Honors & Awards

Graduating student Asaiah Gifford wins prestigious Silver Medal award

alse6588 — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 20:40:54 +0000

Graduating student Asaiah Gifford wins prestigious Silver Medal award alse6588 Wed, 04/29/2026 - 14:40

Alexander Servantez

For many students, opportunities are like doors. They wait for them to open and take advantage when they do.

But Asaiah Gifford has taken a different path, building opportunities for herself and for others along the way.

Gifford, a mechanical engineering student graduating this spring, has been selected by the Colorado Engineering Council to receive this year’s Silver Medal Award. One of the state’s top honors for undergraduate engineers, the Silver Medal recognizes students who embody the values of academic excellence, personal integrity, professionalism and community service.

She is the third student from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering to win the award since 1994.

Asaiah Gifford speaking at the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship Summit.

“I am extremely honored to receive this award,” said Gifford. “During my time at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Rady Mechanical Engineering has invested in me and allowed me to be myself and fill in the gaps I see wherever possible. The guidance and collaboration I have received from mentors and peers in this community has made me a better person in all facets of my life.”

As a Boettcher Scholar, Gifford was poised to make a difference early. She was accepted into ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Engineering Honors Program, where she continued to challenge herself academically while seeking out leadership and service opportunities.

During her undergraduate years, Gifford was also selected for both the Patti Grace Smith Fellowship and the Brooke Owens Fellowship—two highly competitive, nationally recognized programs dedicated to supporting underrepresented students pursuing aerospace engineering careers.

Through these programs and her coursework, Gifford was able to develop and combine technical skills with real-world experiences. Her first-year engineering project, focused on sustainable transportation and carbon emissions education, won several awards, including being selected to be presented at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science.

That foundation led Gifford into the Summer Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR), where she worked under Professor Virginia Ferguson in the Ferguson Biomechanics and Biomimetics Lab. There, she applied her interdisciplinary strengths to help investigate how disease affects bone material properties.

“Asaiah is one of the most impressive undergraduate research students I have ever worked with,” said one of Gifford’s nominators. “The results of her research could potentially guide new discoveries and help others.”

Gifford’s perspective on engineering has also been shaped far beyond Boulder. She has participated in multiple education abroad programs, including a five-week seminar in Barcelona focused on literature and culture, a two-week leadership intensive in Rwanda and a semester at the National University of Singapore, where she completed a full course load in mechanical engineering.

But perhaps the most impressive aspect of Gifford’s college journey is her impact outside of the engineering classroom.

Gifford (left) posing with Chip the Buffalo and other students at an Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority event.

Inspired at a young age by Mae Jemison, the first African-American woman to travel into space, she has worked hard to help broaden opportunities for others, as well.

Gifford reactivated and served as the president of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the only Black Greek Letter Organization on campus. In this role, she strived to promote community among Black women on campus.

As a Patti Grace Smith fellow and a member of the ME Community Engagement & Outreach Committee, Gifford helped connect young students with unique professional development opportunities and plan events centered around Black History Month and Earth Day.

And finally, as a student signer for New Era Colorado, she even encouraged civic engagement by helping fellow students register to vote.

“Asaiah has earned respect and acknowledgement for her hard work and aspiration to help others, particularly Black women in engineering,” said another nominator.

She also gave back to communities away from campus, mentoring the next-generation of Boettcher Scholars and advocating for fellow students at the state-level.

“I participated in events ranging from environmental sustainability and social justice advocacy to youth STEM engagement,” Gifford said. “I have been able to mentor other students seeking similar professional paths. It’s been amazing to bond with my peers and grow as a person.”

This summer, Gifford will intern at United Launch Alliance in Alabama on the mechanical engineering strength analysis team. She will return to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in the fall to complete her master’s degree through the Bachelor’s-Accelerated Master’s Program (BAM).

And while her future is already taking shape, Gifford still takes the time today to reflect on her past. Not about the awards or the accomplishments—instead, it’s something that will carry her forward far beyond the university.

“My greatest achievement is that I have sought out and created opportunities to serve and learn from my communities,” said Gifford. “I feel overwhelmingly grateful to have made an impact in the process.”

Asaiah Gifford, a mechanical engineering student graduating this spring, has been selected by the Colorado Engineering Council to receive this year’s Silver Medal Award. One of the state’s top honors for undergraduate engineers, the Silver Medal recognizes students who embody the values of academic excellence, personal integrity, professionalism and community service.

