At UVA Engineering, our students are more than scholars — they are innovators, leaders and changemakers who are engineering for the greater good. As our undergraduate students graduate, we celebrate their achievements and look forward to seeing them build a brighter future for us all, whether in research, education, service, industry or beyond.
Meet just a few of the exceptional members of the Class of 2025, whose passion and perseverance have shaped our community and future.
Nicolas Fonseca Alva
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Teaching future engineers through hands-on materials science
Nicolas Fonseca Alva discovered his passion for teaching by serving as a teaching assistant for introductory materials science courses. He also led a seminar, “Cooking with Cast Iron,” which creatively explored material properties and metallurgy.
It was a great experience learning what it takes to be a professor.
After graduation, Fonseca Alva will pursue a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering at UVA, preparing for a career as a professor.
Awards and Activities: Club Water Polo, Material Advantage member
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: Jerrold Floro, Kory Burns
August Bresnaider
Majors: Computer Engineering, Computer Science
Building systems from the ground up
August Bresnaider’s capstone team designed and built a functioning computer entirely from the ground up to serve as a teaching tool for students learning computer architecture — bridging hardware fundamentals with real-world application.
My favorite project has been my capstone, where my group and I were able to design and build our own computer step by step.
The project reflects his commitment to creating accessible, practical tools that enhance learning in complex technical domains. After graduation, Bresnaider will join Emerson Electric Co. to work on embedded systems, continuing his focus on hardware-centered engineering.
Awards and Activities: Louis T. Rader Chairperson Award for ECE, Phi Sigma Kappa, Computer and Network Security Club, Association for Computing Machinery
Faculty Adviser and Mentor: Todd DeLong
Shreya Darbha
Major: Systems Engineering
Fostering community through systems thinking and leadership
Shreya Darbha’s leadership with the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE) helped build a strong, connected community among systems engineering students at UVA. As a member of the INCOSE board, she led networking and social events that brought together students, faculty and alumni beyond the classroom.
These events [with INCOSE] helped foster mentorship, career guidance and lasting friendships.
After graduation, Darbha will be focused on data-driven roles, with plans to pursue a master's degree and grow into systems leadership positions.
Awards and Activities: INCOSE Board, Systems Engineering Undergraduate Committee
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: Robert Riggs, Gregory Gerling
Connor Dight
Major: Chemical Engineering
VIDEO: Parting thoughts from chemical engineering student Connor Dight, one of the graduating fourth-year students featured in this article. (Video by Matt Cosner, UVA Engineering)
Mina Gorani
Major: Civil Engineering, Minor: Data Science
Shaping infrastructure for people and planet
Mina Gorani combined her civil engineering and data science studies to work toward creating more resilient, sustainable urban transportation systems. She also served as president of UVA’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) chapter.
I loved having an outlet to bring together a supportive community.
After graduation, Gorani will join Jacobs' Advanced Mobility Group, designing future-forward infrastructure projects.
Awards and Activities: UVA Engineering Outstanding Student Award, SWE President, Jefferson Literary and Debating Society, Civil Engineering Undergraduate Committee, Raven Society, Persian Cultural Society, American Society of Civil Engineers, Louis T. Rader Chairperson Award in Civil Engineering, Lewis E. Akers Scholarship, W. William Hartman Achievement Award
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: Teresa Culver, Lisa Colosi Peterson, Andres Clarens, T. Donna Chen, Lindsay Ivey Burden, Leidy Klotz | Additional Mentors: Katie Alexander, Meara Habashi
Rachel Huh
Major: Systems Engineering
Blending technology and collaboration to solve real-world problems
Rachel Huh’s favorite memories at UVA are rooted in the late-night study marathons that defined her Systems Engineering experience. One standout moment came during the final case study for her Systems Evaluation class, taught by professors Reid Bailey and William T. Scherer.
At midnight, every conference room in Olsson Hall was packed with delirious but determined groups. It felt like the Systems community was the strongest then.
