Outstanding Graduates
The Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering recognizes students who have worked hard to succeed academically and contribute to advancing the Fulton Schools mission.
Each semester, the Fulton Schools selects members of the graduating class for their academic excellence, leadership and community service during their time as students. These remarkable students have made great accomplishments 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 in which they are involved.
For some of these students, the path to graduation was filled with challenges, detours 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 Spring 2022 class below.
Outstanding graduates
Kyle A. Butler
BS in air traffic management, BS in air transportation management, BS in unmanned aerial systems
Kyle Butler juggled three different aviation degrees during his time as an undergraduate student with goals to become a rotary wing pilot. He credits his successes to his parents, professors and friends.
Morgan Cividanes
BS in informatics
Morgan Cividanes sought broader horizons through her dedicated study of informatics and enthusiastic connection with the rich diversity of the ASU community.
John Cody
BSE in engineering management
John Cody says he will take with him the confidence in himself that he can learn anything given the effort and the time thanks to his professors.
Jessica Dirks
BS in robotics and autonomous systems, BS in human systems engineering
Jessica Dirks’ undergraduate experience was shaped by various leadership roles. Whether it was on Desert WAVE, Fulton Ambassadors, Barrett Honors Devils or her role as a soccer referee, she generated success within herself and others.
Jordan Fourcher
BS in technological entrepreneurship and management
Jordan Fourcher’s entrepreneurial spirit is strong and it gave him the determination to start his own company in 2020. He will continue on an entrepreneurial path after graduating and thanks his professors for paving the way.
Willem Grier
BSE in computer systems engineering, BA in business (law)
Willem Grier was infused with the entrepreneurial mindset by his Fulton Schools studies and research. His experiences included working with a team of fellow engineering students to form a business start-up.
Joseph Hale
BS in software engineering
Joseph Hale worked hard to build the skills he needed to become a software engineer, and spent much of his time as an ASU student helping others learn.
Amy Hector
BS in graphic information technology
Amy Hector combined the creative and analytical aspects of graphic information technology to produce award-winning photography, branding and print design.
Abby Krell
BSE in industrial engineering
Abby Krell immediately knew industrial engineering was the right major for her with the perfect balance between business and engineering.
King Hei Ma
BSE in electrical engineering
King Hei Ma began tinkering with computer parts when he was around 11 or 12 years old. It became a goal for him to find out how they actually work and turn it into a career.
Maya Muir
BS in computer science, BS in mathematics
Muir’s education was elevated by the peers and mentors she connected with through many Fulton Schools student organizations and projects. She also tutored undergrads and did two internships with a major company.
Richard Duc Thuan Khang Nguyen
BS in manufacturing engineering
Richard Duc Thuan Khang Nguyen has excelled in his manufacturing engineering classes and research. He is now earning his graduate degree and working toward his goal to open his own factories.
Alexander Owen
BSE in civil engineering
Alexander Owen excelled in his civil engineering studies, creating connections with the next generation of engineering students and inspiring others along the way.
Smith Pittman
BSE in environmental engineering
Smith Pittman found her purpose in environmental engineering, and is excited to continue her research in wastewater treatment so others can have an improved quality of life.
Felix Raimondo
BS in human systems engineering
Felix Raimondo chose the human systems engineering program with goals to eventually use engineering solutions to impact the human experience. Along with excelling in academics, he spent his time making difference for his peers and future students.
Kamakshi Rajan
BS in information technology
Kamakshi Rajan decided to come back to college after raising her children to earn a degree in information technology.
Caleb Redshaw
BSE in mechanical engineering
Caleb Redshaw was surprised to learn how wide an array of major endeavors rely on expertise in mechanical engineering. His aspirations now include designing new space exploration technology and advancing astrophysics.
Katrina Santos
BSE in materials science and engineering
Katrina Santos has thrived in the tight-knit materials science and engineering program and fostered a sense of community in the Material Advantage student organization. In the future she wants to create more efficient and sustainable technologies.
Andrew Sheehan
BSE in engineering (mechanical engineering systems)
Andrew Sheehan applied his service as an aviation mechanic in the Air National Guard and soared through studies of mechanical engineering systems at ASU.
Kayla Teague
BS in environmental and resource management
Kayla Teague found the perfect fit for her in the Fulton Schools' environmental and resource management program with a mix of environmental engineering and management.
Langston Tillman
BSE in chemical engineering, BA in anthropology, BS in mathematics, BA in philosophy, BS in political science
Langston Tillman combined engineering, liberal arts, mathematics and social science studies in preparation for pursuing an advance degree in molecular engineering and a law degree.
Catarino Valle
BSE in aerospace engineering
Catarino Valle’s fascination with space exploration has led him to compete in NASA Artemis mission challenges through Next Level Devils and to help his peers learn aerospace engineering concepts to prepare for exciting careers.
Brenna Windish
BS in construction management
Brenna Windish built a foundation for her future career through her hands-on construction management internships and involvement with student organizations.
Yizhou Xiao
BSE in construction engineering
Yizhou Xiao embraced new technologies such as VR during his construction engineering studies and is excited to use them to make the construction field safer.
Impact Award winners
Karla Cosio
BSE in electrical engineering
Karla Cosio wants a career that challenges her to find answers to complex problems. She found that in electrical engineering and in making impacts through research, student leadership and community service contributions.
Yasser Mountasir Dbeis
BS in computer science, BSE in computer systems engineering
Computer science and engineering have made many things possible for Yasser Mountasir Dbeis. He has also used his skills to help his peers and refugees in Phoenix.
Margarito Hernandez Fuentes
BSE in biomedical engineering
Margarito Hernandez Fuentes devoted himself to research as a biomedical engineering student and service as a member of the broader educational community.
Taylor Gin
BSE in electrical engineering
Taylor Gin is excited about helping others with her electrical engineering degree, saying her capstone project creating diagnostic tools for Parkinson’s patients set that in motion.
Nikki Van Handel
BSE in mechanical systems engineering
Nikki Van Handel pursued a degree in mechanical systems engineering with the goal of eventually pushing space technology forward. She will continue her education as an ASU master’s student.
Anson Kwan
BS in robotics and autonomous systems
Anson Kwan excelled in the robotics and autonomous systems program where he was involved in various research opportunities. He enjoys representing a field that will eventually bridge robotic and human interactions.
Shannon McBreen
BSE in electrical systems engineering, minors in business and design studies
Shannon McBreen was an active supporter of first-year students and women in STEM through her efforts outside the classroom. Now she’s taking all she learned to New York City to start her career.
Christian Polo
BSE in electrical engineering
Christian Polo discovered engineering as “applied creativity” and that motivated him to pursue service and leadership during his time at the Fulton Schools.
Alexander Witthus
BSE in electrical engineering
Alexander Witthus says he is grateful for his time working alongside his electrical engineering mentors; hoping one day to inspire the next generation of STEM students.
Convocation speakers
Yasser Mountasir Dbeis
BS in computer science, BSE in computer systems engineering
Computer science and engineering have made many things possible for Yasser Mountasir Dbeis. He has also used his skills to help his peers and refugees in Phoenix.
Palais Outstanding Doctoral Student Award
Kristen Jaskie
PhD in electrical engineering
Kristen Jaskie’s research to advance machine learning and deep learning applications is contributing to boosting the potential for these evolving fields to benefit medical, scientific and commercial pursuits.
PhD Ceremony speaker
Devin Bowes
PhD in biological design
Biological design graduate Devin Bowes exemplifies interdisciplinary scholarship at ASU. She used her interest in public health to fuel her research in novel applications of wastewater-based epidemiology, winning the dean’s dissertation award for her work.