On behalf of San Diego State University’s College of Engineering, I extend my deepest gratitude for your continued support. Your generosity has fueled discovery, empowered bold ideas, and elevated our entire community.
At this year’s Senior Design Day, students showcased projects such as a robotic palm elevator to improve tree-trimming safety and a Mars CubeSat expedition to map ice deposits, demonstrating their drive to tackle practical and planetary-scale challenges.
We’ve launched interdisciplinary initiatives in AI and smart infrastructure, expanded hands-on learning, and deepened student engagement. Looking ahead, we are poised to lead in renewable energy, robotics, and resilient systems.
Philanthropy is the engine behind our momentum. It powers scholarships, hands-on experiences, and pioneering research that prepare our students to lead in a rapidly changing world.
Thank you for being an essential part of our journey.
Eugene Olevsky, Ph.D.; FTMS; FASME; FACerS; FASM Dean and Distinguished Professor College of Engineering
Propelling the SDSU Community Forward
The Beavers Lecturer in Heavy Construction Endowment
The Beavers Lectureship in Heavy Construction Endowment received a generous challenge gift to support the lectureship.
The Beavers Lecturer in Heavy Construction was awarded to Nensi Lakrori to support her outstanding work teaching courses related to the heavy construction industry and mentoring students entering Construction Management, Construction Engineering, and Civil Engineering.
SDG&E Endowed Scholarship
This San Diego Gas and Electric (SDG&E) Endowed Scholarship ofers fnancial support to students within the College of Engineering whose parent or guardian works at SDG&E in any capacity, making a meaningful impact on their education and lives.
J. R. Filanc Construction Engineering and Management students
Thriving in the Aztec Experience
Vy Quach Tran, Class of 2026
Class Level: Undergraduate Student
College: College of Engineering
Major: Civil Engineering
My journey at SDSU has been full of ups and downs, and I’m incredibly thankful for the supportive friends and mentors who’ve stood by me throughout my journey. SDSU has been more than just a college campus—it’s where I’ve grown academically, professionally, and personally.
The knowledge I’ve gained from my classes has deepened my understanding of civil engineering, and the passion my professors bring to their teaching has inspired me to always do my best and love what I do. Outside the classroom, I have gained both leadership skills and networking experience through my involvement with the Society of Women Engineers.
Thanks to the connections I’ve made at SDSU, I have recently earned my frst internship as a civil engineering student, an important milestone to kickstart my career. I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without the amazing support system at SDSU, from the campus community to the donors who have invested in my future through the Lizon Family Endowed Scholarship and the Wallace, Shatsky, Blackburn Courage Through Cancer Fund.
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to wholeheartedly focus on my education and pursue my dream of becoming a professional engineer.
Thank you for providing me with the opportunity to wholeheartedly focus on my education and pursue my dream of becoming a professional engineer.
Yaniree Rincon Ochoa, Class of 2025
Class
Level: Undergraduate Student
College: College of Engineering
Major: Mechanical Engineering
My time in the College of Engineering at San Diego State University has been rewarding, thanks to the support from scholarships, programs, and hands-on experiences. One of the most impactful gifts I received was the Paul Stuverud MESA Endowed Scholarship, which eased my fnancial burdens and allowed me to fully engage in my studies, research, and professional growth. This generosity reinforced my belief in the power of giving back, and I hope to one day support future students just as I was supported.
Being part of the MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program opened doors to incredible opportunities, including the MESA Idea Accelerator at Uber headquarters in San Francisco. Competing in this program was an amazing experience.
Beyond the classroom, I gained invaluable research experience in Dr. Sungyong Park’s Optofuidic Bio & Energy Systems (OBES) Laboratory, where I deepened my understanding of cutting-edge engineering applications in biomedical research.
These experiences, building on my early STEM exposure, have shaped me into the engineer I am today. I'm deeply grateful and committed to paying forward these opportunities to future students!
One of the most impactful gifts I received was the Paul Stuverud MESA Endowed Scholarship, which eased my fnancial burdens and allowed me to fully engage in my studies, research, and professional growth.
Erick Belmudez, Class of 2027
Class Level: Undergraduate Student
College: College of Engineering
Major: Majors: Civil Engineering; Hospitality and Tourism, emphasis in hotel management; Minor: Recreational Tourism Management
My journey through San Diego State's College of Engineering has been incredibly formative. I'm currently on track to earn my B.S. in Civil Engineering in 2027. The rigorous coursework consistently pushes me to think critically and apply complex concepts to real-world challenges. Moments of high demand are frequent, yet the unwavering support from professors and classmates continually helps me stay focused on my goals.
