by Huston Scharnagl and Sofia Silva as a senior design project, involves developing a drone equipped with wildfire trajectory software to track and predict wildfire movements. The interdisciplinary team at San Jose State University, guided by Professor Bo Yang, built the drone with FPV and thermal cameras, which transmit data for machine learning analysis to predict fire trajectories and assess vegetation health. The project gained traction through various competitions, culminating in their participation in the NASA Wildfire Climate Tech Challenge, where they were named runners-up. The team aims to advance the software independently, with Silva and Scharnagl continuing their education while planning to further develop Firewatch into a marketable product.

LGBTQ+ Theme – Alan Turing

Image (Courtesy of National Portrait Gallery, London)

Alan Turing was born in London, England on June 23, 1912. Demonstrating remarkable talent in mathematics and science from a young age, he studied at King’s College, Cambridge, and later at Princeton University earning his PhD in mathematics.

Turing’s most renowned achievement came during World War II when he played a crucial role in deciphering the Enigma code used by Nazi Germany. The Enigma machine was an encryption device used by the Germans to send secure military communications. It utilized a series of rotating wheels, or rotors, to scramble plain text messages into coded text. The complexity of Enigma was enhanced by changing the cipher system daily, making it extremely difficult to crack.

Turing invented the Bombe, an electromechanical machine to break Enigma. The Bombe mimicked the Enigma machine’s workings and rapidly tested multiple potential rotors. By automating the process of checking various configurations, the Bombe allowed the Allies to gain critical intelligence, significantly shortened the war by two to four years, and saved countless lives.

In 1936, Turing introduced the concept of the Turing Machine, an abstract mathematical model that defines the limits of what can be computed. A Turing Machine consists of an infinitely long tape divided into cells, a tape head that reads and writes symbols on the tape, and a set of rules or instructions. The machine moves the tape left or right one cell at a time, depending on the current symbol and the rule being applied. This theoretical framework became the groundwork for the development of programmable computers.

Turing is also regarded as the father of artificial intelligence. His ‘Imitation Game’, later known as the Turing Test, was designed to determine whether a computer could exhibit intelligent behavior identical to a human. In this test, a human judge engages in a conversation with both a human and a machine without knowing which is which. If the judge cannot tell them apart, the machine is considered to have passed the test, demonstrating a form of artificial intelligence.

However, his career was tragically cut short when he was prosecuted for homosexuality in 1952. Turing chose chemical castration, where they injected him with hormone suppression for a year to avoid imprisonment. This eventually led to the dismissal of his security clearance and he died in 1954, with his death being ruled as suicide by cyanide poisoning.

The full recognition of Turing’s legacy came long after his death. In 2013, he received a posthumous royal pardon from Queen Elizabeth II, and in 2016, the UK government introduced the “Turing Law” to pardon men convicted of historical homosexual offenses. In 2019, he was recognized as the greatest person of the 20th century by the BBC series ‘Icons’ and was featured on Britain’s £50 note.

Alan Turing’s legacy continues to inspire both the field of engineering and the LGBTQ+ community. His groundbreaking contributions remind us of the need for inclusivity that drives innovation and progress. At SJSU College of Engineering, we are committed to honoring Turing’s spirit by fostering an environment where every student, regardless of background, identity, and sexual orientation, feels supported and empowered to push the boundaries of what is possible.

Alan Turing’s legacy – Royal British Legion

6 LGBTQ+ Engineers Who Changed The World

OpenAI unveils upgraded voice assistant technology (KTVU) featuring Prof Ahmed Banafa

Open AI recently upgraded their Chat-GPT, now called GPT-4O, with new functionality such as voice chat, image and video scanning, real-time responses, and document upload. This huge update blurs the line between human and AI interaction. Click here to see what Professor Banafa had to say on the subject.

Career Center – Plan after college

Graduating Students: Share your career plan after college. All respondents will be entered into a drawing for 1 of (20) $50 gift cards!

