I3@USD-Fall 2025

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University of San Diego, Fall 2025 I 3 @ USD

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

SHILEY-MARCOS

A Human Endeavor W elcome, Toreros, alumni and friends to the latest edition of the Shiley

Contents

I 3 @ USD

and this year’s issue captures what that means for our engineering and computing community. We celebrate the transformative generosity of benefactress Darlene Marcos Shiley, whose support of the Shiley STEM Initiative and our new, future-forward building is shaping an unprecedented environment for collaboration. This integration of engineering, computing and other disciplines will have a lasting impact on how we learn, innovate and serve. Thank you, Darlene, for being such an extraordinary Changemaker at the University of San Diego. We also honor our remarkable donors whose generosity has revitalized facilities and strengthened our programs — investments that nurture the next generation of ethical and compassionate leaders. In this issue, you will also explore an example, among the many, of how our students are embodying USD’s global commitment through projects that make a difference. Their inspiring work on water filtration in Uganda demonstrates how community-driven engineering solutions rely on cross-cultural collaboration and a deep understanding of human need. The stories shared throughout this issue affirm a truth at the heart of engineering — it is a deeply human endeavor. It’s about using ingenuity and skill to improve lives and build a better future for all. I am incredibly proud of the innovative work our students, faculty, alumni and partners do every day to advance this vision. I hope you enjoy reading this magazine as much as I have enjoyed seeing these stories of innovation, compassion and impact come together. Chell Roberts, Founding Dean Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering

FEATURE STORIES HONORING THE SHILEY LEGACY

SHILEY-MARCOS SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING Imagine. Innovate. Inspire. I 3 @ USD | Fall 2025

Marcos School of Engineering I3@ USD magazine. As the founding dean, I have the immense privilege of witnessing our community’s creativity and commitment firsthand. I am continually inspired by the faculty, staff and students who bring to life a powerful, human-centered approach to engineering and computing. Our mission is rooted in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition — uniting knowledge, ethics and purpose —

An historic gift from Darlene Marcos Shiley will help fund a new STEM building designed to foster interdisciplinary collaboration between engineering and the natural sciences. TOREROS WHO BROKE THE MOLD Meet three inspirational alumni who applied their technical skills to sports, healthcare and music and found success through authenticity and passion. A COLLECTIVE EFFORT USD engineering researchers address the pressing need for a scalable water filtration system in rural Uganda by using local, organic materials.

Our new and updated facilities are an investment in the future of the Shiley Marcos School of Engineering, ensuring that it remains a top‑ranked destination for students seeking an innovative and high-quality engineering education.

Executive Editor Michelle Sztupkay michelles@sandiego.edu Art Director Tricia Caparas tcaparas@sandiego.edu Contributing Writers

Karen Gross Elisa Lurkis Allyson Meyer Julene Snyder

Michelle Sztupkay Cover Photography Photos by Rebekah Mauk ’25 (ME) Contact University of San Diego Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering 5998 Alcalá Park San Diego, CA 92110 (619) 260-4627 Email Alumni Notes to: Senior Director of Development and Alumni Relations Elisa Lurkis elurkis@sandieg.edu Website: sandiego.edu/engineering

Instagram: @usdengineering Facebook: @usdEngineering LinkedIn: @usd-engineering

— Chell Roberts, PhD

ON THE COVER Purpose-driven Research Engineered for impact in Uganda and beyond, USD is transforming unsafe water into a source for life.

ENGINEERING USD

Honoring the Shiley Legacy By Karen Gross

02 USD ENGINEERING

A transformative gift from philanthropist Darlene Marcos Shiley is funding a new future-forward building on the University of San Diego (USD) campus: one that will promote collaboration between the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and the College of Arts and Sciences in a way that its designers and university leaders hope will supercharge creativity and innovation in a rapidly changing world. Historic Gift Fuels a New Era of STEM at USD every aspect of the building’s design and function.

students,” she says. “And then we hope, in theory, it leads to students who can go out into the world and solve problems in more nuanced ways.” As an example of how this might work, Norton cites the potential for collaboration between biomedical engineering — which currently has one supervising faculty member and no designated lab space — and biology, biochemistry and biophysics. “The design of this building has led to conversations about how you bring together biomedical engineering and cellular molecular biology, which have existed separately for a long time,” she says. “They can now come together because people are talking to each other, but also because the biomedical engineering lab is going to be adjacent to the cellular molecular biology lab.” Historically, blurring the boundaries between disciplines has led to some of the most impactful discoveries, Roberts says. But it’s even more vital now due to the emergence and pervasiveness of artificial intelligence. “That is probably the single biggest thing that is threatening jobs and the future of academia. The rapid advent of technology and the progress being made.” Because access to knowledge and information is already so simple, the role of education has to change. “It becomes less about how much I know and memorize and more about what I can do,” he says. The emphasis on hands‑on creating is the aspect of the building’s design that is potentially the most exciting. The building will boast makers' spaces and labs, offering everything from imaging and 3D printers to woodshop, medical device development, environmental exploration and robotics. These are where the best opportunities for collaboration might flourish. “I think they open up some opportunities that we just don’t really understand quite yet,” says Rick Olson, associate