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Nine mechanical engineering students earn 2026 graduating student awards

alse6588 — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 16:21:04 +0000

Nine mechanical engineering students earn 2026 graduating student awards alse6588 Wed, 04/29/2026 - 10:21

Alexander Servantez

Nine students from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering have earned graduating student awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2026.

These awards honor seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions.

Each of the nine award winners will be recognized and celebrated at the department's Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Friday, May 1.

Read below to learn more about these students and their amazing achievements.

Tegan Chanders

Chanders is receiving the Academic Engagement Award because of her relentless commitment to her studies. As a member of the Engineering Honors Program, Chanders has consistently demonstrated excellence by maintaining a high GPA while balancing a demanding and rigorous schedule. She has even leaned into early graduate-level coursework in preparation for her future.

On top of her studies, Chanders has also shown engagement in other areas of academia, including a semester studying abroad and internships with local startup companies. She is also a member of the Society of Women Engineers and the Women in Aeronautics and Astronautics, helping to create a supportive community for women in engineering and inspire the next generation of engineers.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I am continuing my education at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� by pursuing my master's degree in mechanical engineering through the Bachelor’s-Accelerated Master’s Program (BAM). My undergraduate degree at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� helped me gain a foundation in mechanical engineering and gave me the opportunity to discover what I am passionate about.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Get involved, make friends, go to class and get to know your professors! Everyone at CU wants to help you succeed, so take advantage of all of the opportunities you get and experience lots of new things.

Daniel Pagatpatan

Pagatpatan, an Academic Engagement Award recipient, has put together an impressive academic path during his time at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. As an ME major with minors in both engineering management and biomedical engineering, Pagatpatan is constantly stepping out of his comfort zone and pursuing more. He has completed five graduate-level courses during his undergraduate studies and even applied innovative approaches to his senior design project, which has resulted in a patent pending technology to advance robotic assisted surgical systems.

Pagatpatan has served as a course assistant for several core engineering classes across four separate semesters, too. In these roles, his nominator says he has gone “beyond basic grading” to lead entire lab sections and mentor new course assistants. He is also a dedicated advocate for all students and staff, helping them navigate difficult course topics in subjects where he has already achieved success.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I will be pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering here at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� as part of the BAM Program! The opportunities offered by ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� allowed me to learn more about topics that are of interest to me and helped me develop both the technical and soft skills necessary to be confident in my abilities as an engineer.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

My best advice for other students would be to put yourself out there! Getting to know your peers and your professors will help build a strong network and support group where each person brings their own strengths to the table and everyone can learn from each other.

Isabella Wheeler

Wheeler is receiving the Academic Engagement and Perseverance Awards for her dedication to academic success and outstanding resilience. With a background in premedical studies, Wheeler has integrated a diverse, human-centered approach to her engineering studies and volunteer work in healthcare settings. She has also served as a course assistant for multiple undergraduate engineering classes, dedicating nearly 25 hours a week towards managing everything from course logistics to writing exam questions for nearly 100 students.

But her journey has not been easy. Wheeler has dealt with sudden health issues, academic setbacks and even instances of exclusion over the past four years. However, her nominator says she never retreated. She kept pushing and taking proactive measures to progress forward. She is not only the epitome of strength and courage—she has become a beam of inclusivity and a welcoming presence for others facing adversity.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

My next step will be a full-time position as a Thermal Engineer at SpaceX in Los Angeles, where I’ll be working on satellites. I’m incredibly excited for this opportunity and the chance to dive deeper into a specialized technical field that I’m truly passionate about.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� and the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) played a major role in preparing me for this next chapter. As both a student and an educator, I was able to explore a highly specific niche in thermal engineering while also receiving a well-rounded education that gave me the flexibility to take on new challenges.

Through a ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��–sponsored career fair, I connected with Sierra Nevada Corporation, where my internship became one of the most transformative experiences of my early career. That role helped me grow significantly as an engineer and shaped the direction of my professional path.

The Design Center Colorado Senior Design Program was also instrumental in preparing me for this opportunity. Through a company-sponsored project with Sierra Space, I gained hands-on experience working on satellite systems for the first time.

