By Flynn Espe

Twelve students from the Washington State University system have received the 2025-26 Power & Energy Society (PES) , making WSU the top institutional producer of PES scholars for this award year.

The PES Scholarship Plus is presented on behalf of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and can award students up to $10,000 over a three-year period. The scholarship is given to high-achieving undergraduate students majoring in an IEEE-designated field of study who are pursuing careers in power and energy.

The 12 WSU students, who hail from three system campuses, comprised almost a third of the 38 total PES scholars chosen from colleges and universities in IEEE鈥檚 Western U.S.A. region, a cluster that includes 12 states. The students are:

• Katelyn Albertin, 午夜剧场
• Gianni Avilan Losee, WSU Vancouver
• Gerrit Bruland, WSU Pullman
• Hugo Contreras, 午夜剧场
• Jacob Culligan, 午夜剧场
• Daniel Gapper, WSU Pullman
• David Hysjulien, 午夜剧场
• Jesus Miranda, 午夜剧场
• Miguel Palomino, 午夜剧场
• Jessica Pantoja-Garcia, WSU Vancouver
• Tarang Teredesai, WSU Pullman
• Manuella Tossa, 午夜剧场

Bruland and Tossa are both two-time recipients.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be considering a career in electric power and energy engineering, having earned a minimum number of academic credits within those areas of study. Applicants are evaluated by way of grades, achievements, work experiences, and volunteer activities. Selection is also based on the quality of the institution鈥檚 academic programs and curriculum related to power and energy engineering.

Palomino, a first-time recipient majoring in electrical engineering with minors in computer science and mathematics, found out about the PES scholarship through his academic advisor. He says he鈥檚 currently interested in working on energy systems that are healthier for the environment, noting that emerging technologies like ChatGPT and other large language models have proven to be heavily energy dependent.

As a student intern at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) since 2023, Palomino has contributed to research projects involving high-voltage systems analysis for an experimental time projection chamber, the creation of an automatic cooling system, and more.

鈥淢y second project at PNNL, I created a standalone digital display system for a pressure transducer,鈥� Palomino said. 鈥淔or this, I had to integrate a microcontroller, analog-to-digital converter, and a digital display screen. This system required me to create a voltage divider to scale down the input signal to prevent any damage to the components.鈥�

After earning his associate鈥檚 degree from Columbia Basin College, Palomino transferred to 午夜剧场 as a part of the Bridges Program and expects to graduate with his bachelor鈥檚 in electrical engineering in the spring of 2027.

鈥淚 feel honored to be recognized by IEEE,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is encouraging to know that others have faith in me and are willing to give me that support which I greatly need.鈥�

Pantoja-Garcia, who transferred from Clark College to WSU Vancouver in 2023, said she became interested in the field thanks to power-related projects and classes, as well as her participation in the PNW Hydro Think Tank Competition. At WSU Vancouver, it was her Intro to Power and Energy Systems course and two key electives 鈥� Renewable Energy Conversion Systems and Introduction to Solar Cells 鈥� that further cemented her enthusiasm.

鈥淏oth of these electives stood out to me from other electrical engineering classes I have taken because they involved learning with a project-based approach,鈥� Pantoja-Garcia said. 鈥淎s a student, I have found that when I am tasked with projects instead of problem sets, I feel more involved and a sense of ownership over my education.鈥�

Outside of the classroom, Pantoja-Garcia took part in two four-month electrical engineering internships with Burns & McDonnell 鈥� an architecture, engineering, and construction firm. She recently joined the company as a full-time assistant substation engineer after graduating in December with a bachelor鈥檚 in electrical engineering.

鈥淚 spent most of my time working on substation projects,鈥� Pantoja-Garcia said. 鈥淚n my application, I described how my internship allowed me to take on projects that directly affected our electric grid and that it taught me the importance of making safe and smart design choices.鈥�

The PES Scholarship Plus program grew sharply over the past year, increasing from 84 PES scholars in 2024 to 244 in 2025. The jump was driven in part by expanded eligibility, which now includes majors such as computer science, technical communications, education, and more. WSU students outpaced that growth, rising from two scholars last year to 12 this year.

