Student Soars at PepsiCo Internship This Past Summer

When you think of PepsiCo or Frito Lay, you may think of drinks and snacks, and not necessarily consider engineering job opportunities. However, the company has employees in data science, process improvement, packaging, and software engineering,  to name a few.

Anaiya Williamson, a senior student majoring in Industrial Systems, secured an internship at  PepsiCo this past summer through the Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) organization.  Through her relationship with MLT, she was able to attend a conference in Plano, Texas where students were given the opportunity to meet with several companies.  At the conference, Anaiya met with the PepsiCo corporation. Soon after the conference, she followed up with the company on Linkedin and was invited to interview, a proof point that staying in touch and following up can lead to job opportunities.

When asked about her internship at PepsiCo, Anaiya responded by saying, “The experience was super fun, engaging, and challenging. I’ve never met that many open, kind, and humble people at a company before.” To add to her good impression of PepsiCo, Anaiya met a very diverse group of interns at PepsiCo and created new friendships that could last a lifetime.

Each of the 40 interns was paired up with a manager at PepsiCo and given a specific project to work on during the summer.  “It was amazing having your project talked about in town hall and other leadership meetings,” Anaiya added.  She was not left out in the PepsiCo environment to fend for herself and acquired an amazing network of employees to help her succeed.  At the end of the internship, Anaiya had the opportunity to present her project to the senior leadership team as well as her internship cohort, which helped her develop confidence and other soft skills that she can use in the industry.

Anaiya suggests that when taking on an internship opportunity, you really have to advocate for yourself and not be afraid of asking for help.  She was hesitant at first about asking for assistance but soon realized that there are people around you who are way more knowledgeable so why not tap into that resource? “There is no shame in asking for help.  Just be confident in yourself and realize that you have learned so much in the classes you have taken. Be confident in who you are,” said Anaiya.

Anaiya’s biggest takeaway during the internship was to always stay curious and to continuously look for areas of improvement.  She has had internships in the past, but her experience at PepsiCo exceeded her expectations, she didn’t expect everyone to be so kind and welcoming, and she didn’t expect to meet so many interns from across the country.  Her greatest piece of advice to other students looking for an internship opportunity is to not be afraid to seek a job out of state and to go out of your comfort zone.

Reaching the Hispanic Community at Noche de Ciencias – Day of Science

The Hispanic community continues to remain underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers. Creating visibility into STEM goals and careers would make those more attractive to other Hispanics, especially the younger generation.

Enter San José State University (SJSU) engineering graduate student, José Luiz Sarabia Torres who helped host a science day earlier in September in his Redwood City, CA neighborhood.  The purpose of the evening was to enlighten Hispanic youths, and their parents about STEM goals and careers.

The evening dubbed Noche de Ciencias was a collaboration between the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), the Hispanic Society of Silicon Valley (HSSV), and United Through Education – Familia Unidas.

José is the current president of the SHPE Silicon Valley Professional Chapter.  The organization focuses on community, outreach and professional development.  Noche de Ciencias had over 200 in attendance including 70 parents, 120 children, and 20 members of the student organizations (students and professionals).

The event consisted of dinner and a networking session where families and children had the opportunity to meet SHPE Members to engage in discussions about being Hispanic in STEM. Each representative from the collaborating organizations talked about what they had to offer, their mission, and their vision for the Hispanic community.

José addressed the audience, describing his journey about growing up in the same community of Redwood City and going to the same elementary, middle, and high school as the young people in the audience. He shared how he graduated high school during the COVID-19 pandemic and how he is continuing his graduate journey in Mechanical Engineering here at SJSU.

Overall, the evening was a success and created an interest to host more events in the future that would create a pipeline for students to pursue degrees in STEM at SJSU.

Aviation Department

On Monday, September 9, 2024, a delegation of 14 students from several universities, including Kyoto, Iwate, Osaka, Toyohashi, Okayama, and Niigata University, visited the SJSU Aviation and Technology Department. This visit marked the 7th annual US-Japan Forum Delegation, hosted by Dr. Fred Barez. These students are part of a cultural exchange program between the U.S. and Japan aimed at promoting U.S. universities. The program was initiated 16 years ago by Mr. Yuji Ide to foster collaboration in science, technology, and education between the two countries. During their visit, the delegation explored the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in healthcare, with Dr. Fred Barez giving a presentation and highlighting master’s project studies conducted within the Engineering Technology Program. After visiting SJSU, the delegation continued their tour with visits to UC Berkeley and Stanford University. Their trip concluded with a banquet on Friday, September 13, which was attended by distinguished guests, including Dr. Chikae Asami, Consul of the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco, and Dr. Yusaku Nakabeppu, Director of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science in Berkeley, California.