After graduation, Huh will move to Seattle to work as a product manager at Microsoft, combining teamwork skills with technical expertise.
Awards and Activities: Society of Women Engineers, University Guide Service
Faculty Adviser and Mentor: Rupa Valdez | Additional Mentor: Nora Scheer
Jacob Lewis
Major: Aerospace Engineering
Shaping the future of aerospace — and preparing to become an astronaut
For Jacob Lewis, building and launching a capstone rocket with his classmates was a defining moment in his engineering journey toward a future in flight and space exploration.
We developed something new from knowing nothing, engineering a solution not only to achieve launch, but to set the groundwork for future projects.
After graduation, Lewis will continue propulsion research on ion electrospray satellite thrusters at UVA, complete his master’s degree and commission into the U.S. Air Force with the ultimate goal of becoming an astronaut.
Awards and Activities: Flying Tigers Scholarship, Ross Scholarship, MAE Columbia Award, Air Force ROTC Wing Commander, Arnold Air Honor Society, Founder of UVA Aviation Club, AIAA Officer, Cavalier Marching Band, VR Flight Sim Instructor
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: Natasha Smith, Richard D. Jacques, Haibo Dong, Chen Cui
Lukas Lehman
Major: Biomedical Engineering, Minor: Applied Mathematics
Building community and leadership through service
As president of the Engineering Student Council (ESC), Lukas Lehman worked to better the UVA student experience while building community among engineers.
The Engineering Student Council gave me community in the Engineering School and allowed me to advocate for my fellow students.
After graduation, Lehman will pursue a role in clinical engineering or healthcare consulting, combining technical skills with leadership experience.
Awards and Activities: Phi Delta Theta Outstanding Chapter President, BME Most Helpful TA, Meriwether Lewis Institute Fellow, Wallace H. Coulter Center Fellow, ESC President, Honor Committee Vice Chair
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: David Chen, Christopher B. Highley, Rakeem Walker
Gavin Miller
Majors: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Leading UVA’s first student-built rocket engine project
Gavin Miller conceived and led UVA’s first-ever student-built hybrid rocket engine, a major technical and leadership achievement completed as part of his capstone project.
It’s been thrilling to see our team working like a well-oiled machine to bring a complex design from paper to simulation to a physical build.
After graduation, Miller will intern as a launch engineer at SpaceX and then pursue a Ph.D. at Stanford University, with plans to return to industry or start an aerospace company.
Awards and Activities: UVA Engineering Outstanding Student Award, Glenn D. Kirwin Scholarship, Peter C. Gillcrist Scholarship, UVA Alumni Association Impact Scholarship, Raven Society, Sigma Gamma Tau, Tau Beta Pi, Rocketry Club, BURST, Challah for Hunger, Lawn Resident
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: Gavin Garner, Chloe Dedic, Daniel Quinn, Michael Momot, Carl Knospe (emeritus), Natasha Smith, Xinfeng Gao | Additional Mentors: Joseph Zhu, Dwight Dart
Lara Ojha
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Applying research skills to drive industry innovation
Lara Ojha’s capstone project, in collaboration with Rolls-Royce, the Commonwealth Center for Advanced Manufacturing and PulseTex, focused on improving the adhesion of thermal barrier coatings through textured surfaces.
I learned how to collaborate in industry to produce meaningful work.
After graduation, Ojha will work as an analyst at McKinsey & Company, aiming to apply her technical knowledge to improve energy and manufacturing sectors.
Awards and Activities: Harrison Undergraduate Research Award, Royce Foundation Research Award, MSE Service Award, Poster Prizes at UVA Engineering Research Symposiums, Jefferson Scholar, UVA Material Advantage chair, Raven Society
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: James T. Burns
Alice Pandaleon
Major: Materials Science and Engineering
Innovating surface technologies for next-generation aerospace systems
Alice Pandaleon’s favorite UVA Engineering experience was working on her capstone project, designing new surface texture techniques to improve thermal barrier coatings for aircraft engines.
