Spring 2023 Commencement - Systems Engineering

We had 23 outstanding graduates from our programs in Spring 2023, with our first-ever D.Eng. graduate included! In addition to this milestone, six earned their Ph.D.s, nine received master’s degrees, and seven obtained certificates.

Here’s a list of the graduates followed by select testimonials.

Congratulations graduates! We are excited to see what’s next for you!

Sandy Dawson, D.Eng.

Laura Duffy Ph.D.

David Trinko, Ph.D.

Harshwardhan Ketkale, Ph.D.

Kevin Patrick Fenton, Ph.D.

Matthew David Chellin, Ph.D.

Satya Tetala, Ph.D.

Tyler White, M.S.

Oscar B. Arzu, M.S.

Scott Michael Baron, M.S.

Andrew Dale Brick, M.S.

Derek Mann, M.S.

Yohanness Negash, M.E.

Irving Uriel Hernandez-Orozco, M.E.

Megan Carmela Booen, M.E.

Ross McCaskey, M.E.

Teylar Adelsberger, Certificate

Keivan Mohammad Hassan, Certificate

Daniel Fusaro, Certificate

Peter Josetti, Certificate

Danielle Denno, Certificate

Monica Pruett, Certificate

Rory Stebner, Certificate

Sandra Dawson, D.Eng.

Hometown

Philadelphia, PA

Current Home

Colorado Springs, CO

Dissertation title

Determining Systems Engineering Value in Competitive Bids

Advisor

Prof. Ann Batchelor

Favorite memory

“Sharing experiences with new D. Eng. cohorts as guest speaker for SYSE 710.”

Post-graduation plans

“Celebration party with family and friends.”

Thanks

"To my advisor, Ann Batchelor, and my academic committee: Dr. Jim Adams, Dr. Steve Simske, Dr. Dan Wise."

Anything else you’d like to share?

"I am honored and proud to be the first CSU Doctor of Engineering Systems Engineering graduate. I am proud of my perfect 4.0 GPA. My degree completion fulfilled my goal of becoming Dr. Dawson."

Laura Duffy in a hard hat and air force uniform standing in front of a rocket.

Laura Duffy, Ph.D.

Hometown

Hemet, CA

Current Home

Los Angeles, CA

Dissertation title

Cislunar System of Systems Architecture Evaluation and Optimization

Advisor

Dr. Jim Adams

Favorite memory

“Meeting incredible engineering professionals working on cislunar space projects.”

Post-graduation plans

“Stepping into technical leadership roles in the space industry.”

Thanks

"A special thank you to my partner - I could not have completed the Ph.D., worked full-time, and survived the early years of motherhood without him."

Anything else you’d like to share?

"CSU provides a rigorous program full of great mentors."

A man with distinguished features smiling.

Kevin Fenton, Ph.D.

Hometown

Lompoc, CA

Current Home

Morro Bay, CA

Dissertation title

Application of Systems Engineering Principles in the analysis, modeling, and development of a DoD Data Processing System

Advisor

Dr. Steve Simske

Post-graduation plans

"Dr. Simske and I will be further developing the data processing system for the DoD with ambitious goals of it playing a central part in a reconfiguration of how the DoD procures its products. I also look forward to more publications; both on my own and with my fellow CSU SE students and staff."

Thanks

“Thank you to Dr. Bradley for leading the best department I've ever studied under. Everyone involved from admin to professors to support staff have all been fantastic. Thank you to Ingrid who has been a phenomenal focal point. I would've been lost without her. Thank you to all the wonderful teachers I've learned so much from and the students I've worked with. Lastly, a huge thanks to Dr. Simske whom I just can't speak highly enough of. He's been a mentor, teacher, and friend who has been the best advisor and provides so much support for all his students.”

Satya Tetala, Ph.D.

Hometown

Visakhapatnam, India

Current Home

Memphis, TN

Dissertation title

Artificial Intelligence Powered Personalized Agriculture

Advisor

Prof. Steve J. Simske

Favorite memory

“For me, it was taking a course in sustainable agriculture. The subject was fresh and familiar, and delving into its various facets helped me grasp how systems engineering can be applied to agriculture. This course broadened my perspective and deepened my understanding of the interconnectedness of our world.”

Post-graduation plans

“After graduation, I plan to continue working in Product Management and apply my newly found AI skills to create products that benefit society, particularly agriculture.”

Thanks

“I would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to my wife and kids for their unwavering love and support. I am also grateful to my advisor, Dr. Steve Simske, for his encouragement and belief in me, even when I doubted myself. I could not have achieved this without their support.”

Anything else you’d like to share?

“Pursuing a Ph.D. is not just about gaining expertise in a specific field. It is also a journey of self-discovery. As you delve deeper into your research, you learn more about yourself - your strengths, weaknesses, and passions. Earning a Ph.D. can be challenging but incredibly rewarding as you grow intellectually and personally.”

Scott Baron, MS

Hometown

Long Island, NY

Current Home

Sacramento, CA

Thesis title

Method for Statistical Resampling of Time-series Electrical Generation and Load Data

Advisor

Dr. James Cale

Favorite memory

“Applying Risk Management techniques to a FIRST robotics team I was mentoring at the time for a project.”

Post-graduation plans

“Continue my role as Co-founder and CTO at Perception Labs.”

Thanks

“I would like to thank my advisor Dr. Cale for his continued support and guidance throughout my time in the program.”