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.

Student Profile – Aburva Govindarajan

Aburva Govindarajan Sangeetha, a graduating senior majoring in Engineering Technology with a minor in Business Administration at San Jose State University (SJSU), embodies the spirit of perseverance and adaptability. She is originally from Suhar (would suggest getting more info about this region.  I don’t know where it is), a beautiful coastal city located in the Sultanate of Oman.

During her high school years, mathematics proved to be a challenging subject for her, leading her to major in Business. However, after her first year, she soon realized her technical inclination and transitioned to Engineering Technology with a concentration in Computer Network Systems Management, a decision that proved to be both challenging and rewarding.

When starting to take core engineering courses, she felt like an imposter due to her mathematics struggles, and being the only woman in most of her technical classes added to this feeling even more. Regardless, with the help of her friends, family, and professors she quickly overcame her struggles and improved her class performance.

Throughout her college career, she learned to embrace opportunities for growth and involvement within her school and community. As a Resident Advisor, she fosters a positive and inclusive living environment for her peers, while also serving as a Peer Academic Success Coach to support fellow students in their academic endeavors. These roles reflect her values from her upbringing, commitment to giving back, and making a meaningful impact on the lives of those around her.

Being one of the recipients of the SJSU Alumni Association Scholarship, funded by our very own alumni, has alleviated her financial stress. She’s gratefully acknowledged the opportunity and the contributions from past generations, which have inspired her to work harder and one day make a donation herself to the scholarship.

Her dream job is to become a Technical Product Manager at a top tech company, contributing her knowledge to bridge the gap between technology and users’ needs, ultimately aiming to improve people’s life quality and productivity using technologies in a fun and creative way.

Reflecting on her college experience, Aburva shares the advice she would give her freshman self: to explore widely, prioritize self-care, and seek help when needed. As higher academic knowledge is learned in college, we should also learn how to take care of ourselves to avoid burnout. Don’t be afraid to try new things and fail because college is a time to explore and learn, so don’t limit yourself just because it is called “Engineering School”.

Club Video Contest Announcement

Congratulations to our e-week contest winners:

• 1st place: What Makes TT Special to You?
• 2nd place: Formula SAE
• 3rd place: Project Albatross
• Runner up #1: NETs – About Us!!
• Runner up #2: We are SJSU’s ASME

Thank you, everyone, for participating in our contest. We hope to see all again and more submissions in the future.

Women’s History Month

Image courtesy of National Inventor Hall of Fame

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, it’s only fitting that we take a moment to recognize the remarkable contributions of Edith Clarke, who is considered to be the first female electrical engineer in America. Born in Maryland in 1883, Edith overcame numerous obstacles to forge a path that not only broke barriers but also laid the foundation for future generations of women in STEM.

From a young age, Edith expressed interest in mathematics and astronomy, ultimately pursuing her passion at Vassar College, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree. Following her graduation in 1908, she entered the male-dominated world of engineering.

Despite facing adversity and discrimination, Edith persevered, teaching mathematics and physics before delving into civil engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her journey led her to AT&T, where she played a pivotal role as a “computer,” supporting engineers in the construction of the first transcontinental phone line.

However, it was during her time at General Electric (GE) that Edith truly made her mark on the industry. As a supervisor of computers in GE’s Turbine Engineering Department, she revolutionized the field with her invention of the Edith Calculator – a graphical tool that simplified complex calculations for electrical engineers working on transmission lines. Her groundbreaking work not only streamlined processes but also laid the groundwork for advancements in power grid technology, including the development of “smart grid” systems.

Shattering multiple norms, she became the first woman in the United States to be employed as an electrical engineer, the first woman to present a paper at the American Institute of Electrical Engineers (AIEE), and the first woman to be appointed as a full-time professor of electrical engineering.

As we reflect on Edith’s contribution this Women’s History Month, let us remember to foster an inclusive space for all aspiring engineers to feel valued, supported, and empowered to pursue their passions.

Approving Robotaxis – Prof Ahmed Banafa

Learn more about Professor Banafa’s stand on the California Public Utilities Commission approving Waymo’s expansion, despite initial concerns, allowing the company’s self-driving cars to operate in more cities in the Bay Area and parts of Los Angeles.

Student Profile – Tram Do

Tram Do, a fourth-year student at San Jose State University (SJSU), shares her journey toward becoming a pilot and inspiring women in the aviation industry. Originally from Vietnam and immigrating to the US at ten years old, her passion for aviation was ignited by her first flight to the United States. Despite facing numerous challenges, including switching flight schools, being a full-time student with a part-time job, and undergoing ACL surgery. Tram pushed through to achieve her private pilot license, making it her greatest accomplishment to date.