“I think the way students learn and faculty teach to be successful in the coming years has to change,” says Chell Roberts, dean of the Shiley Marcos School of Engineering. “And the building promises to create space where that can happen.” Donald and Darlene Shiley have been avid and generous supporters of USD for decades. But this $75 million dollar contribution — announced in honor of the school’s 75th anniversary at the 2024 Founders Gala — is the largest in its history, and among the largest ever given to a Catholic university. Much of it is being used to establish the Shiley STEM Initiative, including state-of the-art facilities. Donald Shiley was a biomedical engineer who invented the Bjork-Shiley tilting disc heart valve. Mrs. Shiley

wants to honor his legacy in a truly impactful way. “I was thinking big because if you're going to do this, do it right,” she said. “I’d love to see another Donald come out of USD. And I think Donald would be pleased because it was always his idea that we’d give away all our money.” Creating a space that encourages innovative collaboration while still meeting the needs of faculty and students is its own unique challenge, says Roberts. “The tension in this whole design is that we still exist today in silos, and we’re only peeking into the future where we’re supposing we can change that.” As a way to address that concern, a stakeholder committee led by associate deans from each school formed five focus groups to look at

The building itself will be used as a teaching tool, not just as a space where students learn inside of its walls. Rooftop solar panels may serve as hands-on models for students from both faculties, showing them in real time how electricity is produced, how it's utilized and how the panels contribute to the ecosystem of a sustainable building. There are also ideas to include spaces where students will learn about sustainable food production and areas where scientists and engineers can learn about sustainable water usage as well as sediments, soil and pollution. The building will be a place for learning, experimenting and creating — designed specifically for the benefit of undergraduate students, as a space where they can interact and overlap, sharing classes and rooms and ideas and inspiration. “We hope that will lead to what some people call happy collisions or serendipitous interactions,” says Ron Kaufmann, associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences. Noelle Norton, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, describes the goal as generating synergies that can ideally ignite sparks. “It’s just talking in the hallways that will likely lead to a creative idea, that will lead to a course, that will lead to a curriculum requirement checked off for the

dean at the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering and Kaufmann’s co‑lead on the stakeholder committee. He does have some ideas, based on a look at previous capstone projects that may have benefitted from having access to the new structure. One such idea featured the development of an artificial intelligence-based app that can determine whether a species of beetles found in agricultural imports is safe, or requires further inspection. Another involved the design of a robotic device that can assemble very small medical implants to monitor eye pressure in glaucoma patients. The overlaps between engineering, computer science, plant science and biological science, as just a few examples, underline the advantages of shared space and shared knowledge.

Another case-in-point: “We put the biomedical lab right next to the cellular molecular biology lab. Maybe when you’re looking at coming up with artificial skin, or anything related to that cellular level type of work, the proximity has an impact,” Olson says. It’s impossible to predict what advances the new building will yield, but the excitement and interest the design process has generated suggests a level of imagination that will permeate its atmosphere, leading to the breakthroughs that Darlene Marcos Shiley hopes for. “To me, STEM education in San Diego is a natural,” she said. “Even if it wasn’t for Donald it would still be a natural. I want to know that we made an imprint. And I think the University of San Diego is the way to do it.”

05 IMAGINE•INNOVATE•INSPIRE

Remembering Ned McMahon

Enhanced Spaces, Brighter Futures

Shaping Boards, Lives and a Sustainable Future

Transforming the Footprint of USD Engineering

(1956-2024)

By Michelle Sztupkay

he Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering is undergoing a period of unprecedented

cross-disciplinary projects, enabling new majors and minors and expanding the curriculum. In addition, significant upgrades are taking place throughout the Belanich Engineering Center (BEC), including renovations to four labs and a complete overhaul of Guadalupe Hall, thanks to generous donor support. The first renovated lab, BEC 315, functions as a lab and classroom and was completed in Fall 2024 with support from the Bill Hannon Foundation, Erin Fullwinder Alex and Tony and Siri Mitchell. Second-floor renovations of BEC 205 and BEC 206 took place over the

Summer 2025. BEC 205 is a dedicated electrical engineering lab, while BEC 206, the Chang Innovation Lab, serves as an innovation hub for entrepreneurship classes and capstone design projects. A key enhancement for the second-floor labs is the installation of windows, slated for Intersession 2026. The Chang Innovation Lab was made possible by major donations from the DHC and CLC Foundation and the J.D. Power family. Funding for BEC 205 came from an array of donors, with fund-matching from the school. Renovation of BEC 207 will commence once funding is secured. The final component of the initiative is the transformation of Guadalupe Hall, funded by John and Raffaella Belanich. The building will be reborn as an extension of the Belanich Engineering Center, providing expanded space for academic and administrative functions. Key features include the installation of an elevator, expansion of the Linux Lab and a new dean’s administrative suite. By inhabiting the entirety of Guadalupe Hall, the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering will now be positioned to face the heart of the USD campus. Dean Chell Roberts, PhD, emphasizes that these upgrades are an “investment in the school's future, ensuring it remains a top ranked destination for high-quality engineering education.”

E dward Francis “Ned” McMahon, whose life embodied adventure, innovation and unwavering kindness, passed away while surrounded by his family on Aug. 13, 2024. A devoted partner of the University of San Diego, McMahon was a man of undeniable presence — navigating life with a boundless spirit. Born on April 4, 1956, McMahon’s love for the ocean began early. At 18, he took a gap year and moved to Hawaii, where he embraced the legendary surf and began shaping a career — literally. After earning his degree in marine engineering from Texas A&M, he went on to handcraft more than 35,000 surfboards, influencing generations of surfers and collaborating with some of the most respected names in the industry — Nat Young, Rip Curl, Lightning Bolt and Town & Country Surf. McMahon wasn’t content to simply ride waves; in the surfing industry he created them. He embraced new technology early; brought innovation to surfboard production; pioneered advanced soft boards; and helped develop the rescue sled, which transformed water safety around the globe. His passion was boundless. As he once wrote in his “Inspirocean” blog: “I love the sea and need to be By Michelle Sztupkay