This project sparked my interest in the space industry and played a key role in motivating me to pursue a career at SpaceX. It also taught me invaluable lessons in teamwork, systems-level thinking, and the technical aspects of spacecraft thermal control, including radiator design. Together, these experiences gave me both the confidence and the skill set to take this exciting next step.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

For future students, my advice is simple: fail often and fail early. Failure is not a reflection of your potential, it is a necessary part of growth. Allowing yourself to struggle, to take risks, and to step outside of your comfort zone will accelerate your learning and help you discover what you are truly passionate about.

Do not be afraid to ask questions, to seek help, or to challenge yourself with difficult material. Academic success is not reserved for those with prior knowledge or natural talent; it belongs to those who are willing to persist, to reflect, and to continue moving forward despite setbacks.

Asaiah Gifford

Gifford is receiving a multitude of recognitions this spring, including the Community Impact Award, Culture Impact Award and Global Engagement Award.

Gifford’s impact on community and culture starts with her strong commitment and demonstrated effort to create a welcoming environment for Black students on campus. She serves as the president of the Alpha Kappa chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., the only Black Greek Letter Organization on campus. She has helped connect young students with unique professional development opportunities, helped plan Black History Month and Earth Day events and even encouraged civic engagement by helping fellow students register to vote.

Gifford also displays excellence abroad. As a dedicated board member of CU Engineers Without Borders, she has traveled abroad three times to Spain, Singapore and Rwanda. In each place, her nominator said she was able to bridge communication gaps and navigate different knowledge systems in a professional engineering capacity. But most of all, she treated other communities with respect and kindness, inspiring her peers to study abroad and participate in global efforts themselves.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

After graduation, I will be interning at United Launch Alliance on the mechanical engineering strength analysis team at their factory in Decatur, Alabama, and will be a Brooke Owens Fellow. I'll return to ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� in the fall to complete my master's degree through the BAM program.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� gave me the opportunity to explore different parts of the world and what engineering can and should look like in a range of fields. Those experiences helped me better learn what I value and how I can uphold my values in any work I do.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

The most valuable part of my time in college has been the opportunity to be invested in by others, and my only advice is that other students seek out and build connections that invest in them.

While it’s true that I am very passionate about the activities and experiences I had, and was intentional in my pursuit of them, the meaning I have gleaned comes in whole from the mentors, professors, peers, and other community members that guided and collaborated with me. These amazing individuals are abundant at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, so take advantage!

Madison Seckman

Seckman is receiving three awards this spring, including the Community Impact Award, Global Engagement Award and Research Award.

Her community contributions come from an interesting and unique place. As part of the Balance Builders program, Seckman created a cooking course called Cooking and Community Nights, sponsored by Engineering Connections. Designed around mental health themes, each night was a culinary metaphor for a common mental health struggle experienced by first-year engineering students. The sustainable program helped facilitate difficult conversations regarding mental health and transition periods.

She also served a four-year commitment with Engineers Without Borders Ecuador, where she helped lead the design of essential infrastructure, such as taps and meters, for a community in need. Her nominator says she has demonstrated a clear ability to deliver technical engineering practices while respecting and collaborating with Indigenous Knowledge systems.

Seckman has exhibited outstanding research ability, as well. She spent nearly a year working in the Pellegrino Lab, led by Research Professor John Pellegrino, where she focused on the development of semipermeable graphene-based membrane electrodes. Her work was highly innovative, aiming to create a device capable of powering medical implants like pacemakers and prosthetics using only blood flow.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

Starting this fall, I am transitioning from an internship to a full-time position with Medtronic as a CAS Clinical Specialist providing technical support for physicians in hospitals. I am also moving to Durham, North Carolina where I will be a part-time graduate student at Duke University earning a master's in mechanical engineering.

��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� helped me make connections at Medtronic through the Biomedical Engineering Society, and provided rigorous coursework that helped me get into grad school at Duke.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Don't be afraid to have fun! Focus on your grades when you need to, but stay ahead so you can be spontaneous. Try a new sport or learn a new skill!

Zachary Weiner

Weiner, a Global Engagement honoree, is well-known for his presence on ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Engineers Without Borders USA chapter. Here, he served as the president and project manager on water source and distribution projects in Guatemala and Ecuador. He even helped establish an exciting new partnership with the Mortenson Center.

