Graduation

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 CU Boulder by pursuing my master's degree in mechanical engineering through the Bachelor’s-Accelerated Master’s Program (BAM). My undergraduate degree at CU Boulder 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 CU Boulder. 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 CU Boulder as part of the BAM Program! The opportunities offered by CU Boulder 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.

CU Boulder 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 CU Boulder–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 CU Boulder in the fall to complete my master's degree through the BAM program.

CU Boulder 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 CU Boulder, 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.

CU Boulder 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 CU Boulder’s 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. CU Boulder 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 CU Boulder, 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 CU Boulder 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 CU Boulder. 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 CU Boulder 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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Graduating student Aria Mundy receives the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:53:39 +0000

Graduating student Aria Mundy receives the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award Alexander Jame… Tue, 12/17/2024 - 14:53

Alexander Servantez

Aria Mundy, a dual-major mechanical engineering and applied mathematics student graduating this fall, has been selected to receive the CU Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

The award is given to an undergraduate student who maximized their educational experience in a holistic way, with accomplishments across several areas.

Mundy is the fourth ME student to win the award since 1994.

A home-grown love for engineering

Aria Mundy, recipient of the CEAS 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award.

Born and raised in the Boulder area, Mundy always dreamed of studying engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. She loved math, she loved science and with encouragement from her early educators, she learned the importance of women in engineering.

“I was one of just a few girls in my physics class during high school,” Mundy said. “One of my teachers encouraged me to pursue a career in STEM and inspired me to explore engineering.”

Mundy started her undergraduate journey in the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences at CU Boulder. But after her freshman year, she decided to explore different areas of study in the college, eventually settling on the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering.

“The awesome part about ME is how versatile it is,” she said. “I’ve held some different internships across different industries. It’s been awesome to jump around and get exposure to many exciting areas.”

Success in-and-out of the classroom

During her time at CU Boulder, Mundy demonstrated a talent for academic success. She was awarded a scholarship by the BOLD Center and was a part of the CU Boulder Esteemed Scholars Program and CU Engineering Honors program. In her sophomore year, she was accepted into the Kiewit Design-Build Scholars Program.

Aria Mundy crossing the finish line at the USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships.

Mundy also exhibited success outside of the classroom. She has been a part of the CU Cycling and Triathlon Teams all throughout her college career, holding leadership positions on both teams. In the 2024 USA Cycling Collegiate National Championships, Mundy brought four national championships back to Boulder, taking first in the Women’s Club Team Time Trial, Road Race, Criterium, and Omnium events.

Success has found Mundy as a member of the CU Boulder Wind Team, as well. In 2023 and 2024, the squad took home two top-3 finishes in the Collegiate Wind Competition.

“Being a part of the different scholarship programs helped expand my opportunities and community,” Mundy said. “As for athletics, being a part of sports has always been my escape whenever I feel overwhelmed in class.

“It’s been amazing to find some success at races. But at the end of the day, it’s really just about being a part of such a great community and finding balance alongside academics.”

Creating an inclusive culture

Mundy attributes her success in multiple arenas to the support of peers and mentors who took her under their wings.

Aria Mundy guiding middle school students through a science experiment.

“When I was a freshman, stepping into sports felt intimidating at times. Cycling has few women and engineering has long been male-dominated,” she said. “But I’ll never forget the women who went out of their way to make me feel included. As I grew older, I felt the responsibility to create that same sense of belonging for others, too.”

In many ways, Mundy was on the front lines fighting for diversity and gender parity in engineering. As a member of CU Boulder’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE), she helped organize local workshops encouraging young women to explore STEM career opportunities.

She also participated in the Project-Based Learning in Rural Schools Soil Quality Inquiry Program (SQIQ). This experience took her to Paonia, Colorado where she partnered with Paonia K-8 to guide young students through soil-quality experiments, fostering their curiosity about science and research.

“CU Boulder is a very welcoming place for women and underrepresented students,” Mundy said. "I strive to share my excitement and enthusiasm for engineering and community, showing others that they have a support system and can succeed in this environment.”

Making a broader impact

A strong love for engineering and outreach opened the door for Mundy to make an impact beyond the CU Boulder campus, too.

Aria Mundy during her time at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

In summer 2022, Mundy traveled to Rwanda as a member of the CU Engineers Without Borders (EWB). She worked with her peers to design and implement a rainwater catchment system. She said it was “a true embodiment of what it means to be an engineer.”

“This project was a powerful reminder of how engineering can bring people together to create solutions that make a lasting difference,” Mundy said.

She also completed internships at companies in various engineering industries such as Tendeg, Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy, NIST, Specialized Bicycle Components and LASP. Mundy’s award nominator says she has contributed to new ideas and technologies at each company.

