Outstanding engineering, computer science undergraduates honored with Awards of Excellence

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• Katherine Connor - [email protected]

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Shu Chien - Gene Lay Department of Bioengineering: Jacob Hoenig

As an undergraduate bioengineering:biotechnology student, Hoenig conducted research in nanomedicine across two laboratories. In Prof. Liangfang Zhang's lab, Hoenig developed biomimetic vaccines for cancer and infectious diseases, and in Prof. Fanny Chapelin's lab, he worked on technologies to track therapeutic immune cells in transplantation and autoimmune disease. Hoenig translated this research into several publications and conference presentations, and his team received the Most Innovative Award for their senior design project in Prof. Chapelin's lab.

In addition to research, Hoenig led philanthropy initiatives for Alpha Epsilon Pi, raising over $15,000 worth of donations to support individuals experiencing homelessness in downtown San Diego. These efforts were recognized with Outstanding Philanthropy and Outstanding Service Awards from UC San Diego Sorority and Fraternity Life.

Hoenig co-founded the UC San Diego chapter of the TAMID Group, serving as a project manager for consulting projects supporting early-stage biotech ventures with commercialization and translation strategy. Hoenig was also involved in the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering and the Biotech Club at UC San Diego.

"My advice to students is to connect with the incredible faculty and research opportunities at UC San Diego and to explore classes beyond your major requirements if they spark your interest. Some of the most valuable opportunities and ideas come from following your curiosity."

Next year, Hoenig will pursue a PhD in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Michigan as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program recipient. He aims to develop targeted immune tolerance therapies that can selectively retrain the immune system and restore healthy immune function.

Computer Science and Engineering: Anya Chernova

Chernova is being recognized for her exceptional contributions to the Jacobs School community through leadership, teaching, mentorship, and research in computing. In addition to maintaining an outstanding academic record herself, she also demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting fellow students both inside and outside the classroom. She served as a computer science tutor for three years, a SPIS (Summer Program for Incoming Students) mentor, a COSMOS (California State Summer School for Mathematics and Science) student lead for high school students, and a CSE-PACE (Peer-Led Academic Cohort Experiences) mentor for two years.

She also distinguished herself as an outstanding undergraduate researcher, contributing to multiple publications focused on improving accessibility and equity in computer science education.

Beyond her academic and research work, Chernova served as an event lead and later as president of the Association for Computing Machinery's AI community. In these roles, she worked with her team to organize events that made learning about AI more accessible and approachable for students.

She also gained industry experience at Qualcomm, where she worked on tools to help engineers analyse the root causes of technical issues. Through this experience, she became interested in building computer systems that solve real-life problems in effective ways.

Next year, she plans to pursue a master's degree in computer science at Stanford, where she hopes to deepen her knowledge of computer systems and networking. In the future, she hopes to pursue systems research focused on making the infrastructure behind everyday technologies more efficient and reliable.

Electrical and computer engineering: Emma Dunmire

Dunmire, a computer engineering student, distinguished herself as an academic star, earning Provost Honors every quarter of her academic career at UC San Diego, and maintaining an outstanding cumulative GPA of 3.983.

In addition to academic excellence, Dunmire is also an athlete, competing on both the UC San Diego NCAA Division 1 Track and Field team and the Cross Country team all four years. She competes in the 1500-meter and 3000-meter steeplechase events, and holds the UC San Diego record for steeplechase. Dunmire earned All-Big West honors for track in 2026 and cross country in 2025, and was named cross country team captain in 2024.

As an undergraduate, Dunmire conducted research in Prof. Bill Lin's lab as part of the Electrical and Computer Engineering's Summer Research Internship Program (SRIP). Her research explored the optimization of scheduling algorithms for optical circuit switches, with a goal of improving communication efficiency in data centers with impacts on AI training infrastructures.

