Student Profile: Muskaan Kapoor

Muskaan Kapoor, a senior at San José State University (SJSU), embodies the essence of resilience, determination, and community engagement. In 2020, Muskaan traveled from India to the heart of Silicon Valley in pursuit of her passion for engineering and technology. This journey has been marked by a constant commitment to academic excellence and making a positive impact on those around her.

Driven by her lifelong fascination with outer space and galaxies, Muskaan initially embarked on a path in Aerospace Engineering. However, personal circumstances during her freshman year prompted her to explore alternative fields that aligned with her core values of Beauty (her passions), Benefit, and Good (her dedication to a better society). Embracing the challenge, Muskaan found her calling in Engineering Technology – Computer Network Systems Management, with a minor in Business Administration. This decision not only reflected her personal preferences, but also promised practical benefits, while allowing her to contribute to society in the evolving landscape of networking, cloud technology, and smart manufacturing.

Muskaan’s dedication to academic excellence and leadership qualities have been recognized through prestigious scholarships including the Dean’s Scholar and the Global Spartan scholarship. These accolades serve as a testament to her merit, demonstrating leadership, commitment to globalization, diversity promotion, and financial needs.

Receiving these acknowledgments plays a major role in Muskaan’s academic journey. Being an international student, her family had to make sacrifices, putting their house up for a loan to cover most of her tuition. However, when COVID-19 hit, it impacted her family business greatly. With this SJSU financial support, Muskaan was able to wholeheartedly focus on her studies and internship hunting rather than worrying about her family loan. She doubted herself in the purpose of applying for the scholarship due to her international status, but Muskaan persevered and was eventually awarded the Dale and Sue Missimer Engineering Scholarship.

Throughout her journey at SJSU, Muskaan has been actively involved in a myriad of school and community activities, including volunteering positions, on-campus jobs, and leadership roles. From serving as an Engineering Ambassador for the Department of Engineering to mentoring international students through Peer Mentorship programs, Muskaan has demonstrated a profound dedication to supporting her peers and making a difference in their academic and personal lives.

Looking ahead, Muskaan envisions herself as a driving force in the technology world, particularly in the realm of cloud technology and even possibly furthering her educational career. Muskaan’s goal is to create sustainable solutions that address pressing global challenges, she aspires to make a meaningful impact by leveraging her expertise and passion for innovation to the world.

Reflecting on her journey, Muskaan offers valuable advice to her younger self and fellow students, emphasizing the importance of confidence, communication, and seeking help when needed. Her story serves as an inspiration to all aspiring engineers and future leaders, highlighting the transformative power of resilience, determination, and community engagement in shaping a successful academic and professional journey.

Club Video Contest

As we welcome Engineering Week, we are hosting our annual video contest. Record a 1 minute or less video (think “elevator pitch”) that showcases one of the following:

• Show why your student club/organization is special
• Share your individual or team project
• Explain why you chose your major or department–what is the coolest thing about it?

PRIZES:

• 1st place: $500
• 2nd place: $300
• 3rd place: $200
• Runner up x2: $100/ each

Post it on Instagram, tag @sjsuengineering, and fill out this form to enter the competition. Winners will be based on the total amount of likes and comments.

DUE DATE: Sunday, February 25th, at midnight.

Good luck everyone!!!

Black History Month – Black Student Day at Hewlett Packard

On Friday, February 9, HP hosted an event for freshman and sophomore  college students.   Students from SJSU, Santa Clara University, UC Merced, UC Santa Cruz, SF State and Mission Community College were in attendance as HP employees gave tours that showcased the latest computer and printer technology from the company. Students also got a lesson in financial well being where 401k, Roth IRA, Credit Cards and Debt reduction were topics of conversation. 2024 marked the 50th anniversary of the event.  For those interested in the next Black Student Day  event, stay tuned for information coming in the Fall 2024 semester.

Exploring Standards for Responsible AI – Prof Ahmed Banafa

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming our world, touching every aspect of our lives from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment. As AI’s influence grows, ensuring its responsible development and deployment becomes paramount. One crucial cornerstone of this effort is establishing ethical and technical standards for AI. These standards aim to guide the development of trustworthy, fair, and beneficial AI systems that contribute to positive societal outcomes.

Read the full article…

Student Profile: Matthew Hung

Meet Matthew Khoa Hung, a first-year graduate student in M.S. Mechanical Engineering at San José State University (SJSU) with a B.S. Aerospace Engineering background. From Union City in the East Bay, Matthew’s journey to pursuing his academic aspirations has been marked by determination and a commitment to excellence.

