Service-minded and Destined for Leadership

Service-minded and destined for leadership, Ajai Whitby serves her native Baltimore as an engineer and mentor. Ever-developing her accomplishments, Ajai earned multiple awards as a student leader in the Temple chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers, and she continues to earn awards at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Ambitious and diligent, Ajai exemplifies the service-oriented, problem-solving tenor of our alumni.

Alternative Energy Game-changer

Alternative energy game-changer, Andy Marsh has been at the helm of companies providing cleaner energy sources for a variety of vehicles. A prominent voice in the hydrogen and fuel cell industry, Andy can often be found speaking on national television about innovation and advancements in the industry. Engineer and entrepreneur, Andy embodies the forward-thinking and creative mindset of our alumni.

Leadership Powerhouse. Safety Maven. Working Mother.

Leadership powerhouse. Safety maven. Working mother. Angela Ahmad has worn many hats throughout her career with Exelon. Beginning a corporate climb while simultaneously earning her degree and starting her family, Angela has gone on to keep her colleagues safe while performing challenging electrical work. Community-oriented, Angela has also served in leadership roles with the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts and in Philadelphia County elections. As gracious as she is ambitious. Angela embodies the determination, drive, and grit prevalent in our alumni.

Inventor and Educator

Inventor and educator, Archie has built his success on continued research and innovation in construction materials. An internationally recognized expert in his field and adjunct faculty in the College of Engineering, Archie's expertise in geo-environmental contracting and engineering is sought globally, through his lectures and guest speaker roles. Entrepreneurial and ambitious, Archie embodies the spirit of continuous growth of our alumni.

Trailblazer Ever in Pursuit of Knowledge

Trailblazer ever in pursuit of knowledge, Arooj Khan finds limitless possibilities in her professional and educational pursuits. As a student, Arooj founded the Pakastani Students Association at Temple, creating connection and community. Curious and entrepreneurial, Arooj worked for a medical device start-up at the Katz School of Medicine, while simultaneously designing separate medical devices with her senior design team. With a worldly perspective and a passion for problem-solving, this young alumna embodies the future-focused spirit of our alumni.

Curious and Compassionate

Curious and compassionate, Dr. Brian Butz built his career on academic rigor and student-centric teaching. With a passion for intelligent systems applications, and a drive to create engaging research opportunities for students, Dr. Butz founded the Intelligent Systems Application Laboratory at Temple Engineering. Lauded for his excellence in teaching and research, and ever-inquisitive about the capacity for artificial intelligence applications, Dr. Butz continues his commitment to students through a scholarship supporting students with shared interests.

Consummate Team-player and Mechanical Engineering Whiz

Consummate team-player and mechanical engineering whiz, Caroline Lowndes is building a career rooted in collaboration and technical solutions in product design. Working in cross-functional engineering teams, Caroline has her hands in multiple engineering disciplines, building consensus across groups to complete projects. Open-minded and constantly curious, Caroline embodies the cross-disciplinary focus of our young alumni.

Builder, Coach, Mentor, and Leader

Builder, coach, mentor, and leader, Christopher Herman develops real estate communities and young athletes. With a career rooted in construction management and built in real estate development, Christopher manages a leading team in commercial real estate. Outside of the office, Christopher coaches and mentors his sons' athletic teams. Whether coaching his sons on the field or managing multi-million dollar projects across the U.S., Christopher embodies the vision and leadership of our alumni.

Vanguard in Her Field

Public servant and vanguard in her field, Dana Hecht has led major projects and teams across transportation infrastructure, spanning decades. As Senior Vice President of Infrastructure, Construction, and Delivery at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Dana is dedicated to creating safe and accessible public transit. Committed to community service and mentorship, Dana is a WTS Mentor, a proud mom, and a College of Engineering Scholarship donor. Continuing to find new ways to strengthen the Temple Engineering network and encouraging alumni to get involved and give back, Dana embodies the social impact focus of our alumni. 

Builder of Great Things

Laser-focused on building great things, Daniel Dirscherl builds massive projects in the region while also building a talent pipeline for the next generation of construction management. If you have attended an Eagles game or been inside one of the many retail/office towers in Center City Philadelphia, chances are Dan was involved in the construction. Busy at the helm of large construction projects, Dan also builds the community through advisory volunteer roles and mentorship. A fan of all things Philadelphia, Dan's passion, focus, and drive are true hallmarks of our alumni.

