Glen S. Uehara

Glen S. Uehara’s path through the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University has been defined by a steady commitment to both advancing quantum machine learning research and supporting other students. 

Returning to ASU for his doctoral degree after previously earning his master’s degree in electrical engineering, he built on long-standing relationships with faculty to deepen his expertise and expand his impact in the field.

At ASU’s Sensor, Signal and Information Processing, or SenSIP, center, and Quantum Collaborative, he contributed to building a stronger presence in quantum research, collaborating with industry partners in the process, and applying quantum techniques to real-world challenges.

Beyond research, Uehara invested heavily in mentorship and teaching. He trained students in quantum algorithms and machine learning, an experience that shaped his professional growth.

“Having gained enough knowledge to share my ideas and techniques to help students with their work really enabled me to grow as a researcher and instructor,” he says. “Through these experiences, I realized I like teaching and mentoring students.”

His commitment is highlighted by years of guiding undergraduate capstone projects, where he brings industry-sponsored problems into the classroom and helps students navigate evolving technologies.

Uehara credits much of his development at ASU to his long-time mentor Andreas Spanias, a professor of electrical engineering in the School of Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering, part of the Fulton Schools, whose guidance spanned decades and helped mold his career in signal processing and communications.

“I have learned a lot from him, and his mentorship has allowed me to be successful as a technical leader in my field,” he says.

His leadership also reached into the broader student community. As an officer in Eta Kappa Nu,  an international honor society for electrical engineers, Uehara played a key role in rebuilding the organization after the pandemic, transitioning it from an online chapter back to an active, on-campus community.

For his exceptional efforts, Uehara is being recognized with the Palais Outstanding Doctoral Student Award, an honor given to a single electrical engineering doctoral student each year who exemplifies academic and research achievement.

“Receiving his award is a tremendous honor,” he says. “It signifies not only my academic growth, but also my commitment to sharing knowledge and contributing to the academic community.”

The award was first established in 2003 by Professor Emeritus Joseph Palais, a former electrical engineering graduate program chair, and his wife, Sandra.
After graduation, Uehara will continue working at General Dynamics Mission Systems while remaining closely connected to ASU. He plans to contribute to quantum research and education, working with SenSIP and the Fulton Schools to help strengthen the learning experience for future students.

Favorites

Geeky possessions: Old computers
Game: Batman: Arkham series
TV Show: NCIS
Movie: Avengers End Game 
Sport: Tennis

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ spring 2026 class.

Written by AJ Montes