Undergraduate Profiles

Inside the Internship: Gabriel Wardall, Lockheed Martin Space

Charles Ferrer — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 19:17:50 +0000

Inside the Internship: Gabriel Wardall, Lockheed Martin Space Charles Ferrer Mon, 01/26/2026 - 12:17

Gabriel Wardall (ElEng'26) has used his experience and expertise from all aspects of life to gain career success. Wardall interned with Lockheed Martin's Deep Space Exploration division for the past four years as an electrical engineer technician.

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Anika Mathur earns college Community Impact Award

Charles Ferrer — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 21:56:24 +0000

Anika Mathur earns college Community Impact Award Charles Ferrer Tue, 12/02/2025 - 14:56

Charles Ferrer

Anika Mathur

Anika Mathur, a fourth-year electrical engineering student, has earned the fall 2025 Community Impact Award from the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

The award recognizes graduating undergraduate students who contribute to improving their community at the department, program, college, university and community level.

Mathur has served as treasurer for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and Engineers Without Border (EWB) since September 2023.

“Anika leads by example, inspiring others to take action while fostering an inclusive environment,” said Professor Melinda Piket-May. “Through her leadership roles, she promotes collaboration and encourages participation from students of all backgrounds. By modeling these values, Anika strengthens the college community and sets a standard for future leaders.”

Mathur’s impact with other student organizations supported by the Campos Student Center has spread positive ripples for their leadership boards.

“Anika has mentored multiple students into leadership roles and actively promotes collaboration between student organizations,” said Amanda McKenzie, coordinator of student societies. “Her financial expertise has made her a trusted student leader. She also ensures that all students feel welcome, often going out of her way to engage quieter or newer members in conversation.”

We sat down with Mathur as she reflected on her leadership and community involvement at the college.

You’ve mentioned that your community journey started before you even arrived at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. How did that experience shape everything that followed?

When I visited CU as a high school senior, I attended Mocktail Night, an event for admitted students hosted by SWE and the dean’s office. The women I met that night inspired me so much and they were the reason I chose CU. I walked away feeling seen, welcomed and reassured that I could belong here. That moment stayed with me. So, when I came to campus as a first-year student, I sought out SWE at the Be Involved Fair on my very first day because I wanted to join the community that had already made such an impact on my life.

Your involvement with SWE has grown significantly over the years. What has that experience meant to you?

Early on, I went to as many SWE events as possible from friendship bracelet nights to resume reviews. By the end of that year, I wanted to help build the same supportive space I had benefited from. Becoming director of events allowed me to create welcoming environments through our weekly “Totally Tuesday” meetings. Now, as Treasurer for a second year, I help maintain the organization’s financial health and guide committees in planning events that bring women engineers together. What I value most is helping others feel encouraged and confident. Engineering can be overwhelming, and sometimes the most meaningful impact comes from checking in on someone who looks uncertain or saying “I’ll go with you” to a first-time attendee.

Mathur (middle left) along with student leadership member of the Society of Women Engineers at the 2025 National Conference in New Orleans, La.

You also hold a major role in Engineers Without Borders. What has your work on the Nepal team taught you?

EWB has taught me how important it is to slow down and listen before deciding what “help” looks like. We work with communities, not for them, and that approach has changed the way I think about engineering. It’s not just about designing a solution, it’s about understanding people’s needs, priorities and perspectives. Being able to support that kind of long-term, relationship-focused work means a lot to me.

Tell us more about your STEM outreach work with TeachEngineering. What impact did that have on you?

Creating hands-on STEM education videos for the TeachEngineering Digital Library allowed me to reach K-12 teachers and students across the country. Knowing that these videos might be the first time a student sees engineering is incredibly meaningful. Not everyone grows up knowing an engineer, so if a student watches an experiment and thinks, “Maybe I could do this too,” then I’ve made a difference.

What drives you to show up for your communities?

It honestly has been rooted in creating spaces where students can grow with confidence, especially during moments when engineering can feel overwhelming or isolating. Some of the most meaningful contributions happen in the small moments: showing up consistently, checking in when someone seems unsure, saying “I’ll go with you to this event,” or simply making room for someone to try something new. Those moments build trust and connection. I hope to continue creating communities where we lift one another up, celebrate each other’s achievements and move forward together.

What are some of your favorite aspects about the ECEE department during your undergraduate career?

One of my favorite parts of the ECEE department has been how genuinely inclusive it feels. Even though the field is very male-dominated, I’ve never felt lesser than my peers here and a huge part of that is because our professors and staff are intentional about creating a welcoming, encouraging environment. I’ve also received an incredible amount of support throughout my time in the department, from professors who take time to help you truly understand the material to advising staff who always make sure you’re on the right track. That level of support has meant everything and has shaped a big part of my experience.