Hard-working and High-achieving

Hard-working and high-achieving, Dan Cassidy knew he was Temple-bound from an early age. With a career that spans both public and private sector, Dan has worked in energy engineering and management as well as sustainability and utility consumption. Mentor, donor, sports fan, and dad, Dan embodies the multi-talented, always-learning spirit of our alumni.

News and Entertainment Leader

News and entertainment leader, developing and managing content streaming and production for major media companies, Darcy Antonellis is a media maven. With an early start in the entertainment industry, Darcy led multiple award-winning projects at the vanguard of the ever-changing content distribution industry. A life-long athlete with incredible discipline and dedication Darcy's trail-blazing career and continued service to the sports and entertainment industries epitomizes the success of our alumni.

Hard-working, Dedicated, and Inspiring

Hard-working and dedicated to bringing together the best and the brightest to solve tough problems, David Paul has built a successful company creating the instruments to address diverse medical challenges. A problem-solver at heart, Mr. Paul is named inventor on 45 patents and 74 pending patent applications. Ever-focused on excellence, David's tenacity and dedication (and humility) are prime qualities of our alumni.

Creative and Tenacious

Two-time Temple Alumna Emily Kight returned to Temple to learn how to use bioengineering to solve medical challenges. Creative and tenacious, Emily's pursuits have lead to innovative treatments for chronic conditions and revolutionary early detection techniques for ovarian cancer. Now a PhD candidate at Vanderbilt University, Emily's relentless curiosity and commitment to continued research embodies the industrious character of our alumni.

An Expert in Patent and Intellectual Property Law

An expert in patent and intellectual property law, Firasat Ali has a distinguished career representing clients across the U.S. and globally. With a focus on electrical, mechanical, and software arts technologies, Firasat's talents span both the pre-patent strategy and the post-patent defense of ideas. A life-long learner, Firasat develops seminars and courses on intellectual property topics for both domestic and international institutions. Ambitious and always-learning, Firasat is a shining example of the drive and dedication of our alumni.

A Problem-solver

Adept at problem-solving: mechanical, mathematical, legal, Frank Murphy finds time to serve as a volunteer advisor, Senior Design Judge, and Temple Engineering Advocate. Passionate about community engagement and involvement, Frank has served in alumni leadership roles in the College of Engineering, currently serving on the Board of Visitors. Proud Temple dad and Temple Owls advocate, Frank continues to encourage others to get involved with the university. With many Owls in his extended family, Frank demonstrates the Temple Made spirit of community, access, determination, and grit.

A Passionate Expert

After a successful career at a major construction management firm, George started his own construction management consulting firm, working on multi-million dollar projects domestically and internationally. Growing up internationally in Latin America and Canada, George brings a wealth of perspectives to his business and advisory roles. A member of the Board of Visitors at Temple Engineering and at Temple Rome, George's expertise and passion for Temple embody the drive and dedication of our alumni.

Builder, Mentor, and Leader

Builder, mentor, and leader, Greg Kelly has spent his career at the top of the premier project management and construction management companies in the U.S. A lifelong athlete, Greg brings the same drive and dedication from the field to his daily interactions with industry leaders, construction management experts, and even Temple Engineering students. A consummate "connector," Greg consistently linking like-minded folk to bring good ideas to fruition. Family-focused and always willing to pitch in and help, Greg embodies the community-centric leadership of our alumni.

Curious and Compassionate

After earning bachelors and masters degrees in environmental engineering, James Kenney entered a career of public service, first in many roles at the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and currently as the New Mexico Environment Department Secretary. With an emphasis on a "science-first" approach to his appointment in the New Mexico cabinet, and a focus on people-centric management, James mixes science and compassion in his work. A yoga instructor in his spare time, James appreciates both the fast pace of environmental work and the space to breath that his practice brings. Dedicated and always-curious, James Kenney embodies the passion and drive of our alumni.

Problem-solver, Leader, Operations Guru

Problem-solver, leader, operations guru, Jenna Fink combines the experience of an engineer with the mindset of an MBA. With a young career carved out in sustainability and operations efficiency, Jenna marries her undergraduate background in environmental/civil engineering with her graduate studies in decision-making and strategy. A leader in sustainability and organizational dynamics, Jenna embodies the forward-thinking, endlessly energetic work ethic of our alumni.

Caring and Compassionate

An English major-turned-engineer, John Morris charted a successful career in environmental remediation before turning his energy to community engagement and impact. Caring and compassionate, John focuses on strategic investment to solve problems while connecting his family and close friends to these important causes, true hallmarks of our alumni.

