Alumni

Susan Avery, 2026 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award Recipient

miwi9607 — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 17:34:12 +0000

Susan Avery, 2026 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award Recipient miwi9607 Fri, 02/13/2026 - 10:34

Susan Avery, 2026 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award Recipient

2026 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award recipient

Susan K. Avery is an atmospheric scientist with extensive experience as a leader within scientific institutions. Her research interests include studies of atmospheric circulation and precipitation, climate variability and water resources, and the development of new radar techniques and instruments for remote sensing. She also has an interest in scientific literacy and the role of science in public policy. She is the author or co-author of over 110 peer-reviewed articles and reports.

Avery is president emerita of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, having served in the leadership role there from 2008 to 2015. Prior to that she was on the faculty of the �鶹ӰԺ from 1982 to 2008, most recently holding the academic rank of professor of electrical and computer engineering. She served as the director of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, where she facilitated new interdisciplinary research efforts spanning the geosciences and incorporating social and biological sciences. From 2004 to 2007, she served in interim positions as vice chancellor for research and dean of the graduate school, as well as provost and executive vice chancellor for academic affairs.

Avery received her Bachelor of Science degree in physics in 1972 from Michigan State University and a doctorate in atmospheric science in 1978 from the University of Illinois.

Avery has given scientific presentations to a wide variety of lay and professional audiences. She has been active in Congressional outreach, including testimony and briefings; active in U.S. and international consortia dedicated to ocean and atmospheric research, observing and application; and worked with the governor’s committee to develop the Massachusetts Green Economy plan. She currently is enjoying “retirement” with travel adventures to places such as Jordan and Egypt, as well as keeping fit on her favorite hiking trails in Colorado.

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Alumnus establishes scholarship for students involved with ‘oSTEM’

Susan Glairon — Fri, 06 Feb 2026 16:17:04 +0000

Alumnus establishes scholarship for students involved with ‘oSTEM’ Susan Glairon Fri, 02/06/2026 - 09:17

Susan Glairon

From right, Thad Sauvain with his husband, Carl, in front of the Bernese Alps near Murren, Switzerland, in May 2025.

Thad Sauvain (ChemEngr’91) grew up in Colorado Springs in the 1980s, when the climate was largely anti-LGBTQ+ and conservative ministries such as Focus on the Family, headquartered just a few miles from his home, were actively opposing anti-discrimination policies.

Sauvain is part of the LGBTQ+ community, but during that period, he mostly kept that part of himself hidden.

“It was my transition to CU �鶹ӰԺ to get a BS in chemical engineering that allowed both parts of me—as an engineer and as a gay individual—to grow and thrive,” he said.

Sauvain recently established a legacy endowment in his estate plan to fund undergraduate scholarships for CU �鶹ӰԺ chemical and mechanical engineering majors, with preference given to students who demonstrate a commitment to the LGBTQ+ community through involvement in Out in STEM (oSTEM) or similar college programs.

Each year the endowment supports one student for four years of their college education.

“There’s a need to support students whose college funding may depend on families who are not accepting and who may be forced to choose between that funding and living authentically,” Sauvain said. “I want to support engineering students who struggle to thrive as LGBTQ+ individuals. I hope the endowment enables them to be their true selves while contributing to society as successful engineers.”

Thriving at CU

Sauvain studied chemical engineering at CU �鶹ӰԺ and was later recruited to join Chevron as a process engineer. He recently retired following a 33-year career with the company and is a member of the Chemical and Biological Engineering Advisory Board.

“My engineering degree prepared me for my career and helped me build the connections that launched it,” he said.

Three years after starting his role at Chevron, Sauvain became involved in the company’s campus recruiting for engineers, a role that eventually grew into his work as a liaison for Chevron’s gifts, donations and funding.

In the early 2000s, he helped establish a Chevron scholarship for those involved in CU �鶹ӰԺ’s LGBTQ+ community, similar to scholarships for other diversity organizations in place at the time, during “a time when it was not the norm.”

