Outstanding Graduates
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering recognizes students who have worked diligently to excel academically and contribute to advancing the Fulton Schools mission.
Each semester, the Fulton Schools selects members of the graduating class who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership and community service during their time as students. These exceptional students have excelled in research, public service, entrepreneurship and outreach.
Students chosen as Outstanding Graduates are honored for their exemplary academic performance and participation in activities that enhance their engineering skills. Impact Award winners are selected for their leadership, volunteer and service roles that have positively impacted the communities.
For some of these students, the path to graduation was riddled with unexpected turns, challenges or missteps. But through their perseverance, dedication and finding opportunities to perform outside the classroom, each of these graduates is leaving a lasting impact on the ASU community, Arizona and around the world.
Learn about the exceptional graduates of the Fall 2021 class below.
Outstanding graduates
Payden Brown
BSE in materials science and engineering, BS in computer science
Payden Brown pursued two degree programs to push himself both critically and creatively. After completing graduate school, he plans to apply his skills to green energy generation and storage.
Daniel Bruce
BSE in engineering (mechanical systems engineering)
In addition to excelling in mechanical systems engineering, Daniel Bruce was highly involved in research, the Grand Challenges Scholars Program and student organizations that applied his skills locally and as far as Peru.
Cesar Carreto
BSE in biomedical engineering
Cesar Carreto chose to pursue biomedical engineering to reach his goals of creating prosthetics and bringing science fiction into reality. He was excited by the opportunities in research and development available to him as an undergraduate.
Shawn Clonts
BSE in mechanical systems, MS in manufacturing engineering
Shawn Clonts earned the distinction of graduating with summa cum laude honors. In his career he hopes to contribute to advances in additive manufacturing technology.
Hayley Darling
BS in human systems engineering (user experience)
Hayley Darling found her purpose in human systems engineering, a program that combines psychology, design and engineering into one program. She is excited to earn a degree that will impact the lives of others.
Mertay Dayanc
BS in computer science
Mertay Dayanc is applying his Fulton Schools education in computer science to advance his prize-winning startup business, address real-world problems and improve community life.
Matthew Dobson
BSE in electrical engineering
Outstanding Graduate and Impact Awardee Matthew Dobson had an out-of-this-world experience as an online electrical engineering student with prestigious internships at SpaceX and NASA.
Kara Ferguson
BSE in industrial engineering
Kara Ferguson is captivated by the multifaceted nature of industrial engineering, and plans to apply the skills she has developed to improving distribution and transportation processes
Zachary Garrett
BS in computer science, BSE in engineering management
Zachary Garrett wants to make an impact on the world by helping with the widespread adoption and implementation of automation.
Abraham Gomez
BS in software engineering
Abraham Gomez’s goal is to become a lead software engineer and a software architect, and to lead major design projects from inception to final product deployment.
Karissa Gund
BSE in environmental engineering
Karissa Gund enhanced her studies in environmental engineering with research experiences in medical, hydrological, health and sustainability projects.
Elizabeth Harris
BS in informatics
Elizabeth Harris came to ASU to make a big change and found a new identity in informatics and digital culture. Through the Tooker House community, hackathons and serving as a teaching assistant, they had a rewarding 3.5 years.
Tyler Hatch
BSE in aerospace engineering (aeronautics)
Tyler Hatch loves every facet of math and science and wanted to study something that covered a wide range of topics in those fields. He found that in aerospace engineering.
Gabrielle Hofer
BS in graphic information technology
Gabrielle Hofer wanted a degree where she could express her creativity. She found that in the graphic information technology program and forward to diversifying the GIT industry and supporting others who identify as queer.
Paul Parker IV
BSE in mechanical engineering
Paul Parker IV earned a Scholarship for Merit in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering as an undergraduate. He will soon begin work as an engineer for Northup Grumman Space Systems.
Alexander Jablon
BS in construction management and technology
Alexander Jablon believes his experience at the Fulton Schools has given him a solid foundation to build his career and launch his own residential construction firm.