Matthew’s interest in engineering was sparked at a young age during his visits to Vietnam, where he was marveled by the fact that humans travel thousands of miles in just a metal tube. Later on, Matthew’s passion evolved into designing solutions that could enhance people’s lives and optimize processes, utilizing his 3D printer for household repairs during his undergraduate studies, Matthew demonstrated his knack for practical problem-solving and innovation.

Deciding to further his education, Matthew started his Master’s program in Mechanical Engineering at SJSU, drawn by the university’s quality of providing a comprehensive, industry-aligned education in the heart of Silicon Valley. Reflecting on this, Matthew highlights SJSU’s strategic location for opportunities, extensive range of engineering disciplines, and emphasis on hands-on learning as a pivotal factors that have enriched his academic and career journey

While balancing the demands of his graduate studies and a full-time job, Matthew remains committed to personal and professional development. Although not currently engaged in extracurricular activities, his involvement in organizations such as Alpha Kappa Psi, Sigma Gamma Tau, and Tau Beta Pi during his undergraduate years has helped enrich his academic experience through community engagement.
Looking ahead, Matthew’s visions are driven by a desire to make a tangible impact on the world through innovation. With a dream job centered around developing solutions that positively impact millions globally, Matthew sees himself at the forefront of the evolving landscape in the consumer electronics industry, leveraging technology to enhance consumer experiences and drive positive changes.

As a graduate student, Matthew shares valuable insights and advice for his freshman self and fellow students. Emphasizing the importance of seizing opportunities, outside your comfort zone to build meaningful connections, Matthew encourages others to approach their college experience with a spirit of openness and curiosity, recognizing that each challenge and encounter is an opportunity for growth and learning.
Not to say it would be easy, not even for Matthew, he has faced numerous challenges and doubts in both academic and personal realms. He has held onto his ability to overcome past challenges, remembering what he accomplished. He stated, “To anyone grappling with similar struggles, remember: doubt and failure are not just obstacles, but catalysts for growth. They foster introspection, build resilience, and spark innovation, teaching us valuable lessons in humility, problem-solving, and setting realistic expectations”.

Black History Month

Home Security System – Mary Van Brittan Brown in 1966

Marie Van Brittan Brown, a pioneering Black inventor, revolutionized home security with her groundbreaking invention in 1966. Living in Queens, New York, where crime rates were high, Brown, a nurse, collaborated with her husband, Albert Brown, an electronics technician, to devise the first home security system. Their innovation incorporated peepholes, a camera, monitors, a two-way microphone, and an alarm button, enabling homeowners to monitor and communicate with visitors remotely, while also alerting authorities in case of emergencies. Their patent, granted in 1969, laid the groundwork for modern security systems, influencing features like video monitoring, remote-controlled locks, and instant messaging to law enforcement. Brown’s legacy endures in the continued use of her invention in various residential and commercial settings, showcasing the enduring impact of her ingenuity and contributions to engineering.

The Three-Light Traffic Signal – Garrett Morgan in 1923

Garrett Morgan demonstrated remarkable ingenuity in enhancing urban safety with his inventions. Inspired by a tragic collision involving a horse-drawn carriage and an automobile in the early 1920s, Morgan devised a solution to improve traffic management. Observing the limitations of existing traffic signals, which lacked a warning mechanism, Morgan crafted a manually operated T-shaped traffic signal. This innovative device featured movable arms directing traffic to stop, go, or halt in all directions, akin to today’s yellow or amber light. This addition not only reduced collisions but also facilitated safer pedestrian crossings. Despite not being the first traffic signal inventor, Morgan’s design significantly improved traffic control and safety. He patented the invention in 1923 and subsequently sold its rights to General Electric for $40,000. Morgan’s contributions endure as a testament to his commitment to public safety and innovation in engineering.

PC – Mark E. Dean

Mark E. Dean, a pioneering figure in technology and engineering, has left an indelible mark on the field with his groundbreaking inventions and visionary contributions. Born in 1957 in Tennessee, Dean’s passion for innovation led him to excel in electrical engineering, graduating at the top of his class from the University of Tennessee. Joining IBM, Dean played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of personal computing, co-developing the Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) system bus, which revolutionized the expandability and usability of PCs. His pioneering work also includes leading the design of the original IBM PC and spearheading the creation of the first gigahertz chip, significantly advancing data processing capabilities. Recognized for his groundbreaking achievements, Dean became the first Black IBM fellow and was honored with prestigious awards, including induction into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. His legacy underscores the importance of perseverance, innovation, and diversity in engineering.