energy advisor. “Ned so inspired me that I recruited him to teach the Sustainable Energy course for my Master’s in Engineering, Sustainability and Health program.” McMahon also guided Professor Odesma Dalrymple, PhD, on a wind energy initiative to support small farm energy needs for the island of Tobago and to teach alternative energy technology to locals. The De Sanctis Professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship, Venkat Shastri, PhD, collaborated with McMahon on senior design projects and the installation of three EnergiPlants across campus: “Ned never veered from his commitment to his mission of sustainable energy. He embodied a strong work ethic that proliferated throughout his organization.” McMahon routinely hired USD seniors and interns, whom, Shastri confirmed, "loved working for Ned.” Ned McMahon’s legacy is found in the surfers who ride boards he shaped, the communities empowered by his sustainable innovations and the countless individuals he inspired to dream bigger, work harder and live kinder. Sculptor and EnergiPlant collaborator Jon Koehler reflects, “Ned was one of those amazing people who could see the invisible and do the impossible.”

around it, whether in a shack on a beach somewhere or from the deck of an old wooden schooner — the sea is life.” McMahon’s adventurous spirit extended beyond shaping and surfing; he was a skilled sailor who spent years navigating the Caribbean and East Coast. During his sailing adventures, he met his former wife, Christine. Together, they lovingly raised two daughters, Emilie and Jessica. Beyond the waves, McMahon’s life was defined by his deep faith and commitment to others. He served the Catholic Worker movement, managing Casa Milagro in San Diego to assist refugees. In 2007, his love for the planet inspired the founding of Malama Composites, producing recyclable, bio-based foam. In 2012, he launched Primo Wind, creating innovative wind-energy solutions. His commitment to sustainability brought him to the University of San Diego where he served on the advisory board of the Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies and partnered with the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. Professor Caroline Baillie, PhD, worked with McMahon on her Forest School Design Project, where he served as an alternative

transformation, marked by concurrent renovations and new construction projects. These initiatives are expanding the school’s footprint and revitalizing key learning and collaboration spaces to provide students with access to cutting-edge facilities. Looking ahead, the new STEM facility — funded by Darlene Marcos Shiley — will integrate engineering with the natural sciences. The building is being designed to revolutionize STEM programming by fostering

Engineering to inhabit the entirety of the Belanich Engineering Center and Guadalupe Hall.

USD ENGINEERING

IMAGINE•INNOVATE•INSPIRE

Training the Leaders of Tomorrow One Scholar at a Time I f a student’s journey through college is one chapter of their story, Rhonda Harley, PhD, By Allyson Meyer

It’s not just that

we’re training them

to succeed, which

we want them

long program, consisting of six workshops, includes opportunities for students to put career development into practice — from mock interviews to conversations with industry professionals. “When students graduate from universities, they have their heads full of theories, but they’re not really prepared for what life ahead in that job might be,” says advisory board member and program mentor Katie Busch-Sorensen. “The aim for us was to open the students up to realize what the possibilities are, because engineers can pretty much do anything.” Over the course of a year, students interact with industry mentors and take part in workshop discussions about strengths, negotiation and interviewing, as well as ethical and legal considerations for the workforce. “Every student who has gone through this program has learned something from others and learned something about themselves that will help them for ‘life after USD,’ as I call it,” says Harley. “Whether you’re going to grad school, the Peace Corps or gainful employment, you’ve learned something about yourself.”

gives them the tools to write their manuscript. “I often say, ‘You have the pen in your hand, and you are writing your undergraduate story,’ ” she says. “How do you want this chapter to read?” As the assistant dean of student engagement and inclusive excellence at the University of San Diego’s Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering, Harley is no stranger to career development, having spent much of the past decade as the assistant director of career development, serving as the liaison to engineering and computer science students. Now, Harley is focused on a new task — the engineering school’s Industry Scholars Program — a leadership and professional development program curated for engineering and computer science students. Born out of an engineering Executive Advisory Board meeting in 2017, the program has grown over the past few years under Harley’s leadership, seeing student applications and participation more than double. This year

to, we want them

to lead as well.

The Industry Scholars Program enriches the USD college experience, which Harley sees as equipping students with a well-rounded education that celebrates both the technical and the non-technical. “The teaching happens inside the classroom as well as outside the classroom. They’re learning how to communicate effectively, how to problem solve, how to work in teams, how to critically think, and how to be savvy about what they want to achieve.” For Harley, the Industry Scholars Program directly contributes to the students’ future success, which helps them to write that next chapter. She emphasizes the lasting impact of the program, adding, “I believe there’s a lot of value in it for the student in the academic year, but I think it’ll last for moons to come after they’ve gone off to greener pastures.”

For Walt Foley, an advisory board member and program mentor, it’s about educating the next generation of professionals who are not just technically skilled, but who will also become leaders focused on fostering a culture of care and empathy in their fields. “This program does a great job in prepping engineering students for the human side of the real world they will be stepping into,” Foley says. “I marvel at their persistence in not just succeeding in a technical profession, but in excelling, with all of life’s challenges.” Throughout the year, the mentors watch as the participants grow, learning more about themselves and embracing an active role in their post‑graduation success. “We’ve had students come into the program who were pretty timid. Over the two semesters, we see them blossom,” says Tom Lupfer, a USD

trustee, a professor of practice and a program mentor. “It’s fun to see the growth of the students in the program, the maturation and the recognition of the importance of the concepts we’re talking about that are generally not discussed in the classroom. We’re trying to train the leaders of the industry. It’s not just that we’re training them to succeed — which we want them to — we want them to lead as well.” The industry and alumni mentors participating in the program find it rewarding to be part of the journey. “Having these curated, intimate connections with these students, you learn so much,” says engineering alumna mentor, Maaron Tesfaye Bea ’19 (ME), who serves on the Engineering and Computer Science Alumni Council. “USD gave me so much. The best way I can give back directly is with my time. It energizes me and hopefully provides benefits to these students.”