Thad Sauvain shortly after graduating from CU �鶹ӰԺ and
starting his career with Chevron in 1991.

“Some responded negatively to this new scholarship,” he said. “But Chevron’s senior management remained steadfast in its support of the new scholarship as it aligned with the company’s values and The Chevron Way.

“Every time I tell people that I went to CU �鶹ӰԺ, I feel a deep sense of pride,” he added. “Even back in the 1980s, it was a shining beacon of acceptance. I've seen that grow and broaden over the years, and I am very proud to be part of the CU community and a graduate of CU �鶹ӰԺ's College of Engineering.”

Looking ahead

Sauvain recently met with oSTEM students to talk about the climate for today’s LGBTQ+ community and its historical context.

“I told them that in 1998 when Matthew Shepard was killed, you could not be out and visible, gay, transgender, anything. And though it seems like we're taking several steps backwards now, it has gotten better since then, and long term, I fully believe that it will again get better.”

Sauvain emphasized the College of Engineering’s strong support for the LGBTQ community, noting that he has seen this commitment firsthand through his work with Chevron, his service on the Engineering Advisory Board, and now through the creation of this endowment.

“Being part of the LGBTQ+ community is only one aspect of my being, just as my training as a chemical engineer is another,” he said. “Both have enriched my life in ways I never expected. My chemical engineering degree from CU enabled me to build a successful 35-year career in an industry not necessarily known for being accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, during which I came out to everyone in my life. I attribute my college years at CU with giving me the confidence to become my true self, both as an LGBTQ individual and as a chemical engineer, and I hope that this endowment will help others following a similar path.”

To learn more about adding the CU Foundation to your estate planning, contact the CU �鶹ӰԺ Advancement Team.

Thad Sauvain (ChemEngr’91) credits his own time at CU �鶹ӰԺ, where he earned a BS in chemical engineering, with helping him thrive both as an engineer and as a LGBTQ+ individual.

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How one engineering alum optimizes clean energy operations before they break

Charles Ferrer — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 15:53:18 +0000

How one engineering alum optimizes clean energy operations before they break Charles Ferrer Thu, 02/05/2026 - 08:53

Aoife Henry (PhDElEngr‘24) is leading Zentus, a startup she founded that addresses a critical challenge in the energy sector: how to prevent costly equipment failures that can bring wind and solar farms offline without warning.

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Back to school success after 20 years away

Jeff Zehnder — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 20:14:47 +0000

Back to school success after 20 years away Jeff Zehnder Mon, 02/02/2026 - 13:14

Jeff Zehnder

Praveen Kumar Myakala (MS-DS graduate ’24) earned his master’s in data science while juggling a full-time job and a family. The �鶹ӰԺ alumnus is a graduate of the interdisciplinary Data Science master’s program (MS-DS), offered online in partnership with Coursera.

As a non-traditional student, Myakala returned to education nearly two decades after completing his bachelors to take on the program, which provides students with education and training in machine learning, AI tools, data analytics, big data and statistical modeling.

He was able to finish the MS-DS in one year.

Why did you decide to go back to school for data science and what led you to choose CU �鶹ӰԺ?

There wasn’t a single big moment that triggered the decision, but there was a phase at work that stuck with me. I was architecting systems built around large-scale data processing, prediction pipelines, and KPI scorecards. From an engineering standpoint, I could design and ship them, but I didn’t really understand what was happening under the hood.

That gap kept nagging at me. I didn’t want machine learning to remain a black box in the systems I was building. I wanted to understand why certain models behaved the way they did, what trade-offs I was making, and how design decisions at the data level influenced outcomes.

At first, I explored online courses, but the more I thought about it, I felt I needed something more structured and immersive. While researching programs, CU �鶹ӰԺ’s MS in Data Science stood out immediately. The curriculum was rigorous, current, and thoughtfully designed, and the flexibility of a fully online format made it realistic alongside a full-time job and family life. Just as important, it felt like a program that truly understood and valued non-traditional students coming from industry backgrounds.