Since his involvement in the program began in 2022, Weiner has prioritized listening to community stakeholders, recognizing local expertise and adapting engineering plans to align with cultural values, environmental conditions and community-defined needs. His nominator says that global communities improved as a result of Weiner’s social awareness and responsible engineering.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

This summer, I will start as a Field Engineer with Mortenson Construction's wind team. ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� gave me the opportunity to explore a wide variety of engineering fields and industries so that I could find what most interested me.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Find clubs and organizations that you care about and get as involved as possible. That is where so much learning and growth happens that can't happen in the classroom.

Danielle Swen

Swen is receiving the Perseverance Award for her unwavering resilience in the face of pressure and adversity. During her time at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, she has juggled heavy coursework and difficult responsibilities while also dealing with personal loss.

But despite these struggles, Swen has always stayed on track and remained a selfless advocate for her peers. She has been a vital support system for others, helping conduct resume reviews and leading professional workshops. Her nominator says she is a student who perseveres by “maintaining a well-rounded and community-focused life.”

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I'm headed to SpaceX as a Propulsion Engineer! CEAS has helped me prepare for this incredible opportunity through great mentors and challenging developmental courses.

As my classes progressed, I began to truly understand the fundamentals of engineering. This helped me become a strong problem solver and better able to make sense of the world around me.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

College was not easy. In fact, it was very difficult!

But that’s okay. One day it will all be done and you will look back and appreciate all of the hard work you put in, how much you learned and the incredible people you met. It is easy to get caught up in the chaos and commotion, so remember to appreciate everything around you every once in a while.

Alexander Aronov

Aronov has earned a Research Award for his work on the SCENIC Colorado program, a National Science Foundation funded effort working to broaden access to engineering education in rural high school classrooms. Every year, SCENIC connects ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� students with rural high schools to introduce hands-on engineering experiences into the classroom, turning local questions about air and soil quality into real-world research projects.

By investigating how students engage in asking research questions, developing hypotheses, and finding engineering solutions, the SCENIC program has helped address critical gaps in rural STEM education. Aronov’s contributions were significant enough to present at the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Rocky Mountain Conference, as well as publish the team’s results in a primary-authored research paper, marking him as a high-achieving undergraduate researcher.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

This fall, I'll be starting as a 1L at the University of Chicago Law School. Because of my engineering education at CU, I feel better prepared than most might think.

Engineering taught me how to take enormous problems and break them into workable pieces. From senior design to research, the work demanded rigor and collaboration. The combination of thinking analytically while working alongside others is invaluable in any field.

It's a different path than the typical pre-law background, but I think that's going to be an asset. The legal field is full of complex, layered problems with unclear answers. I've been trained to tackle exactly that alongside world-class peers at Boulder.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Find things you are passionate about, and don’t be afraid to push yourself. Take full advantage of the incredible opportunity you have at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. Fill your schedule with a compendium of responsibilities you are genuinely excited about. Wake up Monday morning with that delightful anxiety and excitement as you see how busy the week ahead is.

Few have ever looked back on college and said, “I wish I had done less.”

Mari Sippel

Sippel has earned a Research Award for her incredible research in the Precision Laser Diagnostics Laboratory, led by Professor Greg Rieker. Since her sophomore year, she has progressed from organizing the workshop to conducting complex research that requires precise data acquisition and the use of specialized cameras. Her dedication to consistency ensures that each test provides reliable data for further analysis.

Sippel has taught herself Python and mastered advanced data acquisition methods. While her work involves projects for 3M, the broader impact of her research supports the development of more accurate simulations in the field of fluid dynamics. Sippel’s nominator says she is actively involved in the formal dissemination of her research and is currently in the process of writing a paper for publication.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

This summer, I will be interning at Lerch Bates, an engineering consulting company in Golden. Additionally, I am considering staying at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� for my master's degree starting in the fall.

CEAS helped me prepare by connecting me with Katherine McConnell and the MCEN Professions class, which helped me with my resume and networking. I also got my research position through her email list with job opportunities.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Get involved in something outside of class! For me, it was the swim/dive team and research. It was great for meeting new people and learning new things.

Nine students from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering have earned graduating student awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2026. These awards honor seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions to the college and campus community.

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ME graduate student earns prestigious NSF research fellowship

alse6588 — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 21:11:57 +0000

ME graduate student earns prestigious NSF research fellowship alse6588 Thu, 04/16/2026 - 15:11

Alexander Servantez

These major awards honor and support outstanding graduate students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

Awardees receive a $37,000 annual stipend and cost of education allowance for the next three years as well as professional development opportunities.