A truly impactful moment in my academic journey was receiving the Bruce Urquhart and Jacqueline Clayton Endowed Scholarship. This generous philanthropic gift has been absolutely instrumental, serving as a powerful afrmation of my dedication and potential within the College of Engineering.
The College of Engineering consistently equips me with the unique analytical skills and problem-solving mindset crucial for an engineer. I am incredibly grateful for the education at SDSU and the support from the Bruce Urquhart and Jacqueline Clayton Endowed Scholarship—both preparing me to confdently step into my career in civil engineering.
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I am incredibly grateful for the education at SDSU and the support from the Bruce Urquhart and Jacqueline Clayton Endowed Scholarship—both preparing me to confdently step into my career in civil engineering.
Celebrating Shared Success
Statistics of Interest
San Diego State University has achieved R1 status, bringing more opportunities for students, faculty, and the community. It solidifes SDSU's “... place among the top research universities in the United States. R1 status represents the highest level of research activity and doctorate production, refecting SDSU's dedication to excellence in both innovation and education.”
The J.R. Filanc Construction Engineering and Management program has expanded and is now approaching 200 students.
Senior Design just keeps growing—this year featured nearly 90 student projects and around 2,400 attendees.
Dr. Ping Lu was named the 2025 Albert W. Johnson Distinguished Lecturer.
Recent Highlights
Nearly 200 alumni attended the College of Engineering tailgate at Snapdragon Stadium in October.
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Alumni supported and mentored current student members.
Evening with the Dean, held on February 27, 2025, focused on Artifcial Intelligence (AI) and featured college updates and research highlights from Dr. Reza Akhavian for alumni, donors, and friends.
The college hosted fall and spring Emeriti Faculty Cofees, where emeriti faculty joined Dean Olevsky for conversations on AI and Cybersecurity.
SDSU is one of four U.S. institutions to earn Silver DEI Level recognition from the American Society for Engineering Education.
Since 2018, engineering faculty have grown by nearly 50%, with one in three of junior faculty earning NSF Early Career Awards and female faculty nearly tripling.
Dr. fred harris’ 2008 paper, “On the Use of Windows for Harmonic Analysis with the Discrete Fourier Transform,” has surpassed 10,000 citations.
We more than doubled the college's endowment in the last 5 years, and research dollars have more than tripled in the last 10 years.
4-year graduation rate has more than tripled in 5 years.
SDSU’s R1 status marks it as a top U.S. research university—fueling growth in innovation, education, and programs like Construction Management and Senior Design.
Transforming Lives
Achievements:
Robert Dowell, Ph.D., P.E.
Title: Associate Professor of Structural Engineering
College: College of Engineering
Awarded two major, multi-year, Caltrans-funded seismic bridge research projects.
Dr. Robert K. Dowell is a recognized expert in bridge design, nonlinear structural analysis, and largescale physical testing in the laboratory. He designed the frst earthquake shaking table at SDSU, winning the President’s Award. Prof. Dowell has since designed King Kong—so named because it is big and strong—capable of large-scale seismic testing of structures.
Dr. Dowell was part of a structural engineering reconnaissance team that went to Turkey after their large Mw 7.8 earthquake in 2023. His observations of bridge damage in Turkey ultimately resulted in Caltrans awarding him two major, multi-year seismic bridge research projects.
Dr. Robert K. Dowell was awarded two major, multi-year Caltransfunded seismic bridge research projects following his expert assessment of bridge damage after Turkey’s 2023 Mw 7.8 earthquake.
Achievements:
Baris Aksanli, Ph.D.
Title:
Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
College: College of Engineering
Dr. Aksanli's research is focused on the intersection of cybersecurity and machine learning.
Dr. Aksanli's work is making machine learning more secure and cybersecurity more accessible and efcient. He has received funding from the National Science Foundation and the Ofce of Naval Research to advance his research and provide training opportunities for students. He is also actively participating in cybersecurity education and workforce development.
In the past, he received a grant from the Ofce of Naval Research for cybersecurity training. He also advises student groups to participate in national events focusing on cybersecurity. One of the teams he advised, AzTechs, won frst place in a national hackathon aimed at improving and optimizing the U.S. Department of Homeland Security operations.
Dr. Aksanli’s research not only improves critical machine learning tasks and cybersecurity operations but also trains students in these domains to shape the future of the workforce.