— Tom Lupfer

USD ENGINEERING

IMAGINE•INNOVATE•INSPIRE

I n 2013, electrical engineering alumnus Dr. Ricardo Valerdi ’00 had a radical idea: what if we used the universal language of sports to teach kids math? A professor of systems and industrial engineering at the University of Arizona, Valerdi noticed that many primary- and middle school students found math to be disconnected from their lives. He believed that if young learners could see how math applied to something they loved, like sports, they might become excited to learn it. This led him to found Science of Sport, a nonprofit dedicated to using athletics to promote STEM education. Initially, the program started as a one-day camp in Arizona focused on understanding the statistics on baseball cards. It quickly grew in popularity, captivating students and gaining the attention of parents and teachers. Through a USD connection, Valerdi was introduced to Ballard Smith, former president of the San Diego Padres. Smith recognized the program's potential and helped establish a partnership with the Padres and Major League Baseball (MLB). Smith was so impressed with the program's model that he became Science of Sport's first executive director. “I spent many years of my life around professional sports, but what drew me to Science of Sport was the chance to use that world to make a real difference in kids’ lives. When I saw how the program could turn math anxiety into excitement — how it could shift a child’s entire relationship with learning — I knew I had to be a part of it,” Smith says.

Toreros Who BROKE THE MOLD

By Elisa Lurkis U niversity of San Diego and impact. Our graduates are applying their education to create meaningful alumni are driven by a shared commitment to innovation change across diverse fields. From leveraging the power of sports to making STEM education engaging for young students, to using cutting-edge data to revolutionize patient care, and even blending a career in technology with the creative pursuit of music, meet three inspirational Toreros who demonstrate that a USD education is a launchpad for purpose-driven careers. Their journeys showcase a common thread: the ability to source personal and professional success through authenticity and passion.

The Science of Sport

The organization's success continued to grow, expanding from a single camp into a national movement. Today, 12 of the 30 MLB teams incorporate the Science of Sport curriculum into local schools and player development academies. The program has also extended beyond baseball, with partnerships including NFL teams like the Eagles, NBA teams like the Knicks and NHL teams such as the Kings. The program's goal is not to produce professional athletes, but to fundamentally change how young students understand and experience math. The curriculum demonstrates how concepts like algebra, statistics and geometry are essential for sports performance — from calculating batting averages to understanding shot trajectories. By rooting abstract concepts in the excitement of sports, Science of Sport helps students see themselves as capable learners.

“These aren’t just math problems,” says Valerdi. “These are opportunities to see the world through a different lens. This new perspective is intended for kids to see math come to life.” The results have been significant. To date, more than 600,000 students have participated in Science of Sport programs and the organization continues to expand to new cities across the U.S. In addition to its youth programs, Science of Sport provides free professional development for teachers at MLB ballparks. These sessions equip educators with the tools to connect STEM concepts to sports, helping them to teach more effectively and creatively. More than a decade in, Science of Sport continues its mission to make math both relatable and fun. For Ricardo Valerdi, the initiative is about more than numbers; it's about changing narratives — one student and one game at a time.

USD ENGINEERING 10

11 IMAGINE•INNOVATE•INSPIRE

F or Taylor Wong ’19 (CS), blending a career in cybersecurity with a passion for music isn’t a contradiction — it’s a calling. Now a senior product manager at Microsoft, working on the Customer Experience Engineering Team for Microsoft Threat Protection, Wong lives in Vancouver, Washington,

“There weren’t many women in CS, and I wanted to change that,” she says. Her time at USD built the confidence she now channels into both boardrooms and ballads. “I used to be afraid to show the emotional side of me,” Wong reflects.

Back home, Wong has kept the momentum going with local shows in Portland and a 45-minute set at Wieden+Kennedy’s “Tiny Nest” series. She started collaborating with a band, growing as a performer and embracing the title of singer songwriter. At the University of San Diego,

and the painstaking process of FDA approval. Yet perseverance is starting to pay off. The company is launching pilots at medical institutions like Sharp Chula Vista, while also collaborating with the Mayo Clinic’s AI accelerator. Their technology — initially envisioned as hardware alone — has evolved into a powerful data-driven platform that gives nurses and clinicians actionable insights on their phones, reducing risks and improving patient-centered care. Funding has been another challenge. Shao recalls the difficulty of fundraising in 2024, when venture capital seemed out of reach. But validation from clinicians reignited momentum, and smaller investors stepped in to keep the vision alive. “We could have pursued more lucrative paths,” Shao admits, “but this work is vitally important. Seeing positive clinical reception has changed our morale and confirmed we’re on the right track.” The company has evolved since its initial founding. “If you had asked me seven years ago what our product was going to be, I would have told you it was going to be about hardware,” Shao states. “That is still part of the focus, but it’s really about using high-frequency data to predict and prevent negative patient outcomes. Now it’s more about the data.” As Darroch Medical Solutions moves closer to commercialization, Shao remains focused on the ultimate goal: transforming healthcare delivery into a system where risks are caught early, care is truly patient-centered and technology serves humanity.

and spends her days navigating complex technical landscapes. But when the workday ends, she steps into a different spotlight: one Melodies and Meaning filled with microphones, melodies and meaning. Music has always been part of Wong was an extraordinary leader in computer science (CS), serving on the Mortar Board and as an officer for the Association for Computer Machiners. “Now I realize that authenticity is why we do what we do.” Whether in cybersecurity or on stage, Taylor Wong is a reminder that we all hold multitudes — and every part deserves to be heard.