What about electrical engineering excites you?

I love how versatile electrical engineering is. There are so many directions you can go and the skill set opens doors in almost every industry. That range keeps the field exciting for me. I also love the mix of theory and hands-on problem-solving. Electrical engineering gives you the tools to build meaningful, real-world technology while still leaving endless room to explore.

What advice would you give future engineering students who want to make an impact?

My advice to future students is that if you want to make an impact here, start small. Just show up. Walk into that first meeting, even if you feel nervous. Ask someone how they’re doing, and really listen to the answer. Say yes to opportunities that feel new or a little uncertain. Community is built through consistent, simple acts of showing up for each other.

Lead with kindness. Engineering is challenging, and people often carry more than they let on. A supportive word, a shared moment or a genuine conversation can make a real difference. Surround yourself with people who encourage you, and be that source of encouragement for others too.

And most importantly: you are already enough. You don’t need to prove that you deserve to study engineering, you already do. What matters is that we keep lifting each other up, step by step, so we all continue to grow, learn and shine here. The most meaningful part of my experience at CU has been the people and the community we’ve built together. Being part of helping others feel supported, confident, and valued is something I am genuinely proud of, and I hope every student who comes after me carries that forward.

What’s next?

I’m continuing my studies in the Bachelor’s–Accelerated Master’s Program at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to complete my master’s in electrical engineering with a concentration in high speed digital engineering. After that, I hope to work in industry, likely in hardware or signal integrity. I really enjoy the intersection of engineering and people, so I’d love a role that lets me solve technical challenges while working closely with others.

I’d love to thank the people who’ve supported me throughout my journey. I’m incredibly grateful to Professor Piket-May and Professor Bogatin for their guidance, as well as the advising staff who have always been there to help. I also want to thank Amanda for her constant encouragement and for creating such a supportive environment for all of our student orgs. Most of all, I want to thank my fellow SWE board members. They have been my strongest support system, and I truly couldn’t have gotten here without them. Their teamwork, kindness and friendship have made this experience meaningful and I’m grateful for everything we’ve built together.

Mathur, a fourth-year electrical engineering student, has earned the fall 2025 Community Impact Award from the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Mathur has served as treasurer for the Society of Women Engineers and Engineers Without Border during her time at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��.

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Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing

Charles Ferrer — Mon, 09 Jun 2025 14:04:31 +0000

Quantum Scholar’s journey into the future of computing Charles Ferrer Mon, 06/09/2025 - 08:04

Charles Ferrer

Dr. Andras Gyenis, assistant professor; Arjun Dalwadi, undergraduate researcher; and Pablo Aramburu Sanchez, graduate mentor, in the Gyenis Quantum Lab, which focuses on protected semi and superconducting qubits. (Credit: Jesse Petersen)

For most high school students, late-night scrolling on Instagram leads to memes or music clips.

But for Arjun Dalwadi, a rising third-year electrical and computer engineering student, it led down a different rabbit hole: quantum computing.

Quantum computers could solve complex problems in minutes that would take classical computers decades.

Dalwadi’s curiosity from that Instagram scroll has followed him in his quest to immerse himself in all things quantum.

“��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� has been an incredible place to explore quantum and all it has to offer,” he said. “You’re surrounded by faculty members and students who want you to grow and give you the opportunity to contribute in real ways to the field.”

Like many incoming engineering students, he considered mechanical or aerospace engineering—fields with already visible, well-known career paths. However, Dalwadi soon realized that electrical and computer engineering could offer a broader foundation, touching everything from space exploration to digital security and quantum.

“Electrical and computer engineering have applications in every industry, including the very technologies that quantum systems depend on and the design and operation of quantum systems themselves.”

Building a quantum-ready workforce

Today, more than 3,000 Colorado workers are employed in the quantum workforce, supporting over 30 companies that span quantum sensing, networking and computing.

That movement is only gaining momentum, with job growth in quantum expected to reach 30,000 in the next decade in the Mountain West.

As the industry grows, so does the need for engineers, scientists and entrepreneurs trained in the challenges and opportunities that quantum presents.

“Quantum engineering is a rapidly growing field, so we need engineers and scientists with solid quantum knowledge to work in this area,” said András Gyenis, an assistant professor in electrical engineering and one of Dalwadi’s research mentors.

“Quantum is very different from classical physics,” Gyenis explained. “Getting used to the concepts and building intuition as early as possible is critical for students so that they can become part of a strong quantum-ready workforce.”

He believes that undergraduate research experience is one of the best ways to achieve that.

