The Michigan State University College of Engineering has recognized 18 faculty and staff members for excellence in service and distinguished contributions.
Engineering Interim Dean John Papapolymerou announced the winners of the 2026 Engineering and Withrow Awards on Jan. 30.
“It is a sincere honor to present these awards to deserving faculty and staff,” Papapolymerou said. “They acknowledge the extraordinary accomplishments of colleagues who have made remarkable contributions to our Spartan Engineering community.”
Honorees will be presented with their awards during a celebration dinner.
Each year, faculty and staff are nominated by their colleagues, industry peers, and students for excellence in service and distinguished contributions. Of the 18 recipients, 15 recognitions are from the Withrow Endowed Teacher/Scholar/Service Award Program.
The Withrow awards were created with a gift from the late Jack Withrow (BS, MECH EGR, ’54; MBA ’71) and the late Dottie Withrow (BA, ’55, speech therapy and elementary education) to recognize members of the college who have demonstrated excellence in instructional and scholarly activities and rendered distinguished service to the university and student body.
The 2026 awards recipients follow.
Gloria Stragier Award
This award is presented to a staff member recognized for exceptional and creative job performance and/or concerned and creative leadership.
- Jessica Pung, business process professional, Engineering Graduate Student Affairs
Spartans Will Award
This award is presented to a staff member who has worked in the college for at least two years and is viewed as a role model who exceeds expectations.
- Lisa Parker, research administrator II, Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering
Engineering Excellence Teaching Fellow Award
This award honors an individual who initiates successful activities that promote a positive and inclusive learning environment for their students.
- Matt Meier, specialist-teacher, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Withrow Inclusive Excellence Awards
These awards recognize faculty and staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement in advancing inclusive excellence through research, teaching, and outreach.
Sustained Excellence Award
- Nelson Sepulveda, interim chair and professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
Emerging Accomplishments Award
- Kate Balgoyen, academic program coordinator, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Withrow Global Leadership Award
This award recognizes faculty and staff members who demonstrate outstanding achievement in advancing global scholarship through research, teaching, and outreach.
- Evangelyn Alocilja, professor, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
Withrow Student Service Award
This award is presented to an advisor, academic specialist, or non-tenure track instructor for outstanding service to students.
- John Denny, specialist – advisor, Engineering Undergraduate Student Affairs
Withrow Teaching Excellence Awards
These awards, based primarily on student nominations, recognize faculty who have created effective, enthusiastic learning environments, are accessible and dedicated to advising and mentorship.
- Jiyoon Yi, assistant professor, Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering
- Taeho Kim, associate professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
- Maddalena Fanelli, specialist - teacher, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
- Mehrnaz Ghamami, associate professor, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering
- Josh Siegel, assistant professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
- Devin Silvia, specialist – teacher, Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering
- Shannon Nicley, assistant professor, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Michael Lavagnino, specialist - teacher, Department of Mechanical Engineering
Withrow Exceptional Service Award
This award, based on nominations from department chairpersons, recognizes faculty who demonstrate exceptional institutional, public and community service.
- Carl Lira, associate professor, Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science
Withrow Distinguished Scholar Awards
These awards recognize faculty who demonstrate excellence in scholarship.
Withrow Distinguished Scholar Award
- Jiliang Tang, MSU Research Foundation Distinguished Professor, Department of Computer Science and Engineering
Withrow Rising Scholar Award
- Jinxing Li, Red Cedar Distinguished Assistant Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering
Written by Patricia Mroczek
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page
