EAST Honors and Celebrations
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91¶ÌÊÓƵ Automotive Program Spotlighted in University of Utah Publication
91¶ÌÊÓƵ is recognized as one of Utah's leaders in clean transportation. The 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Automotive Training Program was recently featured in a publication by the University of Utah.
Weber State Cheer Team Triumphs in International Competition
91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s cheer team recently competed in an international competition in Cancun and achieved an outstanding victory!
The student on the left in this video is Manuel Barragan, a dedicated student-athlete currently enrolled in the pre-engineering program. We are proud to celebrate both his athletic and academic achievements.
Engineering student tests radar technology to jointly benefit Weber State, Hill Air Force Base
OGDEN, Utah — A graduate student is using his engineering know-how to develop and test technology that could soon be used by researchers at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and military personnel at Hill Air Force Base.
Gavin Messerly earned a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ in 2023 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and is currently working on his Master of Science in Computer Engineering. He also works full-time at Hill AFB as a project lead in the 309th Software Engineering Group.
At Hill, Messerly oversees special projects for interns and new hires coming into the 309th SWEG.
The Honors Program is thrilled to announce the Eccles Fellowship awardees
Congratulation to Professor Dylan Zwick and Paul Neiman for being the Eccles Fellowship awardees for Spring 2026!
Their course, "Artificial Intelligence: Problems and Possibilities," impressed the review team with its timely content, interdisciplinary depth, and innovative pedagogical approach. Despite many outstanding applications, this class stood out for its exceptional quality and the expertise of its instructors. This course promises to provide Honors students with a unique and enriched learning experience, and the program is proud to feature it in the upcoming semester. Congratulations to the awardees on this well-deserved recognition!
Join us at in Salt Lake City, UT, where we will showcase hand-picked selections from the Gallery of Fluid Motion's archive at the American Physical Society's Division of Fluid Dynamics (APS-DFD).
This year, the curatorial mission expanded to include artists selected through an open call. Comparable to da Vinci, who was motivated by the spectacle of innovation, just as much as the scientific value of experiments, the artists’ submissions offer a humanistic view on fluid dynamics.
While the Gallery of Fluid Motion’s authors are mostly scientists working with digital technologies, this exhibition aims to broaden how we process the world. Its purpose, more poetic, emotive, playful, handmade, ordinary, and thought-provoking, is to connect, for example, a water deluge to curls of hair. As artists themselves, the curators have transformed some of the GFM's photographs and videos into objects that take on new life, further highlighting the collaborative spirit between art and science.
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After ski accident, Weber State student becomes two-time USGA adaptive golf champ
OGDEN, Utah — Max Togisala has long dominated on the golf course, both before and after a ski accident left him paralyzed from the waist down.
The youngest of four siblings, the Ogden native learned to golf at age 3. In junior high, he became obsessed with playing college golf, and a few years later earned a full-ride scholarship to play golf at Central Wyoming College.
Continue reading After ski accident, Weber State student becomes two-time USGA adaptive golf champ
Aerospace ambitions bring Utah man to Weber State’s engineering program
OGDEN, Utah — For electrical engineering student Tylin Waters, asking “how” and “why” about everything started as far back as he can remember.
As a child, Waters eschewed fairytales for “The Book of How it Works,” a hardcover about technological wonders, which his dad read to him at bedtime. That curiosity turned into a fascination with the skies.
Continue reading Aerospace ambitions bring Utah man to Weber State’s engineering program
From video games to film, computer science student sees possibilities
OGDEN, Utah — Pierce Kester knows his degree in computer science will help him land a job in the tech sector, but he also wants to stay open to pursuing other dreams, such as filmmaking.
Kester was born and raised in France, three miles from the Swiss border. He attended a private school, where he honed his innate computer skills.
Continue reading From video games to film, computer science student sees possibilities
honored the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Department of Automotive Technology with the Trailblazer Award
"Weber State has made significant strides by electrifying its fleet and committing to renewable energy. Their educational programs and sustainability outreach continue to inspire future generations of climate and energy leaders. Their leadership in clean transportation and renewable energy solutions sets a powerful example for institutions across Utah and beyond."
