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| NEWS BRIEFS | Professor named ASME fellow
Three faculty members earn CAREER Awards
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) has named Professor SB Park (Department of Mechanical Engineering) a fellow in appreciation for his research and contributions in the area of electronics packaging over the past three decades.
As director of Binghamton University’s Integrated Electronics Engineering Center (IEEC), Park and his team have made key discoveries as consumers expect smaller and more powerful devices.
Park says he hopes the honor brings more attention to Watson College research: “It is a meaningful recognition, and also a way of promoting my ideas and my University’s research to the wider world.”
Shin Yu Zhang
During the 2021-22 academic year, the National Science Foundation recognized three assistant professors at Watson College with CAREER Awards, which provide funding to researchers early in their academic careers. Assistant Professor Seunghee Shin (Computer Science) received $500,000 to research his ideas for improving the speed and reliability of cloud computing using SmartNIC technology. Assistant Professor Kaiyan Yu (Mechanical Engineering) was awarded $588,608 to investigate the large-scale manipulation of nano-sized objects using an electric field, which could lead to new materials, drug-delivery and medical devices, and electronics.
Assistant Professor Pu Zhang (ME) received $565,337 for his research into the electro-mechanical behaviors of liquid metal fiber network composites, which could benefit the flexible electronics industry and other applications.
Professors promoted to distinguished ranks
This spring, SUNY promoted three Watson College professors to distinguished ranks. Mohammad Khasawneh, chair of the Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering, was named distinguished professor for his career of systems engineering research to transform healthcare systems so they produce better patient outcomes at lower costs.
Weiyi Meng, chair of the Department of Computer Science, was elevated to distinguished service professor for his record of serving his profession; for his aid to colleagues in academia, especially on-campus and across the SUNY system; and for moving forward the field of computer science. Kaiming Ye, chair of the Department of Biomedical Engineering, was named distinguished professor for his pioneering work in advanced biomanufacturing, including human islet organoid development from pluripotent stem cells.
Khasawneh Meng Ye
The 2021 State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor Awards for Excellence (which recognize consistently superior professional achievement) included several for Watson College: Excellence in Professional Service for Bob Mess (computing staff); Excellence in Teaching for Steven Moore (computer science); Excellence in Faculty Service for Ping Yang (computer science); and Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities for Sha Jin (biomedical engineering) and Mohammad Khasawneh (chair of systems science and industrial engineering). Associate Dean Peter Partell also won the University Award for Excellence in International Education.
Three Watson College alumni won
Bearcats of the Last Decade (BOLD)
10 Under 10 Awards as part of Homecoming 2021. • Louis R. Alerte ’10, MS ‘13, earned a master’s degree in biomedical engineering and a bachelor of science degree in integrated neuroscience from
Binghamton. He is the global intelligence business leader at Johnson & Johnson.
• Christina Arbor ’12 received her degree in mechanical engineering with a concentration in sustainable engineering.
She works as an estimator for Turner
Construction Co. in New York City.
• Devan Tracy ’13 majored in mechanical engineering with a minor in sustainable engineering. She is the Smart Buildings and Go Green associate manager for the
Rotary and Mission Systems division of
Lockheed Martin in Owego.
Seven Watson College students won Graduate Student Excellence Awards in Research for fall 2021: Melissa Mendoza and Stephanie Zhang (biomedical engineering); Xiang Deng (computer science); Shan Wang (materials science and engineering); Xianhu Sun and Preeth Sivakumar (mechanical engineering); and Yue Zhou (systems science and industrial engineering). Guru Madhavan, MBA ’07, PhD ’09, the Norman R. Augustine Senior Scholar and senior director of programs of the National Academy of Engineering, received the IEEE-USA George F. McClure Citation of Honor for outstanding leadership in advancing engineering professionalism through public policy, programs and engagement. Emeritus Bartle Professor George Catalano was awarded the 2021 Constellation Prize, which honors engineers in the U.S. who have used their training to promote social justice, human rights, peace and environmental protection.
Alumnus appointed to Maryland state Senate
Ron Watson, MS ’92, PhD ’99, was appointed a Maryland state senator by Gov. Larry Hogan in August 2021. A 14-year U.S. Army veteran, he is president of Watson Management Corp., which provides consulting services to the Department of Defense and other agencies. In the state Senate, he represents the 23rd District, which includes the Town of Upper Marlboro and a third of the City of Bowie, as well as Maryland’s oldest historically black college, Bowie State University. He previously served in Maryland’s House of Delegates and on the Prince George’s County School Board.
Maryland Senate President Bill Ferguson, left, and State Sen. Ron Watson
Attorney Kathi Vidal ’90, the managing partner for law firm Winston & Strawn’s Silicon Valley office, has been appointed by President Joe Biden to lead the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.
Vidal has led high-profile patent, intellectual property and trade-secrets disputes for major companies. Her experience covers semiconductors, telecommunication, circuits and systems, computers, software, internet applications, medical devices and consumer products. After earning her bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Binghamton, she earned her master’s degree at Syracuse University in 1992 and worked for five years as a systems and software design engineer with General Electric (which later became Martin Marietta, then Lockheed Martin). She received her Juris Doctor from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 1996.