Tech Serves Humanity

Wong’s life. “I’ve been writing songs since I was 7,” she says. “I usually start with a poem, and compose the arrangement, then add a melody.” A move to Portland, Oregon, introduced her to a vibrant artistic scene; and in July 2024, she entered a recording studio for the first time. It was intimidating, but transformative. “They dimmed the lights so I couldn’t see anyone,” she laughs. “It helped me open up.” In just a few short months, Wong released five singles and caught the attention of Patrick Bradley from Bradley School of Music. A spontaneous cover of an Ariana Grande song posted online led to an invitation to submit her music for a global opportunity. The result? Wong, now known artistically as Taylor Alyssa, was one of four American artists selected to perform at China’s Red Note Global Village Musical Festival — her first international trip beyond Canada and Mexico. The Valentine’s Day event was televised live to an audience of thousands.

W hen Anthony Shao ’18 (EE/ BBA) first considered his career path, healthcare was not at the top of his list. As an engineering student, he spent a summer interning with a defense contractor, grateful for the opportunity but struck by a roommate’s blunt question: “Do That moment of reflection changed everything. Soon after, he connected with USD’s Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science and found a more meaningful purpose: using technology to address various urgent challenges in patient care. With critical help from De Sanctis Professor of Engineering and Entrepreneurship Venkat Shastri, PhD, and USD’s Engineering and Entrepreneurship Program, that spark grew into Darroch Medical Solutions, a you realize you’re working in an industry built to harm people?”

health-tech company Shao co-founded and now leads as CEO. The venture has spent the past seven years developing a platform that leverages high-frequency patient data to predict adverse events before they arise — from identifying restlessness markers to prevent dangerous falls and bed injuries to identifying early metabolic markers of sepsis. “Every engineer’s weakness is focusing only on the product,” Shao explained. “At USD, I gained a holistic view of the human, clinical and technological sides of healthcare. That perspective has guided everything we’ve built.” Darroch’s journey has not been an easy one. Shao now understands what Shastri meant when he described the CEO role as “the loneliest job in the world,” marked by long stretches of uncertainty, rejections from investors

12 USD ENGINEERING

its faculty members, students and the surrounding community. “If you want to do meaningful work as an educational institution, you must connect with local communities,” he says. “It’s an important step. Those connections are needed to find out what a village or region is about, and that work starts before you get there. It was important to meet colleagues and students via Zoom to establish a baseline connection. Otherwise, you risk going somewhere as an outsider and remaining an outsider. We consider all members we interact with as equal contributors to these efforts.” In the years since, six separate trips to the region — some with just faculty members, others including USD students — have deepened those bonds. Bellizzi conducted her research alongside Christina Kozlovski ’20 (ME). Since then, Christopher Angelo ’25 (ME), along with a senior design team, have picked up where their peers left off, with a goal to come up with a sustainable, locally sourced solution that shows promise for being renewable, inexpensive and able to be assembled on-site. The potential solution began by asking people in the region for input. “Spearheaded by nursing, we conducted a study asking the Ugandan community about the suitability of solutions to water filtration. The ideal

device doesn’t need much human work and needs to be fast,” Jacobitz explains. “There needs to be a way to power it in communities without electrical power.” During USD’s 2025 Spring Break, a group of students accompanied by Jacobitz traveled to Uganda to continue making personal connections. “It’s important to see the reality. These problems can’t just be solved with technology; we have to have the connection,” he says. “I love that we have actual partners in Uganda.” The benefits to students can’t be overstated. “Most come back changed in one way or another, which, in itself, is a success,” says Jacobitz. Rebekah Mauk ’25 (ME) felt a profound impact from her journey to Uganda. “When I heard about this international opportunity, I applied immediately,” she recalls. “I thought, ‘Let’s meet the people we are trying to help and see the problem we’re working to fix.’ ” The goal was true collaboration and connection. “When we went to Kagango, the home village of MUST student Evans Keinerugaba, we met his family, who welcomed us with open arms. I felt honored to be welcomed into their space, and to do research and help be part of the solution,” says Mauk. For Avery Aquino ’25 (IntE), being in the region evoked conflicting emotions. “When we talked to the

people who’ll be using this device, I saw their excitement, but it was heartbreaking as well, since they were hoping for an immediate solution. While we gave them a sliver of hope, this work takes a long time.” “Going to Uganda gave me a different perspective, and the realization that I come from a very privileged background,” notes Nicolette Monge ’25 (ME). “To see how people live in another part of the world was eye-opening. Water is so valuable to them; it’s a vital resource that we take for granted.” There’s a real urgency to solving the filtration challenges, since the local community continues to drink contaminated water. Using organic materials, such as plant xylem, may be one answer to cleaning water from biological contaminants. MUST faculty member and Deputy Dean Denis Bbosa has honed in on one specific path. “He came up with the idea of extracting water from banana plants,” explains Jacobitz. “When fruit is harvested from these plants, the rest of the plant is thrown away. If we can extract water from those plants — and the water is of decent quality — that could be a solution for a large chunk of Uganda’s rural population. We’re making it a priority to find a solution in as short a time as possible.”