We are proud to be a part of the Clean Cities team and are proud of our team of innovators who write grants, develop curriculum and maintain relationships often outside of normal hours to assure that we continue to stay at the forefront of alternative fuel types.
Women Tech Awards
Congratulations to Makena Mecham, winner of the Weber State Student Pathway Award at the Women Tech Awards!
Makena is majoring in Computational Statistics and Data Science and is currently interning at BAE Systems. We at EAST are proud of her achievements and excited to see her continue her tech career path
Hybrid Rocket System Presentation
Mechanical Engineering senior Steven Dipani and Professor Dustin Birch recently represented Weber State at the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics Forum 2024 in Alexandria, Virginia. Steven presented in the student poster session on behalf of Dr. Birch’s research team, which is currently working to develop a hybrid rocket system used to evaluate high-temperature materials.
91¶ÌÊÓƵ's Automotive program was featured on PBS's Utah Insight, highlighting the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Boot Camp led by Professor John Kelly. This program equips participants from around the world with essential skills in electric and hybrid vehicle servicing to meet the growing demand for skilled EV technicians.
Clear the Air Challenge Champions
Congratulations to our advisor, Angie Payan, for winning second place in the Clear the Air Challenge!
1st place: Kathryn Van Wagoner with 2,181 lbs of CO2 savings
2nd place: Angela Payan with 1,738 lbs of CO2 savings
3rd place: Katie Burrup with 1,119 lbs of CO2 savings
MSSE is an academic equivalency program!
Once a set of university courses is approved for academic equivalency, students who perform well in those courses can apply for ASEP and CSEP certification without taking the INCOSE knowledge exam. Academic equivalency provides an alternative way to fulfill the knowledge requirement for these certification levels.
Hill AFB recognizes new honorary commanders
Hill AFB proudly welcomes distinguished individuals into its ranks of honorary commanders, including Dr. David Ferro, Dean of the College of Engineering and Applied Science; Dr. Justin Jackson, Professor of Electrical Engineering; and Isabel Asensio, Professor and Department Chair of Spanish.
Dr. Dustin Birch - Ally for UAMMI's 2024 Utah Women at the Forefront.
Congratulations to Dr. Dustin Birch for being recognized as an Ally for UAMMI's 2024 Utah Women at the Forefront!
Weber Universitys MARS Center lands LFAM System, Hosting Open House with JuggerBot 3D.
Ogden, Utah (March 11, 2024) – JuggerBot 3D, additive manufacturing (AM) OEM and 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s (91¶ÌÊÓƵ) Miller Advanced Research & Solutions (MARS) Center have announced the acquisition of JuggerBot 3D’s Tradesman Series™ P3-44 Pellet-Fed Large Format Additive Manufacturing (LFAM) system.
High school gearheads compete in 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Auto Technician Championship
LAYTON — Inside 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Davis campus Friday, a few dozen high school seniors competed with their recently learned skills as automotive technicians. Their tasks comprised of mostly routine maintenance and a little problem-solving, all under the watch of industry professional judges.
Dr. Alex Lawrence on the Utah Business Magazine
Alex Lawrence has seen a few major technological innovations in his day: the World Wide Web, the smartphone and electric vehicles, to name a few. For Lawrence and many others, the latest jaw-dropping piece of tech has been the advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and the products that bring AI to the everyday consumer.
91¶ÌÊÓƵ international student now among Utah’s top tech women
OGDEN, Utah — Davina Kamikazi developed her passion for technology growing up in Kigali, Rwanda, often solving problems with computers and televisions. Now, she is turning her passion into a career, and recently won an award putting her in company with Utah’s tech industry leaders.
While studying computer engineering at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, Kamikazi won the Student Pathway Award last fall at the 2023 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Women Tech Awards, recognizing her dedication to STEM studies.
continued reading 91¶ÌÊÓƵ international student now among Utah’s top tech women
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91¶ÌÊÓƵ to receive a grant from the Department of Energy
This grant creates a 'living lab' by uniting SPARC, Mechanical Engineering, and Facilities Management at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. The 91¶ÌÊÓƵ IAC trains future energy engineers through energy assessments for small and medium-sized manufacturers, partnering with the University of Utah IAC and local manufacturers. Students gain hands-on experience through energy engineering courses, pre-college outreach, and the use of 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s smart buildings and renewable energy resources.