What was it like going back to school after being away for so long?

Honestly, the first few months were really humbling. Getting back to structured learning was a process, and there were moments where I had to take a step back and learn how to think like a student again.

But once I got past that initial discomfort, something clicked. Learning actually became exciting.

Topics in data mining, pattern discovery, feature engineering, and working with large messy datasets resonated in a way they never could have earlier in my career. I wasn't simply learning concepts in isolation; I was mapping them all the time to real systems that I had built and problems that I had faced at work.

This actually served to make the experience richer, because being away from school for so long gave me a new perspective, which let me appreciate the deeper learning process more intentionally.

Having a full-time job, a family, and school all at the same time is a balancing act. How did you manage it?

This is without doubt the toughest part. What truly made it possible was support, both at home and at work. My family understood why I was doing this and stood by me throughout the journey.

I spent the greater part of my study time in the evenings when the entire household had gone to bed. I would sit in my home office with a cup of tea and study assignments as well as lectures. The weekends were regularly spent on coursework too.

There were numerous occasions where I decided to dedicate my time to my coursework rather than spending time with my family or friends. It wasn’t an easy task, and there were some compromises made, but having an end goal in sight made all of this easier.

My team at work was also aware that I was pursuing the degree, and their encouragement and flexibility made a big difference.

I didn’t try to do everything at once or pretend it was easy. I stayed consistent, showed up whenever I could, and accepted that steady progress mattered more than getting everything perfect.

What kind of job are you doing now and how does the MS contribute to it?

I work in a senior engineering and leadership role at JPMorgan focused on AI-driven platforms, large-scale systems, and data-intensive decision-making. The MS sharpened how I think. It changed how I evaluate models, question assumptions, and design systems that balance performance, reliability, and responsibility. The degree didn’t replace my industry experience, but it gave me a stronger backbone to support the decisions I make every day.

In addition to your job in the private sector, you’re also actively publishing research. What interests you in research and keeps you engaged in that realm?

Industry work moves fast and is usually focused on delivering results within real-world constraints. Research gives me the space to slow down and think more carefully about the kinds of problems that don’t always get that time in day-to-day work. I am especially interested in distributed systems, how large systems continue to work reliably when data and computation are spread across many machines

Publishing research helps me connect what I see in practice with longer-term ideas and lessons. The MS program played an important role in bringing me back to that mindset and reminding me how much I enjoy asking deeper questions, not just building solutions, but understanding them.

Praveen Kumar Myakala earned his master’s in data science while juggling a full-time job and a family. The program provides education and training in machine learning, AI tools, data analytics, big data and statistical modeling.

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Pradyumna Rao (MMechEngr'24)

miwi9607 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:47:05 +0000

Pradyumna Rao (MMechEngr'24) miwi9607 Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:47

Pradyumna Rao, 2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Engineering Alumni Awards

2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Campos Student Center Recipient

Pradyumna Rao completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, with a bachelor’s degree in nuclear engineering, minors in computer science and physics, and a research focus in fusion energy systems. He was awarded the Ginsberg Family Award for Leadership, Service and Scholarship for his tenure as the vice president of the Wisconsin Union, where he led the creation of spaces for multicultural Greek student organizations.

After graduating, Rao worked as an analysis-led design engineer at Cummins Inc., conducting computational physics analysis and design efforts on natural gas and design engines. In 2022, he started his master’s degree in mechanical engineering at CU �鶹ӰԺ, where he conducted research into nuclear power in future power grids under Bri-Mathias Hodge at the Renewable and Sustainable Energy Institute. During his master’s, he was awarded the American Society of Mechanical Engineers's Engineering4Change Fellowship, and he also founded and currently serves as an advisor to AAEIO, a professional development organization for students of South Asian and international origin at the Campos Student Center.

