2026 Alumni Awards recipients

Joy Whittington Bretthauer

ECE 1990

For her extraordinary leadership across multiple centers and major space missions for NASA, demonstrating exceptional skill in guiding complex scientific and engineering efforts that advance exploration and inspire the next generation.

Joy Whittington Bretthauer is a Carnegie Mellon University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, a former Spirit buggy driver, and a member of the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) Advisory Council. She has a passion for volunteering to help those in underserved communities; sharing her NASA career experiences to encourage students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math; and supporting CMU’s efforts to enhance students’ campus experiences.

Joy is the Living With a Star Deputy Program Manager and the Deputy Associate Director for Flight Project Division at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC) in the Explorers and Heliophysics Projects Division. She previously served as a Project Manager and Mission Manager in the Explorers Program Office. As GSFC’s Project Manager for NASA’s U.S. contributions to the European Space Agency’s ATHENA Project, her project team received an award for outstanding effort in developing a cost-effective plan for a NASA-provided technology and saving the mission. She received NASA’s Exceptional Achievement Medal for leading and managing NASA’s first Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) Mission.

Other career highlights include: supporting space communications networks as a Space Communications Systems Integration Manager and managing Space Act Agreements; leading a team that identified de-orbit options for the Hubble Telescope; serving as a Program Executive at Headquarters’ Earth Science Division;  providing systems engineering and project management for the Express Logistics Carrier Project and delivering flight hardware to the International Space Station; serving as Fermi’s Observatory Manager and leading an international technical team from design through on-orbit delivery; serving as GSFC’s Recruiting Lead; and supporting the Landsat 7 satellite as a Command and Data Handling Engineer through integration, testing, launch, and early orbit operations. Joy began her early career as a computer engineer at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility where she designed, developed, and deployed a telemetry data archiving system that supported numerous science missions on satellites, space shuttles, and sounding rockets. Joy has also authored and co-authored various technical reports.

Joy is currently enrolled in the Master of Information Systems Management program at CMU's Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy

Vikas Chandra

ECE 2002, 2004

For his pioneering leadership in efficient on-device and multimodal AI, as well as transformative work on next-generation technologies and contributions across academia and industry that have had a remarkable impact on the field.

Vikas Chandra is a Senior Director at Meta Reality Labs, where he leads an AI research team building efficient on-device AI for the company's mixed reality products, including AI glasses. His team's work enables these wearables to understand context and take meaningful action, reactively or proactively. These devices perceive the world as the wearer does, using rich context to anticipate needs and reduce cognitive load. This is foundational technology for the next generation of human-device interaction.

Prior to joining Meta in 2018, Vikas was Director of Applied Machine Learning at Arm Research, where his team helped pioneer TinyML, a new field of machine learning that enables AI to run on small, resource-constrained devices.

Vikas earned his Master of Science and Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. He has also served as visiting scholar (2011-2014) and visiting faculty (2016-2017) in the Electrical Engineering department at Stanford University. He has authored more than 200 research papers and is an inventor on over 40 U.S. and international patents.

In recognition of his technical leadership, Vikas received the ACM-SIGDA Technical Leadership Award in 2009 and was invited to the National Academy of Engineering's Frontiers of Engineering Symposium in 2017. He is a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).

Peyman Givi

MechE 1982, 1985

For his internationally recognized contributions to turbulence, combustion, and quantum engineering, as well as his impact as a mentor, with many former students now leading in top universities, industry, and government.

Peyman Givi is the Distinguished Professor and James T. Macleod Chair of Mechanical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering at the University of Pittsburgh. Previously, he was the UB Distinguished Professor of Aerospace Engineering at SUNY-Buffalo where he received Tau Beta Pi Professor of the Year Award in 2002. He also worked as a Research Scientist at Flow Industries, Inc. in Seattle. Peyman has had frequent visiting appointments at the NASA Langley and Glenn Centers and received the NASA Public Service Medal in 2005, the highest NASA award to a civilian. He is among the first 15 engineering faculty nationwide to receiev the White House Faculty Fellowship from President George H.W. Bush. He also received the ONR-Young Investigator Award of the Department of Defense, and the NSF-Presidential Young Investigator Award.

