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Student Profile – Abel Atsbaha

Abel Atsbaha is a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at San José State University who is driven by innovation and a vision to improve the efficiency of modern technology, especially for medical and automotive devices. Originally from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Abel moved to the United States in 2019, becoming the first in his family to pursue higher education in the U.S..

Inspired early on by his father’s work as a civil engineer, he was fascinated by the way ideas on paper could be transformed into real-world structures. His interest solidified in high school through a biology class, sparking his desire to explore medical applications like surgical robotics—leading him to pursue Mechanical Engineering with a focus on mechatronics.

Last summer, Abel interned at Sunbelt Controls in their rotational program that exposed him to multiple disciplines within building automation. As a controls design engineer, he got to work on designing a control system and creating intuitive Human-Machine Interface graphics. He also got to use Direct Digital Control (DDC) to implement electrical interfaces, converting a design into functional systems. The internship sharpened both his technical skills and his appreciation for interdisciplinary teamwork. “These experiences inspired me to think beyond building automation,” Abel says, “motivating me to explore applications of dynamics and control systems in the medical and automotive sectors.”

Abel credits the welcoming and supportive culture at Sunbelt Controls for making his internship experience truly meaningful. “They were very welcoming and open to answering questions, whether it be technical, professional, or even personal,” he says. He discovered the opportunity during the Spring 2024 SJSU Career Fair, in a conversation with a fellow Spartan alumni recruiter.

Reflecting on his growth at SJSU, Abel is most proud of the persistence and adaptability he’s developed. “Whenever I face a challenge, I see it as an opportunity to learn” he shares. For students aspiring to follow a similar path, networking is one of Abel’s biggest points of advice. Whether on LinkedIn, at career fairs, or even with classmates, these connections will help you showcase your interests and technical skills.

Abel aspires to work in medical technology, focusing on developing surgical devices that enhance patient outcomes. He’s also eager to contribute to the development of suspension systems and Advanced Driver-Assistance Systems (ADAS), working to create safer and more efficient vehicles.

Biomedical Conference Recap

At the April 2, 2025, Bay Area Biomedical Device Conference at San Jose State University, attendees had an opportunity to get a glimpse into the latest advances in medical device technologies and regulations.

Dean Sheryl Ehrman from SJSU College of Engineering kicked off the event, followed by speakers from organizations such as Genentech, Intuitive Surgical, Medtronic, NASA, Santa Clara University, and Stanford.

In the afternoon an industry panel made up of representatives from Butterfly Biosciences, Kaiser Permanente, PROCEPT BioRobotics and STG Law Firm came together to discuss AI and Biomedical Devices: Challenges and Opportunities. The panel was moderated by Joe Grzywacz of the SJSU College of Health and Human Sciences.

College of Engineering Biomedical Engineering Department Chair, Dr. Alessandro Bellofiore, closed the event. A big thank you to Professors Lin Jiang, Yun Wang, student organizer Aaheli Das, and the rest of the student volunteers for making this event a success. Also, thank you to the sponsors: Steri-Tek, MTM, WESTPAK, and APOMed Consultants for their support of the event.

API & SWANA Heritage Month – SJSU Events

As we near the end of the academic year, SJSU invites you to celebrate Asian & Pacific Islander (API) Heritage Month and Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) Heritage Month this April. While API Heritage Month is nationally observed in May, we honor these rich histories through these events in April to align with our academic calendar.

Trump Extends Deadline for a TikTok Deal – Featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa (KTVU FOX 2)

TikTok, the famous social media platform was banned briefly back in January due to national security risks, however, President Trump signed an executive order extending the deadline for ByteDance to sell the platform to an American company.  This deadline was passed on April 5th, causing the President to issue another executive order to extend it. Listen to Professor Ahmed Banafa explain what President Trump’s deadline extension means for TikTok.

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Student Profile – Aleeza Huraira

Aleeza Huraira is a junior majoring in Computer Engineering at San José State University. Currently, she serves as the president of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) at SJSU, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women in engineering and technology to reach their full potential. As president, Aleeza is committed to creating an interdisciplinary, inclusive, and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can connect and build a strong community.  Outside of SJSU, she has gained valuable experience in both software and hardware engineering through internships at Uber and Advantest. Watch her full interview now!