Rao worked as a researcher at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory after graduation, where he focused on resource adequacy, natural gas systems and electricity markets research efforts. Currently, he works as a researcher at TotalEnergies SE and serves as a member of the CU Engineering Graduates of the Last Decade (GOLD) Board.

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Tim Stelzer (ElCompEngr'99)

miwi9607 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:42:39 +0000

Tim Stelzer (ElCompEngr'99) miwi9607 Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:42

Tim Stelzer, 2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Engineering Alumni Awards

2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Recipient

Tim Stelzer is a technology and operations executive, leading growth-stage companies to scale with purpose and precision in the energy transition. Recognized for building enduring enterprise value, Stelzer brings over 25 years of global operations and technical leadership experience spanning R&D, product, data analytics, manufacturing and technical sales across the energy and technology sectors.

As founder and principal of Peak Zenergi, Stelzer partners with founders, investors and leadership teams as an embedded fractional COO and strategic advisor, guiding organizations to sustainable excellence through AI-informed digital transformation, data-driven frameworks, and high-performing teams that power durable growth, accelerate the energy transition and endure beyond any single leader.

Previously, as COO at LineVision, Stelzer led the company’s strategic direction and execution during a period of rapid growth. He oversaw cross-functional teams in product, software, hardware, data science and operations—advancing the company’s mission to expand capacity and enhance resilience of the electric grid. Prior to LineVision, Tim held senior leadership positions at Emerson (NI), a global leader in automated test and measurement systems, where he spent a decade overseas driving multi-site integration, M&A initiatives and large-scale operational transformation across Asia.

In addition to his industry experience, Tim has held the appointment of scholar in residence at the University of Colorado, and he continues to serve on several engineering industry advisory and volunteer boards.

Tim earned his BS in electrical and computer engineering from CU �鶹ӰԺ, graduating with highest distinction and the department’s first embedded systems specialty. He is pursuing a master’s in data Science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and holds post-graduate certificates in renewable energy and machine learning / artificial intelligence.

A lifelong adventurer, Stelzer and his family share a passion for international travel and high-alpine pursuits—from mountain biking and ultramarathon running to backcountry skiing. A decade of experiences living and working in China, Malaysia and Japan continues to shape his global perspective and steady-handed leadership style, bringing resilience and adaptability to every engagement.

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Heath Briggs (ChemEngr'97)

miwi9607 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:37:00 +0000

Heath Briggs (ChemEngr'97) miwi9607 Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:37

Heath Briggs, 2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Engineering Alumni Awards

2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Chemical and Biological Engineering Recipient

Heath Briggs, co-chair of Greenberg Traurig’s Global Patents and Innovation Strategies Group, is a chemical engineer, a registered patent attorney and has more than 19 years of patent prosecution experience and 10 years of AIA trial experience. Heath has represented several entities in connection with over 120 inter partes review proceedings, including representing companies such as Samsung, Limelight Networks, B. Braun, Kia Motors, Schlumberger and SK Hynix. Briggs’s AIA experience spans a wide variety of technologies, with significant experience in proceedings involving patents to LEDs, computer software & telecommunications, medical devices, complex material systems and chemical processing. Since 2020, Patexia has ranked Briggs as one of the most active IPR attorneys in the country (Top 100). In 2019, Patexia ranked him 29th out of the Top 100 Best Performing IPR/AIA Trial Attorneys (representing petitioners or patent owners).

Outside of the new post-grant review processes, Briggs has worked on nearly 20 U.S. patent reexaminations (both inter partes and ex parte) and more than 50 European opposition proceedings for his clients.

Since 2005, Briggs has served as an adjunct professor at CU �鶹ӰԺ, where he teaches engineering students a self-designed course on intellectual property law. He was also selected by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers to provide online IP training for its chemical engineering members. Briggs is involved in the community, where his passion is to educate aspiring inventors and entrepreneurs about intellectual property.