Trevor Mitchell
BS in aeronautical management technology (professional flight)
Trevor Mitchell always had an interest in becoming a pilot, but his dreams became solidified when he joined the professional flight program. Now he looks forward to taking on the skies as a pilot for a major airline.
Claire Nichols
BS in environmental and resource management
Claire Nichols joined the environmental and resource management degree so she could make an environmental impact. She did just that during her time at ASU and hopes to continue on that path, helping others along the way.
Kellen Rhoads
BSE in construction engineering
Kellen Rhoads has always enjoyed building things and problem-solving. He also wanted to be an engineer, so he pursued a degree in construction engineering.
Brandon Rice
BSE in computer systems engineering
Brandon Rice helped lead the ASU robotics teams and teach other students engineering skills. He will pursue a computer engineering graduate degree at Clemson University.
Monica A Staniszewski
BAS in operations management
Monica Staniszewski earned her degree online while working full-time as a process development leader; she keenly supports the growth and success of other women working in STEM fields.
Tho Tran
BS in information technology
Tho Tran didn’t get a working computer with internet until he was in high school, but he got hooked immediately. Now Tran graduating with a degree in information technology and will begin his career working with computers.
Laurel Wright
BSE in civil engineering
After returning to ASU for post-baccalaureate studies, Laurel Wright’s creativity and curiosity were reenergized by studying civil engineering. By discovering what she was passionate about and overcoming obstacles, she is now ready to be an engineer.
Impact Award winners
Walker Bentley
BSE in electrical engineering
Walker Bentley is graduating summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. As a nontraditional online student, Bentley proves there are many paths to reach your educational goals.
Matthew Dobson
BSE in electrical engineering
Outstanding Graduate and Impact Awardee Matthew Dobson had an out-of-this-world experience as an online electrical engineering student with prestigious internships at SpaceX and NASA.
Gabrielle Hofer
BS in graphic information technology
Gabrielle Hofer wanted a degree where she could express her creativity. She found that in the graphic information technology program and forward to diversifying the GIT industry and supporting others who identify as queer.
Tim Jones
MS in environmental and resource management
For Tim Jones, sustainability is very important, so he chose to pursue a degree in environmental and resource management. The engineering skills he has developed will also help him in his role with the Phoenix Fire Department.
Joe Osterkamp
BSE in industrial engineering
Joe Osterkamp enjoys the interconnected nature of industrial engineering, and he wants to apply his education at the Fulton Schools to support businesses to develop more sustainable output.
Rachael Shantz
BS in aeronautical management technology, air traffic management
Rachael Shantz comes from a family of aviators so joining the air traffic management program was a natural fit. She looks forward to completing her master's degree and starting a career as an air traffic controller, while encourating other women to pursue aviation.
Seline R. Singh
BSE in electrical engineering
Being a remote learner didn’t stop Seline Singh from creating strong connections with her fellow classmates. As the founder of the Sun Devil Engineers social club, she built a network that benefits traditional and online students alike.
Daniel Vergara
BSE in engineering management
Daniel Vergara got technical and business experiences through roles with ASU’s Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers chapter and by tutoring fellow students.
Convocation speakers
Adwith Malpe
MS in computer engineering (computer systems)
Adwith Malpe learned to develop a growth mindset by learning from mistakes rather than avoiding them. Now that he's graduating with his master's degree, Malpe plans to help improve technological systems around the world.
Rachael Shantz
BS in aeronautical management technology, air traffic management
Rachael Shantz comes from a family of aviators so joining the air traffic management program was a natural fit. She looks forward to completing her master's degree and starting a career as an air traffic controller, while encourating other women to pursue aviation.
Seline R. Singh
BSE in electrical engineering
Being a remote learner didn’t stop Seline Singh from creating strong connections with her fellow classmates. As the founder of the Sun Devil Engineers social club, she built a network that benefits traditional and online students alike.