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Dr. Aksanli’s research secures machine learning and strengthens cybersecurity while training students to lead the future of the cyber workforce. ”
Aztec Electric Racing
Aztec Electric Racing (AER) had another record turnout this year, with over 250 prospective members attending the fall general body meeting, representing four diferent colleges at SDSU. Throughout the year, the team has worked relentlessly to prepare for the summer competition at Michigan International Speedway, resulting in our best-performing vehicle to date. We placed a strong emphasis on rigorous testing and thorough system validation. To support this goal, we implemented an accelerated timeline, hosting our car reveal a full month earlier than we did in the previous academic year, with the vehicle mechanically complete.
AER is actively gathering data and putting valuable miles on the vehicle to enhance our team's competitiveness. Additionally, AER advanced to the second round of the business presentation competition this year—a competitive, elimination-based event in the Formula SAE series, requiring teams to demonstrate their knowledge of industry and business principles. We were one of just 55 teams selected from 100 initial participants. The team presented virtually in the second elimination round on May 29, 2025.
While attending the 50th Annual Long Beach Grand Prix, our members had valuable opportunities to network with experienced motorsport engineers, with some securing job ofers and internships. Supported by industry alumni mentors and real-world training, our members are exceptionally prepared to enter the workforce and confdently tackle future challenges.
AER members working on their vehicle
AER members working on their vehicle
The fnished competition vehicle
Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) Program
MESA Program has supported students in becoming the engineers and physical science professionals needed by the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) industry to compete in today’s global marketplace. MESA provides "out-of-classroom" experiences with industry and alumni engagement, which help students succeed academically and develop professionally to achieve their career goals.
Transfer Open House: Local community college students visited SDSU’s College of Engineering to learn about admissions requirements, engineering curriculum, and services and resources available to engineering majors, such as research programs, study abroad, and the Center for Student Success in Engineering. Representatives from those areas shared information, and students were able to meet former transfer students, visit research labs, and explore student project spaces. This event provided an opportunity for students to obtain information to support a successful transfer to SDSU.
Transfer Seminar Course: Transfer Mentors were placed in MESA’s Transfer Seminar Course to assist incoming transfer students with campus and college adjustment. They shared their experiences, provided encouragement, answered questions, and ofered an overall student perspective, serving as familiar faces throughout campus. In addition, students were introduced to six faculty members from various felds and participated in fve lab tours.
MESA Class of 2025 Graduates
Students attending the Transfer Seminar Course
Students attending the Transfer Seminar Course
SDSU Rocket Project
Rocket Project (RP) at San Diego State University is a student-led collegiate rocketry team dedicated to providing impactful, hands-on learning experiences in aerospace engineering. Through the design, testing, and launch of experimental rockets and related technologies, RP empowers students with practical skills that directly translate into careers in the aerospace industry and beyond.
The team fosters a culture of technical excellence and innovation, uniting students from various engineering disciplines. RP consists of multiple technical sections, ofering opportunities for members to contribute meaningfully, develop specialized skills, and grow both personally and professionally within their chosen section.
Over the past year, RP achieved several major technical milestones. Most notably, the team successfully conducted three static hot fre tests of Aetherios, a full-stack, student-designed liquid rocket. Building on this success, the team launched Aetherios on April 19, 2025 to an altitude exceeding 30,000 feet, reaching speeds over Mach 1.5. These accomplishments, achieved over the 2024–2025 Academic Year, showcase the team's engineering capabilities and its potential to contribute to the future of aerospace innovation.
Supporting this efort was the team’s solid propulsion division, Team Icarus. Team Icarus successfully designed and built three separate testbed rockets to evaluate new recovery system confgurations. These test fights played a critical role in developing reliable parachute deployment systems, which are set to be integrated into future high-power solid rocket launches, ensuring safer recoveries and more robust mission success.
Rocket Project team, alumni, and supporting faculty at Aetherios launch
Fluid systems and propulsion engineers leak checking the engine of Aetherios
Structure team engineers working on the launch rail for Aetherios
Society of Women Engineers (SWE)
The Society of Women Engineers at SDSU is a nonproft organization dedicated to empowering female-identifying students academically, professionally, and socially within the engineering feld. Our mission is to equip members with the resources, support, and opportunities needed to thrive in their engineering careers while fostering a strong sense of community. Through SWE, members gain access to local industry connections, have the opportunity to earn scholarships ofered by our organization, and make a meaningful impact on the next generation of women engineers through community outreach events. We remain committed to supporting women as they pursue success in their future careers.