Pushing the boundaries in quantum research

Dalwadi loads a chip onto the "puck," which has the cavity necessary to support the quantum electrodynamic properties of the on-chip devices. (Credit: Jesse Petersen)

In fall 2024, Dalwadi joined Gyenis’s research group, which focuses on quantum hardware and the development of more stable, coherent quantum devices. The lab explores superconducting qubits—tiny circuits etched into a superconducting material that behave like an artificial atom. When multiple qubits are combined onto a chip, they can interact with each other and we can operate multi-qubit gates, creating a quantum processor.

“Our projects are at the intersection of quantum materials and quantum information science,” Gyenis said. “By improving how qubits behave and interact, we’re working toward systems that are not only powerful, but reliable enough for real-world use.”

Dalwadi is designing a new sample holder for testing superconducting qubits inside a dilution refrigerator—an advanced system that cools experiments down to just a few millikelvin, a thousand times colder than outer space, to allow the chip to become superconductive and protect the delicate quantum system from thermal noise.

“It’s such a wild environment,” Dalwadi said. “You’re working with temperatures near absolute zero to isolate these artificial atoms and preserve the quantum state.”

He compared a qubit’s sensitivity to a wiffle ball precariously balanced on top of a thin, tall pole, teetering and vulnerable to the slightest disturbance.

“The slightest gust of wind could knock the wiffle ball off, and it would be impossible to replace it on the pole in the exact position it was in before it was knocked off. That’s what happens if a qubit is uncontrollably perturbed by the environment—the quantum information is lost,” he explained.

Dalwadi dispatches the old sample holder from the dilution fridge to replace it with the new assembly. (Credit: Jesse Petersen)

This is why shielding qubits from environmental noise is so critical, especially from electromagnetic interference. Dalwadi noted that the operating frequencies of superconducting qubits are close to those of everyday wireless technologies, such as Bluetooth and cellular networks, making them especially prone to unintended coupling with stray radio waves.

The new sample holder Dalwadi is developing addresses some of the limitations of the lab’s previous design. Notably, it allows researchers to test more devices in a single cooldown cycle—a process that can take days. With the ability to connect up to 12 signal lines, compared to just four in the old design, the updated holder can support multi-qubit chips.

“For example, one qubit might need a drive line, a readout line and a flux bias line—that’s already three lines,” Dalwadi said. “The new design allows us to pack more versatility into each experiment and examine more qubits per cooldown cycle.”

Dalwadi’s work spans RF engineering, printed circuit board (PCB) design, CAD modeling, precision manufacturing and collaboration with graduate students and postdocs to meet experimental needs with optimal performance in a robust, compact assembly.

“Arjun has done a fantastic job as an undergraduate researcher in my lab. He demonstrates exceptional independent problem-solving skills, learning new software skills and studying scientific papers,” Gyenis said. “Even when he saw certain engineering problems for the first time, he did his own research and kept going until he found the solution.”

Early research, big opportunities

Dalwadi’s research experience is made possible through CU Engineering’s Discovery Learning Apprenticeship (DLA) program, which allows undergraduates to gain meaningful research experience alongside faculty mentors.

“I never imagined I’d be contributing to actual quantum experiments this early,” Dalwadi said. “It’s made me more confident in the idea that I can have a career in quantum.”

And he’s not just focused on the hardware. In high school, he wrote an essay on the looming impact of quantum computing on encryption and cybersecurity, topics that are becoming more urgent as quantum processors grow in power.

“Our current internet security is predicated on problems that are near-impossible for classical computers to solve. RSA2048, for example, would take a classical computer trillions of years to break with a brute force attack,” he said. “But a 20-million-qubit quantum computer could theoretically crack RSA2048 in just eight hours. That’s unimaginable computational power.”

Quantum community and vision for the future

Dalwadi’s ongoing fascination with the quantum world led him to apply and join the Quantum Scholars, a program at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� that supports undergraduate students interested in quantum research and education.

Quantum is going to be everywhere—finance, pharma, energy and even weather forecasting. We need scientists and researchers who can bridge the gap between the theory and the real-world implementation.”

Arjun Dalwadi, electrical & computer engineering student

As a scholar, Dalwadi receives mentorship, professional development and monthly community events where students explore the real-world impact of quantum science. The program introduces scholars to mentors, alumni and industry professionals who are shaping the future of quantum. Hearing directly from researchers at Colorado-based startups who are front and center of quantum technologies is something that Dalwadi notes as invaluable.

“It’s been amazing to connect with other students and scientists who are just as excited about quantum,” he said. “You don’t feel like you’re exploring something niche or isolated. You’re part of an exciting scientific community.”

Looking ahead, Dalwadi hopes to pursue a PhD in quantum information science, focusing on hybrid classical-quantum systems.

One area he’s especially passionate about is quantum computing’s potential in drug discovery and molecular modeling, fields where classical computers often struggle to simulate the complex interactions between atoms and molecules. Quantum computing, he explained, could dramatically accelerate research timelines, therefore reducing the years needed for drug development and clinical trials.