Beyond academics, Tram is the Vice President of the Women In Aviation SJSU Chapter. She actively works to empower women pursuing this field and foster connections within the community. Her involvement in the club has led to opportunities such as attending the Women in Aviation International Conference, where she gained valuable insights and networked with professionals in the field.

Tram’s ultimate dream is to become an airline pilot and contribute to increasing the representation of women, especially women of color, in aviation. She is driven by a desire to inspire young girls to pursue careers in aviation and is committed to supporting and uplifting women in the industry.

As a first-generation college student, Tram’s dedication to her education and passion for aviation has been recognized through scholarships such as the Eugene C. Coussens, which has eased her financial burden. Looking ahead, she plans to focus on obtaining additional ratings and licenses while working as an Analyst Assistant for the Aviation Safety Reporting System program. Her end goal is to work in the aviation industry and teach younger generations, in particular, an aviation course here at SJSU.

Despite occasional doubts, Tram remains steadfast in her pursuit of her goals, drawing inspiration from her journey thus far, and reminding herself of all the hard work in the last four years. Her advice to others facing similar adversaries is to reflect on their path, rediscover the joy in their pursuits, and remind themselves that doubts are natural, but easily overcome with determination and self-belief.

Club Video Contest

Thank you, everyone, for your fantastic video submissions! Amazed to see your talents and creativity. We will be tallying up all the likes and comments on March 5th at 10 am.

So check out the videos below and leave a like or comment for your favorite.

• Formula SAE
• What Makes TT Special to You?
• NETs – About Us!!
• We are SJSU’s ASME
• Chi Epsilon Engineers Week 2024
• Project Albetros

Good luck everyone!!!

Black History Month

Bessie Coleman – First black woman to get a pilot’s license in 1921
Kamora Freeland – Youngest black female to get a private pilot’s license in 2023

Kamora Freeland, a senior at Kingsboro Early College Secondary School, travels more than two hours multiple times a week, learning how to fly at Republic Airport on Long Island.

This past week, she became the youngest Black female pilot in history at the age of 17. Obtaining her pilot license before her driver’s license.

Freeland’s historic event pays a special homage to Bessie Coleman, the first Black and Native American descent woman to obtain a pilot’s license.

Coleman was born on January 26, 1892, and grew up in Atlanta, Texas. Just one county over from Paris, Texas, where nine Black men have been lynched from 1890 to 1920.

Coleman’s journey to becoming a pilot was not easy, she was denied entry into flight school because of her race and gender.

She did not receive support from anyone including her brother, who taunted her about the idea. This made her more intent on following her dream, which led her to France to get her license.

During her training, she witnessed one of her classmates die due to a plane malfunction. Despite this horrific event, she pushed through to gain her international pilot’s license from Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

Upon returning to the U.S., Coleman was warmly received by reporters and hailed as the first Black aviatrix. During the all-Black musical “Shuffle Along”, she received a standing ovation from the entire audience, including hundreds of white attendees.

Over the next five years, Coleman stunned crowds at numerous air shows, beginning with one in Garden City, Long Island, on September 3, 1922. The Chicago Defender described her as a “wonderful little woman” performing “heart-thrilling stunts,” drawing in as many as 3,000 spectators, including local dignitaries.

Using her new fame, Coleman inspired the Black community to take to the skies and refused to perform at venues that practiced racial discrimination.

Both Coleman and Freeland, are inspiring and historical aviatrix to all. Their stories remind us that with courage, perseverance, and a steadfast belief in oneself, even the sky is not the limit.

SJSU vs Colorado State

RSVP form

ATTENTION, SJSU ENGINEERING STUDENTS! Get ready to turn up the heat and unleash your Spartan spirit! Join us for an electrifying afternoon as we rally together to cheer on our phenomenal Women’s Basketball team in a face-off against Colorado State on Saturday, March 2nd!

Set your alarms for 1:00 pm, as the doors swing open, and the excitement begins to build!  Once inside, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, connecting with current students, faculty, and alumni. Don’t miss this golden opportunity to forge new connections and show your Spartan pride!

Some Oakley city services resume following cyber-attack featuring Prof Ahmed Banafa

Banafa’s insight on Pleasant Hill & Oakley cyber attack. The lack of cyber security training and investment in small organizations.

Student Profile: Jason Corona

Meet Jason Corona: A senior majoring in Mechanical Engineering at San Jose State University (SJSU), and lives in South San Francisco. He is the first in his family to pursue a college education, let alone in the engineering field. Jason reflects on his journey, acknowledging the inspiration drawn from his older siblings’ successes. Motivated by his family’s journey from Tonaya in Jalisco, Mexico, to the United States in pursuit of better opportunities, Jason embraces his role as a first-generation college student with a sense of responsibility. Jason’s cultural environment influences him with a deep appreciation for hard work and a drive to pave the way for others in the Latino community to pursue their dreams in the underrepresented engineering field.

