Student Profile – Mateo Johnson

Mateo Johnson is a fourth year chemical engineering student at San José State University (SJSU) who hopes to use his education to make a real impact on issues like sustainability and energy. Outside of school, he enjoys listening to music, working out, and cooking, often experimenting with new recipes when meal prepping for the week.
Mateo grew up in Santa Cruz, California, and spent part of his childhood in San Ignacio, Bolivia, where his mom is from. His parents’ stories had a big influence on him. “My mom immigrated from Bolivia, selling all of her belongings to buy the plane ticket here, and worked multiple jobs for years to build a better life from the ground up,” he says. His dad earned a Ph.D. in physics, which showed him the value of higher education and inspired him to keep pushing toward his goals.
In high school, Mateo’s interest in science grew after taking a chemistry class with a teacher who was passionate about the subject. That class helped him realize that chemical engineering could connect his curiosity for science with his desire to solve real-world problems. He recently interned on a research project that focused on breaking down polystyrene, a plastic widely used in package materials like styrofoam. He tested a new technique that uses radical initiators to cut polymer chains at lower temperatures, and gained experience in running experiments, analyzing data, and presenting results.
Mateo says the project gave him valuable insight into how research can address real environmental issues and confirmed his goal of pursuing a career in sustainability. “Every semester, I’ve tried to challenge myself a little bit further, whether that be through tougher class loads or extracurricular commitments,” he explains. “What I’ve learned is that there will always be apprehension when facing something unfamiliar, but putting yourself in places of discomfort always leads to the greatest growth opportunities.”
Looking ahead, Mateo plans to pursue a master’s degree abroad in chemical engineering and continue working on projects related to energy and sustainability. He hopes to use his technical skills to create solutions that make a lasting, positive impact on both people and the environment.
SJSU and Cadence Partner to Power the Next Generation of Engineers

Image courtesy of Brian Anderson
On October 10, 2025, Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University was buzzing with purpose during “Cadence on Campus Day,” a full-day event that marked a major step forward in the university’s ongoing collaboration with Cadence Design Systems. The event brought together students, faculty, and Cadence experts and focused on connection, innovation, and a shared commitment to preparing tomorrow’s engineering leaders.
The event opened with a high-level meeting between SJSU leadership—including President Cynthia Teniente-Matson and Dean of Engineering Sheryl Ehrman—and Cadence representatives KT Moore, VP of Corporate Marketing, and Nicole Johnson, President of the Cadence Giving Foundation. Among other Cadence staff, they were joined by recent SJSU alumna Umama Oishi (BS Electrical Engineering, ’25), now an Application Engineer at Cadence. Umama is a living example of the partnership’s impact on student careers.
A major highlight of the morning came when Nicole Johnson announced a new multi-year commitment from the Cadence Giving Foundation to support SJSU’s engineering initiatives. This investment not only deepens Cadence’s partnership with the university, but also ensures that students will have greater access to hands-on opportunities and industry-connected research for years to come.
Cadence leaders shared how the company is expanding beyond its core in semiconductor design to embrace fast-growing areas like computational fluid dynamics (CFD), multiphysics simulation, and digital twin technologies. These tools are essential in areas like data center design and AI infrastructure, critical industries where future SJSU grads will play key roles. For students, proficiency in these cutting-edge tools means stepping into high-impact roles across sectors.
SJSU faculty rose to the occasion, showcasing how the university’s research aligns with Cadence’s innovation goals. Presentations from Electrical Engineering Chair David Parent, Professor Hiu-Yung Wong and Assistant Professor Mike Nguyen, along with Mechanical Engineering Chair Hohyun Lee and Associate Professor Farzan Kazemifar, delved into topics like workforce development, advanced chip design, thermal management and system modeling. Aerospace Professor Periklis Papadopoulos showcased applications of CFD in cubesat and Mars mission research. The sessions sparked active dialogue about collaborative research and new educational pathways.
The energy continued with a networking lunch and career panel, where Cadence leaders CFD R&D Fellow Frank Ham and Group Sales Director Sherman Ikemoto (BS Mechanical Engineering, ’86) shared their personal stories and industry insights with students.
In the afternoon, Cadence guests toured key facilities where their strategic visions will come to life: the Spartan Racing Formula SAE shop, the Cadence IC Design Lab (originally donated in 2002), and the future site of SJSU’s new Digital Twin Lab.
“Cadence on Campus Day” was more than an event, it was a powerful demonstration of what industry and academic collaboration can achieve. With Cadence’s continued support, SJSU students are being equipped not just for jobs, but to lead the future of engineering in Silicon Valley and beyond.
Spartan Flight: SJSU’s Drone Dream Team Takes Off
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).
Born and raised in San José and a graduate of Evergreen Valley High School, Ben is driven by the rapid advancements in drone and aerial vehicle technology. Inspired by companies like Archer (urban air mobility) and Skydio (AI-powered drones for emergency response), he saw a gap at SJSU: no student-led team focused on engineering UAVs with a focus on autonomy. So, with fellow co-founder Andy Van, he built one from the ground up.
Starting Spartan Flight wasn’t easy. With no funding during their first summer build cycle, Ben and his team invested over $1,000 each out of pocket to bring their vision to life. Without institutional support, they had to be meticulous, which meant that every technical decision came with financial consequences. That pressure taught the team the value of careful planning, risk assessment, and resource management, valuable lessons no classroom could replicate.
Now, the team is working toward its first major milestone: competing in the Student Unmanned Aerial Systems (SUAS) Competition in Oklahoma in September 2026. And while they’ve been resourceful so far, they need more support—not just to finish the drone, but to ensure that every team member can afford to travel and compete.
Spartan Flight club offers more than hands-on engineering experience. It gives SJSU students the opportunity to solve real-world, interdisciplinary problems that combine mechanical, electrical, and software engineering; from computer vision and photogrammetry, to sensor fusion and GPS-denied localization.
The Spartan Flight club is an opportunity to:
- Work on cutting-edge R&D in areas like swarm coordination and visual odometry.
- Get recruited directly by top aerospace and UAV companies at national competitions.
- Build a drone and an engineering team entirely from scratch—a rare and valuable experience for any aspiring engineer.
The team is actively seeking new members, collaborations with other SJSU clubs (like IEEE), industry mentors, and funding partners. They’re also planning community outreach, including showcasing their technology to local high schools to spark early interest in UAV engineering. The club’s first general meeting is on Thursday, October 23 in ENG 338 from 6 to 7pm.
Spartan Flight isn’t just another club, it’s a launchpad for the next generation of UAV engineers. Whether you’re a student looking to apply your skills, an industry professional ready to mentor, or a supporter who wants to help fund the future of drone innovation at SJSU—now is the time to get involved!
Prof. Ahmed Banafa – US and China Lead AI Efforts
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.
Read the full story…
Help shape the future of SJSU: Take the Sense of Community Survey!
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.
Open now through Monday, October 27, 2025
Don’t miss this chance to be heard. Real change starts with your voice. Fill out the survey.
Global Technology Institute Study Abroad Program
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 GTI program website. The deadline to apply is Friday, October 31, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.. Apply now to seize the chance to expand your horizons!