Read more about Maly’s interests and research below.

Blake Maly

Graduated master’s student, beginning PhD in fall semester

Advisor: Noel Clark

Lab: Clark Liquid Crystal Group

Maly’s research involves using light to study molecular dynamics in complex, ordered fluids. He hopes to use the techniques he’s learned to make advancements in the fields of energy storage or renewable energy generation.

Maly grew up in Arvada, Colorado. He is an avid runner and swimmer who loves to spend time outdoors in the Rocky Mountains. Maly also enjoys sewing and designing his own clothes.

While at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, Maly studied engineering physics and mechanical engineering. He also played saxophone in the Golden Buffalo Marching Band for three years and earned a minor in music.

Maly earned his master’s degree in mechanical engineering in December. Currently, he is taking a semester off to work as a full-time STEM tutor. In the fall, Maly will begin his PhD program at the Colorado School of Mines.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has recognized Blake Maly, a graduate student in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��, with a Graduate Research Fellowship Program award. These major awards honor and support outstanding graduate students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

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Welker receives Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor Award

alse6588 — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 21:19:33 +0000

Welker receives Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor Award alse6588 Mon, 03/30/2026 - 15:19

The ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� Graduate School has announced that Assistant Professor Cara Welker has earned one of this year's Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor Awards. The award honors faculty members for their outstanding contributions either to mentoring individual graduate students, improving the overall climate of graduate education within their program, or improving the graduate program itself.

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PhD student wins prestigious physics contest with endless avalanche experiment

alse6588 — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 20:10:17 +0000

PhD student wins prestigious physics contest with endless avalanche experiment alse6588 Mon, 03/30/2026 - 14:10

PhD student Rylan Hodgson recently created a video that won the American Physical Society's (APS) 2026 Gallery of Soft Matter contest at the APS Global Physics Summit. The video demonstrates a unique view of the dynamics of granular flow with a rolling drum experiment that could one day be used to reveal key information about the mechanics and behavior of avalanches.

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Xu selected as a 2026 RIO Faculty Fellow

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 10 Dec 2025 20:13:11 +0000

Xu selected as a 2026 RIO Faculty Fellow Alexander Jame… Wed, 12/10/2025 - 13:13

Assistant Professor Nicole Xu has been selected as a 2026 RIO Faculty Fellow. The program supports faculty in achieving their research and innovation goals and promotes collaboration through tailored training, experiential learning and leadership development opportunities.

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Mechanical engineering students shine at the 2025 CSC Finals

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 06 Nov 2025 19:46:57 +0000

Mechanical engineering students shine at the 2025 CSC Finals Alexander Jame… Thu, 11/06/2025 - 12:46

Mechanical engineering students Jack Mulvaney, Josh Shrewbridge, Hayden Dondlinger, Kai Groudan, Duncan Laird and Gregory Reilly shined at this year's Colorado Sustainable Challenge, receiving nearly $8,500 in awards during the two-week hackathon-style event designed for anyone passionate about solving problems and building a solution to impact sustainability.

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Xu selected to receive a 2025 Packard Fellowship award

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 15:24:11 +0000

Xu selected to receive a 2025 Packard Fellowship award Alexander Jame… Wed, 10/15/2025 - 09:24

The David and Lucile Packard Foundation announces the 2025 class of Packard Fellows.

Nicole Xu, assistant professor in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering, has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering.

Established in 1988, the award provides some of the nation’s most promising early career scientists and engineers flexible funding to test novel ideas and lead research that drives real-world impact. This year’s class features 20 innovative researchers, who will each receive $875,000 over five years to explore new frontiers in their fields of study.

“I’m excited to join this incredible cohort of Packard Fellows,” said Xu, who is also affiliated with the Robotics Program, Biomedical Engineering Program and BioFrontiers Institute at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. "It’s a great opportunity to collaborate with people and learn from these brilliant scientists and engineers.”

A history of Packard Fellows at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��

Xu is the 20th researcher from ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ�� to receive a Packard Fellowship.
She is the fifth researcher to represent CU Engineering as a Packard Fellow.

Xu leads an interdisciplinary research group at the intersection of robotics, fluid dynamics and biology. She says the funding will help her team tackle issues related to climate, energy efficiency and even environmental stewardship.