Magazine – Hot off the press

Excited to unveil the latest issue of our College of Engineering magazine! Explore out-of-this-world research to see where the next-generation aerospace engineers will take us as we aim for the stars. Read the full story now!

Student Profile – Tida Ngov

Tida Ngov is a remarkable young person on a mission to make a difference in the world. A third-year biomedical engineering student at SJSU College of Engineering, Tida’s values are laudable due to their deep commitment to giving back to their loved ones and the community.

As the first in their immigrant family to attend college, Tida’s drive to succeed is fueled by a desire to not only better their own life but also support those who have sacrificed so much for them. Their interest in healthcare stems from a combination of their love for science and their role as a caretaker within their family from a young age. This exposure to the medical field ignited a passion for using their skills to create positive change in people’s lives.

Tida’s choice of biomedical engineering perfectly aligns with their desire to work at the intersection of science and medicine. It allows them to combine their love for hands-on work and scientific curiosity. Their double minor in biology and Asian American studies further reflects their well-rounded approach. The biology minor strengthens their scientific foundation, while Asian American studies allow them to explore their cultural identity and develop a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by their community.

Outside academia, they participate actively in BMES and BMEidea, student organizations that support biomedical engineering students and offer industry experience. They also interned at Asian Health Services, a facility where their family has received care before. Through the internship, they gained invaluable insights into community-based healthcare and advocacy for marginalized populations.

After graduating, Tida plans on taking a gap year to prepare for medical school to achieve their dream of becoming a neurosurgeon. Their motivation for this is their grandmother, who suffered a brain aneurysm and had to undergo multiple brain surgeries. However, their ultimate goal is to work on healthcare policy and advocate for underserved communities, who are overlooked in the healthcare system.

Tida’s journey hasn’t been without its challenges. As an openly queer individual from an immigrant background, they have encountered moments of doubt and insecurity, in particular thinking that what they do in the end won’t matter, because they don’t fit into society’s norms. Yet they overcame these challenges by reaffirming their commitments to the community and knowing that who you are is enough.

Their advice to their freshman self is “Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and do things that you may not have done before, or might be scared of doing. And remember to be kinder to yourself, it’ll all work out in the end.” Trust the process that you will be where you needed in the end and move through the obstacles that life will throw at you.

SJSU Engineering Students Triumph at UC Davis Hackathon!

The first competitive Hackathon was held recently at UC Davis in California.  SJSU engineering students Sai Naveen Chanumolu, Harsh Raj, Jeripothula Sai, Anuraghav Savadam, and Suhaas Teja Vijjagiri were among the over 800 competitors that participated in the event.  The team of four SJSU engineering students won Best Interactive Media Hack for their Mātrā Artificial Intelligence (AI) project.  

Mātrā AI helps non-native bilingual children enhance their English speaking skills by not just allowing them to listen and read, but also interacting with stories. The application gives complete audio feedback by highlighting which words were pronounced incorrectly and teaches children how it should be correctly enunciated.

Mātrā AI was developed into a full-scale application in a sleepless 24-hour period using React, Flask, APIs from OpenAI, Speechace, ElevenLabs, and Supabase for data storage.  Heroku hosted the application and made it accessible through the team’s .tech domain. To learn more about project Mātrā AI check out the team’s website.

MESA End-of-Year Banquet

Thank you to all the students, families, staff, faculty, and company partners who attended MESA’s End of Year Banquet last week on Wednesday, May 8th. We all came together as a community to celebrate our year together and recognize the great work that our students, program, and diversity organizations have been doing. Congratulations to all of the graduating seniors, we will miss you and we wish you good luck with your endeavors!

Driverless Cars – Prof Ahmed Banafa

Even as driverless cars become more common throughout San Francisco, people still tend to stop and stare. But soon, spotting a vehicle at an intersection with no one at the wheel could become a more regular occurrence beyond city limits.

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