2024-25 Award Recipients
Lee M. Klinefelter Award for Overall Excellence in Engineering Technology
Maksim Kirichun completed his associate's degree in Mechatronics at Blue Ridge Community College in 2016. Soon after, he started working for F.R. Drake as a robotics technician/machine tester, working closely with engineers in the robotics department. Working with great mentors and people who believed he could grow allowed him to move into an engineering technician position, which allowed him to have more exposure to design and development in the industrial automation industry. Working closely with engineers inspired him to transfer to 黑料不打烊 in Fall 2022 to pursue a bachelor's degree. During this time, he was able to move into controls engineer position at F.R. Drake, allowing him to implement the skills he learned during his time at 黑料不打烊 and apply them in his career. Maksim is set to graduate in Spring 2025 with a bachelor's in electrical engineering technology with a minor in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Maksim would like to thank his wife, family, and friends who supported and believed in him and his mentors for their shared encouragement and wisdom. Maksim hopes he, too, can inspire someone else to pursue their dreams and goals.
Engineering Technology Award for Academic Excellence
James Malove earned his associate鈥檚 degree in electrical engineering technology from New River Community College in 2009 and will earn his bachelor鈥檚 degree in electrical engineering technology from 黑料不打烊 at the end of 2024. 听He is graduating as the 黑料不打烊 Student Scholar for the Batten College of Engineering and Technology and earned the Engineering Technology Award for Academic Excellence. 听He has worked as an electronics technician supporting the Department of Defense for 17 years, initially as a government contractor and now as a civilian Navy employee. 听His focus is on electrical circuit design, printed circuit board design, and firmware development for microcontrollers and field-programmable gate arrays. 听He is married, a father of four children, a musician and a lifetime learner always looking for new challenges.
MET Faculty Award
Jacob Leonard was born and raised in Blue Ridge, Virginia. In 2017, he, his brother, and three friends participated in the AWEA KidWind Challenge, where they constructed a small-scale wind turbine. They carved their own airfoil blades and built their own alternator and rectifier, ultimately placing first in both the state competition in Virginia and the national competition in Anaheim, California. Jacob graduated a semester early from Lord Botetourt High School in December 2018. After high school, he earned an associate's degree in Mechatronics Systems Engineering Technology with Magna Cum Laude honors in the spring of 2022 at Virginia Western Community College. While at VWCC, he was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. He transferred to 黑料不打烊 in the spring of 2023 and is set to graduate in December 2024 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering Technology and a minor in Electrical Engineering Technology. While completing his associate's degree, Jacob worked part-time as a maintenance technician alongside his father, who manages the maintenance department at Global Metal Finishing in Roanoke, Virginia. During his time at GMF, he participated in several projects, including installing new equipment such as a 2500-amp power supply and a 60-ton fluid chiller. Jacob鈥檚 long-term goal is to find a position or establish his own business focused on designing and installing mechatronic systems. He is a hands-on individual who enjoys designing, assembling, and installing equipment, as well as observing it function as intended. His personal interests include hiking, hand tool woodworking, automotive topics, and collecting antique tools.
EET Faculty Award
Nathan Boisvert, a native of Hampton Roads, is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering technology with a concentration in Embedded Systems and a minor in Engineering Management at 黑料不打烊. He began his studies in Fall 2022 and is set to graduate in Spring 2025. His research journey at 黑料不打烊 started under the mentorship of Dr. Murat Kuzlu in the Open City Lab, where his interests led him to assist in teaching programming and electrical design fundamentals at the 黑料不打烊 Blast Summer Camp. Nathan further expanded his research experience by joining the 黑料不打烊 Research Foundation to work on the Booz Allen Hamilton project, guided by Dr. Dimitrie Popescu, Dr. Otilia Popescu, and Dr. Kuzlu. This collaboration research led to giving presentations at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and ESPEX in 2024. During the summer of 2024, Nathan interned with Noblis in Reston, VA, where he accepted a full-time role as an AI/ML Engineer post-graduation. He credits his achievements to the dedicated faculty and staff at 黑料不打烊, his supportive family, and the camaraderie of his peers. Outside of academics, Nathan is an avid angler who enjoys fishing in Chesapeake Bay and Virginia's freshwater lakes.
