The Cornell Duffield College of Engineering celebrated its fifth annual EPICC Awards on Oct. 8 in Statler Auditorium, recognizing faculty and staff whose work exemplifies the college’s core values of excellence, purpose, innovation, community and collaboration.

“These values anchor our work and the commitments we make to each other in Duffield Engineering,” said Lynden Archer, the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering. “They also serve to inspire our community as we strive to make Duffield Engineering an exceptional environment for educating problem-solvers and life-long learners.” 

This year the program received 103 nominations from 95 community members. Erin Mulrooney, associate dean for administration, praised the community’s recognition and celebration of their peers.

“We have exceptional faculty and staff in our college,” said Mulrooney. “Getting to witness and celebrate the many ways they uphold our values and support each other has been one of the highlights of being a part of this community.”

This year, for the first time, an individual, selected by the dean, received an award for embodying all five values. The new Erin Mulrooney Core Values Award was named in honor of her positive impact on the college, including founding and spearheading the EPICC Awards.

All award recipients based in Duffield Engineering were honored at the ceremony and received both a physical and monetary award in recognition of their impact on the college. Honorary recipients based in other Cornell colleges and units received a physical award.

The 2026 EPICC Award winners in each category are:

Excellence

The Excellence Award honors individuals who produce distinctive results of exceptional quality through integrity, rigor and high ethical standards.

Ashley Blank, assistant director for undergraduate studies in the Sibley School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, was recognized for transforming undergraduate advising in the Sibley School. She strengthened collaboration between faculty and staff, introduced proactive systems to identify students needing support, and developed personalized plans that help students overcome academic challenges and succeed.

Ryan DeLany, associate director of engineering advising, was honored for his commitment to student success and improving academic advising. In addition to advising hundreds of students, he oversees transfer credit evaluations, liberal studies requirements and study abroad programming. His work has strengthened advising resources, streamlined academic processes and supported a more inclusive student experience.

Marianna Grigorov, project coordinator for the New York Consortium for Space Technology Innovation and Development, was recognized for exceptional financial stewardship and innovative program development. She successfully closed out a complex, multimillion-dollar NASA award involving more than 30 institutions, earning recognition from the agency. She also launched a rotational internship program and developed STEM partnerships reaching 33 Finger Lakes libraries.

Andrej Singer, associate professor and Croll Sesquicentennial Fellow in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, was honored for pioneering research, institutional leadership and mentorship. His work has advanced understanding of battery degradation and established major research collaborations in energy and quantum materials. He also served as director of graduate studies and chaired a departmental leadership search while maintaining an active research program.

Stephen Smith, associate dean of alumni affairs and development, was recognized for his leadership in a record fundraising year for the college, including the historic gift that named the Cornell Duffield College of Engineering. His strategic guidance, mentorship and development of a high-performing advancement team have strengthened the college’s fundraising efforts and long-term institutional priorities.

Purpose

The Purpose Award recognizes those who make a meaningful impact through leadership, service, and work that contributes to a more equitable and sustainable world.

Jen Gabriel, major gift officer in alumni affairs and development, was honored for strengthening alumni engagement and advancing major college initiatives. She helped organize the symposium celebrating 140 years of Cornell women in engineering, supported the Engineering Innovations in Medicine Initiative, and cultivated philanthropic relationships that expanded undergraduate educational opportunities and community engagement.

Kathy Henion, communications coordinator with the marketing and communications team, was recognized for advancing the college’s mission through strategic communications and storytelling. She helped establish the public presence of major biomedical engineering initiatives, developed efficient communications processes, and mentored student science writers. Her work connects faculty research and achievements with audiences within and beyond Cornell.

Eric Gentsch, professor of practice in the School of Operations Research and Information Engineering, was honored for his leadership as the director of the Master of Engineering program. He has developed proposals for new learning options, expanded opportunities for students and contributed to college-wide graduate education initiatives. A highly regarded instructor, he is recognized for his personal commitment to student success.

Cindy Pakkala, administrative assistant in student services, was recognized for more than four decades of dedicated service. Her work supporting academic integrity, curriculum governance, student employment and teaching excellence has strengthened the college’s educational mission. Her reliability, compassion and willingness to assist colleagues have helped foster a supportive academic community.

Heather Parente, senior director of finance and budget, was honored for providing strategic financial leadership during a period of uncertainty. She developed sophisticated budget-planning models, helped the college meet financial targets while preserving key priorities, and supported the creation of the Engineering Finance Group. Her work has strengthened financial decision-making and long-term organizational planning.

Innovation

The Innovation Award honors those who demonstrate creativity, agility, and responsible risk-taking.

James Antaki, Susan K. McAdam Professor of Heart Assist Technology in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, was recognized for bringing creativity and unconventional approaches to engineering education. He introduced improvisation and brainstorming into biomedical engineering design courses, developed a course focused on inventive problem-solving, and expanded clinical immersion opportunities. His teaching encourages students to explore new ideas and approach engineering challenges creatively.

Chris Batten, professor in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was honored for transforming computer engineering education through hands-on chip design and industry practices. He integrated modern software development tools into coursework and established the Cornell Custom Silicon Systems project team, which has grown to more than 75 students designing and producing working computer chips.