Known as the modern day’s Rocket Scientist, Peyman’s areas of research interest include: computational fluid dynamics, combustion, and turbulence with emphasis on high performance computing. He has also pioneered the application of quantum computing in aerospace science and engineering. Peyman is an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Academy of Mechanics, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), American Physical Society, American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), the Combustion Institute, and was named ASME Engineer of the Year in Pittsburgh (2007). He is currently on the Editorial Boards of the AIAA Journal, Combustion Theory and Modelling, Journal of Applied Fluid Mechanics, and several other journals. Previously he served on the Editorial Boards of Computers and Fluids, Physics of Fluids (Guest Editor). Progress in Energy, and Combustion Science, amongst several other journals. Peyman was selected to deliver the AIAA Dryden Lecture in Research (2024), the 13^th Elsevier Distinguished Lecture in Mechanics (2021), and the 11^th Pratt and Whitney Distinguished Lecture (2021). Prior to attending CMU, Peyman received a Bachelor’s degree from the Youngstown State University.

Maynard Holliday

MechE 1984

For his remarkable leadership in space, robotics, and defense-related technologies, especially with respect to robotics work with visual pattern recognition technology, as well as his commitment to youth STEM education and the mentoring of boys and young men of color.

Maynard Holliday is a distinguished engineer, defense leader, and senior executive with over 40 years of experience driving innovation in robotics, critical technologies, and national security. A proud alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University, Maynard earned his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering, and an MS in mechanical engineering design and international arms control from Stanford University, laying the technical foundation for a career that has spanned the private sector, national laboratories, and the highest levels of government. 

Maynard’s commitment to the CMU community remains active and impactful; he currently sits on the Department of Mechanical Engineering Alumni Advisory Board, where he lends his expertise to guide the department's future. His professional journey includes serving as the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Critical Technologies, where he oversaw over $1.6 billion in investments for modernization priorities including AI and Directed Energy. A two-time presidential appointee and fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Maynard is currently the CEO of Strategic Technologies AI. In addition to his technical leadership, he is a dedicated advocate for the next generation of technologists, co-founding Black in Robotics and championing STEM diversity—values that reflect the collaborative and innovative spirit of the Carnegie Mellon community.

Maury Hull

MechE 1969

For his exceptional leadership in building the UC Davis biomedical engineering program and groundbreaking contributions to knee biomechanics, musculoskeletal modeling, and sports safety.

Maury L. Hull, Ph.D. is Distinguished Professor Emeritus at the University of California, Davis. He holds appointments in the Department of Biomedical Engineering, Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery. He received his bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and master of science and Ph.D. degrees in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley. Maury became a faculty member in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UC Davis in 1976. From 1993 to 2000, he served as Chair of the Biomedical Engineering graduate program and led the creation of a new Department of Biomedical Engineering which launched in 2001. This department now has 32 faculty members, 510 undergraduate students, 147 graduate students, and research expenditures exceeding $29 million.

Maury’s research activities encompass orthopaedic biomechanics with emphasis on the human knee, musculoskeletal system modeling and simulation of movement, and sports biomechanics and equipment design. He has published more than 300 papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals. For his research achievements, he has received numerous awards including the Giovanni Borelli Award from the American Society of Biomechanics and the H. R. Lissner Medal from the Bioengineering Division of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME). He has also been honored as an educator, receiving the UC Davis Engineering Alumni Distinguished Teaching Award and the Robert M. Nerem Education and Mentorship Medal from the Bioengineering Division of ASME.

Yen-Ming Chen

INI 1999

For his sustained engagement and generosity to the Information Networking Institute, from leading the Alumni Leadership Council and mentoring students to creating opportunities and events, which have strengthened the program and deeply enriched the student and alumni experience.

Yen-Ming Chen is a security and compliance leader with over two decades of experience, fortifying cloud services for multinational technology companies. Currently at Apple, he addresses complex issues at the intersection of security, compliance, privacy, regulatory, and geopolitical factors in cloud services. Previously, he directed security and compliance strategy for Microsoft Azure’s Sovereign Clouds, driving certifications across 12 international regions and empowering organizations worldwide to navigate intricate regulatory landscapes. Early in his career at Foundstone/McAfee, Yen-Ming honed his expertise in security consulting, assisting global clients in identifying and mitigating critical risks. He has contributed to five books including the best-selling Hacking Exposed series, and numerous articles. Additionally, he served on the review board for HITCON, a prominent Taiwanese computer security conference.