“My philosophy has been to try as many different things as possible,” Mundy said. “I’m truly grateful to receive this award, and for CU Boulder’s support in providing so many avenues for me to learn and grow.

“If I had more time, I would love to keep exploring new things. I’m sad my journey is coming to a close, but I’m excited for what comes next.”

The Outstanding Undergraduate Award will be presented to Mundy at the College of Engineering and Applied Science Graduation Ceremony on Dec. 19. Mundy is considering pursuing a master’s in mechanical engineering while exploring full-time opportunities.

Aria Mundy, a dual-major mechanical engineering and applied mathematics student graduating this fall has been selected to receive the CU Boulder College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award. Mundy has displayed a vast level of achievement during her time on campus in areas such as academics, outreach, professional development and inclusion.

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Aria Mundy during her time in Rwanda as a member of the CU Engineers Without Borders (EWB).

Meet Graduation Recognition Ceremony Keynote Speaker Craig Sampson

Anonymous — Fri, 22 Apr 2022 14:41:33 +0000

Meet Graduation Recognition Ceremony Keynote Speaker Craig Sampson Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 04/22/2022 - 08:41

Rachel Leuthauser

Alumnus Craig Sampson (MechEngr’82) is the founder and leader of the Chicago consulting firm TBD Innovation. He will be delivering the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s keynote speech during the Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 7.

Craig Sampson (MechEngr'82)

As mechanical engineering students walk across the graduation stage, alumnus Craig Sampson (MechEngr’82) wants them to embrace the unknown.

Sampson, an innovator with a career spanning more than three decades, has found that much of his success was cultivated by pursuing the paths that did not always have a clear destination, but inspired excitement instead.

“So much of design and so much of life is embracing the unknown,” said Sampson. “That doesn’t mean we don’t know or will never know the answers, but it does mean that it’s up to us to figure it out. I like to lean into the unknown, the possibilities.”

Sampson is the founder of TBD Innovation – a consulting firm based in Chicago that is dedicated to finding solutions based on human-centered design. The independent firm helps companies innovate and create new products, new services and new businesses.

Sampson’s career in design started while studying mechanical engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. Toward the end of his CU Boulder career, Sampson began taking design classes as an independent study. After graduating with honors, he attended Stanford University for graduate school, earning a master’s degree in product design.

Sampson spent much of his career with the global design and innovation company IDEO. He founded and lead IDEO’s office in Chicago and IDEO’s Global Healthcare Practice.

“The big arc of my career is one of ever-expanding interests,” said Sampson. “Just because you have a lot of technical acumen doesn’t mean you can’t also be a creative professional that cares about things like art, history culture and psychology. There is a Venn diagram in design thinking that includes technical feasibility, business viability and human desirability. You need all three to truly innovate. I love swimming in the center of those three – Technology, Business, and human-centered Design – and that’s why I named my company TBD Innovation.”

Along with leading TBD Innovation, Sampson is also a graduate design instructor at the Segal Design Institute at Northwestern University.

Sampson said he is excited to get back on the CU Boulder campus. He grew up in southeastern Colorado, so Boulder and the entire state will always have a special place in his heart. He said the view of the flatirons always felt like a touchstone to orient himself in the world.

“One time I was driving in Chicago and there was a storm coming from the West,” said Sampson. “It was a sunny day but there was this big wall of clouds coming in, and for a split second out of the corner of my eye it looked like mountains to the West. I felt a little bit of butterflies at the thought. That’s when I realized I really miss Boulder.”

Alumnus Craig Sampson (MechEngr’82) is the founder and leader of the Chicago consulting firm TBD Innovation. He will be delivering the Department of Mechanical Engineering’s keynote speech during the Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 7.

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Mechanical engineering graduates earn CU Engineering awards

Anonymous — Tue, 04 May 2021 15:33:17 +0000

Mechanical engineering graduates earn CU Engineering awards Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/04/2021 - 09:33

Three exceptional students from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering earned Graduating Student Awards for 2021. These honors are conferred to seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions.

The department will celebrate graduation in a virtual ceremony on Thursday, May 6 at 3:30 p.m.

These honors are conferred to seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions.

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Meet class of 2020 Outstanding Student Award winners

Anonymous — Tue, 12 May 2020 17:49:35 +0000

Meet class of 2020 Outstanding Student Award winners Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/12/2020 - 11:49

Meet Class of 2020 Outstanding Student Award winners Mohammed Alwakeel, Jonathan Bosnich, Morgan Kauss, Luke Pagni, Gabe Rodriguez, Paul Salame, and Sam Simons-Wellin. They received honors for their service, international engagement, research, and academic achievement.

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