Expert Problem-solver and Forever Temple Sports Fan

Expert problem-solver and forever Temple sports fan, John Stone excels at finding accounting efficiencies and developing new systems across multiple industries. The son of a beloved former faculty member, John continues his family's legacy through scholarship support for Engineering students. Modest, yet impactful, John's hard work and positive team spirit are common attributes of our alumni.

Engineer, Inventor, Radiologist, Entrepreneur, and Volunteer

Engineer, inventor, radiologist, entrepreneur, volunteer, Joe McGinley has four degrees from Temple and myriad accomplishments since graduation. A competitive adventure racer, mountaineer, and triathlete, Dr. McGinley enjoys spending as much time outdoors as possible. An avid inventor, Dr. McGinley holds over 130 design and utility patents. Daring and determined, Dr. McGinley embodies the driven, entrepreneurial spirit of so many of our alumni.

Compassionate and Inquisitive

As compassionate as she is inquisitive, Kathleen "Kathy" Jenkins-Mann has carved a career in leadership and space exploration, which began at Temple University. Native to Philadelphia, and the youngest of 12, Kathy has worked on some of the most exciting modern space exploration projects at NASA, including the Hubble Telescope and the James Webb Telescope. Now leading a team of engineers and researchers, Kathy's drive, focus, and warmth embody the spirit of our alumni.

Inquisitive and Driven

Always inquisitive and driven to study more, Dr. Kaveh Laksari came to Temple from Tehran to continue his studies in mechanical engineering. Working in Dr. Darvish's lab and in collaboration with Dean Sadeghipour, Dr. Laksari completed his PhD at Temple and carved out a career in academia. Continuing his research in ischemic stroke and brain injury and serving as a professor at the University of Arizona, Dr. Laksari embodies the forward-thinking nature of our alumni.

An Expert in the Field of Diversity in STEM Education

An expert in the field of diversity in STEM education, Dr. Kendrick Davis continues his research and policy advocacy for vulnerable and marginalized students. Kendrick began his career in education policy in Philadelphia, eventually making his way to Washington, D.C. as policy advisor in the Senate. Willing to push boundaries and make seats for himself at various tables, Dr. Davis embodies the curious, driven, no-holds-barred tenacity of our alumni.

A Problem-solver and Supporter

Hailing from a large Temple Made family, Kenneth Vassallo has built a career in leadership and engineering, taught in large part by his father, Dr. Theodore Vassallo, Sr., former Dean and one of the founders of the College of Engineering. Now a proud Temple Dad, Ken continues to solve problems and support the education of Engineering's next graduates. Continuously curious and committed to his family and his work, Ken exemplifies the drive and dedication of our alumni.

Dedicated, Driven, and Temple Made

A true Temple Made story, Leo Storniolo is a first-generation college graduate from South Philadelphia. After graduation, Leo made a career in civil engineering, spending much of his career as an engineer with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Loyal to Temple University and the College of Engineering, Leo served as a founding member of the College's Alumni Association and continues to serve as a trusted advisor to our alumni activities. Still active in the field for PennDOT, Leo embodies the dedication and drive our alumni.

Researcher, Teacher, and Mentor

Researcher, teacher, and mentor, Dr. Li Bai is always seeking solutions to varied problems. A champion of artificial intelligence research and providing hands-on learning opportunities for students, Dr. Bai is making full use of his Temple Engineering undergraduate degree and position as department chair. Inquisitive and driven, Dr. Bai exemplifies the creative nature found in so many of our alumni and faculty.

Leader, Mentor, and Champion for Education

Leader, mentor, and champion for education, Lydia Grose charted a leadership path, first in the public sector and now in the private construction industry. Influenced by her father's work in the construction industry, Lydia credits her success to her family's influence and her College of Engineering faculty support. Now serving as a leader and a mentor, Lydia's discipline, tenacity, and grace are true hallmarks of our alumni.

Trailblazer, Creator, Engineer, and Mom

Trailblazer, creator, engineer, and mom, Lynne Ewell knows no limits to her energy and drive. Encouraged to study engineering by her father, Dr. John Tarka Chair of Electrical Engineering at Temple, Lynne charted a path of success through creating a business with her Temple-alum spouse, chairing multiple leadership boards and councils, and raising four children. Ebullient and forward-thinking, Lynne embodies the loyalty, charisma, and drive of our alumni.