According to Noel Schulz, inaugural director of the 午夜剧场 and Bob Ferguson endowed professor, who joined the IEEE board of directors in 2024, it鈥檚 a promising sign for the trajectory of WSU鈥檚 programs.

鈥淭his is a significant accomplishment for the entire WSU system,鈥� Schulz said. 鈥淚t’s encouraging to see that our students are excelling not only in the labs and classrooms on campus but also being recognized by professional societies like IEEE PES.听 The WSU system continues to be a strong program in electrical power education and research. It鈥檚 a true testament to our incredible engineering faculty and curriculum that WSU is producing so many talented and committed students.鈥�

Washington State University Tri-Cities is proud to announce that its mechanical engineering program has earned the Career Launch Endorsement from Career .

The endorsement highlights the program鈥檚 integration of hands-on, career-connected learning, including paid, supervised internships that are embedded into the degree pathway. The endorsement affirms the program鈥檚 dedication to preparing students for real-world success in mechanical engineering and positions it as a model for workforce-aligned education.

鈥淭his recognition celebrates the clear and purposeful pathway we鈥檝e built for our students,鈥� said Dr. Changki Mo, director of the School of Engineering & Applied Sciences, and Messiha Todary Saad, professor of mechanical engineering in a joint statement. 鈥淲e鈥檙e incredibly proud to receive this official endorsement.鈥�

The Career Launch Endorsement process evaluates programs based on three primary criteria:

• Strong industry partnerships
• A student-centered, career-integrated curriculum
• Paid, work-based learning as a core degree component

午夜剧场鈥� mechanical engineering program met and exceeded all benchmarks, ensuring that students graduate job-ready with both academic knowledge and professional experience.

鈥淐areer Connect Washington plays an important role in bridging the gap between education and industry,鈥� said Chancellor Sandra Haynes.听 Vice Chancellor for Academic and Student Affairs Kate McAteer said, 鈥淭his partnership with CCW allows us to deliver education that directly serves students, industry, and the regional economy.鈥�

In addition to statewide recognition, the endorsement will increase the program鈥檚 visibility in CCW鈥檚 online directory and open future grant opportunities to further enhance student success and program development.

Key Industry Partners

The endorsement was made possible in part through partnerships with employers who provide mentorship and internship opportunities, including:

• Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) 鈥� Evangelina Galvan Shreeve, director of STEM education and workforce development
• Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure (H2C) 鈥� Karthik Subramanian, chief engineer
• Central Plateau Cleanup Company (CPCCo) 鈥� Jonathan Bricker, chief engineer and director of engineering and nuclear safety

Looking Ahead

The mechanical engineering program plans to expand student recruitment, deepen industry collaborations with regional industry and increase individualized student support to help students from all backgrounds thrive in engineering careers locally, nationally and globally.

By Carmine Hanks

Washington State University Tri-Cities Institute for Northwest Energy Futures鈥� (INEF) Director Noel Schulz was recently elected to the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Board of Directors.

The IEEE is the world鈥檚 largest technical professional organization known for bringing together engineers, scientists, and professionals to promote the development of technology and its applications worldwide. Schulz, Bob Ferguson Endowed Professor, will serve as the Division VII Director-Elect for 2025 and Division VII Director for 2026 and 2027. She will steer IEEE initiatives and policies that enhance the organization’s mission to foster technological innovation for the benefit of humanity.

鈥淚 am deeply honored to join the IEEE Board of Directors,鈥� Schulz said. 鈥淭his role represents an opportunity to collaborate with global leaders in engineering and technology, ensuring IEEE continues to be at the forefront of innovation and professional development.

