2026 SSE Awards Highlight the People Driving Impact Across Science and Engineering
Jim Mahjoubian jmahjoubian@tulane.edu
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On a wonderful evening inside the Glazer Family Club at Yulman Stadium, more than 170 members of the Tulane SSE community gathered to recognize the people shaping the future of science and engineering.

Faculty, staff, alumni, students, and partners filled the room for the 2026 School of Science and Engineering Awards Celebration, an annual event that reflects both the breadth of the school and the impact of its work. Throughout the evening, 21 awardees were recognized for achievements spanning research, teaching, mentorship, innovation, and community engagement.  

View the full 2026 SSE Awards program, including all awardees and biographies.

The program brought together disciplines that rarely share the same stage, from artificial intelligence and biomedical engineering to coastal science, materials research, and STEM education. That convergence is part of what defines SSE, where collaboration across fields is essential to solving complex challenges.

The alumni awards opened the evening with stories that traced the long arc of impact beyond Tulane.

William Adams, a spacecraft engineer at Muon Space, is helping lead next-generation space systems, including work tied to a historic commercial lunar landing. Briley Bourgeois is advancing sustainable chemical manufacturing through research focused on energy efficiency and emissions reduction. Yvette Dapremont Bright was recognized for a career of executive leadership and her continued impact through the Brighter Horizon Foundation. Alyssa Dausman, Senior Vice President and Chief Scientist at The Water Institute, continues to shape major initiatives in water systems, coastal resilience, and climate adaptation.  

The evening continued with recognition of faculty research excellence across disciplines.

Matthew Czapiga is building a research program focused on river and delta systems and coastal vulnerability. Nicholas Mattei is advancing artificial intelligence and decision-making systems with a focus on real-world societal impact. Noshir Pesika’s work in interfacial science continues to drive innovation in materials and biomedical applications, while Yu-Ping Wang is leading advancements in biomedical data science that connect imaging and genomics.

Teaching and mentorship were central to the celebration.

Keena Kareem and Nick Sparks were recognized for early achievement in teaching, known for creating engaging, student-centered learning environments. Matt Barrios and Michael Joyce were honored for mid-career excellence, with leadership that extends into mentorship, program development, and student success. Julie Alvarez and Meenakshi Vijayaraghavan were recognized for sustained excellence in teaching, having shaped the academic experiences of generations of students.

The celebration also highlighted collaboration, outreach, and the people who strengthen the SSE community every day.

The ReCoast initiative, led by Julie Albert, was recognized for its interdisciplinary work in coastal restoration and environmental resilience. Katie Russell was honored for her leadership in experiential learning and community-engaged education. Jelagat Cheruiyot was recognized for her extraordinary commitment to mentorship and student success.

Staff awards recognized essential contributions across the School of Science and Engineering. Casey Alba-Howsmon, Yasin Bakış, Danielle Scanlon, and Xiaodong Zhang were honored for their work supporting students, faculty, research, and outreach across SSE.  

Across every category, the evening highlighted a shared commitment to advancing knowledge, supporting students, and applying science and engineering in ways that improve lives.

The awards celebration serves as more than a recognition event. It is a reflection of what makes the School of Science and Engineering distinct: a community that brings together disciplines, connects research and education, and extends its impact far beyond campus.

As the program concluded, the message was clear. The strength of SSE lies not only in its research and programs, but in the people who drive them forward.

View the full 2026 SSE Awards program for a complete list of honorees and detailed biographies. 

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