Inquisitive and Business-oriented

Three generations of Marco Arnone's family have called the College of Engineering home. A natural leader, Marco serves at the helm of the family business, creating manufacturing solutions and products for a variety of industries. Inquisitive and business-oriented, Marco credits his family's time at Temple for their current success. Forward-thinking with strong connections to legacy, Marco exemplifies the problem-solving spirit of our alumni.

Engineering and Patent Law Expert

As passionate about Temple University Athletics as he is about supporting the College of Engineering, Michael Britton has served as a leadership volunteer and advisor at the College for over 15 years. A shareholder at Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney, a world leader in Intellectual Property law services, Michael is an accomplished cook and loves to host you for dinner. Michael shows his commitment to the Temple Owls and his family through his support of student scholarships, embodying the generosity and loyalty of our alumni.

Pragmatic and Personable

Pragmatic and personable, Stephen Maund is an everyman engineer, providing solutions in manufacturing as well as in his community. At the helm of a specialty robotics and manufacturing solutions company, Stephen creates systems and processes for a variety of manufacturers around the world. Stephen offers guidance to educators from kindergarten to post-secondary school through his service on the local School Board and the College of Engineering Board of Visitors. A loyal Temple Owls fan, you can often find him with his wife, Vickie, in the stands of Temple football and basketball games. Ambitious and caring, Stephen embodies the service-minded, solutions-oriented spirit of our alumni.

Leader, Motivator, and Implementer

Leader, motivator, implementer, Michele LarMoore uses her engineering roots to lead operational and organizational transformation in the banking industry. An accomplished executive, Michele brings her leadership experience to various volunteer roles, with a focus on supporting leadership development for women. Passionate about lifting up voices, her commitment to volunteer leadership compliments her business acumen, and exemplifies the compassionate, ambitious spirit of our alumni.

Entrepreneur at Heart and Brimming with Ambition

Entrepreneur at heart and brimming with ambition, Patrick Askew began building businesses while still a student in Engineering. Now successfully leading a multi-billion-dollar project at JFK Airport, Patrick continues to serve as a lecturer in Columbia University's School of Professional Studies. A connector, a mentor, a professor, and an intrepid businessman, Patrick embodies the boundless drive of our alumni.

Ambitious and Creative

With her eyes on the skies, Renee Eastburn continues to blaze a trail in mechanical engineering through Lockheed Martin's engineering leadership program. Working on both defense and space projects, Renee credits her time as President of Temple's Society of Women Engineers for preparing her for work's challenges. Ambitious and creative, Renee's tenacity and drive are hallmarks of our alumni.

Unofficial Historian of the College of Engineering

The unofficial historian of the College of Engineering, Dr. Richard Cohen's nearly 40 year tenure at Temple Engineering has provided him the opportunity to teach multiple generations of Engineering students. As the long-serving faculty advisor for Temple Formula One Racing, Dr. Cohen has seen technology adapt and be redefined again and again. Dr. Cohen's commitment to excellence in teaching and availability as an advisor are hallmarks of the Temple Engineering faculty.

Innovative, Entrepreneurial, and Driven to Excellence

Innovative, entrepreneurial, and driven to excellence, Robert Rashford built an engineering firm launching us to our next great exploration: space. Family man and CEO, Robert's commitment to values-based leadership and the relentless pursuit of excellence have lead him to great rewards personally and professionally. His drive, creativity, and passion exemplify the qualities of our alumni.

Construction Leader and Steadfast Owls Sports Fan

Construction leader and steadfast Owls sports fan, Ronald Kerins has built great projects and deep relationships in his career. A long-serving volunteer at Temple and beyond, Ron channels his commitment to building places and people in the classroom and the boardroom. A Temple Owls fan through-and-through, Ron can often be seen on the sidelines of many a game. Committed, caring, and results-driven, Ronald embodies the alumni spirit.

Ambitious and Forward-thinking

Ambitious and forward-thinking, Rupal Nanavati works at the intersection of environmental management and the reduction of human demands on environmental systems. Pushed by a Temple faculty member to pursue a specialized masters in Environmental Management at Yale University, Rupal now uses her training and experience to review environmental impact statements and watershed plans. Ever-loyal to her roots at Temple, Rupal continues to serve as a mentor and voice for undergraduate students, embodying the service-minded leadership of our alumni.