New leader at Weber State shares ‘big vision’ for defense, aerospace
OGDEN, Utah — A new leader in Utah’s defense and aerospace industry took the reins recently as 91¶ÌÊÓƵ named Benjamin Garcia the executive director of the Miller Advanced Research & Solutions Center.
Located at the Falcon Hill Aerospace Research Park near Hill Air Force Base, the MARS Center has a formal relationship with Hill in creating opportunities for 91¶ÌÊÓƵ students and faculty to research and apply innovative solutions to real-world problems in the realm of national defense.
Manufacturing Systems Engineering Accreditation
We’re excited to announce that our Bachelor's in Manufacturing Systems Engineering has received accreditation from the Engineering Accreditation Commission of ABET!
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91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s top automotive program inspires student to move across country
OGDEN, Utah — When Tyler Brown graduated high school in Louisville, Kentucky, he was on a quest to enroll in a premier automotive program. His search led him to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, whose automotive technology program is recognized as one of the top 10 in the nation.Tyler Brown works on vehicle parts in the automotive shop.
“I wasn’t sure I was ready to move across the country, away from my friends and family,” Brown said. “But, once I got here, I was immediately treated like family by the professors and students, and that really made the decision easy.”
continue reading 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s top automotive program inspires student to move across country
U.S. Department of Energy Zero Energy Design Designation
We're excited to announce that 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Architectural Design program is one of 22 programs nationwide to receive the U.S. Department of Energy's Zero Energy Design Designation. This recognition highlights college programs that prepare students for careers in clean energy building design.
Between the Currents - Recognize by CODawards
The internationally acclaimed CODAawards celebrate projects that best integrate commissioned art into interior, architectural, or public spaces. These awards honor individuals and teams whose creativity transforms both public and private spaces, inspiring everyone. Commissioned art matters, and the CODAawards recognize its impact.
Mary Foss in The International Journal on Engineering, Science and Technology
An Evaluation of Mathematical Models and Stability Analysis of Learning Based on Reaction Kinetics
By Mary Foss (91¶ÌÊÓƵ Assistant Professor in Manufacturing & Systems Engineering) , Yucheng Liu, Shantia Yarahmadian
91¶ÌÊÓƵ Student received SME Education Foundation, including the SME Directors Scholarship
Greg Smith faced a decision. He was studying English at Utah Valley University but wasn’t enamored with the career options his potential degree provided. Greg had been studying welding, both technique and theory, for the previous 15 years. In high school he enrolled in as many welding classes he could handle.
Stackable education lets Utah students take on job training, degrees ‘one bite at a time’
"In 2020, lawmakers created the Utah System of Higher Education, combining what had been separate governing bodies overseeing the state’s technical colleges and universities. One of the intended goals was to create “seamless” transfer pathways between the two.
continued reading
Paralyzed golfer from Ogden wins big in national tournament
OGDEN — Watching the inaugural U.S. Adaptive Open golf tournament last July, Max Togisala turned to his dad and said, "I'm going to play in that next year."
continued reading
Talent Ready Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure apprenticeship
OGDEN, Utah — 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is launching a new program for students pursuing cybersecurity and information technology degrees. The Talent Ready Cybersecurity and IT Infrastructure Apprenticeship program aims to help students upskill and gain technical training.
Ogden City Council awards Damian Lillard with inaugural Compass Award
OGDEN -- At halftime of the on Saturday night, members of the Ogden City Council presented former Weber State Wildcat and current Portland Trail Blazer with the Compass Award, making him the first recipient of the honor.
Interior Design - NKBA Excellence in Education Award
91¶ÌÊÓƵ is one of four schools to receive the NKBA Excellence in Education Award for 2023 91¶ÌÊÓƵ. This award is granted based on the quality of student submissions to the NKBA Student Design Competition. To qualify, schools must have three student entries scoring 80 points or above. Since students can submit both a kitchen and a bathroom design, only the highest-scoring entry from each student is considered for the award. Thus, this honor recognizes the work of three individual students from each school.
This year's winning schools are Century College, Georgian College, Lakeland College, and 91¶ÌÊÓƵ.