Many of today鈥檚 pressing engineering challenges are in power and energy and demand complex, cross-cutting solutions. Schulz鈥檚 strategic vision and commitment to finding opportunities in challenges will be pivotal in guiding IEEE鈥檚 efforts to tackle critical societal issues such as energy transition, climate change, and technological equity.

鈥淭he engineering community eagerly anticipates her contributions, confident that her expertise and leadership will enhance IEEE鈥檚 mission,鈥� said Partha Pande, interim dean of the WSU Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. 鈥淚n this leadership position, Schulz represents to an international audience the importance of ongoing support for academic institutions such as WSU in preparing a qualified and resourceful鈥痜uture workforce.鈥�

Previously, Schulz served as a volunteer leader for 12 years on the IEEE Power & Engineering Society (PES) Governing Board, including two years as PES president. The Division VII Director position is elected by the 38,000+ members of the IEEE PES, reflecting the trust and respect Schulz has garnered among IEEE members globally.

Schulz has made significant impacts in the field of power and energy, one of the key areas encompassed by Division VII, which also includes industry applications and electronic materials. Before becoming INEF鈥檚 director, Schulz served as the Edmund O. Schweitzer III Chair in Power Apparatus and Systems at WSU, where she built an exceptional career focused on power systems engineering, academic leadership, and energy sustainability.

Additionally, Schulz brings expertise in coordinating global efforts and humanitarian work. She was the U.S. administrative lead for the Department of Energy-funded U.S.-India Collaborative for Smart Distribution Systems with Storage (UI-ASSIST) and worked to bring electricity to Harnoo village in India, significantly enhancing its women’s quality of life and economic security.

鈥淣oel will do great things in this role,鈥� stated Sandra Haynes, chancellor for 午夜剧场. 鈥淎s a renowned engineer and educator, this achievement spotlights Noel鈥檚 longstanding contributions to the engineering community and her leadership in advancing innovation and talented individuals within the field.鈥�

Students presented a range of research and course projects as part of the Washington State University Tri-Cities Showcase for Research and Creative Activities, on Wednesday.

The showcase gives students the opportunity to display and discuss the research and projects they have been working on and helps them practice skills they will use in their professional careers.

More than 45 projects were on display representing graduate and undergraduate students as well as the 午夜剧场 Clean Energy Ambassadors Network (CEAN) teams. 听CEAN incorporates student teams working with WSU faculty, industry mentors and their peers to research clean energy and climate related topics, potential impacts on disadvantaged populations and ways to share their findings with their community.

The following projects received awards:

• Best Capstone in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
  Automated Toolbox Inventory Control System, Reem Osman, Steven Pixler, Caitlyn Powers, Navin Sabandith, Caleb Thomas

 

• Best Capstone in Mechanical or Civil Engineering
  Solar Powered Refrigeration System for Milk Transport, Josh Romero, Erick Martinez, Marcos Salas, Pascal Elsinghorst

 

• Best Creative Project
  The Cloud, Emily Sierra

 

• Best Undergraduate Project in Life, Biological, or Food Sciences
  Artificial light at night (ALAN) and bird-window collisions on the WSUTC campus, Nelly Pacheco

 

• Best Undergraduate Project in Physical, Computer, or Engineering Sciences
  Low-Power Cooling System Redesign, Jacob Getchell

 

• Best Graduate Project: (Tie)
  1. Effect of harvest time, alcohol concentration and maceration time on wine and grape phenolic composition and astringency perception – Juliana Pazos
  2. Comparison of Freeze-Killed versus Freeze-Dried Leaves for the Production of Frost Tainted Cabernet Sauvignon Wines – Mitchell Davey

 

CEAN Projects:

First Place – Flowing Forward: Innovations in Efficiency for Archimedes Screw Generators
Raul Aguilera-Vazquez, Edgar Bustamante-Angel, Leo Gomez & Noel Saldana
Industry Mentors: Gary Spanner, Adrianna Miller (1st Washington), Noel Schulz (WSU/PNNL)