A Collective Effort Working Toward Access to Clean Water in Uganda I n a global population with countless urgent humanitarian needs, access to clean water is at to the University of San Diego’s attention through Hahn School of Nursing and Health Science’s former faculty member, Anita Hunter, child development being adversely affected by contaminated water. Hunter was instrumental in efforts to found the hospital, which broke ground in 2008. Since then, a multidisciplinary team By Julene Snyder

the top of the list. “While most countries have access to water sources, not all these sources are considered reliable, or clean, by the standards set by the World Health Organization,” noted Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering 2020 Valedictorian, Ava Bellizzi ’20 (ME), when describing her senior design project. The pressing need for a scalable water filtration system first came

PhD, RN, who was approached by a Catholic church in Poway that was concerned about the high death rates of children in Mbarara, Uganda, recalls Professor and Chair of Mechanical Engineering Frank Jacobitz, PhD. Mbarara, the second largest city in the country, is home to Holy Innocents Children Hospital, where caregivers saw a pattern of

from USD — involving chemistry, biology, nursing and engineering — has considered ways to improve water quality, community health and water treatment options in rural Uganda. When Mbarara University Science and Technology (MUST) established an engineering campus in 2020, Jacobitz saw an opportunity to partner with

USD ENGINEERING

IMAGINE•INNOVATE•INSPIRE

News Briefs contacts. Before Morse’s work, these cases were often dismissed by the medical community. Through his efforts, he brought scientific credibility to these injuries — a breakthrough he considers his most significant professional achievement.

Kathleen Kramer, PhD, IEEE President and CEO

For more than 30 years, he has consulted in more than 600 cases across all 50 states and three continents, testifying in both state and federal courts. His testimony has been upheld on appeal, and his work has led to settlements and awards in the tens of millions of dollars. Morse’s motivation, however, extends beyond financial gain; he regularly offers his services pro bono to those in need and believes that litigation can drive safer engineering practices: “When I help to convince a jury that a company did something wrong, that company takes note to consulting achievements, Morse is an adventurer at heart. He has completed 36 skydiving jumps, survived a parachute failure, served as a charter boat captain to Alaska and Hawaii and is an avid sailor, pilot and scuba diver. Morse’s life is rich with unique experiences. He has officiated weddings, negotiated divorces, been quoted in major publications and consulted for television writers on technically accurate “murders” for Bones , NCIS and the BBC. As his phased retirement ends in Fall 2025, Morse looks forward to remaining engaged with USD and the broader community. Reflecting on his career, he remains humble: “I am but a very small cog in a very large machine, but I am proud to have been that cog … Every student I have taught has been an honor, and teaching has truly been the most important thing in my career.” make the product better.” Beyond his academic and

As the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) — the world's largest technical and professional society that brings more than 500,000 engineers and scientists worldwide together — Kathleen Kramer, PhD, is working

toward a “One IEEE” mission to unite the global scientific community. Her vision draws from IEEE's 2025-2030 strategic plan, which focuses on advancing technology, inspiring future innovators and providing a professional home for members. The plan prioritizes ethical development, interdisciplinary collaboration and career-long learning. Kramer also emphasizes the importance of a broad and deep education, practical experience and fostering a collaborative, inclusive environment to address future challenges in fields such as AI and sustainable technology. Thomas F. Schubert Jr., PhD, Receives Emeritus Status

An Electrifying Career Michael Morse, PhD Retires Fall 2025 earned a bachelor’s degree and a

The University of San Diego’s Board of Trustees approved faculty emeritus status for Thomas F. Schubert Jr., PhD, marking the first such honor for a professor in the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering. As the second engineering faculty member at USD, Schubert was pivotal

F or nearly four decades, role of an electrical engineering professor at the University of San Diego, driving meaningful change through innovation and advocacy. “My first love is, and always has been, teaching,” Morse reflects, describing his time with students as the greatest honor of his life. But step beyond the podium and you’ll discover a man whose career is as electrifying as his subject matter: a pioneering researcher, courtroom expert, licensed attorney, adventurer and advocate for ethical engineering. His academic journey began at Tulane University, where he By Michelle Sztupkay Michael Morse, PhD, has been transcending the traditional

students to “always be ethical and responsible and to understand that poor choices have real human costs.” Inspired by a Tulane professor’s expert witness work, Morse began consulting on electrical injury cases at age 27. He saw this as an opportunity to apply his engineering knowledge to promote “better engineering practices on a larger scale and do good for society.” Morse’s educational philosophy is rooted in real-world relevance. His research on electricity’s effects on the human body led him to identify and name Diffuse Electrical Injury — a previously unrecognized condition where victims suffer debilitating symptoms from minor electrical

in developing the electrical engineering curriculum. During his seven-year tenure as director of engineering programs, he tripled student enrollment. Schubert also co-authored a proposal for a new mechanical engineering program, led multiple ABET accreditation efforts and was recognized with the prestigious 2012 ASEE Robert G. Quinn Award for excellence in engineering education. His distinguished career has left a lasting impact on the school.

master’s degree, each in biomedical engineering, followed by a PhD from Clemson University. After early roles in industry and at Auburn University, Morse joined USD in 1990, as one of the founding faculty members of the new electrical engineering program. He added a law degree from USD to his credentials in 1999. Morse’s teaching portfolio is broad, encompassing biomedical engineering, forensic engineering, engineering law and courses at the intersection of humans and technology. Through his work, he emphasizes the legal and moral ramifications of engineering decisions and encourages

Welcoming Our New Embedded Librarian

Assistant Professor Michael Massaro, MSLIS, joined the University of San Diego in Spring 2025 as Copley Library’s new engineering and computer science embedded librarian. With a background in computer science and engineering librarianship, his innovative position aims to provide assistance

to faculty members and students in the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering with library resources, research, publishing, coding, internships, instruction, jobs, collection development, artificial intelligence and general guidance.

