Past events

Maysam Chamanzar

Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Maysam Chamanzar revealed what he views as the key to his success: a profound passion for philosophy. During his November talk at the Center for Faculty Success' fifth Milestone Moments event, Chamanzar explained how his philosophical beliefs have shaped his journey and contributed to many of his achievements.

Rahul Panat

Mechanical Engineering Professor Rahul Panat shared simple yet powerful career advice with graduate students during his Milestone Moments talk in April 2025. Formulate a vision you want to work toward, develop a research identity that aligns with your interests, and surround yourself with the people you want to work with.

Mark Bedillion

In the same way that control systems compare inputs and make adjustments to achieve desired outcomes, Mark Bedillion’s unconventional career path has been a well-managed control loop that has led to success and happiness. The teaching professor and director of academic operations, mechanical engineering, described his journey during his March 2025 Milestone Moments talk.

Jana Kainerstorfer

Biomedical Engineering (BME) professor, Jana Kainerstorfer, credited friends, students, colleagues, and mentors in her journey to becoming a full professor during her Milestone Moments talk in November 2024. BME department head Keith Cook repaid the compliment by saying, “Every department head should be so lucky as to have faculty like her.”

Swarun Kumar

Swarun Kumar gave an inspirational talk as the inaugural speaker in the new Milestone Monents series in October 2024. He talked about having repeatedly passing on an industry career that promised what he called eye-popping amounts of money to pursue a Ph.D., a path that led to his eventual promotion to full professor.