This year, our chapter has experienced signifcant growth in both outreach and professional development. We strengthened our SWENext initiative, which connects collegiate SWE members with K–12 students interested in STEM. By expanding our outreach eforts and solidifying the role of our Community Outreach Chair, we’ve been able to support local students through science fairs, school visits, and interactive panel discussions. Our fagship event, the Evening of Professional Development (EPD), continues to make a strong impact. Each year, around October, SDSU SWE hosts a career fair, dinner, and networking event to help our members connect with industry professionals. Typically, around 30–50 students attend this event. SWE members are able to expand their networks and pursue internships with the companies they connect with. In addition to our signature events, we introduced new collaborations with other engineering organizations on campus—such as bonfres and student panels—which have helped build a more inclusive and unifed engineering community at SDSU.
To keep our members engaged throughout the year, SWE hosts biweekly General Body Meetings (GBMs) that combine professional growth with fun and community-building. GBMs include guest speakers, professional development workshops, and themed social activities. Attendance averages 20–30 members per meeting, and lunch is also provided. These meetings foster a supportive environment where members can learn from one another, explore career paths, and form lasting connections.
SWE members attending the WE24 Conference in Chicago, IL
Aztec Baja Racing
The 2025 season was a standout year for SDSU Aztec Baja Racing, marked by competitive success, team expansion, and continued engineering innovation. One of the team’s proudest accomplishments was a second-place fnish in the sled pull event at competition—a result that refects the strength, durability, and performance of our drivetrain and overall vehicle design. This podium fnish is a major milestone in the team’s competitive history and a direct result of rigorous testing, iteration, and collaboration throughout the year.
Equally exciting was the unprecedented growth of our team. We reached a record-high membership count with over 45 active members—the largest roster in Aztec Baja history. This surge in participation brought students together from across disciplines, including mechanical, aerospace, electrical, and manufacturing engineering, strengthening our team’s diversity and cross-functional collaboration. Our expanded roster also allowed us to invest more deeply in mentorship and leadership development, ensuring that institutional knowledge is passed down and future leaders are well prepared.
Throughout the season, team members logged thousands of hours designing, building, and refning our competition vehicle. We advanced our data acquisition systems, fne-tuned our continuously variable transmission (CVT), and improved our suspension geometry—applying lessons from coursework directly to real-world engineering problems. These innovations not only contributed to our competition success but also provided invaluable hands-on experience that will carry into our members’ future careers.
Beyond the shop and the track, we signifcantly increased our visibility on campus and in the broader community. Through outreach events, tabling, and social media engagement (including a sharp increase in Instagram followers), we’ve built a stronger connection with the SDSU student body and our engineering alumni. We also deepened our partnerships with key sponsors whose generous support helped fund materials, travel, and critical components.
Looking ahead to 2026, we aim to continue building on this momentum with goals including a top-10 overall fnish at competition, further development of our modular chassis design, and expanded use of realtime data acquisition. With continued support and a growing, passionate team, SDSU Aztec Baja Racing is poised for another transformative year. We are proud of what we’ve accomplished in 2025.
Aztec Baja Members at a race in May 2025
Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE)
The SDSU Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers Chapter is one of the largest chapters in Southern California. We strive to make a more inclusive environment for STEM majors at SDSU and be the stepping stone to help students in their careers. SHPE’s mission statement focuses on empowering the Hispanic community to impact the world through STEM awareness, access, support, and development.
The SDSU SHPE Chapter had a record-breaking member registration: 121 members registered at the National Level!
SDSU SHPE took 34 members to the National Convention in Anaheim, California, to enhance their professional development, academic development, and chapter engagement. Many of our current members received internships and full-time ofers.
Coming back from the convention, our chapter founded our own SHPEtinas chapter to increase awareness for Hispanic women in STEM and create a new support system for students. With that, we also increased our engagement with Internal Projects, a group where SHPE members work on a project throughout the semester to put the textbook skills to use. Additionally, project leads began giving short lectures on some topics of engineering: CAD, 3D Printing, etc.
To support younger generations, we held an event called “Noche de Ciencias,” or Family Science Night, at a local high school, engaging in STEM activities with students. This increased awareness in STEM and SHPE and allowed students to fnd like-minded peers and new areas of interest. We also hosted our 41st annual High School Conference, where local high school students met for an entire day to participate in STEM activities, hear student and professional panels, and learn about SDSU. The outreach events that SDSU SHPE attended and hosted set a new record for our chapter!
SHPE SDSU members giving a tour of SDSU at the 41st annual High School Conference
Senior Design Day 2025
On May 7, 2025, students work in collaborative teams during their twosemester Senior Design course (under the guidance of an advisor), completing research, design, and construction of various industrysponsored projects. These assignments help them prepare for careers as professional engineers.
