Student Profile – Ricardo Geusen

For biomedical engineering student Ricardo Geusen, curiosity and family inspiration led him toward a career focused on improving people’s health through innovation. Now as a sophomore at San José State University (SJSU), Ricardo balances his studies with an active lifestyle that includes working out, hiking, visiting the Lick Observatory, and attending Spartan football games.
Born and raised in Santa Rosa, California, Ricardo grew up in a family that valued both education and creativity. His father, a professional engineer, sparked his early passion in the field. “He would tell me about the projects he was working on at work and they were always so interesting and cool to me,” Ricardo says. “The products he makes help people feel better, which felt like he was doing something fulfilling.”
That inspiration guided Ricardo to an internship with Shockwave Medical, where he worked as a Research and Development intern. His main focus was on a next-generation intravascular lithotripsy balloon catheter, a device used to treat calcium buildup in arteries. He designed and prototyped fixtures using SolidWorks, performed lab testing, wrote detailed engineering reports, and presented his findings to the research and development team. The experience deepened his passion for the field. Reflecting on his time at Shockwave, he shares, “I’m even more focused on becoming a full-time research and development engineer at a medical device company after receiving my degree.”
Ricardo was drawn to Shockwave Medical for its innovation and real-world impact. He admired the company’s leadership in catheter technology and found the environment both supportive and inspiring. The team’s passion and willingness to help reinforced his own motivation to keep learning and improving his skills.
Looking ahead, Ricardo hopes to continue working in medical device research and development, creating technologies that make a meaningful difference in people’s lives. His goal is to help design devices that not only succeed on the market but also improve health outcomes for patients around the world.
SJSU College of Engineering Honors Student Scholars and Donors at Annual Luncheon
The Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University hosted its annual Scholarship Luncheon to celebrate the achievements of student scholars and the generosity of donors who make their success possible.
Associate Dean Nicole Okamoto opened the event, explained the agenda, welcomed guests and introduced Dean Sheryl Ehrman, who expressed deep gratitude to donors for “removing barriers, opening doors, and fueling futures.” Dean Ehrman recognized individual, family, and corporate supporters whose contributions fund dozens of scholarships that directly impact students’ educational journeys.
SJSU President Dr. Cynthia Teniente-Matson reflected on the power of access and opportunity, noting that “talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.” She praised the donors’ role in uplifting the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs, emphasizing how SJSU engineers are shaping Silicon Valley’s future.
Associate Dean Okamoto shared that the college awarded nearly 190 scholarships this year, supporting students in one of the university’s most rigorous disciplines: Engineering. “Scholarships free our students to focus on learning, innovating, and giving back,” she said, highlighting the impact of hands-on clubs, research teams, and mentorship programs.
Student speakers Tinsae Woldemichael (Electrical Engineering) and Rishi Sheth (Computer Engineering) shared how scholarship support and real-world engineering experiences have shaped their goals and resilience and reflects the impact of donor generosity.
Closing the event, Associate Dean Okamoto emphasized the powerful connection between students and donors, noting that scholarships do more than support academics—they empower students to pursue ambitious goals, develop their skills, and contribute back to their communities. Scholarship supporters were encouraged to continue nurturing these relationships and were invited to return on April 13, 2026 for the College’s Showcase and Celebration, where they can see firsthand the innovative projects and accomplishments their support makes possible.
SJSU Engineering Students Plug Into Apple’s Future of Innovation

Photo courtesy Brian Anderson, ’24 MFA Digital Media Art
Ten standout San José State University engineering and computer science students have joined Apple’s first-ever Next-Gen Innovators Mentorship Program — a ten-month experience pairing SJSU sophomores and juniors with Apple’s world-class hardware engineering mentors. Through monthly collaborations, résumé and interview workshops, and career guidance, students gain insider access to how Apple designs and builds its cutting-edge technology.
For Sandra Ramirez (’27 Mechanical Engineering), the program is both professional and personal. “Being a Mexican female in engineering is intimidating,” she said. “This is about my community — inspiring other girls to pursue STEM. My mentor designs hardware, and I can’t wait to learn how the industry really works.”
Marl Jonson (’28 Computer Science), the son of Filipino immigrants, sees it as a chance to level up: “When I heard about the mentorship, I knew I had to apply. I owe it to myself to make the most of these connections at Apple.”
Apple executive Chris Vieira encouraged students to rely on each other and stay true to Apple’s mission of creating technology that enriches lives. Dean Sheryl Ehrman of SJSU’s College of Engineering added, “I’m excited to see our students participating in Apple’s Next-Gen Innovators Mentorship program and I’m grateful to Apple for their support.”
Bottom line: SJSU’s brightest engineers now have a front-row seat to Apple’s innovation engine — and they’re ready to design the future.
Read the full story on the SJSU blog.
Prof. Ahmed Banafa – Fears of an AI Bubble Rise in Bay Area
At San Francisco’s Dreamforce 2025 conference, excitement about artificial intelligence is mixed with growing concern about a possible “AI bubble”. Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff announced a $15 billion plan to make the Bay Area the world’s AI capital. However, journalist Andrew Ross Sorkin warned that the rapid rise in AI investments could lead to an economic crash similar to 1929 if profits don’t match the hype. UC Berkeley professor Olaf Groth said the next year will be critical for proving AI’s long term value. SJSU professor Ahmad Banafa, though, believes major companies like Microsoft and Google are strong enough to prevent a collapse.
John Herrington: First Native American Astronaut
John Herrington is a Chickasaw Nation citizen, naval aviator, and engineer who made history as the first Native American to travel to space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor in 2002.
Herrington’s journey began with a fascination for flight, inspired by his father, a flight instructor. After earning his degree and training as a naval aviator, he logged over 3,800 flight hours before being selected as a mission specialist by NASA in 1996. He completed three spacewalks, helped assemble the International Space Station, and even participated in underwater missions to test survival systems.
Herrington carried symbols of his Chickasaw heritage with him, such as tribal flag, an eagle feather, and a Cherokee-made flute. Today, Herrington continues to inspire future generations as a science storyteller, encouraging Native youth to explore careers in STEM and engineering, and challenging stereotypes of what it means to be Native American.