For Jason, engineering isn’t just a field of study; it’s a passion and desire to solve real-world problems. His fascination with problem-solving and design stems from his internship at Stanford’s Computational Imaging Laboratory, where he was first exposed to Python coding where he utilized it for depth map imaging that is similar to those used in the automotive field. Even though he was nervous at first, it eventually led him to pursue a career where he could apply engineering principles to make a tangible difference.

Opting for SJSU’s College of Engineering was a strategic move for Jason. Being the center of Silicon Valley, SJSU offered him a plethora of opportunities to grow personally and professionally. The vibrant and diverse community along with a robust curriculum prepared him for a future beyond academia, and into the real world.

Jason’s journey was made smoother by the support of scholarships, notably the Ching Family Scholarship and the Steven Meacham Memorial Scholarship. These financial aid resources alleviated the burden of commuting expenses, allowing him to focus more on his studies and less on monetary worries. As a commuter, Jason’s plan after graduating is to leverage his mechanical engineering expertise to revolutionize transportation, wanting to make that a reality with a public company. Whether it’s making trains more sustainable or contributing to the development of eco-friendly automobiles, he is driven by a vision of a greener, more efficient future.

Like many, Jason grappled with self-doubt along the way. However, he learned to overcome these feelings by acknowledging his accomplishments and embracing his journey with gratitude. His advice to others facing similar struggles is to trust in their abilities and seek strength from their support systems. Reflecting on his journey, Jason would advise his younger self and other freshmen embarking on similar paths to trust in the learning process, not to feel overwhelmed with early engineering classes, and the importance of early internship exploration. He encourages students to embrace challenges and seize growth opportunities.

Engaged in both academic and extracurricular pursuits, Jason is a member of the Pi Tau Sigma mechanical engineering honor society and completed the Leadership and Career Certificate Program at SJSU. These activities broaden his horizons, connecting him with like-minded individuals and preparing him for the professional world.

Jason’s dream job involves his commitment to societal betterment, significantly to the transportation sector. ​​He envisions a future where transportation is not just efficient but also sustainable, playing a crucial role in combating climate change. Jason’s journey and dreams are not just for himself but for a family, a community, and a society. We wish Jason the best in his future endeavors and are honored to have Jason Corona here at SJSU College of Engineering as a student.

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!!!

2024 Black Engineering of The Year award (BEYA)

Ken Washington has recently won the 2024 Black Engineering of The Year award (BEYA). He is the former VP of Lockheed Martin, Ford, and Amazon Lab126, currently, he is the Chief Technology and Innovation Officer at Medtronic, leading the 100,000-employee company. He got his bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in nuclear engineering. In 2020 and 2023, he was inducted into both the National Academy of Engineering and the Black Engineer Hall of Fame.

During Ken’s acceptance speech, he expresses gratitude for those who have walked the stage before him and how his first BEYA attendance was somewhat 20 years ago, when he was amazed by all the engineering professionals that he saw himself looking like. He emphasizes that the young engineers of today should be curious and learn everything they can, especially in an age of A.I., reflecting that this advice has helped him to jump from sectors like core computing experts to internal combustion engines to smart devices to smart home devices and making new connections along the way.

Finally, he thanks his family for nurturing and inspiring him, especially his dad, Dr. Roosevelt Washington, Jr., in always prioritizing and advocating his higher education career.

SJSU vs Colorado State

RSVP form

ATTENTION, SJSU ENGINEERING STUDENTS! Get ready to turn up the heat and unleash your Spartan spirit! Join us for an electrifying afternoon as we rally together to cheer on our phenomenal Women’s Basketball team in a face-off against Colorado State on Saturday, March 2nd!

Set your alarms for 1:00 pm, as the doors swing open, and the excitement begins to build!  Once inside, immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, connecting with current students, faculty, and alumni.

Don’t miss this golden opportunity to forge new connections and show your Spartan pride!

OpenAI “Sora” and it’s possible impact – Prof Ahmed Banafa

Professor Banafa interviews with Fox on the implications of OpenAI’s latest breakthrough, Sora. In this piece, he explores potential applications, such as in marketing and education, while addressing concerns about misinformation. He emphasizes the need for regulatory oversight and proactive measures to mitigate risks, comparing approaches in Europe with self-regulatory efforts among US tech companies.

Watch the full Interview…

Black History Month