Exploring the Challenges and Progress in AI Alignment – Prof Ahmed Banafa

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become an integral part of our daily lives, influencing everything from how we communicate to how we make decisions. As AI systems continue to evolve and advance, the need for aligning their goals with human values and intentions becomes increasingly critical. We will delve into the complex landscape of AI alignment, exploring its challenges, current research trends, and the potential impact on society.

Read the full article…

Student Profile

Meet Indigo Ramey-Wright, a senior at San Jose State University, majoring in Mechanical Engineering.

All the way from Santa Cruz, Indigo’s journey into engineering began in middle school when she discovered her love for Math and Physics. During her senior year, a new class, “Intro to Engineering,” was offered, where it explored fundamentals and worked with AutoCAD. While she only took it to work with her favorite teacher one last time, she soon realized the subject was slowly becoming her favorite as well. The excitement of applying physics and math alongside her creativity to understand how things interact fueled her determination and solidified her choice in engineering.

Choosing the SJSU College of Engineering was an easy decision for Indigo. The university’s supportive and accessible environment, along with dedicated advisors and professors who want to see students succeed in both classroom and professional settings, made her feel valued and set her up for success. The contrast with her experience at a larger university highlighted the importance of personal support and accessibility in her decision to choose SJSU.
Indigo is a recipient of the Silicon Valley Engineering Scholarship, a vital financial support that enables her to pursue higher education independently. Grateful for the opportunity, she acknowledges that she wouldn’t be where she is academically without the scholarship helping to relieve some monetary burdens.
Reflecting on her SJSU experience, Indigo wishes her pre-college self to get involved earlier. Despite starting during the pandemic, she wishes she had explored campus and club options sooner after the return to in-person activities. Currently a member of the Formula SAE team, she values the sense of community and teamwork it provides.

Looking toward the future, Indigo plans to continue her education and is passionate about Electric Vehicles. Aspiring to work as a Technical Program Manager or focus on process control and improvement within the industry, she envisions leading a team during the production season when a new vehicle launches.

Indigo Ramey-Wright’s story is one of dedication, passion, and the pursuit of excellence. As she continues her journey at SJSU and beyond, we know that her passion for Mechanical Engineering will leave a mark on the technology industry after graduation.

SJSU is Part of the Hispanic-Serving Institutions (HSI) Project – Giving Hispanic and Low-Income Students a Hand Up!

David Parent demonstrates engineering concepts to Gavilan Community College Students as part of Project Engineering Success. Photo by Eugenia Ayala-Servellon.

When it comes to education, there can be many barriers to success, particularly for Hispanic and low-income students. First-generation students might not know about office hours, for example, or the best classes to take at a community college in order to transfer to SJSU and graduate in four years. Read the full story on the SJSU Blog written by Cassie Myers.

Black History Month Celebrates Lanny Smoot of The Walt Disney Company

Image courtesy of The Walt Disney Company

Renowned Disney Imagineer Lanny Smoot, known for his groundbreaking contributions to technology and invention, is set to be inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame, a first for a Disney Imagineer. Smoot, a Disney Research Fellow, boasts a remarkable career spanning nearly three decades and over 100 patents, making him one of the most prolific Black inventors in the U.S. On May 9, a ceremony in Washington D.C. will be held to formally honor Smoot and fellow Class of 2024 inductees.

Smoot’s career highlights include iconic creations like Madame Leota’s “floating” ability in the Haunted Mansion, the extendable lightsaber for Disney Live Entertainment, and the Magic Playfloor on the Disney Cruise Line. His innovative work extends to international Disney parks, such as the Fortress Explorations adventure at Tokyo DisneySea and the interactive koi ponds at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel.

However, the standout exhibit chosen by Smoot for his Hall of Fame induction is “Where’s the Fire?”, where he uses “X-ray flashlights” to melt away life-sized model rooms, emphasizing fire prevention through engaging challenges. Smoot is also the recipient of multiple Thea Awards, awarding individuals in the themed entertainment industry, and one of his current projects is called “HoloTile Floor”, a shared virtual reality experience.

Before his illustrious Disney career, Smoot earned degrees in electrical engineering from Columbia University and worked at Bell Laboratories, contributing to early video-on-demand technology and video conferencing which is still the blueprint for many devices we use today. Smoot’s induction into the Hall of Fame marks a historic moment for Disney Imagineering and celebrates Smoot’s enduring legacy in the world of invention and entertainment.

HP event

For the first time since 2019, HP’s Bay Area Black Employee Business Impact Network is proudly hosting Black Students Day (BSD) for college freshmen and sophomores!