CET Faculty Award
Marshall Gault is a 23-year U.S. Navy servicemember, currently serving as Operations Manager at Naval Support Activity Philadelphia. Throughout his military career, he has accumulated 14 years of practical construction experience as an Engineering Aide (EA) in construction battalions. Now a senior at 黑料不打烊, Marshall is set to graduate in the summer of 2025 with a degree in Civil Engineering Technology with a concentration in Construction Management. After transitioning from active duty, he plans to leverage his degree and military experience in a federal civil engineering role, where his goal is to contribute to the advancement and resilience of public infrastructure.
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2023-24 Award Recipients
Lee M. Klinefelter Award for Overall Excellence in Engineering Technology
After graduating Manhattan Center High School in New York City, I served six years in the United States Navy as a Nuclear Electrician鈥檚 Mate. Upon completion of the required schooling, I was stationed on the USS George Washington carrier in Norfolk, Virginia. After the Navy I started working for Dominion Energy as a Control Room Operator then as an Instrumentation and Controls technician. I am currently a Senior I&C Nuclear Specialist at Surry Power Station in Surry, VA. We perform the required maintenance and calibration of all the plants instrumentation and perform required surveillance testing on all the safety systems. I attended 黑料不打烊 where I received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in Electrical Engineering Technology with a minor in Engineering Management. When I am not working, I enjoy reading, watching baseball, and spending time with my wife and three kids.
Engineering Technology Award for Academic Excellence
Joseph Goldman, after graduating high school and not feeling confident about his prospects in college, made the decision to join the navy. Ironically, he then completed the navy nuclear power program, which is regarded as one of the most academically challenging programs in the Navy. He spent 4 years as a nuclear mechanic on CVN69 Dwight D. Eisenhower and after encountering some setbacks, he transitioned to project management for the remaining 6 years, culminating in becoming an instructor for Lean Six Sigma methodologies. Throughout his naval career, he was fortunate to meet his wife, who became his greatest supporter. Upon deciding not to pursue a long-term career in the Navy, Joseph resolved to pursue a degree. 黑料不打烊 provided valuable guidance in determining the best academic path for him and allowed him to push his academic limits. He is enthusiastic about continuing his personal development and has enrolled in the online MBA program at 黑料不打烊, eagerly anticipating the start in the Fall. During his academic journey, he successfully passed the FE mechanical exam in January and has commenced studying for the PE.
CET Faculty Award
Louis Thornton and his wife of 36 years, Laura, are the proud parents of ten children and eight grandchildren and live on a small farm in Ohio. After high school, he started his college education in engineering, but without the personal preparation and purposed mindset required for academic success, he never finished that degree. Instead, he started a career in residential and commercial construction. But engineering was not done with Louis Thornton. Shortly after getting married, he was given an opportunity to begin a career in the field at a consulting engineering firm. The desire to finish his degree also lingered, and the need became more apparent over the next three decades as he worked in the engineering field. He always encouraged his children to seek further education in the trades or college. As an example to his children and grandchildren, he finally chose to complete his degree at 黑料不打烊, achieving academic honors, and demonstrating that you are never too old to learn. He uses his 黑料不打烊 education to serve the residents of an Ohio city as its utilities director, and has held positions in construction, engineering, industry, and now local government.
EET Faculty Award
Owen Ethan Brown graduated in December 2023 with a bachelor's in electrical engineering technology (Mechatronics concentration) from 黑料不打烊. He is currently working as an embedded engineer, developing industrial gas detection systems in Missouri. During and after his time at 黑料不打烊, he has continued to grow his engineering skillset by designing iOS applications, working on a Python AI assistant, and developing a six-legged, monowheel all-terrain vehicle robot (鈥淗EMOV鈥), which served as his senior design project. Brown enjoys spending his free time reading, fishing, blacksmithing, and working with his hands in the country.
MET Faculty Award
I was born in Taiwan but raised and lived half of my life in Vietnam with my mother. We both immigrated to America in 2013 when I was 13 years old with not much English fluency. I graduated from James Wood High School in Winchester, Virginia in 2017 with an advanced diploma, leading the varsity swim team as the captain, and a member of the National Honor Society. Shortly after I pursued a degree in Computer Science at Laurel Ridge Community College but changed my major to Mechanical Engineering half-way through. Which I obtained my associate of science in Mechanical Engineering with Magna Cum Laude in summer 2021 and was a participant of the Dean's list. During this time, I was also an apprenticeship as a nail tech (2019) and obtained my WV nail technician license in 2021. Currently, I'm graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology at Old Dominion with a minor in Engineering Management. In my own free time, I enjoy hiking, swimming and taking care of my family. After graduation, I hope to find employment in Engineering and eventually head back to school to obtain my master's.