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Chip Bollendonk (MechEngr'17, MS'17)

miwi9607 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:33:29 +0000

Chip Bollendonk (MechEngr'17, MS'17) miwi9607 Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:33

Chip Bollendonk, 2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Engineering Alumni Awards

2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering Recipient

Chip Bollendonk graduated from CU �鶹ӰԺ in 2017 with his BS and MS degrees in mechanical engineering and a minor in leadership. He works at the Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics (LASP) at CU �鶹ӰԺ, where he designs and builds spaceflight instruments to enable cutting-edge space, earth and climate science. Prior to his time at LASP, Bollendonk worked in consulting and contributed to various missions including United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan, Blue Origin’s New Glenn and Sierra Space’s Dream Chaser. He is a passionate CU �鶹ӰԺ alum and previously served on the CU Alumni Association Board of Advisors, in addition to mentoring senior design teams for many years. Most recently, Bollendonk has joined the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering as an adjunct lecturer, where he enjoys bringing important course concepts to life by leveraging a decade of engineering design and analysis experience. Bollendonk spends his free time running, telemark skiing, playing in a band and working on vintage MG cars.

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Adrianne Lewallen (MEngrMgmt'21)

miwi9607 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:29:59 +0000

Adrianne Lewallen (MEngrMgmt'21) miwi9607 Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:29

Adrianne Lewallen, 2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Engineering Alumni Awards

2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Engineering Management Recipient

Adrianne Lewallen is a systems engineer lead at Lockheed Martin, where she oversees the architecture, integration and verification of advanced aerospace and defense systems. She earned her master’s degree in engineering management and MBA from the University of Colorado �鶹ӰԺ. Lewallen also serves on the Industry Advisory Council for the Engineering Management Program, providing strategic guidance and curriculum input. Since graduating, she has remained deeply involved with the college as a mentor for senior design projects, a volunteer speaker for alumni events and a donor supporting scholarships and research. Prior to her current role at Lockheed Martin, she served as a systems engineer on several classified programs.

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Deanna Campos-Miller (Jour'99, Span'99)

miwi9607 — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 18:18:22 +0000

Deanna Campos-Miller (Jour'99, Span'99) miwi9607 Mon, 02/02/2026 - 11:18

Deanna Campos-Miller, 2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Engineering Alumni Awards

2026 Alumni Engagement Medal Recipient

Office of Advancement Recipient

Deanna Campos-Miller is a graduate of the �鶹ӰԺ, where she received degrees in both journalism and Spanish. She went on to law school at the University of Denver, receiving her JD in 2002. Campos-Miller is a licensed Colorado attorney, but never practiced law, choosing instead to stay home with her four children. She now serves as the president of Campos Foundation. When the perfect opportunity came along to blend her passion for helping others with her skills as a professional, she knew she had to take it. Growing up alongside her brother and fellow CU �鶹ӰԺ alum Marco Campos in West Denver taught her lessons about inequality and the power of an education. Her ambition is to expand Campos Foundation’s outreach to impact as many underserved communities as possible.

Deanna Campos-Miller is a graduate of the �鶹ӰԺ, where she received degrees in both journalism and Spanish.

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Alumni

Susan Avery, 2026 Distinguished Engineering Alumni Award Recipient

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Alumnus establishes scholarship for students involved with ‘oSTEM’

Thriving at CU

Looking ahead

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How one engineering alum optimizes clean energy operations before they break

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Back to school success after 20 years away

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Pradyumna Rao (MMechEngr'24)

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Tim Stelzer (ElCompEngr'99)

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Heath Briggs (ChemEngr'97)

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Chip Bollendonk (MechEngr'17, MS'17)

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Adrianne Lewallen (MEngrMgmt'21)

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Deanna Campos-Miller (Jour'99, Span'99)

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Adrianne Lewallen (MEngrMgmt'21)