A dedicated Carnegie Mellon community leader, Yen-Ming joined the Information Networking Institute (INI) Alumni Leadership Council in 2017. Since then, he has organized various events for Seattle-area alumni, sponsored practicum projects, taught as an adjunct professor, and mentored students. In 2025, he took on the role of Chair of the INI Alumni Leadership Council, where he aims to enhance alumni engagement. Yen-Ming actively supports career development programs and has established an endowed fellowship for AI & Security at INI. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from National Central University in Taiwan and a Master of Science in Information Networking from Carnegie Mellon University.

John Kovacs

CEE 1993

For his decades of unwavering engagement in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, from advising the department to mentoring and supporting student competitions, as well as creating meaningful connections between students and practicing engineers.

John Kovacs is a senior executive and advisor with more than three decades of experience leading growth, strategy, and organizational development in the civil infrastructure market. A proud alumnus of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, John credits his Carnegie Mellon University education with shaping a career grounded in technical rigor, collaborative leadership, and a deep commitment to service within the engineering profession.

John spent 30 years with Gannett Fleming (now GFT Infrastructure) where he held senior leadership roles and helped guide the firm’s strategic growth, client development, and employee engagement. Building on those experiences, he founded Advisory Insights, LLC, where he advises leadership teams on strategic planning, change management, operational excellence, and the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies. He also serves as an Independent Director on several corporate boards and is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers Industry Leaders Council.

John has remained closely connected to CMU through sustained alumni service. He currently serves on the Alumni Advisory Council for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and previously served on the University Alumni Board. Through mentorship and advisory roles, he is grateful for the opportunity to support future engineers and to help strengthen the enduring connection between Carnegie Mellon and its alumni community.

Hillard Lazarus

CEE 1970

For his outstanding and continuous dedication to Carnegie Mellon, from mentoring students and staying actively involved with the community to supporting initiatives that expand opportunities and strengthen our academic mission.

Hillard Lazarus earned a Bachelor of Science in engineering from CMU and an M.D. from the University of Rochester School of Medicine. He spent five decades as a hematologist, blood/marrow transplant physician, and clinical trialist at Case Western Reserve University, where he designed, executed, and published clinical investigations. Hillard received an endowed chair from Case Western Reserve University, is editor of 10 textbooks, has been editor-in-chief of three research journals, and his research has been published in over 800 original, peer-reviewed manuscripts. His work as a researcher and clinician has helped to diagnose and treat thousands of blood cancer patients.

Hillard received the CMU Alumni Lifetime (Distinguished) Achievement Award in 2011, and has served the last two decades on the College of Engineering Dean’s Advocacy Council. He serves on the Dean’s Advocacy Council for CMU’s University Libraries, and he worked on ad hoc advisory boards for the late President Jared Cohon. Hillard has given invited lectures to students and is a member of the CMU Alumni Association Board.  He and his wife Joan created a biomedical student scholarship and an endowed chair in Bioengineering to carry on CMU’s decades long legacy of education and innovation.

Harry Shimp

MechE 1980

For his years of thoughtful council service, mentoring, active volunteering, and deep personal commitment to the College and to the Department of Mechanical Engineering which has enriched the experience of our students and faculty.

Harry Shimp began his association with MCM Capital 20 years ago and has been an investor for most of that time. He has been the CEO of three portfolio companies and served on multiple MCM Boards of Directors. Harry brings over 30 years of experience in the general management of high technology manufacturing companies. He has had P&L responsibility for 17 different manufacturing businesses in the fields of precision equipment, photovoltaics, engineered materials, optics and aerospace components. These businesses have ranged in size and scope from specialty, single product lines to half-billion-dollar international operations with multi-plant locations.

Harry spent his early career at General Electric where he advanced through managerial positions in marketing, manufacturing, and engineering in both domestic and international locations. Harry left GE in 1989 as the Division General Manager of the High Temperature Materials Division which produced fused quartz, refractory metals, and synthetic sapphire for the electronic, fiber optic, and lighting markets. This highly profitable operation was the share in each of its key geographical segments: North America, Japan, and Western Europe.