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professional, visited Kim in Spring 2025. In previous years, Kim traveled to Saudi Arabia to conduct course reviews with AlShareef for the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. Sophia Krause-Levy, PhD, assistant professor of computer science, recently led a Birds of a Feather session at the Special Interest Group on Computer Science Education conference and co-chaired the Consortium for Computing Sciences in Colleges: Southwestern Region. Her recent publications explore tutor perceptions and the impact of metacognition-promoting tools on student performance. She has two upcoming publications on the impostor phenomenon and recently contributed to an Innovation and Technology in Computer Science Education working group on research knowledge development. Susan M. Lord, PhD, professor and chair of integrated engineering, co-authored a chapter on “Ethical Issues in Electrical and Electronic Engineering” in The Routledge International Handbook of Engineering Ethics Education with John Mitchell, PhD, at University College London. She gave the keynote address at the 2025 IEEE Global Conference on Engineering Education in London, entitled “Real World Engineering: Integrating Ethics into Electrical Engineering Education.”

Tom Lupfer, MA, professor of practice and member of USD’s Board of Trustees, was selected as an honoree for the 2025 San Diego Business Journal Nonprofit Board Leaders of Influence. He was also awarded his 12th patent — U.S. Patent Number 12,195,253, entitled “Smart Hydration System.” Nadieh Moghadam, PhD, assistant professor of electrical engineering, presented peer-reviewed conference papers: “Enhancing Neural Network Performance for Medical Data Analysis through Feature Engineering;” “Blockchain Sharding in IEEE 802.11ax Networks;” and “Wireless Multicast in Fading Channels: Detecting and Counteracting Adversaries.” Additionally, she secured a $15,000 research award from the California Space Grant Consortium for her project, “Wearable AI for Astronaut Stress Monitoring: A Predictive and Adaptive Approach.” Nikhil Yadav, PhD, associate professor of computer science, was promoted to chair in Spring 2025 and assumed the role of faculty lead for the Engineering Entrepreneurship program. A paper he co-authored with Jack Conley ’28 (CS) and Penelope Yanez ’28 (CS), “Edge-X: Cost Factor Evaluation Workflow for Model Deployment on Edge AI Devices,” was presented at the IEEE Conference on Artificial Intelligence.

of the Engineering Exchange for Social Justice, she leads initiatives in waste upcycling, sustainable energy, water justice, accessible design and education equity. In Summer 2025, with a National Science Foundation grant and funding from Walt and Csilla Foley, Dalrymple facilitated a research experience with engineering students and middle school teachers, creating biofuel from local waste, designing affordable water desalination devices and developing a solar energy demonstration system. Gordon Hoople, PhD, associate professor of integrated engineering, presented to the City of Escondido’s Public Art Commission in Fall 2024 seeking the commission’s guidance on accepting his Threshold Five Sculpture into the city's collection of public art. Commissioned by the Escondido Community Foundation, the sculpture is slated to be installed in Escondido’s Kit Carson Park. Hoople also published his second book, Connective Creativity , with co-author Professor, Associate Provost and Faculty Director Austin Choi-Fitzpatrick, PhD. Ernest Kim, PhD, professor of electrical engineering, was nominated for the Most Inspirational USD Professor award by students in Spring 2025. Kim also achieved senior member status from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Almonther AlShareef ’17 (EE), a Riyadh-based tech

Leaders in Research and Innovation

Achievements

Communities Faculty Award for his work with the LLC program and the SMSE Faculty Champion Award for advising the Society of Integrated Engineers. Daniel Codd, PhD, associate professor of mechanical engineering, was elected as a fellow to the National Academy of Inventors. The academy recognizes exceptional achievements with significant impact on innovation, economic development and society’s welfare. Codd has led innovations spanning across his R&D expertise in advanced manufacturing, mechanical design and renewable energy systems, including medical devices and materials processing inventions. He enjoys mentoring the next generation of engineers in USD’s hands-on interdisciplinary capstone design courses. Odesma Dalrymple, PhD, a faculty member in industrial and systems engineering, was promoted to professor in Fall 2025. As director

Caroline Baillie, PhD, professor of integrated engineering, was awarded the University Professorship — the highest academic honor bestowed university-wide. As the academic director of the Master of Science in Engineering, Sustainability and Health (MESH) program, she continues to make groundbreaking contributions in her field of expertise: engineering and social justice. She and Paul Kadetz, PhD, who serves as professor of practice for the MESH program, published Reimagining Engineering Education: Health. Justice. Sustainability , a book for educators that explores the implications of transdisciplinary learning in engineering. Mark Chapman, PhD, associate professor of integrated engineering, led an NSF-funded AI and data science summer research program in Stockholm, Sweden, where eight students conducted biomedical research at the Karolinska Institute for 10 weeks. He was also honored with the Learning

T he Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering mourns the loss of Chuck Bane, who passed away on March 13, 2025. Bane joined the University of San Diego in 2018 as a professor of practice, where he redesigned the Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering (MS-CSE) curriculum for the school. In 2020, he became academic director of the MS-CSE program and director of the Center for Cyber Security Engineering and Technology. His leadership was instrumental in USD earning the designation as a Center for Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity. Bane’s natural curiosity fueled a lifetime of service and innovation. He served 25 years in the U.S. Navy, retiring as a lieutenant commander. He later enjoyed a successful second career in IT management before answering the call to teach. A visionary in the field, he left a lasting impact on the cybersecurity industry and the lives of countless students. Bane retired from USD in 2024. He is deeply missed. In Memoriam Chuck Bane:

DANIEL CODD, PHD

ODESMA DALRYMPLE, PHD (RIGHT)

ERNEST KIM, PHD (RIGHT)

SOPHIA KRAUSE-LEVY, PHD

NIKHIL YADAV, PHD (RIGHT)

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2017 Jalil Diaz de la Peña (ISyE) married the partner he met at USD during his final semester. He is currently pursuing an MBA part-time at USD, while working as the production manager for a food manufacturing company in San Diego. He is expected to graduate in the summer of 2026. Aaron Huott (ME) is continuing to support the Armed Forces and ensure fleet readiness as an aerospace engineer at Naval Air Systems Command. His free time is spent with his wife and two young kids enjoying beautiful San Diego. Ian Lituchy (EE) recently co-founded Leadoff.ai — a SaaS sales data and analysis platform that provides an understanding of how the best sales reps sell to win deals. He currently serves as the CTO of the company and stays involved with USD as an advisor of Beta Theta Pi.

The Immaculata. When not climbing, surfing and spoiling their cat, Peakey, the couple is planning their wedding next year in La Jolla.

Jasmine Garcia (ISyE) is an industrial engineer at Abbott, currently supporting capacity improvements for the recently FDA-approved Esprit BTK — a product that treats Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia. Garcia is also a professional photographer. On April 19, 2025 in Temecula, California, she married Andrew Smith, whom she started dating during her junior year at USD.

Undergraduate Engineering and Computer Science Alumni Updates

Notes

BLAKE DUNKLEBERGER MAARON BEA

philanthropy and outreach chair for the Shiley-Marcos School of Engineering Alumni Council. In her free time, she and her husband, Nick ’27 (BS, Real Estate), enjoy traveling the world. Last year, they were able to spend November exploring the breathtaking wonders of New Zealand and Australia. Blake Dunkleberger (ME) recently started a new position as COO at a privately-owned machine shop. He plans to apply the skills he gained working under Steve Saxer and Sam Burt at the USD machine shop to his new position while continuing to pursue his running career.

2009 Rich Sanchez (EE) is a technical director overseeing rapid‑prototyping initiatives for the United States Space Force. He recently earned a Master of Science in Cyber Security Engineering from USD and received a scholarship to pursue a doctorate in AI and machine learning at George Washington University in Fall 2025.

TROY PASCOE MIRA MAE

2020 Mira Mae (ME) is an artist, yoga instructor and entrepreneur. She uses her problem-solving in myriad creative ways to maximize her life’s contentment. She’s currently engineering a garden.

BORIS FRATKIN LAUREN HOFFMAN

2016 Boris Fratkin (ME) and (MAS-AESE, UCSD) was the senior mechanical engineering manager of Functions and Operations at Cubic Defense, where he led the mechanical, manufacturing and logistics teams for the Air Ranges division. He supported U.S. and international military programs, including the P5 missile pods featured in Top Gun . Based in San Diego, Boris recently bought a home and enjoys chasing after his energetic 2-year-old son, David.

JASMINE GARCIA

Mark Sasaki (ME) started a new position in June 2024 as mechanical engineer at HK Lighting in Thousand Oaks, California. He enjoys working in design and manufacturing on outdoor and architectural lighting fixtures. Sasaki loves spending life with his wife and two children, ages 2 and 4. Together, they spend much time with books, trains and ballet. They’re expecting a third child in December 2025.

RICH SANCHEZ CLARK FLEMING

2013 Clark Fleming (ME) recently joined his family’s business, Fleming Electric, Inc., as head of sales engineering. Fleming has worked in renewables since graduating from USD. He and his wife, Cierra, welcomed their second baby girl in August 2025. Their first daughter, Amelia, turned 2 in February.

Juan Pablo Galindo-DeWitt (ISyE) became a change architect, working for a multinational company, Bimbo Bakeries, traveling across the West Coast to provide training in continuous improvement methodologies. He then spent three years as a regional project manager PMO responsible for U.S. sweet baked goods, engineering and Mexico imports.

IAN LITUCHY DEVYN BRYANT

2018 Devyn Bryant (ME) is pursuing the opportunity to become a Chick-fil-A franchisee. He currently serves as the director of operations at Chick-fil-A Clairemont and remains an active member of the Torero Football Club.

Jazmyn Gonzalez (IntE) is a Multimedia Specialist II at the

Imperial Public Health Department, where she enhances the website’s user experience and boosts its social media presence. She also collaborates with Odesma Dalrymple, PhD, on developing new websites and branding for various partnerships at USD. Troy Pascoe (ME) proposed to his college sweetheart, Brooke Zalud (ME) , in December 2024 in front of

Lauren Hoffman (ME ) completed her PhD in chemical engineering at UC San Diego and is now a postdoctoral researcher at UCLouvain in Belgium, working with François Massonnet. She leads statistical modeling in the ArcticWATCH project, using machine learning and explainable AI to study Arctic Sea ice decline and to tease apart internal variability from the anthropogenic trend.

MARK SASAKI

2019 Maaron Bea (ME) is an AI product leader at Intuit working to accelerate financial software experiences for businesses globally. Maaron continues to participate in the USD alumni community and serves as the

JUAN PABLO GALINDO-DEWITT

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