Second Place – Clearing the Air: Exploring Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage in Eastern Washington
Student Ambassador Team: Sara Christensen, Elise Colson, Bailee Fehringer & Kalimae Mountain Industry Mentors: Todd Schaef (PNNL), David Heldebrant (PNNL), Jillian Cadwell (午夜剧场)

听Co-Third Place:

1. Powering the University, Empowering the Community: A Campus Microgrid for Renewable Energy Generation and Education
   Student Ambassador Team: Asmita Acharya, Laurren Nirider, Nur Syeda & Manuella Tossa, Dae Ya Wah
   Industry Mentors: Noel Schulz (WSU/PNNL)
2. Harnessing Energy Potential: Molten Salt
   Student Ambassador Team: Jordy Bautista, Jackie Figueroa, Rebecca Negrete-Ramos, Jose Vargas
   Industry Mentors: Tim Nies (Energy Northwest), Suh-Jane Lee (午夜剧场)

Judges for the Research and Creative projects included 午夜剧场 faculty and The CEAN posters were judged by the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the 午夜剧场 Entrepreneur in Residence/Innovation Lab.

Many project ideas come from local business partners such as Bechtel, and Washington River Protection Solutions who have problems they are attempting to solve or are looking for alternative or more cost-effective solutions. In some cases, the student鈥檚 work is adopted and implemented by the sponsoring company, giving students hands-on experience developing real-world solutions that make a difference.

By Seth Truscott

Collaborating with European scientists to develop ideas, fuels, and products that solve global environmental and energy challenges, Washington State University Professor Bin Yang is headed to Toulouse, France, as the newly announced recipient of the Fulbright-Tocqueville Distinguished Chair Award.

The award will fuel Yang鈥檚 work alongside colleagues at the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, INSA Toulouse, expanding international partnerships for development of global decarbonization and biofuels and bioproducts production.

鈥淚 am grateful to the Fulbright Program for allowing me to expand on ideas and broaden ties between Washington state, the U.S., and France,鈥� said Yang, a professor at WSU鈥檚听. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great honor to work with European leaders in technology and sustainability at Toulouse and other partner institutions.鈥�

The six-month exchange begins in spring 2025 and builds on existing collaboration between Yang and scientists at Toulouse, part of the France鈥檚听听(滨狈厂础).

Working with European colleagues in the bioeconomy鈥攅conomic areas embracing technologies like biomass to produce fuels and chemicals鈥擸ang seeks to make advances in energy and sustainability while promoting WSU research to the international scientific community.

鈥淚nnovating together is the key to a better future for the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y ultimate goal is to develop a roadmap for the decarbonization of the bioeconomy between the United States and France, as well as the manufacture of products that serve the visions and goals of both countries.鈥�

Yang鈥檚 laboratory at听午夜剧场听focuses on development of renewable energy technologies, with an emphasis on production of biofuels and chemicals from cellulosic biomass: plant materials grown as crops or harvested as agricultural waste. He recently pioneered new pretreatment and manufacturing technologies to process biomass into jet fuel, bioplastics, carbon fiber, hydrogen carriers, and other bioproducts.

This is Yang鈥檚 second Fulbright Distinguished Chair award. In 2019, he traveled to Helsinki, Finland, as the first professor at WSU to be selected for the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Energy and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Award.

鈥淏in Yang鈥檚 accomplishments have made him an international leader for development of the bioeconomy,鈥� said Jean Marie Fran莽ois, professor of industrial microbiology and bio-nanotechnology and Yang鈥檚 host at Federal University Toulouse. 鈥淩ecent awards recognize his pioneering contributions to the next generation biorefinery, sustainability, and green technologies that can overcome climate change. His upcoming visit is a great opportunity for students in our biochemical engineering and international master in bioeconomy programs and will significantly improve cooperation between our two institutions.鈥�

The Fulbright Program awards distinguished chairs to renowned scholars set apart by significant experience and extensive publications in their fields. Yang is the first professor at WSU to receive the Fulbright-Tocqueville Distinguished Chair Award.