Next year, Dunmire will continue her education at UC San Diego, pursuing her master's degree in Computer Engineering. Ultimately, she hopes to work in a healthcare-adjacent industry where she can apply her skills and knowledge of computer programming and electrical circuits and signals to make meaningful contributions to improve people's lives.

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering: Rachel McClow

McClow, a mechanical engineering student, was a force-multiplier for the Society of Women Engineers at UC San Diego, where she served as VP of External Affairs. In that role, McClow created opportunities for her peers by connecting students with industry partners for mentorship and potential internship and job opportunities.

McClow also served as a mentor to incoming freshman mechanical and aerospace engineering students through the Math Bridge to Success program, helping the next generation of students succeed on campus, and served as tutor in the MAE 3: Introduction to Mechanical Design course, where she led lab sections and helped students build their robots.

As an undergraduate, McClow conducted research in two different labs on campus. In Prof. Tania Morimoto's lab, McClow assisted a team of researchers developing an outerwear hand-prosthetic for stroke patients to assist with opening the hand and other movements. In Prof. Boris Kramer's lab, she worked on learning dynamic systems models and designing classification algorithms for high-resolution, high-throughput data from fluid experiments.

Next year, McClow will return to UC San Diego as a PhD candidate in mechanical engineering, analyzing the mechanical properties of the musculoskeletal system in microgravity situations.

Aiiso Yufeng Li Family Department of Chemical and Nano Engineering: Finnian O'Neill

O'Neill, a nanoengineering major, achieved the highest GPA among his peers while earning a minor in history. He also conducted research as an undergraduate student, focused on advancing and improving clean energy. O'Neill worked on semiconducting polymers and novel thin film processing for solar energy in Prof. Darren Lipomi's lab, and plasma-material interactions with applications in fusion energy in Prof. George Tynan's lab. He also had an internship at Lawrence Livermore National Lab, where he contributed to research in radiation damage of materials for energy applications.

Aside from school and research, O'Neill was an IDEA Scholar, and served as a Committee Lead for the IDEA Scholars Professional Committee, creating opportunities for student professional development on campus. He has been an active member of the UC San Diego Club Swim Team, and worked as a lifeguard with UC San Diego Recreation.

This summer, O'Neill will work as a Materials Engineering Intern at Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Massachusetts, before starting a PhD program in nuclear engineering and engineering physics at the University of Wisconsin, Madison as a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. Ultimately, O'Neill hopes to contribute to fusion science and engineering either through industry or academic roles.

O'Neill encourages current students to go to office hours! " In my opinion there's no better way to engage with your professors on a deeper level, and it will open doors to so many awesome opportunities."

He also recommends taking classes you're interested in, even if they won't count toward your graduation requirements. "Don't let your major requirements stifle your growth in subjects you're interested in - petition for interesting technical electives, pick up a minor, or just take a class or two for fun whenever you can fit it in! You can always drop an unnecessary course if it's too much."

Structural engineering: Dylan Cram

Cram was recognized for his academic excellence as a structural engineering student, and a great aptitude for teaching these skills to other students. Cram was a highly sought-after instructional assistant for seven structural engineering courses, with faculty noting he consistently went above-and-beyond both in his coursework and instruction.

In addition, Cram served as a leader for the Society of Civil and Structural Engineers' Geowall project team, which participates in retaining wall-building competitions. He was also an undergraduate researcher in Prof. John McCartney's lab, publishing a paper about his research related to shallow foundations.

Cram also volunteered his time at campus and department events including Triton Day, offering guidance to prospective and incoming students.

Next year, he'll be returning to UC San Diego to complete his master's degree in structural engineering, following the thesis track with research focused on structural engineering education. He will also serve as the co-project manager for next year's GeoWall team.

His advice to current and future students? "Don't be afraid to trust and believe in yourself - we are capable of so much more than we could ever imagine! That belief and confidence will take you through the highs and lows, and make the journey to accomplishing your goals all the more rewarding."

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