Laura Schoenle, associate director for research engagement in the Office of Inclusive Excellence, was recognized for developing innovative approaches to undergraduate research. She standardized the research-for-credit process, established new assessment systems and secured funding for the Rising Researchers Program, which reached more than 250 students in one semester. Her initiatives expand research access and create new mentorship opportunities.

Qian Xu, data analyst, was honored for developing data tools that improve strategic planning and decision-making. She created interactive dashboards, research funding models and a centralized reporting catalog that strengthens data consistency across the college. Her work helps leaders translate complex information into actionable insights and respond to emerging institutional needs.

Gibran el-Sulayman, Noah Hamm, Kate Reiter, Lauren Stulgis and Alan Zehnder, who make up the Student Project Teams leadership group, were recognized for creating a coordinated framework for experiential learning. Their work strengthened leadership development, assessment and safety across a program serving more than 1,800 students annually on 36 multidisciplinary project teams.

Community

The Community Award honors those who foster environments where all members feel they belong and can flourish.

Alyssa Apsel, IBM Professor of Engineering in the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, was honored for eight years of leadership as director of the school. She strengthened departmental collaboration, supported faculty diversity and championed efforts to connect the Ithaca and Cornell Tech campuses. Her transparent and inclusive leadership helped sustain the department through significant challenges.

Kyle Barnhart, director of administration in the Department of Earth and Atmospheric Sciences and the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, was recognized for fostering supportive and collaborative environments across two engineering departments. His empathetic approach, open communication and commitment to colleagues have strengthened relationships and organizational stability.

Jessica Beebe, assistant director of graduate programs with the Systems Engineering Program, was honored for her dedication to graduate student success and well-being. She provides academic guidance, personal support and timely communication to hundreds of students, helping them navigate challenges throughout their education. Her recruitment efforts have also contributed to record application numbers for the program.

Elizabeth Bentz, graduate field coordinator in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics, and Hannah Peck, undergraduate and M.Eng. student services coordinator in the School of Applied and Engineering Physics, were recognized for transforming student services. Through improved academic support, new administrative tools and compassionate student engagement, they have strengthened the department’s sense of community. Their teamwork and willingness to assume additional responsibilities have supported students and colleagues alike.

Sue Shipman, associate director of human resources, was honored for her compassionate leadership and ability to bring people together during organizational change. She played a key role in integrating 19 employees into the new Engineering Finance Group and has provided trusted guidance through complex personnel and institutional challenges, fostering a culture of respect and support.

Collaboration

The Collaboration Award celebrates teamwork, inclusion and the belief that collective effort drives progress.

Kristal Harry, teaching support specialist in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering, was recognized for strengthening undergraduate laboratory education through collaboration with faculty, staff and students. She helped develop experiential learning opportunities, supported Cornell Rocketry and contributed to commissioning new teaching laboratories in Tang Hall. Her leadership, mentorship and outreach have expanded opportunities across the engineering community.

Katie Jacoby, director of administration in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering and the R.F. Smith School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, was honored for fostering collaboration and organizational stability while serving in administrative leadership roles for two engineering departments. She strengthened communication, encouraged staff development and supported colleagues through departmental transitions. Her leadership has created opportunities for employees to share knowledge, assume new responsibilities and grow professionally.

Jan Lammerding, professor in the Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, was recognized for building Cornell's interdisciplinary mechanobiology community. He established the Mechanobiology Hub and organized its inaugural symposium, bringing together 181 participants from 17 institutions. Through seminars and networking opportunities, he has connected researchers, students and staff across disciplines and encouraged new research collaborations.

Roger Miller, grant coordinator in the Office of Sponsored Programs, received an honorary EPICC Award for his collaborative approach to research proposal development. He works closely with engineering faculty and external partners to navigate sponsor requirements, prepare submissions and manage complex deadlines. His proactive guidance and commitment to shared success have strengthened research administration across the engineering community.

Tara Holm, Kelly Pohland and David Freund of the Department of Mathematics instructional team received an honorary recognition for their longstanding collaboration with Duffield Engineering. The group developed targeted mathematics preparation and calculus instruction to support engineering students, including a summer program that significantly improved outcomes for students entering Math1910.

The Erin Mulrooney Award for Core Values 

Credit: Bridget Reinsko

Kristie Blake, director of alumni engagement in alumni affairs and development, was the selected by Archer as the inaugural recipient of this new award recognizing a member of the college community whose work exemplifies all five of Duffield Engineering’s core values.

The naming of the award recognized Mulrooney’s founding role in creating the EPICC Awards, among other contributions to the college. It will be presented annually to a recipient chosen by the Joseph Silbert Dean of Engineering in consultation with Duffield Engineering leaders. 

“Through her creative and dedicated leadership in organizing events, building relationships across the entire community of college stakeholders, and commitment to showcasing Duffield Engineering at its very best,” Archer said, “Kristie has brought a standard of excellence that has, over time, transformed event planning and alumni engagement activities in the college.”

Patrick Gillespie is an editorial specialist for Duffield Engineering.