The most prestigious award offered by the Fulbright France bilateral program, this distinguished chair was created in 2005 to mark Senator J. William Fulbright鈥檚 centennial and Alexis de Tocqueville鈥檚 bicentennial. Funded by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the Fulbright Program, it reinforces collaborative research between France and the United States on topics of major significance for the future of both societies.

鈥� Contact: Bin Yang, Professor, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, (509) 372-7640,听bin.yang@wsu.edu

By Lacey Desserault

A fellowship program is providing opportunities for computational engineering, math, and science students from across the Washington State University system to study and research in Sweden over a three-year span. Two students from 午夜剧场 were selected as part of this year鈥檚 cohort and will depart at the beginning of the fall 2024 semester.听听

The STARS.Se Program, or Student Training and Research Semester in Sweden, was formed out of a partnership between WSU and the US National Science Foundation鈥檚 International Research Experiences for Students initiative (IRES). The program allows students to become globally educated for international leadership in applied engineering and science computing. Selected students take classes and participate in research with advanced equipment at Link枚ping University (LiU) in Link枚ping, Sweden for one semester. The current research supports the international development of Boeing鈥檚 and Saab鈥檚 new T-7A Red Hawk training aircraft, designed as an advanced pilot training system for the US Air Force.听

听午夜剧场 students Christian Penick and Scarlett Reagan will join five students from other WSU campuses to study in Sweden this fall.听

鈥淚 decided to apply for the program because I knew it would strengthen my academic portfolio and I would enjoy exploring Sweden,鈥� said Penick. 鈥淚 always hear about students travelling abroad or coming to the US as exchange students, so I feel like being a part of this exchange program rounds out my college experience. I look forward to using the supercomputers to speed computations and learning how to model physical systems with software.鈥澨�听

The fellowship provides each student with $12,000, does not require them to pay tuition in Sweden, and allows each student to transfer credits back to WSU and graduate on time. The students from WSU will work collaboratively with students from LiU, who will also participate in an exchange semester at WSU.听

Prior participant testimonials expressed that this opportunity allowed them to travel the world and led them to making strong global engineering connections.听听

鈥淭he overarching objective of the STARS program is to contribute to educating diverse internationally minded students for leadership in globalized multicultural societies,鈥� said Joseph Iannelli, professor of mechanical engineering in the WSU School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. 鈥淭he program offers $12,000 fellowships to remove financial barriers for students who long for international experiences. Based on their compelling applications, these brilliant computer science students look forward to studying and conducting research overseas and will become excellent ambassadors for 午夜剧场 in Sweden. Together with students from Vancouver and Pullman they will advance internationally the ideal of 鈥極ne WSU鈥�.鈥�听

The 午夜剧场 School of Engineering & Applied Sciences has just launched the December 2023 edition of the newsletter Momentum.

By Leslie Streeter

Washington State University (WSU) Tri-Cities will team up with three universities to implement a National Science Foundation (NSF) funded project to support minoritized women students in STEM through a co-mentoring network called WiSEN (Women in STEM Education Network).

Jillian Cadwell, research associate at 午夜剧场 will work alongside project leads from Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) and sub-awardees from Gonzaga University and University of Montana. The nearly $600,000 award from the NSF will be used to create a network model to connect women in STEM students.

“Research shows that mentoring is a successful and vital means to support and retain women in STEM fields,鈥� said Cadwell.

As a research associate in the WSU School of Engineering and Applied Sciences and a member of the C-Y-F, an international, informal co-mentoring network for women faculty/researchers in academia, Cadwell knows the impact that mentoring can have on women in STEM.