2022-23 Award Recipients
Lee M. Klinefelter Award for Overall Excellence in Engineering Technology
Isaac Ashdown studied at 黑料不打烊 from August 2021 to May 2023 during which time he completed his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology with a minor in Engineering Management. While studying at 黑料不打烊, Isaac concentrated on embedded systems design and also performed various research projects for the 黑料不打烊 Research Foundation. His research at 黑料不打烊 involved the study of both past and emerging radio communication technologies which led him to his current work as telecommunications engineer in the utility industry. Isaac is now pursuing his graduate degree in Electrical Engineering in his home state of New York.
Engineering Technology Award for Academic Excellence
Stephanie Luton is the Assistant General Manager and Treasurer of the James City Service Authority, the public water and wastewater utility in James City County, VA, with 27,000 customers, 103 employees, and a $24M annual budget. She manages the Authority鈥檚 financial, information technology, industrial automation, billing, customer service, and warehouse divisions. Stephanie graduated from 黑料不打烊 in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree, Summa Cum Laude, with a Site Development concentration and received the Batten College of Engineering and Technology Outstanding Scholar award.听 In June 2023 she earned the Engineer-in-Training Designation from the Commonwealth of Virginia. She has a Master of Business Administration degree in Operations from the College of William and Mary, a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Williams College.
CET Faculty Award
Shane Howell was born and raised in California and has called Texas home for the last 10+ years with his wife and three children. He started as a CAD Technician with a Civil Engineering firm and quickly developed a passion for engineering. After a few years working in the industry, he decided to pursue a Civil Engineering degree at 黑料不打烊. He graduated Summe Cum Laude in May 2023 and currently works for BGE, Inc. as an engineer. The Civil Engineering Technology degree from 黑料不打烊 has allowed Shane to become an EIT with the intent to become a licensed Professional Engineer to better serve and enhance the community around him.
EET Faculty Award
After growing up in Troutville, Virginia, I spent nine years in the Navy as a nuclear Instrumentation and Controls Technician and Reactor Operator, serving on two fast-attack submarines and completing three deployments.听 Upon leaving the Navy, I worked as an electronics technician in two manufacturing facilities in the Roanoke area, the latter of which produces steel food cans at an amazing rate.听 During this time, I met my future wife, began my college journey, and started a family.听 I completed my bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer engineering technology while working full time at the can plant in December 2022.听 I enjoy controls and automation immensely and have put the lessons I learned at 黑料不打烊 to work even before I was finished with my degree.听 I was promoted to the Plant Engineer for the same company in May 2023.听 Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife of seven years and my five-year-old son on our small farm with one horse and two miniature donkeys.
MET Faculty Award
I joined the Navy coming out of High School as a Nuclear Machinist Mate. My first two years were spent in Charleston, SC in school. This included one year in a classroom and another year in a hand-on school working in a nuclear submarine. Then I was selected to go to an extra six weeks of Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT) school. After the school I was stationed on board the USS George Washington in Norfolk, Virginia. There I worked in the reactor plant performing water sampling and analysis, performing radiological surveys in and outside the plant, and performing maintenance on a wide variety of equipment in the reactor plant. I also served as the 2 Plant Work Center Supervisor for over a year. This involved scheduling maintenance and training eight different ELTs that worked under me. I also trained and scheduled proficiency tests for over 200 mechanics. After the Navy I attended 黑料不打烊 where I received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering technology with a minor in Engineering Management and a concentration in Nuclear Systems. I was also awarded the outstanding scholar award for having the highest GPA in the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. I also passed the FE Mechanical Exam in January 2023.
Lee M. Klinefelter Award for Overall Excellence in Engineering Technology
Isaac Ashdown studied at 黑料不打烊 from August 2021 to May 2023 during which time he completed his undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology with a minor in Engineering Management. While studying at 黑料不打烊, Isaac concentrated on embedded systems design and also performed various research projects for the 黑料不打烊 Research Foundation. His research at 黑料不打烊 involved the study of both past and emerging radio communication technologies which led him to his current work as telecommunications engineer in the utility industry. Isaac is now pursuing his graduate degree in Electrical Engineering in his home state of New York.