A Dedicated Researcher and Passionate Educator

A dedicated researcher and passionate educator, Dr. Saroj Biswas has built an academic career leading research and creating opportunities for students to solve problems in the lab. Dr. Biswas is a relentless researcher, authoring or co-authoring over 125 research articles and serving as an associate editor of the Journal of Industrial and Management Optimization. A mentor and a teacher, Dr. Biswas's compassion and commitment are hallmarks of our Temple Engineering faculty.

Vastly Knowledgeable and Committed to Mentorship

One of the preeminent post-grant practitioners in the United States, Scott McKeown's scientific curiosity was piqued as a young man tinkering with computers at home. After earning his bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Scott continued his education at the Beasley School of Law, using his technical expertise to build a long career in intellectual property law. A professorial lecturer at George Washington University's School of Law, and a guest presenter at Temple University, Scott's vast knowledge and commitment to mentorship exemplify the ambition and compassion of our alumni.

A Dedicated and Compassionate Educator

Dr. Steven Ridenour's interest in understanding how things work began as a young man on his family's midwestern farm. When Dr. Ridenour joined the Temple Engineering faculty he immediately made his mark as a tough, but caring professor. Generations of Engineering students count Dr. Ridenour as a major influence on their success. Continuing to support undergraduate academic pursuits through the Ridenour Prize in Design, Dr. Ridenour's tough work ethic and dedication to students success exemplify the attributes of our faculty.

Curious and Driven

With a career rooted in residential projects, Timothy Jones worked for major developers before launching his own real estate investment, development, and construction company nearly 30 years ago. Tim credits Temple Engineering for his professional trajectory and current success and ability to understand all civil/construction aspects of his business. Outside of his career, Tim enjoys spending time with his family, hockey, surfing, kiteboarding, skiing/snowboarding, and traveling. Curious and driven, Tim’s pursuit of excellence is a prime quality found in our alumni.

Entrepreneur, Investor, Mentor

Entrepreneur, investor, mentor, Timothy Reese's career has allowed him to build, expand, and invest in the possible. Ever-loyal to Temple, he has served as adjunct faculty and in leadership volunteer roles at Temple and in the College of Engineering. Investing in the future of the College, Tim established a scholarship supporting undergraduate students. Creative and committed, Tim represents the growth mindset of our alumni.

Driven and Disciplined

After a career in the Marine Corps, Thomas Fries continues to serve the public through leadership roles at a public utility. A practiced problem-solver, Tom has the drive and discipline to lead multiple teams at work and at home. An accomplished speaker, Tom often shares his expertise both formally and informally. Proud of his engineering roots, Tom embodies the drive and creativity that make our alumni so successful.

Continually Curious and Filled with Undaunted Ambition

Continually curious and filled with undaunted ambition, Varghese Thomas has built a career in the ever-developing FinTech industry. Overseeing multiple sales and mergers for major players in finance technology, Varghese brings vision, strategy, and diligence to the teams and sales that he leads. Compassionate as he is driven, Varghese also invests in social and community projects, and is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of innovators, a hallmark of our alumni.

Compassionate and Driven

Compassionate as he is driven, Victor Kernus has overcome adversity and setbacks to build a successful career. Service-minded, he serves as a leadership volunteer in Engineering and with veterans services near home. Always striving to help others achieve their best, Victor uses his professional expertise to guide young inventors through the patent process, demonstrating the spirit of community and service found in so many of our alumni.

Passionate and Energetic

Passionate and energetic, James Calcagni does not step down from a challenge, no matter how insurmountable it may seem. After being diagnosed with Lyme Disease in elementary school, James looked to engineering as a way to "engineer a cure." As a mechanical engineering student at Temple University, James's dedication to helping others and creating solutions led him to work in orthotics and biomechanics. Founding a company built from a Senior Design project, James's determination, grit, and positivity are hallmarks of our alumni.

Consummate Educator

The consummate educator, Dr. Victor Schutz dedicated the majority of his career to educating the best and the brightest in electrical engineering. Serving as a faculty member from 1973 - 1997, including a period as Chair of the Electrical Engineering Department, Dr. Schutz made time to mentor and encourage his students. Honored with the Lindback Award for Distinguished teaching in 1977, Dr. Schutz's former students are now CEOs, Heads of Research & Design, and College of Engineering Faculty. Dr. Schutz is committed to excellence in engineering education outside of Temple University, serving in volunteer capacities with the American Society for Engineering Education and the International Conference on Engineering Education. Generous of time and treasure, Dr. Schutz established funds for undergraduate scholarship and graduate research travel, continuing his legacy of impacting future engineers.