This year marked our largest event to date, featuring nearly 90 innovative capstone projects from all four departments within the College of Engineering. Many projects from previous years have gone into production and earned patents.
We also welcomed a record-breaking 2,400 attendees, including industry partners, alumni, faculty, community members, and local high school students. The energy, collaboration, and support from everyone who joined us made the day unforgettable.
Students showcasing their projects at Design Day 2025
Students showcasing their projects at Design Day 2025
Photo of attendees at Design Day 2025
Supporting Aztecs in Perpetuity
New Endowments
Anonymous Endowment for Mechanical Engineering
Beavers Lecturer in Heavy Construction Endowment
Maria Trindade Scholarship Endowment
Theresa Garcia Scholarship Endowment for SHPE/MESA
Endowments (Active)
Alex Mora Advanced Manufacturing Endowment
Alex Mora MESA Endowed Scholarship
Alfredo Aldrete and Sandra Pulido Aldrete MESA Endowed Scholarship
Andrew Y. J. Szeto Rehabilitation Engineering & Assistive Technology Endowment
ASHRAE San Diego Chapter Endowed Scholarship
Beulah and John Wills Engineering Excellence Endowment
Beverly Butcher and Erin Ballard Memorial Scholarship Endowment
Bruce Urquhart & Jacqueline Clayton Endowed Scholarship
Byrl Phelps/San Diego Engineers Club Endowment
Camille Speer Endowed Scholarship
Carol Forrest, P.E. Memorial Watershed Management Endowed Scholarship
Carter F. Truitt Memorial Endowed Scholarship
CEM Excellence Endowment
Charles W. Hirst MESA Program Endowment
Cheng-Mo Sun Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Chuck and Kathy Mendenhall Faculty Excellence Endowment
Daniel & Ann Brown Research Support Endowment
Daphne Fredrickson Memorial Endowed Scholarship
Darrell Asquith Endowment
David G. Fleet Scholarship Endowment
Dion Jones Endowment Scholarship
DN Tanks Endowed Scholarship for Diversity
DN Tanks Endowment Scholarship SHPE
DN Tanks Endowment Scholarship SWE
Donald Wilson Bequest Endowment
Earl and Christina Myers Endowed Scholarship
Ed Davis From Cancer to College Scholarship Endowment
Ellen Ochoa Endowment for the Femineer Program
fred harris Endowed Chair in Digital Signal Processing
Georgia Griffiths, G2 Software Systems Endowed Scholarship
Gorostiza Endowed Scholarship
Hanlon/Garcia MESA Endowed Scholarship for Engineering Endowment
IBM Excellence in Minority Engineering Endowment
Jack R. and Jane E. Filanc Endowment
Jack R. Filanc Endowed Scholarship
Jim Ryan Chair in Construction Management Endowment
Lizon Family Scholarship Endowment
Lowrey Endowed Scholarship
Mark E. Filanc Endowed Scholarship
Mark Mulock, P.E. MESA Scholarship Endowment
McMahon Chi Epsilon Student Chapter Endowment
Michael R. Niggli Endowed Scholarship
Paige and Richard Cronin Endowed Engineering Scholarship
Paul Stuverud MESA Endowed Scholarship
Peter John Filanc Leadership Award Endowment
Qualcomm Women in Engineering Program and STEM Outreach Endowment
Ramon and Graciela Riesgo Endowment Scholarship
Richard and Christine Brady, Helen Coelho, and Ostrowski
Brothers Scholarship Endowment
Rick Engineering Company Endowed Scholarship
S. Falck Nielsen Endowment
San Diego Chapter of Women in Defense Endowed Scholarship
San Diego Community Foundation Blasker Chair in Environmental Engineering
Sanford Stone Memorial Endowment
S. L. Frankel Endowment
Stephen and Lynne Doyle Endowment
Supernak Excellence Award Endowment
The C&C Probett Excellence in Aerospace Fund for Senior Projects Endowment
Thomas G. Pine Endowed Professorship in Computer Engineering
Tisnado-Garcia Family STEM Endowed Scholarship
Wayne E. & Mary Beiler Leutloff Aerospace Endowment
W. H. Trowbridge Endowment
William E. Leonhard Jr. Endowment
William E. Leonhard Jr. Endowed Chair in Civil and Environmental Engineering
Wireless Multimedia Endowment
To learn more, please contact Kate Carinder at kcarinder@sdsu.edu