Inspiring 2025 WiE Conference

On March 15 over 500 individuals came together at the 11th annual Women in Engineering (WiE) conference to see the latest trends, hear from leaders in industry, and network. This year’s theme was “Engineering a New Era of Possibilities.” The morning kicked off with Dean Sheryl Ehrman welcoming all attendees, which was followed by remarks from representatives from Stanford, Google Deepmind, and TSMC. There were several breakout sessions throughout the day including: Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics and Healthcare, Biomedical, and Aerospace, to name a few.

Motivation for Attending WiE

Esperanza Marguez, a San José City College transfer student now attending SJSU and majoring in chemistry, was curious about the university’s engineering program. She also wanted to make new connections at the conference and enjoyed being at an event where women in STEM were being highlighted.

Ann Jojo, a software engineering major at CSU Monterey Bay, hoped to meet more women in the computer science field to help her decide what sector of technology to go into after graduation. “I hope to make a great impact and change people’s lives someday,” she said.

Ron Paige, who happens to be the only African American math professor in the history of City College of San Francisco (CCSF), wants to see an increase in the number of underrepresented individuals in STEM. He rallied students at CCSF to be at WiE so they could be in a space where they could see their potential. “We can learn so much from each other, and I want to encourage everyone to continue exploring and keep those relationships going like the ones that are created at the conference,” he added.

Areesha Imtiaz, a junior computer science student attending Cal Poly Pomona, wanted to make connections at the conference in order to secure an internship.

Heba Alazzeh, who is currently a student at the College of San Mateo, came to the conference because she’s passionate about technology and STEM and wanted to connect with more women in the field. “It’s great to see women supporting, uplifting, and inspiring one another at a conference like WiE,” she said.

Javier Aginiga Alvarez, a physics major at Sacramento City College who hopes to transfer to one of the four-year universities that includes SJSU, wanted to see inspiration from those who don’t always get the first chance. “I’m a big believer in women and this is an event that’s empowering,” he explained.

Javier’s outlook in wanting to see women succeed was forged in growing up with a mother and sister, but no male influence in his immediate family. Seeing how important his mother and sister were in his life gave him a perspective on having women in STEM and beyond. Seeing the innovation and networking that the women at WiE brought to the table was inspiring to him. “It’s very important that men and women work together in the STEM area because each individual brings a different perspective to the workplace or project. No matter if you are a man or a woman, keep following your dreams!”

Thank You, Sponsors

Thanks to all the volunteers, speakers, and attendees for making the 2025 WiE conference another successful event. Thanks also to the sponsors: The Mark and Carolyn Guidry Women in Engineering Program Fund, Dexcom, Google, Applied Materials, Erika Lockheimer, IBM, Kiewit, KLA, Lockheed Martin, Marvel, and Synopsys for their continued support of the event.

Prof. Ahmed Banafa – 23andMe Data Deletion

Back in October, Bay Area-based genealogy company 23andMe became the victim of a massive data breach, and now, the company is in financial distress. California Attorney General Rob Bonta is warning the 7 million customers who were affected to consider deleting their data. Join KCBS radio news anchor Liz Saint John and Professor Banafa at San José State University who specialize in technology and cybersecurity on how these data can be taken advantage of.

Listen to the interview.

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Student Profile – Bhavagyna Vegunta

As a fourth-year Mechanical Engineering student at San José State University, Bhavagyna Vegunta has built her college journey around exploration, problem-solving, and hands-on experience. She has immersed herself in research, internships, and real-world engineering applications that will shape her career as she graduates this Spring semester. Outside of academics, she enjoys traveling, snowshoeing, and playing tennis.

Growing up in the Bay Area, Bhavagyna was surrounded by a supportive family who encouraged her to follow her passions. Her engineering spark began in Dr. John Lee’s microfluidics research group, where she was able to practice the fundamentals she was learning in class directly on applications. This experience led her to pursue internships in the defense and tech industries, allowing her to refine her interests in mechanical engineering.

Currently, Bhavagyna is interning at Tesla on the End-Of-Line Optimus actuators team, where she is contributing to the development of Tesla’s humanoid robot, Optimus. Her experience was transformative, pushing her growth as an engineer by applying problem-solving skills in a high-paced environment. Working alongside experienced engineers has deepened her technical expertise and strengthened her ability to implement real-world solutions. She appreciates the fast-paced culture at Tesla, especially within her team, as they inspired her with their dedication of pushing the technological boundaries.

To students aspiring to land similar roles, she advises them to step outside their comfort zones, stay persistent, and continuously seek learning opportunities. Another thing to think about is to schedule your classes strategically each semester. Bhavagyna was able to take on a full-time internship opportunity during the spring semester because of this.