Following this, on Sunday, September 15, 2024, the SJSU Aviation Program participated in the annual Hayward Executive Airport Day, an event they have been involved in for the past five years. Several SJSU Aviation students represented various program clubs, including Women in Aviation, Alpha Eta Rho Honor Society, Flying 20s, and the Precision Flight Team (PFT). The PFT proudly displayed their NIFA SafeCon Competition award, which they won in Wisconsin in May 2024. Leading the group, Dr. Yuwei He, Assistant Professor of Aviation, helped promote the program and engaged with numerous parents, students, and visitors. The department faculty also had the opportunity to connect with engineers from Archer Aviation, SF Drone School, Chabot College, and CSU East Bay.

Here’s a look at global impact of Bay Area computer chip industry featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Semiconductor production took center stage during the recent presidential debate, with Vice President Harris accusing Trump of selling chips to China, while Trump blamed current policies for the U.S. losing ground in chip manufacturing. With Silicon Valley’s key role in the industry and the U.S. aiming to boost production by 2032, this issue hits close to home.

Read the full article now!

NASA Internship – Tyler Yuen

Meet Tyler Yuen, a junior at San José State University (SJSU) studying aerospace engineering who has a passion for pushing the boundaries of flight. Growing up, he had always been fascinated by the mechanics of aviation, sparked by watching airshows with his dad when he was a kid. Now, as president of the SJSU chapter of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), Tyler is eager to share his enthusiasm for aerospace with his peers.

His journey into aerospace launched further during his internship at NASA, where he studied Jupiter’s moon, Europa. Throughout his 10-week internship, alongside Dr. Benjamin Idini, he conducted research on Europa’s tidal heating—a process that may explain the moon’s ice shell movement and chaotic terrain. By creating simulations and developing mathematical models, they explored how oceanic and orbital parameters influence heat production, a key factor in Europa’s potential tectonic activity.

Tyler adapted existing code to Europa’s specific conditions, analyzed energy distribution across the moon, and ran simulations using the University of California, Santa Cruz’s (UCSC) supercomputing cluster. One challenge was adjusting Europa’s semimajor axis to reflect accurate orbital migration. Ultimately, Tyler presented his findings to NASA scientists and peers, gaining valuable insights into astrophysics and complex problem-solving.

When reflecting on his NASA experience, he highlights the importance of persistence and curiosity. “I didn’t know much about Europa or tidal heating when I started, but asking lots of questions and staying determined helped me understand the bigger picture,” he says. His internship also reinforced the value of teamwork, and he credits his mentor, co-workers, and the UCSC Lamat group for providing a supportive and enriching environment.

For students seeking similar opportunities, Tyler’s advice is to be proactive and get involved in professional school organizations. He discovered his NASA internship through an alumni post in the AIAA group and believes that networking, teamwork, and taking initiative are key to success. He also notes that students should start or join projects to help them stand out as applicants.

Tyler is eager to explore all areas of aerospace engineering after graduation, with no fixed path but a desire to learn as much as he can. His advice to future students is to find a healthy balance between work and personal life. “It’s easy to get caught up in school and work, leading to burnout that can hinder success. Maintaining strong relationships and prioritizing mental health are essential during this time,” he says.

Though he faced doubts in his first year at SJSU, Tyler has embraced every opportunity to step out of his comfort zone and find his place in the aerospace community. Tyler Yuen is a shining example of how passion, persistence, and teamwork can lead to incredible achievements.

We can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next!

Berkeley non-profit works to counter AI election disinformation featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

As AI-generated deepfakes infiltrate the 2024 election cycle, a Berkeley-based nonprofit, CivAI, is fighting back by educating the public on how easily these deceptive images can be mistaken for reality. With instances like a fake video of Vice President Kamala Harris and AI-created Swifties supporting Donald Trump going viral, CivAI co-founder Lucas Hansen warns of the emotional manipulation such content can cause. While regulations are in the works, they may not take effect in time to safeguard this election, leaving CivAI’s awareness campaign crucial in the battle against AI-driven misinformation.

Watch Professor Banafa’s full interview now!

September 12 facts

• 1992: NASA’s STS-47 launches carrying the first Black woman to fly in space, the first married couple to fly on the same space mission, and the first Japanese astronaut to fly aboard the shuttle
• 1958: Jack Kilby invented the first working integrated circuit at Texas Instruments
• 1959: Luna 2 was launched and later became the first spacecraft to contact another solar system body

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.