“To me, it’s not just a computational leap, but it’s the potential to save lives and make healthcare more accessible,” Dalwadi said.

“Engineers work to solve problems and make life better for everyone. Quantum is just the next step in that mission. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for a world propelled by quantum technologies.”

Arjun Dalwadi, a third-year electrical and computer engineering student, is immersing himself in all things quantum through the Quantum Scholars program and as an undergraduate researcher in the Gyenis Lab. Dalwadi is on the journey to make an impact for quantum computing.

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Electrical and computer engineer gets real-world experience with aerospace internship

Anonymous — Thu, 01 Feb 2024 07:00:00 +0000

Electrical and computer engineer gets real-world experience with aerospace internship Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 02/01/2024 - 00:00

Charles Ferrer

Kofi Asare, a second-year electrical and computer engineering student, is taking his interest in avionics — electronics systems used on aircraft — to greater heights.

In fall 2023, Asare took a semester “off” from his coursework and completed a three-month long avionics internship at Stoke Space. The space launch company based near Seattle, Wash., aims to revolutionize access to space using 100% reusable rockets designed to fly with a 24-hour turnaround, a feat that has yet to be done.

On Sept. 17 , Stoke Space launched Hopper2, the company’s reusable rocket prototype, for a flight test meant to demonstrate the rocket’s novel hydrogen and oxygen engine capabilities.

During his internship, Asare performed a number of hardware tests facilitating vehicle testing and software testing which simulated environments for rockets as if they were flying.

“Seeing all the projects come to life like Hopper2 was such a rewarding experience after spending a while working on part of something so complex,” Asare said. “This gave a ton of motivation for all the engineers and myself to move forward at full speed!”

Based on interactions with engineers at Stoke Space and elsewhere, Asare realized how many engineering students have only classroom-based, theoretical experience, while companies need employees with real-world experience.

“The theoretical world versus the real world are two very different things. There’s lots to consider in the real world when you’re implementing ideas and that’s a huge value in this particular internship.”

In many ways, Asare saw how the calculus from his coursework literally came to life through rocket launches.

Journey to CU

Asare’s family inspired him to pursue a STEM education. His father, a radio frequency engineer, and mother immigrated from Ghana to Arvada, Colo. for a chance at better economic and educational opportunities. His sister, a fellow ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� student, is majoring in molecular and cellular developmental biology, while his brother is a mechanical engineer.

“As a little kid, I was always taking apart my toys,” said Asare. “It was always about exploring what was inside of them and having that curiosity to just dig deeper and discover what was going on behind the surface.”

While Asare said that diversity was lacking in his high school experience, participating in CU Engineering programming through the BOLD Center helped connect him with peers who have supported each other along the way.

“It was honestly eye-opening to me joining the GoldShirt program, where most people around me were from diverse ethnic backgrounds,” said Asare. “We all have that same common goal in engineering of trying to improve the world around us — that was very special for me to see.”

Why Electrical & Computer Engineering?

“Electrical engineering is a driving fundamental force behind almost everything we use in the practical world,” Asare said.

Even beyond electrical engineering, Asare said, one can study almost any type of engineering and still end up in the aerospace industry. At Stoke Space, he met engineers across disciplines such as electrical and computer, mechanical, structural engineers and computer scientists.

“When it comes to electrical at Stoke, there were lots of different disciplines I saw at play, from PCB design/assembly to flight vehicle harnessing and more, all needed to make that rocket fly,” he said. “Electrical and computer engineering is often literally behind the faces of things made in other engineering disciplines that people generally see, but don’t necessarily think about.”

Curiosity for Kofi

During his first year at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Asare joined the Sounding Rocket Laboratory (SRL), one of ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� largest student organizations focused on developing and testing rocketry.

“Getting involved with SRL allowed me to dive into the niche of learning to build actual rockets and see them take flight,” said Asare. “What’s quite special is the ability to use professional software to gain that practical experience sought after by a lot of companies.”

Asare thrives off of collaborating together in a community while leaning in that passion for learning to get things accomplished.

With internship rocketry experience under his belt and getting back into engineering courses this semester, Asare hopes to land a future opportunity in aerospace or avionics.

Whether it’s designing rocketry on campus, developing the next generation of reusable rockets or taking flight on his own, Asare channels that curiosity without any limitations.

“That curiosity is still driving me today,” said Asare. “The further I dig, I find that there are just infinite questions to this world’s wonders but almost just as many answers and answers to be.”

Top Photo: Kofi Asare at Stoke Space in Washington State; Bottom Photo: Printed circuit board which Asare used during his internship!

Kofi Asare, a second-year electrical and computer engineering student, is taking his interest in avionics to greater heights by interning at Stoke Space, a space launch company.

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