“To address climate change, we need new, energy-efficient tools for ocean monitoring and exploration,” Xu said. “The Xu Lab leverages jellyfish as a model organism to design next-generation underwater vehicles using three approaches: engineered soft robots, cyborg systems enhancing live animals, and tissue-engineered constructs. Together, these methods offer complementary insights into propulsion.”

The Packard Fellowships were inspired by electrical engineer and former United States Deputy Secretary of Defense David Packard and his commitment to strengthening university-based science and engineering programs across the country. Since the fellowship’s inception, the Packard Foundation has awarded more than $500 million to support 735 scientists and engineers from 55 universities.

Over the years, Packard Fellows have made discoveries to help protect species, develop new vaccines and launch technologies that improve our daily lives. Many have gone on to receive some of the field’s highest honors, including Nobel Prizes in Chemistry and Physics and elections to the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine.

“It’s important to invest in science now more than ever so that we can study fundamental research and applications in areas like AI and climate change,” said Xu. “The Packard Fellowship will provide my lab with crucial funding that will allow us to conduct high-risk, high-reward research.”

Read the Packard Foundation news release

‘Cyborg jellyfish’ could aid in deep-sea research, inspire next-gen underwater vehicles

Assistant Professor Nicole Xu first became fascinated with moon jellyfish more than a decade ago because of their extraordinary swimming abilities. Today, Xu has developed a way to harness their efficiency and ease at moving through the water in ways that could make some types of aquatic research much easier.

We can turn bugs into flying, crawling RoboCops. Does that mean we should?

Scientists and engineers are modifying animals with mechanical parts to create next-generation biohybrid cyborg animals that can perform difficult and unappealing tasks for humans. But do humans have the right to overlook animal consciousness for personal gain? In this article by Salon, Assistant Professor Nicole Xu blazes this new terrain and explores the ethical considerations behind these biohybrid creatures using her jellyfish case study as an example.

Meet 5 types of robots with living body parts

Living organisms have evolved across the span of millions of years to do things that are nearly impossible even for today's machines. But what happens when you combine biology and engineering to create more capable robots? Assistant Professor Nicole Xu shares her lab's efforts to create the next generation of cyborg jellyfish explorers.

Assistant Professor Nicole Xu has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 Packard Fellowships for Science and Engineering. The award provides some of the nation’s most promising early career scientists and engineers flexible funding to test novel ideas and lead research that drives real-world impact.

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Vriend selected for Outstanding Postdoc Mentor of the Year award

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 19 Sep 2025 21:35:04 +0000

Vriend selected for Outstanding Postdoc Mentor of the Year award Alexander Jame… Fri, 09/19/2025 - 15:35

Associate Professor Nathalie Vriend has been selected as a 2025 Outstanding Postdoc Mentor of the Year Award recipient. The postdoc-nominated award recognizes faculty members who provide exceptional mentoring, training and leadership to postdoctoral scholars at ��Ҵ�ý�ƽ��. Vriend is described by her nominators as an "unparalleled mentor who not only guides research but also creates a profoundly supportive environment" for postdocs in her lab.

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Two ME graduate peer mentors recognized for outstanding support

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 17:36:27 +0000

Two ME graduate peer mentors recognized for outstanding support Alexander Jame… Mon, 07/07/2025 - 11:36

PhD students Marissa Dauner and Elijah Miller have been selected by the Graduate School to receive the Graduate Peer Mentoring Impact Recognition, an honor awarded to those who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting their peers through mentorship. These outstanding mentors were nominated by their mentees for providing not only practical guidance, but also meaningful personal support and connection.

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Honors & Awards

Graduating student Asaiah Gifford wins prestigious Silver Medal award

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Nine mechanical engineering students earn 2026 graduating student awards

Tegan Chanders

Daniel Pagatpatan

Isabella Wheeler

Asaiah Gifford

Madison Seckman

Zachary Weiner

Danielle Swen

Alexander Aronov

Mari Sippel

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ME graduate student earns prestigious NSF research fellowship

Blake Maly

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Welker receives Exceptional Graduate Faculty Mentor Award

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PhD student wins prestigious physics contest with endless avalanche experiment

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Xu selected as a 2026 RIO Faculty Fellow

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Mechanical engineering students shine at the 2025 CSC Finals

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Xu selected to receive a 2025 Packard Fellowship award

A history of Packard Fellows at ���Ҵ�ý�ƽ������

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