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Dr. Christian Hearn - Utah NASA Space Grant Consortium Fellowship Recipient
Congratulations to Dr. Hearn on being selected for the 2023 91¶ÌÊÓƵ-24 Utah Space Grant Consortium
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Dr. Justin B. Jackson - Brady Presidential
Distinguished Professor Recipient
Justin Jackson is lauded by students for his vast knowledge base, effective communication of course concepts, flexibility in course delivery and a willingness to help students succeed. He has supervised 29 senior projects, advised four graduate student projects and served on three graduate students’ committees. Jackson was instrumental in developing the Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering and helped design the four-year plan for the degree, along with required and elective course options. In collaboration with his colleagues, he developed and designed the two-year plan for the Master of Science in Computer Engineering and Master of Science in Electrical Engineering, and designed the four-year plan for the Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Engineering. He also developed two new graduate courses to support the Master of Science in Computer Engineering and helped advance an innovation center at Hill Air Force Base in collaboration with Lockheed Martin, Weber State and Hill. One of the highlights of Jackson’s 16-year tenure at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ was working with the legislature to create the electronic engineering program. His current research includes software-defined radio, printed semiconductor materials, and very-large scale integrated circuit design. He currently works with undergraduate and graduate students on projects in these areas, including the development of networking protocol discrimination techniques in software-defined radio for antenna characterization and 3D printed solar cells. Beyond academia, Jackson serves as a technical advisor for an elementary school’s vex robotics team and as a recruiter for engineering programs at several area high schools, Salt Lake Community College and Hill AFB.
The Electric Vehicle Technician Program
Congratulations to the 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Automotive Department for receiving an award at the Intermountain Sustainability Summit for 'The Electric Vehicle Technician Program'! This recognition was awarded to 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, UCAIR, Utah Clean Cities Coalition, the Office of Economic Development, UDOT, GO Utah, and the Department of Government Operations.
Weber State Students in Kenya
Thirty-seven Weber State students, faculty, staff, and community members traveled to Taru, Kenya, over spring break to assist the Daruma tribe in laying the foundation for a community learning center. This effort was in partnership with a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowerment through education.
Continue reading Weber State Students in Kenya.
John Kelly - Automotive - Presidential Teaching Excellence Award
OGDEN, Utah – Following a five-year tradition, 91¶ÌÊÓƵ awarded the 2023 91¶ÌÊÓƵ Presidential Teaching Excellence Award to 12 of its top teachers.
The award is based on nominations from students, faculty and staff who recognize the outstanding efforts of 91¶ÌÊÓƵ professors from different fields of study – from the arts to the sciences.
School of Computing professors on KUTV - channel 2
Andrew Drake:
Matt Paulson:
91¶ÌÊÓƵ, Hill Air Force Base partner to train military spouses for IT careers
OGDEN, Utah – 91¶ÌÊÓƵ is partnering with Hill Air Force Base and to offer the Rosie Project, a tuition-free information technology program aimed at getting military spouses plugged into jobs within the Department of Defense.
For spouses of active duty members, it’s sometimes difficult to find employment due to frequent location changes. The partnership between 91¶ÌÊÓƵ and Hill AFB will increase employment opportunities by teaching skills needed by the DOD. Continue reading 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, Hill Air Force Base partner to train military spouses for IT career
Brad Naisbitt - Presidential Outstanding Staff Award
Congratulations to our EAST IT/Project Manager for being award these years Presidential Outstanding Staff Award!
Dr. Dustin Birch - 2023 91¶ÌÊÓƵ AIAA UT Section Engineering Educator of the Year Nominee
Dustin Birch, a Senior Member of the AIAA, is a Utah engineering educator with a BS and MS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah and a PhD in Systems Engineering from Colorado State University. A registered Professional Engineer with 25 years of industry experience, he previously served as Director of Engineering at a Utah environmental engineering firm. Since 2011, he has been a Professor of Engineering at 91¶ÌÊÓƵ, teaching courses across Mechanical Engineering Technology, Mechanical Engineering, and Systems Engineering. He actively contributes to curriculum development, program coordination, and student advising, helping establish 91¶ÌÊÓƵ’s Mechanical and Systems Engineering degrees.