After graduating, Bhavagyna hopes to be part of an engaging and inclusive team like the one she is currently part of. Working on Optimus has been a dream come true for her, and she envisions a future where she continues contributing to groundbreaking projects that merge engineering and innovation.

Women History Month – 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion

National Archives

In honor of Women’s History Month, we want to recognize the remarkable contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the “Six Triple Eight.” Composed primarily of Black women, along with members of Caribbean and Mexican descent, this battalion was the only all-Black women’s unit to serve overseas during World War II. Led by Major Charity Adams, the highest-ranking Black female officer, the 6888th was tasked with clearing a massive backlog of undelivered mail for U.S. troops stationed in Europe. Facing harsh working conditions and racial discrimination, the women of the 6888th worked tirelessly in shifts, processing over 65,000 pieces of mail per shift and boosting the morale of millions of soldiers with their motto, “No mail, low morale.”

Despite their critical role in supporting the war effort, the women of the 6888th received little recognition upon returning home in 1946. However, their legacy of perseverance and excellence was later honored with numerous accolades, including the Congressional Gold Medal awarded in 2022. As we celebrate Women’s History Month, we honor the courage and dedication of the 6888th Battalion and their lasting impact on history. Read their full story now!

CommUniverCity Campus Tour

Over the past two weeks, CommUniverCity partnered with the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering at San José State University (SJSU) to introduce over 120 middle school students to real-world engineering applications through interactive activities. Students explored aviation and aerospace engineering by adjusting weight distributions on foam airplanes and experimented with temperature effects on polymers using Silly Putty and ice water, connecting the lesson to the Space Shuttle Challenger disaster. They also learned about various undergraduate majors offered by the College of Engineering, sparking curiosity about potential future careers.

Prof. Ahmed Banafa – AI Regulations

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing industries and societies, offering incredible advancements in healthcare, economic growth, and scientific discovery. ​ However, the lack of regulatory frameworks and ethical guidelines poses significant risks, including bias, misinformation, surveillance, job displacement, cybersecurity threats, and existential dangers. Ahmed Banafa explores the urgent need for AI regulations to ensure transparency, accountability, and ethical development while balancing innovation and societal values. Read the full article now!

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SJSU Day of Giving

SJSU’s 1857 Minutes of Giving is on March 11-12, and we’re aiming to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Mark your calendar and join us in making a positive impact on our SJSU community. Your support will help us achieve our goals and contribute to the thriving community we all cherish. We appreciate your consideration and support. Together, let’s make SJSU’s 1857 Minutes of Giving a success and bring our project to life!

Student Profile – Caroline Glaser

Caroline Glaser, a junior mechanical engineering student at San José State University, believes that engineering is more than just equations and theoretical models—it’s a tool for real-world problem-solving and sustainability. Currently, she is working at the Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC), a program under the US Department of Energy where she provides energy assessments to manufacturers to optimize energy efficiency in their operations. Caroline also leads the newly founded Fixit Clinic at SJSU, applying her engineering knowledge in ways that make a tangible impact. Outside of academics, she finds balance through music, playing guitar, piano, bass, and drums to clear her mind and focus.

A native of the East Bay in the San Francisco Bay Area, Caroline comes from a family deeply rooted in education and science. She grew up surrounded by curiosity and problem-solving, and her fascination with how everyday objects function led her to mechanical engineering—a field that blends science, creativity, and problem-solving to improve daily life. As one of the 12% of women in SJSU’s mechanical engineering department, Caroline is motivated to push boundaries and make meaningful contributions to the industry.

Inspired by her experiences attending repair events hosted by the Fixit Clinic and seeing how everyday objects are designed internally, she recognized the need for engineering students to engage with real-world applications beyond theoretical coursework. After reaching out to Fixit Clinic’s founder, she was given the opportunity to establish a branch at SJSU, where students and community members can repair broken household items while developing their technical skills. She stated, “I believe that understanding how and why everyday objects fail can help future engineers design more durable and sustainable products.”

The first Fixit Clinic event was a resounding success, with 20 Fixit Coaches and student volunteers repairing over 35 items. Caroline played a pivotal role in organizing the event, recruiting volunteers, coordinating logistics, outreach with faculty and staff to promote the event, and now forging partnerships with the City of San José to expand the clinic’s impact beyond campus. Seeing students grow in confidence in their hands-on problem-solving skills and repairing everyday items has been one of the most rewarding aspects of her leadership.
These experiences taught Caroline how to think critically, handle unexpected changes, and work collaboratively in a team, “while technical knowledge is the foundation of engineering, I’ve learned that being able to clearly explain complex concepts and collaborate with others is equally as important,” she says.