The capstone project was a chance to use the skills I've spent the past four years developing, but also a chance to work on the cutting edge of technology.
After graduation, Pandaleon will move to Indianapolis to work at Rolls-Royce Aerospace in the Engineering Development Program, blending her love of aerospace structures with her passion for materials engineering.
Awards and Activities: Marine Corps Scholar, Association for Materials Protection and Performance EMERG Academic Scholar, MSE Third-Year Community Award, David Shifler Undergraduate Poster Award, Rodman Scholar, Material Advantage member
Faculty Adviser and Mentor Robert Kelly | Additional Mentor: Sanjay Choudhary
Christopher Recupero
Majors: Aerospace Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering
Designing real-world solutions for aerospace innovation
Christopher Recupero's highlight during his time at UVA Engineering was his capstone project designing jet engine technology with real-world industry applications through partnerships with major aerospace companies.
The ability to collaborate with my peers in a way that allowed us to produce real results was very fulfilling.
After graduation, Recupero will join Corning Optical Communications through their CORE rotational program, aiming for a career in materials engineering.
Awards and Activities: Virginia Space Consortium Grant Scholar, Belinda and Chip Blankenship Scholarship, Raven Society, Aerospace Honor Society, Rodman Scholar, Tau Beta Pi, Rocketry Club, Aviation Club, MSE Academic Excellence Award
Faculty Adviser and Mentor: Elizabeth Opila
Will Rimicci
Major: Electrical Engineering
Turning classroom knowledge into real-world results
Will Rimicci’s capstone project allowed him to apply years of academic training to a working engineering solution developed in collaboration with a highly engaged team. The final product delivered hands-on validation of the systems and design concepts he had studied.
Getting to finally put to use the knowledge I gained in all my classes was really rewarding … and having a working product at the end of the semester was even more so.
His experience highlights the value of team-driven design and practical application in engineering education. Rimicci plans to pursue a career in industry and is considering professional licensure and a master’s degree.
Awards and Activities: 2025 Capstone Award
Kimball Sheehan
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Empowering the next generation through STEM outreach
Serving as Elementary and Middle School Outreach co-chair of UVA’s Society of Women Engineers (SWE) chapter shaped Kimball Sheehan’s UVA experience, where she developed programs to encourage young women in engineering.
I especially loved creating spaces where these students feel excited to explore STEM and empowered to see themselves in it.
Sheehan will pursue a Master of Science in Commerce at UVA before applying to medical school, aiming to become a physician-scientist blending technical innovation and healthcare strategy.
Awards and Activities: UVA Engineering Outstanding Student Award, McIntire Scholarship, Tau Beta Pi Scholarship, Raven Society, Rodman Innovation Award, Double Hoo Research Grant, Alpha Epsilon Delta President, SWE Outreach co-chair
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: Dr. Benjamin Purow, Dr. Megan Tracci, Dr. Camilo Fadul, Shannon Barker, Sarah Memmi, Timothy E. Allen
Justin Vinh
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Advancing research in non-invasive cancer therapies
Justin Vinh’s proudest achievement was leading research in the Sheybani Lab on developing focused ultrasound treatments combined with a sonosensitizer to better target glioblastoma, an aggressive brain cancer.
Nothing made me grow in tenacity like that project.
After graduation, Vinh will work at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he will apply large language models and genetic sequencing to cancer research, while preparing to pursue Ph.D. and M.D. degrees.
Awards and Activities: UVA Engineering Outstanding Student Award, Astronaut Scholarship, Harrison Undergraduate Research Award, Raven Society Fellowship, Churchill Nominee, Tau Beta Pi, College Companions and Compassionate Connections Initiative President, Catholic Hoos Photographer
Faculty Advisers and Mentors: Natasha Diba Sheybani, Daniel Abebayehu, George Christ, Blaine Norum