Engineering Technology Award for Academic Excellence
Stephanie Luton is the Assistant General Manager and Treasurer of the James City Service Authority, the public water and wastewater utility in James City County, VA, with 27,000 customers, 103 employees, and a $24M annual budget. She manages the Authority鈥檚 financial, information technology, industrial automation, billing, customer service, and warehouse divisions. Stephanie graduated from 黑料不打烊 in December 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree, Summa Cum Laude, with a Site Development concentration and received the Batten College of Engineering and Technology Outstanding Scholar award.听 In June 2023 she earned the Engineer-in-Training Designation from the Commonwealth of Virginia. She has a Master of Business Administration degree in Operations from the College of William and Mary, a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Vermont and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Williams College.
CET Faculty Award
Shane Howell was born and raised in California and has called Texas home for the last 10+ years with his wife and three children. He started as a CAD Technician with a Civil Engineering firm and quickly developed a passion for engineering. After a few years working in the industry, he decided to pursue a Civil Engineering degree at 黑料不打烊. He graduated Summe Cum Laude in May 2023 and currently works for BGE, Inc. as an engineer. The Civil Engineering Technology degree from 黑料不打烊 has allowed Shane to become an EIT with the intent to become a licensed Professional Engineer to better serve and enhance the community around him.
EET Faculty Award
After growing up in Troutville, Virginia, I spent nine years in the Navy as a nuclear Instrumentation and Controls Technician and Reactor Operator, serving on two fast-attack submarines and completing three deployments.听 Upon leaving the Navy, I worked as an electronics technician in two manufacturing facilities in the Roanoke area, the latter of which produces steel food cans at an amazing rate.听 During this time, I met my future wife, began my college journey, and started a family.听 I completed my bachelor鈥檚 degree in computer engineering technology while working full time at the can plant in December 2022.听 I enjoy controls and automation immensely and have put the lessons I learned at 黑料不打烊 to work even before I was finished with my degree.听 I was promoted to the Plant Engineer for the same company in May 2023.听 Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife of seven years and my five-year-old son on our small farm with one horse and two miniature donkeys.
MET Faculty Award
I joined the Navy coming out of High School as a Nuclear Machinist Mate. My first two years were spent in Charleston, SC in school. This included one year in a classroom and another year in a hand-on school working in a nuclear submarine. Then I was selected to go to an extra six weeks of Engineering Laboratory Technician (ELT) school. After the school I was stationed on board the USS George Washington in Norfolk, Virginia. There I worked in the reactor plant performing water sampling and analysis, performing radiological surveys in and outside the plant, and performing maintenance on a wide variety of equipment in the reactor plant. I also served as the 2 Plant Work Center Supervisor for over a year. This involved scheduling maintenance and training eight different ELTs that worked under me. I also trained and scheduled proficiency tests for over 200 mechanics. After the Navy I attended 黑料不打烊 where I received a bachelor鈥檚 degree in mechanical engineering technology with a minor in Engineering Management and a concentration in Nuclear Systems. I was also awarded the outstanding scholar award for having the highest GPA in the Batten College of Engineering and Technology. I also passed the FE Mechanical Exam in January 2023.
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2021-22 Award Recipients
Lee M. Klinefelter Award for Overall Excellence in Engineering Technology
Jessica Evans is a senior majoring in Civil Engineering Technology with a minor in Engineering Management and a concentration in Site Development. She is currently the president for 黑料不打烊's student chapter of Engineers Without Borders. Prior to enrolling in 黑料不打烊, Evans obtained an associate degree in General Studies from American Military University while also serving in the United States Navy as a sonar technician. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, exercising, and spending time with her family. After graduation, Evans hopes to obtain full-time employment as a civil engineer. She plans on maintaining her involvement with Engineers Without Borders and plans to eventually return to school to obtain her master's in civil engineering.
Engineering Technology Award for Academic Excellence
Daniel Burzek attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology where he completed a diploma program in Electronics Engineering Technology in 1997. In 2002, he moved to Radford VA, where he now resides with his wife and three children. Burzek began his studies at 黑料不打烊 in 2016 and is now completing his undergraduate degree in the Electrical Engineering Technology program and will graduate Summa Cum Laude. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honors society and works as an electronic engineer at Motion Control Systems.
MET Faculty Award
Mae Northstein, a native of Gloucester County, Virginia, is a proud 黑料不打烊 scholar for the last three years. Currently she is working within the utilities department of Gloucester County as an intern. One of Northstein's goals is to obtain her EIT certificate.