For future leaders of the Fixit Clinic, Caroline emphasizes the importance of teamwork, collaboration, and interdisciplinary partnerships. Bringing together engineers, marketing students, and event management teams has strengthened the clinic’s reach and will obtain the Clinic’s long-term success. Looking ahead, she envisions herself working on projects that challenge her technically, fosters innovation in a team setting, and experiences meaningful change in people’s lives with the project.

With a strong foundation in hands-on learning, sustainability, and leadership, Caroline Glaser is guiding future engineering from the classroom and into the real world with one repaired coffee maker at a time.

Interested in joining? Check out SJSU FixItClinic’s Instagram page now!

The Inventions of Women

Olga Gonzalez-Sanabria, a Puerto Rican scientist and engineer, was crucial in developing long-lasting nickel-hydrogen batteries for the International Space Station. As a leader at NASA, her contributions improved battery efficiency, enabling spacecraft and satellites to store and use energy more effectively in space, which is a vital factor in sustaining human space exploration.

Florence Parpart, an American inventor, patented the modern electric refrigerator in 1914. Her invention revolutionized food preservation and household convenience. It replaced the icebox, making it easier for families to store food safely for longer periods.

Ellen Ochoa, an astronaut and optical engineer, co-invented an optical analysis system that enhances image processing to detect flaws in repeating patterns. This innovation has improved quality control in manufacturing and space-based imaging. Ochoa later became the first Hispanic woman in space and the first female director of NASA’s Johnson Space Center.

Swiss physicist Ursula Keller invented the semiconductor saturable-absorber mirror (SESAM), a breakthrough in ultrafast laser technology. This innovation allows lasers to produce extremely short pulses, which are essential in fields like telecommunications, medical imaging, and precision manufacturing. Keller’s work has significantly advanced laser technology, making high-speed optical applications more efficient and accessible.

Sensate AI: Revolutionizing Human-Machine Interaction with Multisensory Intelligence – Prof Ahmed Banafa

What if artificial intelligence (AI) could see, hear, touch, taste, and talk to experience the world just like we do? Enter Sensate AI, a groundbreaking leap that blurs the line between machine and human perception. With advanced sensory capabilities inspired by the human brain, this AI can navigate environments, interpret emotions, engage in natural conversations, and even “taste” chemical compositions. The endless possibilities in healthcare diagnostics to immersive education and creative expression.

Read the full article to explore the future of AI-human interaction.

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Read the Latest Issue of the College of Engineering Magazine

SJSU Day of Giving

SJSU’s 1857 Minutes of Giving is on March 11-12, and we’re aiming to make the most of this incredible opportunity. Mark your calendar and join us in making a positive impact on our SJSU community. Your support will help us achieve our goals and contribute to the thriving community we all cherish. We appreciate your consideration and support. Together, let’s make SJSU’s 1857 Minutes of Giving a success and bring our project to life!

Student Profile – Christian Alonso Catano

For Christian Alonso Catano, a first-year master’s student in the Biomedical Engineering SAGE program at San José State University, engineering is more than just a career—it’s a calling. With a deep passion for research and mentorship, Christian has been walking on a path of leadership and academic excellence for the past five years. Outside of SJSU, he enjoys watching anime, reading manga, spending time with family and friends, and keeping up with the English Premier League and the Colombian National Team.

Born and raised in Ventura, California, to Colombian immigrant parents, Christian is the first in his family to pursue higher education. After finishing his master’s, he also plans to pursue his Ph.D. His fascination with biomedical engineering research as a career was sparked by his work in Dr. Patrick Jurney’s lab, where he discovered the profound impact of treating diseases.

Christian’s leadership within the Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES) has been transformative. He was once the president of the Boys and Girls Club’s Keystone Club in high school but after the pandemic, his social skills declined. However, after he joined the BMES club, he was not only able to regain but improve his confidence and social interaction, thanks to the connection he formed with other members.

His position as Vice President of Conference saw him take on the monumental task of organizing the 2024 Bay Area Biomedical Device Conference, an experience he describes as both challenging and rewarding. Through months of meticulous planning and collaboration with a dedicated team, he helped deliver a successful conference that left a lasting impact on the BMES community. He acknowledged that the event would not have been successful without the amazing group leads and volunteers he had. “I owe the conference’s success to them,” he says.

