Outstanding Graduates
At the close of the fall and spring semesters, the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering recognizes select members of the graduating class for demonstrating academic excellence, extraordinary leadership and community service.
Students chosen as Outstanding Graduates are honored for their exemplary academic performance and participation in activities that enhance their engineering skills. Students receiving the IMPACT Award have been singled out for their leadership, volunteer and service roles that positively impact their communities.
These exceptional students have excelled in research, public service, entrepreneurship and outreach. From founding startups and student orgs to entering the workforce and pursuing advanced degrees, their efforts will leave a lasting impact on the Fulton Schools community, Arizona and around the world.
Read about the exceptional graduates of the fall 2019 class below.
Outstanding graduates
James Arnold
BSE in mechanical engineering
James Arnold has a passion for engineering, especially for seeing things built from the ground up.
Aidan Bjelland
BSE in civil engineering
Aidan Bjelland always enjoyed building with LEGO bricks growing up and dreamed of a career in architecture.
Cassandra Jolynn Buffington
BS in environmental and resource management
Cassandra Jolynn Buffington is passionate about helping the environment and found her home in the environmental and resource management program.
Darrell Gill
BS in technological entrepreneurship and management
The Starbucks College Achievement Program Scholarship enabled Darrell Gill to earn an undergraduate degree after financial constraints prevented him from finishing 19 years ago.
Andrew Gin
BS in human systems engineering
Andrew Gin’s decision on where to go to school was easy — he lived all around Arizona and both of his parents are Arizona State University alumni.
Randy Grivel
BSE in engineering management
Randy Grivel had dual objectives in mind when he was deciding where to go to college — being attractive to employers and gaining technical expertise.
Cory Kehoe
BSE in construction engineering with a minor in military leadership
As a veteran interested in construction engineering, the Fulton Schools was an easy choice for Arizona native Cory Kehoe.
Daniel Kulenkamp
BS in computer science
Daniel Kulenkamp says he has always been obsessed with computers, so pursuing a degree in computer science was a natural extension of that fascination.
Noah Kurus
BSE in aerospace engineering
Noah Kurus has always been enthralled with the concept of airplanes and other flying machines. Growing up, he wanted to be a pilot, but found his niche in aerospace engineering.
Jonathan Lisena
BS in information technology
It was during a tour of The Polytechnic School that Jonathan Lisena realized Arizona State University was the best school for him.
Jake Mendiola
BSE in electrical engineering
Jake Mendiola plans to use his long-held interest in computer hardware and the experiences he's gained at ASU to help make a difference in the world.
Hannah Pebler
BS in aviation management and human factors
Having balanced the demands of being both a mother and a full-time college student, Hannah Pebler says making it to graduation day is a great reward in itself.
Suzanne Schadel
BSE in environmental engineering
Suzanne Schadel's choice to major in environmental engineering made her one of the first four students to earn that degree from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
Ethan Secklin
BSE in engineering (mechanical engineering systems)
Ethan Secklin first chose engineering because he was good in physics, but became enthralled by how things work — from new and exciting technologies to everyday objects.
Monica Welfert
BSE in computer systems engineering
Monica Welfert chose to major in computer systems engineering so she could work in a dynamic, impactful industry that finds solutions to society’s critical challenges.
Hudson Whillock
BSE in industrial engineering
Hudson Whillock says the most rewarding experience of his undergraduate years has been seeing all of his hard work pay off.
Breanna Wright
BS in graphic information technology
Breanna Wright discovered her inclination toward the graphic arts after starting out as an education major at Chandler-Gilbert Community College.
Shandiin Yessilth
BS in construction management
Shandiin Yessilth (Yiisił in Navajo) found her passion in construction management after completing her first internship with the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community.
Impact Award winners
Yousef Alroomi
BSE in industrial engineering
Yousef Alroomi came to Arizona State University on a scholarship because ASU provides “an amazing environment to international students.”
Jessica Barnett
BS in graphic information technology
Jessica Barnett isn’t your typical college student. She’s a first-generation, non-traditional transfer student who returned to school after raising four children.
Olga Hart
PhD in biological design
Olga Hart’s journey to a doctoral degree started as an undergraduate civil engineering major in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering.
David Branson Jr.
BSE in engineering management
David Branson Jr. decided to go back to school when he learned Arizona State University offered engineering degrees delivered online.
Michael Kuntz
BSE in mechanical engineering
For Michael Kuntz, balancing the demands of working a co-op job in Tucson while building a racecar in Tempe helped him realize just how much he enjoyed engineering.
Tristan Le
MS in computer science
When Tristan Le arrived as a freshman at Arizona State University, he had no prior experience writing computer code, but that’s exactly what he wanted to learn.
Cesar Tamayo
BSE in computer systems engineering
While dedicated to his studies, Cesar Tamayo quickly realized the importance of learning outside the classroom to be a successful engineer.
Convocation speakers
Kelly Mitchell
BS in information technology
After earning a degree in business law with a minor in economics, a suggestion from a friend to take an entry-level computer networking class led Kelly Mitchell to find a new career aspiration.
Dean’s Dissertation Award Winners
Christopher Miranda
PhD in biomedical engineering
Engineering doctoral candidate Christopher Miranda conducts research focused on utilizing the phenomenon for deep tissue imaging and neural applications.
Anjali Mulchandani
PhD in environmental engineering
Anjali Mulchandani explored a variety of fields in her academic career, including microbiology, and environmental engineering. She eventually combined the fields to conduct research in environmental microbiology.