EET Faculty Award
Robert "Wayne" Farr is a native of Onley, Maryland. He graduated from Smithfield High School in Smithfield, Virginia in 1984. He entered the apprenticeship program at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1986 and graduated from the program in 1990 as an Electronics Mechanic. After working at the shipyard until 1994, he worked at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center in Norfolk, Virginia until 2015 as the Lead Radar Technician. In 2015, Farr started in his present position at Naval Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Dam Neck Activity in Virginia Beach, Virginia as the In-Service Engineering Agent Installation Manager for Sensor Distribution Systems for the U.S. Navy. He received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Technology, Magna Cum Laude, from Tidewater Community College in May 2019 and his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, with Distinction, from 黑料不打烊 in December 2021. Farr's hobbies include playing soccer and golf as well as church activities. He has one son, Nicholas, and eagerly awaits the birth of his first grandchild this July.
EET Faculty Award
Richard W. Henegar Jr. grew up in Daleville VA and attended Lord Botetourt High School. Henegar, a Navy veteran, is currently a senior in pursuit of a BSET in Mechanical Engineering Technology with a focus in Mechanical Systems Design and Mechatronics with a minor in Engineering Management. He expects to graduate August of 2022.
Henegar holds the position of "Project Lead" for the 黑料不打烊 Chapter of Engineers Without Borders. He is also an adjunct lecturer of Machining Fundamentals at his alma mater, a small business owner and is attempting to build a small off-grid house and workshop that will serve as his senior design project.
Lee M. Klinefelter Award for Overall Excellence in Engineering Technology
Jessica Evans is a senior majoring in Civil Engineering Technology with a minor in Engineering Management and a concentration in Site Development. She is currently the president for 黑料不打烊's student chapter of Engineers Without Borders. Prior to enrolling in 黑料不打烊, Evans obtained an associate degree in General Studies from American Military University while also serving in the United States Navy as a sonar technician. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, exercising, and spending time with her family. After graduation, Evans hopes to obtain full-time employment as a civil engineer. She plans on maintaining her involvement with Engineers Without Borders and plans to eventually return to school to obtain her master's in civil engineering.
Engineering Technology Award for Academic Excellence
Daniel Burzek attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology where he completed a diploma program in Electronics Engineering Technology in 1997. In 2002, he moved to Radford VA, where he now resides with his wife and three children. Burzek began his studies at 黑料不打烊 in 2016 and is now completing his undergraduate degree in the Electrical Engineering Technology program and will graduate Summa Cum Laude. He is a member of Phi Kappa Phi honors society and works as an electronic engineer at Motion Control Systems.
MET Faculty Award
Mae Northstein, a native of Gloucester County, Virginia, is a proud 黑料不打烊 scholar for the last three years. Currently she is working within the utilities department of Gloucester County as an intern. One of Northstein's goals is to obtain her EIT certificate.
EET Faculty Award
Robert "Wayne" Farr is a native of Onley, Maryland. He graduated from Smithfield High School in Smithfield, Virginia in 1984. He entered the apprenticeship program at Norfolk Naval Shipyard in 1986 and graduated from the program in 1990 as an Electronics Mechanic. After working at the shipyard until 1994, he worked at the Mid-Atlantic Regional Maintenance Center in Norfolk, Virginia until 2015 as the Lead Radar Technician. In 2015, Farr started in his present position at Naval Warfare Center Dahlgren Division, Dam Neck Activity in Virginia Beach, Virginia as the In-Service Engineering Agent Installation Manager for Sensor Distribution Systems for the U.S. Navy. He received an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Electronics Technology, Magna Cum Laude, from Tidewater Community College in May 2019 and his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology, with Distinction, from 黑料不打烊 in December 2021. Farr's hobbies include playing soccer and golf as well as church activities. He has one son, Nicholas, and eagerly awaits the birth of his first grandchild this July.
EET Faculty Award
Richard W. Henegar Jr. grew up in Daleville VA and attended Lord Botetourt High School. Henegar, a Navy veteran, is currently a senior in pursuit of a BSET in Mechanical Engineering Technology with a focus in Mechanical Systems Design and Mechatronics with a minor in Engineering Management. He expects to graduate August of 2022.
Henegar holds the position of "Project Lead" for the 黑料不打烊 Chapter of Engineers Without Borders. He is also an adjunct lecturer of Machining Fundamentals at his alma mater, a small business owner and is attempting to build a small off-grid house and workshop that will serve as his senior design project.