Beyond academics, Christian is deeply passionate about mentorship. As a teaching assistant for multiple BME courses and the head of Dr. Jurney’s research lab, he has since honed his guidance and technical skills. He strives to make complex concepts accessible and fosters an environment of learning and support not just in the classroom but also for BMES club members.

As he prepares to pass the baton to new leadership in BMES, Christian’s advice to future leaders is that the success of one is built on teamwork and communication. “A leader is only as successful as those they are surrounded by,” he says. “My greatest successes have come from working with an incredible team, and my biggest challenges were when I tried to do everything myself.”

In the future, Christian envisions himself earning his Ph.D. and making significant contributions to mechanobiology research with multiple successful publications. He hopes to inspire future engineers, particularly Latino and first-generation students, proving that graduate school and research are achievable paths. “There aren’t many Latino BME professors,” he notes, “and I will feel immense pride in holding that title. I hope it encourages others to follow their own unique paths, whether in academia or industry.”

Science Extravaganza: Igniting the Spark for the Next Generation of STEM Leaders

SOLES Team Members at Science Extravaganza 2025. Photo courtesy of Shelby Matthews.

The Society of Latino Engineers and Scientists (SOLES) recently hosted its 26th annual Science Extravaganza (SE) at San José State University (SJSU), drawing over 300 middle school students from underserved communities across the city of San Jose. This long-running event continues to inspire young minds to explore careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) by providing hands-on workshops and showcasing the diverse opportunities in these fields. This is especially crucial in our current climate where STEM representation is particularly important.

The event took place in various spaces across SJSU, including the Student Union ballroom, meeting rooms, and also College of Engineering classrooms. Young students had the rare opportunity to experience college life firsthand while engaging in exciting workshops facilitated by industry professionals and student volunteers.

Excitement was in the air with students expressing how much they enjoyed the hands-on activities. For some, this was their first engaging exposure to STEM. Teachers in attendance noted how grateful and motivated their students felt after participating in the event. For parents, it was impactful to see firsthand the potential of STEM opportunities that can be made available to their children. With SE providing such an inspiring experience, the event motivated middle schoolers to consider careers in engineering and science, helping them see how these fields could be a reality for them.

The SOLES team attributed a lot of the event’s success to the generous support from industry professionals and volunteers. There were volunteers from SJSU’s College of Engineering as well as from major industry players like Apple, NASA Ames, VISA, Applied Materials, and the Intuitive Foundation. Representatives from these companies led workshops, showcased their expertise, and are great examples showing students that careers in STEM are attainable and can be exciting.

While SE 2025 was a great success, organizers are already thinking ahead to next year. Expanding outreach to more schools, and involving even more volunteers and industry partners are some of the key goals for SE 2026. For the students who attended, the event was not just an exciting day of learning—it was the beginning of a new chapter where they could see themselves as the engineers, scientists, and innovators of tomorrow.

Women’s History Month

Source: Wyld Networks

Hedy Lamarr, born in Austria in 1914, was a Hollywood actress celebrated for her beauty and captivating performances, but few recognize her as a brilliant inventor. Raised in a Jewish family with a banker father and a pianist mother, she displayed early intellectual curiosity in both the arts and sciences. After fleeing an unhappy marriage in 1937, she moved to Hollywood and became a major film star. However, her passion for innovation never faded, and during World War II, she co-invented a groundbreaking technology known as “frequency hopping.”

Working alongside composer George Antheil, Lamarr devised a system that rapidly switched radio frequencies to prevent enemy jamming of Allied torpedoes. Inspired by the mechanics of player pianos, they created a synchronized pattern for transmitters and receivers to communicate securely. Though the U.S. Navy did not immediately implement their invention, the technology later became the foundation for modern wireless communications, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS.

Despite her revolutionary work, Lamarr received little recognition in her lifetime and never profited from her invention. It wasn’t until 2014—14 years after her passing—that she was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. Today, her contributions continue to inspire engineers and scientists, proving that innovation can come from unexpected places.

Read the full story now!

Is Apple’s $500 Billion AI Bet A Smart Strategy Or Overhyped AI Escalation? – featuring Prof. Ahmed Banafa

Apple’s surprise $500 billion AI investment signals a major shift in its strategy, positioning the company as a serious player in the AI arms race alongside Microsoft, Google, and Amazon. But is this massive spending spree sustainable? Professor Banafa highlighted concerns about overhyped AI expectations, energy constraints, and supply chain challenges that could impact Apple’s long-term success.

Read the full article for insights into what Apple’s bold move really means.