BSD offers Bay Area students a unique exposure to careers at HP in a variety of fields and help build pathways into their chosen careers with HP, including:

• Educational workshops
• Panels
• Site tours
• Informal networking

Students can speak directly to HP personnel and ask questions about their personal experiences, career choices, and educational paths. BSD helps students bridge their academic experiences to their professional goals through communication with business leaders and exposes them to opportunities at HP to achieve those goals.

BSD will be held on February 09, 2024, at HP headquarters in Palo Alto from 9:00 am – 2:30 pm.
Registration deadline: February 05, 2024
We look forward to hearing from you and hopefully meeting you at BSD 2024!

Artificial Intelligence: A Double-Edged Sword for Environment and Climate by Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative force in the 21st century, reshaping industries, influencing social interactions, and even venturing into the realm of environmental protection. However, its impact on the environment and climate remains a complex and multifaceted issue, riddled with both promising opportunities and potential pitfalls. Understanding these nuances is crucial for harnessing the power of AI for a sustainable future.

Read the full article…

Spartan Racing

What do you get when you combine sunny weather with the Spartan Racing team?  A whole lot of fun!  This past weekend (January 27 and 28), the Spartan Racing team hosted “Driver Day.”  This was an opportunity for recently graduated alumni who worked on the SR-14 electric vehicle, sponsors and a few select others to put their driving skills to the test.  The air was buzzing with excitement as corners were turned and drivers were all aiming for the best lap times.  Visit the team’s website to stay up to date with their activities.

We were deeply saddened to learn of Charles W. (Chuck) Davidson’s passing on March 25, 2021, and the college community is mourning his loss. An avid reader and lifelong learner, Chuck was a student of life and an ardent supporter of San José State University. 

San Jose Spotlight journalist Janice Bitters wrote of him in 2019, “Charles Davidson arrived in San José [from Eastern Oklahoma] a broke 21-year-old in 1952 seeking a way out of poverty and he’s spent the last 67 years forging his own lucrative path in the world. But he’s also quietly become one of Silicon Valley’s most unsung philanthropists.”

Chuck graduated from Civil Engineering (1957) after working nights in local railroad yards and attending classes during the day. An entrepreneur who founded and managed five thriving companies, he built thousands of homes, was a pioneer in creating and enabling affordable housing, and provided San José State with the largest private grant in its history: $15 million to the College of Engineering. 

“I’m not a saint by any stretch of the imagination, so don’t get the wrong idea about me,” Davidson told Bitters. “I’m a normal human being. I’ve had lots of good luck along the way and lots of good people around me.”

He also holds an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters from SJSU. In 2007, the California State University Board of Trustees approved naming our engineering college after him in perpetuity. Chuck was quoted as saying: “I don’t believe the money I have earned is wholly mine. Providence has allowed me to be the manager and trustee of this money, and philanthropy comes with that responsibility — taking care of your employees, your business partners, your family, and your community.” 

Chuck was a founding member and chair of the Tower Foundation, the philanthropic arm of San José State. Throughout the years, he faithfully attended Spartan football games and served on the Tower Board.

Chuck has deeply enriched our lives, and the lives of our students: past, present and future. He will be greatly missed.

Read the campus announcement

Read more from the San Jose Mercury News

(L.to R.) Mark Heinen, Omron account manager – NoCal; Lou Freund, ISE professor emeritus, adjunct professor – CIM lab director; Tom Pham, ISE adjunct professor – CIM lab specialist; Yasser Dessouky, ISE department chair.

The Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) Lab in room 194 is now sporting an Omron Banner as well as a Hornet robot that is fully installed and working, looking a bit like an upside down spider. 

The College of Engineering is grateful to Omron for the company’s support of our engineering students. Omron’s VP of Marketing at the time, Matt Trowbridge, gave an SVLS talk a couple of years back (you can watch it here), visited the lab with faculty, and facilitated a key equipment grant to the college. Omron has continued to show significant support since then.

Lou Freund, CIM lab director and ISE professor emeritus, described the robot donated by Omron. “The Hornet, with its vision system, is a gantry mounted device that can “see” items, reach for them, grab them (with suction or grippers) and move them to another location (orienting as it goes).  It’s fun to watch, and we plan to have it very active during future open house events.” Find out more about the robot’s features here and here.  

He added, “Ours is mounted on a much larger gantry, and can slide along the gantry if it needs to be placed overhead in a different location.” Students will be able to work in the lab just as soon as SJSU gives the green light for post-pandemic safety and health.

A global solutions provider and an 80-year old company, Omron provides sensing, control, safety, vision, motion and robotics technologies for the automotive, food and beverage packaging, semiconductor, electronics, life sciences and infrastructure industries.