Upon leaving GE, Harry began his career in venture capital, founding family-owned Charon Industries in 1991. As President or CEO, Harry has successfully managed companies in the fields of engineered ceramics, reinforced thermoplastic composites, precision optics, aerospace repair and overhaul, precision instruments and equipment, and photovoltaics.

Harry holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Lehigh University and master’s degrees in engineering and industrial administration from Carnegie Mellon University. He has been awarded five U.S. patents. Harry served as a regular commissioned officer with the United States Marine Corps.

Kwaku Jyamfi

CEE 2020, ETIM 2020

For his entrepreneurial vision in founding and scaling Cyrtan Energy (fka Farm to Flame Energy), building innovative technology that transforms agricultural waste into clean, affordable power and making a meaningful impact in sustainable energy.

Kwaku Jyamfi is the co-founder and CEO of Cyrtan Energy, a climate infrastructure company commercializing advanced biomass and waste-to-energy systems. Cyrtan deploys patented smokeless combustion technology that converts low-value organic and industrial waste into reliable thermal and electrical energy at costs significantly lower than diesel and traditional fossil fuels.

Under Kwaku’s leadership, the company has partnered with major industrial operators including Georgia-Pacific to decarbonize waste management and on-site energy generation. Cyrtan’s systems enable manufacturers, utilities, and infrastructure operators to reduce emissions, lower fuel costs, and unlock new value from wood waste and stranded energy assets. To date, the company has diverted thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide by displacing diesel and natural gas use across pilot and commercial deployments.

Kwaku brings a background in applied energy systems, commercialization, and project finance, with a focus on scaling climate technologies from pilot to bankable infrastructure. Cyrtan Energy is currently expanding its project pipeline across North America, supporting industrial decarbonization while strengthening energy resilience.

Piyumi Wijesekara

BME 2017, 2022

For her significant achievements in biomedical engineering, from her innovative work on lung organoids and DNA nanodevices at CMU to her critical research on astronaut respiratory health at NASA.

Dr. Piyumi Wijesekara received her master’s and doctoral degrees in biomedical engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. Following completion of her Ph.D., she joined NASA Ames Research Center as a NASA Postdoctoral Program Fellow. After two years of postdoctoral training, she transitioned into her current role as a Staff Scientist in the Radiation Biophysics Laboratory, Space Biosciences Research Branch at NASA Ames.

Piyumi is a multidisciplinary researcher with expertise in tissue and organ engineering and regenerative medicine. Her research at NASA Ames focuses on the development of technologically advanced, high-throughput, three-dimensional human tissue models to investigate the effects of spaceflight stressors on the human respiratory system with the eventual goal of applying them to ensure the health and safety of astronauts during lunar and Mars missions. In addition to her laboratory research, Piyumi was selected as a prime crew member for NASA’s Human Exploration Research Analog (HERA) Campaign 7, Mission XXVII, a unique analog mission designed to simulate the conditions astronauts might experience during long-duration space exploration, such as a journey to Mars. During the 45-day mission, the crew helped NASA’s Human Research Program conduct 18 human health studies, including seven collaborative investigations with the Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre and the European Space Agency. These studies examined the crew’s ability to adapt to confined spaces, maintain psychological well-being, and manage complex tasks without real-time communication with Earth, which are crucial in preparing astronauts for the physical and mental demands of long-duration missions. Her long-term goals include applying interdisciplinary science and engineering to improve astronaut health and safety in support of human deep-space exploration as we enter the Artemis era.

Stephanie Emore

CEE/EPP 2016

For her exemplary support for students in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering through mentoring, recruiting, and personalized career guidance, as well as active and insightful contributions as the youngest member of the CEE Alumni Advisory Council.

Stephanie Emore is a senior project manager at Clark Construction Group, LLC, where she leads teams through the full spectrum of a project, from project development through owner occupancy. She is dedicated to delivering projects that impact and improve communities, including student housing, residential and office towers, and a museum.

Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering, with an additional degree in Engineering and Public Policy, from Carnegie Mellon University. She is committed to continuing engagement with the engineering and CEE communities through membership on the CEE Alumni Advisory Committee, and continuing recruiting efforts.

Benjamin Landis

MechE 2016

For his incredible commitment to the Mechanical Engineering community, mentoring graduate and undergraduate students as well as sharing professional experience and fostering connections that help our students succeed.

Ben Landis is a product manager (VP) for EPIC Metals, where he has led strategic product development initiatives, advanced manufacturing innovation, and contributed to the company’s long-term sustainability growth within the construction and building systems industry. He also serves as Adjunct Professor of Engineering at Penn State New Kensington.

Ben earned his Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree in engineering science from Penn State University. He is an active alumni member of CMU’s Robotics Club (Roboclub), and he has coached for the Robobuggy and Combat Robotics projects.

Ben is dedicated to mentorship and community engagement. He is active with CMU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, where he connects with current students through alumni panels. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Steel Deck Institute and the Pittsburgh Youth Philharmonic Orchestra.

Sloane Macklin

MSE 2017

For her strong leadership in revitalizing the College of Engineering’s NY Metro Alumni Network, expanding engagement opportunities, and creating meaningful events that connect alumni across the region.

Sloane Macklin is the Associate Director of Alumni Relations at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs, where she strengthens alumni engagement, builds community, and advances meaningful connections across a global network of public service leaders. Known for her collaborative and thoughtful approach, Sloane is passionate about building inclusive alumni communities and driving lasting impact in higher education.

A dedicated alumna leader, Sloane previously served as President of the Carnegie Mellon University NY Metro Regional Alumni Community and joined the CMU Alumni Association Board in 2025. Her favorite alumni event is the Incoming Student Social in Central Park, where she enjoys meeting incoming engineering students and hearing why they chose to become Tartans.

Sloane earned her undergraduate degree from CMU’s College of Engineering, where she developed strong analytical, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills. She also holds a master’s degree in strategic marketing and communications from the Fordham Gabelli School of Business, further shaping her ability to pair data-driven insight with compelling storytelling and engagement strategy in higher education. During her time at CMU, she served as captain of the Ski and Snowboard Race Team, Concert Chair of the Activities Board, and pushed buggy for Fringe.

E. Gerald Meyer

ChemE 1940, 1942

For his extraordinary career spanning more than six decades as one of the University of Wyoming’s most influential and respected faculty members. From pioneering research and national professional leadership to serving as UW’s first vice president for research, Gerry’s many contributions have left an enduring mark on the university and the fields of chemistry and chemical engineering. His lifelong commitment to service, philanthropy, and community is reflected in his generosity, engagement, and energetic spirit—including competing in the Senior Olympics well past his 100th birthday. This special Lifetime Impact Award is conferred to honor the breadth and depth of Gerry’s impact across all facets of his life.

E. Gerald Meyer was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and attended the Carnegie Institute of Technology (now Carnegie Mellon University), receiving his bachelor's degree in chemistry in 1940 and his master's in chemistry in 1942. He was a laboratory chemist for the U.S. Bureau of Mines, the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory (as a naval officer during World War II), and the Research Division of New Mexico Tech before returning to complete his graduate work, receiving his doctorate from the University of New Mexico in 1950.

Gerry was on the faculty at the University of Albuquerque and New Mexico Highlands University from 1952 to 1963, where he was Department Head and Dean of Graduate Studies and Research. In 1963, Gerry was appointed Professor of Chemistry and Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Wyoming, and in 1976 he was named Vice President for Research. Gerry retired in 1990 and was named Professor Emeritus, and he continued to teach on a part-time basis. In addition to his contributions to the University of Wyoming, Gerry served as Laramie Area Chamber of Commerce chairman and was on the Regional Airport Board and the Laramie City Council. He was State Science Adviser and president of both the Council of Colleges of Arts and Sciences and Associated Western Universities. He became the President of the Coal Technology Corporation in 1982 and was a consultant to government agencies and industrial companies for a refining process he invented and patented.

At age 100, Gerry won gold medals in the National Senior Olympics by running the 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m races.  

Gerry maintains a collection of Western art, including works from Taos artists and from the Cowboy Artist's Association, inspired by his grandmother's interest in art collecting.