Amazon recently introduced new AI-powered technology to improve delivery speed and worker safety at its Milpitas Delivery Hub. The company showcased smart glasses that help drivers identify packages and detect hazards, along with two AI systems called Blue Jay and Project Eluna to manage warehouse operations. These tools are designed to make deliveries faster and more efficient through automation. Ahmed Banafa, a professor at SJSU, said that while AI boosts accuracy and efficiency, it could also replace some jobs unless workers learn new skills. Overall, Amazon’s innovations show how artificial intelligence is transforming the future of work and delivery.
This November, the SJSU College of Engineering celebrates Native American Heritage Month by honoring Mary G. Ross, the first Native American woman engineer. A member of the Cherokee Nation, Ross broke barriers, when she became the first woman engineer at Lockheed Missiles and Space Company, which is now known as Lockheed Martin, in 1942. She played a key role in aerospace projects, including plans for missions to Mars and Venus, during a time where few women worked in engineering.

Bitcoin and Ethereum are at risk because quantum computers could break their current encryption, ECDSA, within the next decade. Mysten Labs warns that without upgrades to post-quantum cryptography, attackers could steal funds from users’ wallets. Professor Ahmed Banafa at SJSU explains that fixing this requires hard forks, which are complicated and involve creating new wallet addresses and moving funds. Some newer blockchains like Solana and Sui are better prepared because they use quantum-resistant encryption methods. Experts say the crypto community needs to act quickly, or millions of wallets could become vulnerable.


Meet Ben Nguyen, a second-year Computer Engineering major at San José State University, and the co-founder and current president of Spartan Flight, SJSU’s first student organization dedicated to building autonomous drones and unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
A recent United Nations report found that just 100 companies, mostly in the United States and China, are responsible for 40% of the world’s AI research and development. The UN aims to boost global cooperation and help developing countries access AI to improve areas like healthcare, agriculture, and business. San José State University professor Ahmad Banafa explained that AI can help small businesses and individuals strengthen their economies by making work faster and more efficient. However, there are growing concerns about how AI should be governed worldwide. Both China and the United States are creating plans for global AI cooperation to ensure technology benefits people everywhere.
This quick survey is your chance to speak up about what matters most: how we build a more welcoming, inclusive, and connected Spartan community. Your feedback will directly impact the university’s priorities—from campus services to programs and future investments.
The SJSU College of Engineering’s Global Technology Initiative (GTI) gives students a unique opportunity to gain a global perspective on technology, business, and entrepreneurship through a summer study abroad program in Taiwan. Participants get to engage in lectures, projects, field trips, and cultural experiences. All program expenses, including airfare, accommodations, and program fees, are covered by the College of Engineering, with students only responsible for food costs. To learn more about eligibility and application requirements, visit the 
The Navigate Your Way to a Career in Semiconductors event at SJSU focused on the growing energy demands of AI and career opportunities in the semiconductor industry. Attendees participated in an interactive tech challenge hosted by the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) and Global Technology Institute (GTI) and learned interesting facts about semiconductors. A panel of industry experts discussed strategies for improving chip design, energy efficiency, and data center performance. The event ended with networking and refreshments, giving participants a chance to connect with professionals from leading semiconductor companies.
Artificial intelligence has become a major focus for governments worldwide as they compete to control data, talent, and technology. This growing movement, called “sovereign AI,” was discussed by SJSU Professor Ahmed Banafa in a Jefferies webinar. Banafa explained that sovereign AI means a country developing and managing its own AI systems to stay independent and secure. The U.S., China, and the European Union are leading this race, while countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE are quickly catching up through major investments. Although sovereign AI can boost national security and jobs, Banafa noted that it also brings high costs, risk of bias, and global competition that could slow innovation.
TransCrypts, a blockchain-based digital identity startup, recently raised $15 million to expand beyond employment credentials into health and educational records. The platform allows employees to securely own and share their verified records, freeing HR teams from sole control while keeping personal data private. Founded in 2020, TransCrypts already serves hundreds of enterprises and millions of users, offering blockchain-based background checks and encrypted credential storage. With AI-driven fraud on the rise, the company’s mission to give individuals full ownership of their digital identity has never been more relevant. Looking ahead, TransCrypts plans to strengthen enterprise partnerships and expand into healthcare. Students interested in learning more can attend the 