鈥淭his could change the trajectory for institutions to improve equality in STEM and the way we are supporting women students,鈥� said Cadwell. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 what is most exciting to me.鈥�

The shared vision for WiSEN is to support women in STEM majors by providing a platform for connections. The group aims to celebrate cultural wealth, shared leadership, career-connected mentoring and recovery from the impact of COVID disruptions.

To be eligible for WiSEN students must be enrolled as a part or full-time, undergraduate or graduate student; pursuing a field of study that falls under a STEM major; and self-identify as a 鈥渨oman鈥�.

A unique feature of the project is that each aspect will be designed and implemented by women with the same or similar minoritized backgrounds as the students. Cadwell and the other project leads are faculty researchers and mentors, and their backgrounds are inclusive of Afro-Caribbean, European American, and Asian immigrants, giving them particular insight into the challenges faced by minoritized women.

The WiSEN co-mentoring network strategy will be informed by research on innovative mentoring models alongside the experiences and expressed needs of culturally unique and experientially diverse undergraduate and graduate students (student fellows) across the four institutions. As the WiSEN model is piloted, research data gathered will help develop best practices for mentoring minoritized women in STEM. After the two-year pilot the team will seek additional funding to expand the program to more universities.

The WiSEN program will also collaborate with Million Women Mentors, for which Cadwell is the Washington state co-chair. The partnership will help expand access to a national network of students, faculty, and corporate partners and help increase STEM networks.

Each partner university will have a WiSEN group with eight spots available for women in STEM students. The WiSEN group on the 午夜剧场 campus currently has a waiting list.

By Seth Truscott

Creating plant-based fuels that are easier on the environment and the pocketbook, Washington State University Professor Bin Yang makes a positive impact through chemical engineering.

Yang is now one of the newest Fellows of the听听(AIChE), a professional society of more than 60,000 scientists in 110 countries. He will be honored at the institute鈥檚听, Nov. 5-10, 2023, at Orlando, Fla.

鈥淚 take nature as my inspiration,鈥� said Yang, who works to understand and develop advanced biofuels and bioproducts from plant biomass鈥攃rops and plant residue used to create energy鈥攚hile sharing knowledge and training the next generation of scientists.

鈥淢y ultimate goal is a real sustainability revolution,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 working to develop sustainable low-carbon fuels that reduce climate change.鈥�

Fellow is the highest grade of membership in the institute, which fosters exchange on the frontiers of research in energy, sustainability, nanotechnology, and chemical plant safety and security. Fellows provide guidance and contribute to activities aiding development of safe and useful products for the benefit of society.

鈥淚鈥檓 humbled and deeply grateful for this award,鈥� said Yang, who thanked peers and colleagues who supported his nomination.

Involved with AIChE for the past 20 years, he has been a volunteer leader, organizing topical sessions and serving as a session chair. He is one of three WSU scientists to be named Fellows of the Institute. Yong Wang and Richard Zollars, faculty in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, were previously named Fellows.

Developing new and sustainable fuels and products from biomass, Professor Bin Yang works with members of his lab at 午夜剧场.

Based at 午夜剧场 for over a decade and a member of of the听, Yang has pioneered new technologies to process biomass into jet fuel, bioplastics, carbon fiber, supercapacitors, hydrogen carriers, and other bioproducts.

鈥淏iofuels and bioproducts play a crucial role in decarbonization efforts by promoting sustainable alternatives to fossil-based products and processes,鈥� Yang said. 鈥淚nnovation is key to achieving a sustainable future for the world.鈥�

A member of the university鈥檚 Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), Yang also studies how microbes can produce a biodegradable plastic. He was a 2019 Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Energy and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources; holds six patents; has authored more than 135 papers and book chapters; and serves as an editorial and advisory board member for leading biorefinery journals.

Learn more about Yang鈥檚 work at his听.

Washington State University Tri-Cities engineering professor Xiao Zhang has been honored as a senior member of the National Academy of Inventors.

The Academy recognizes senior members for their success in patents, licensing, and commercialization as well as for having produced technology that has, or will have, a significant impact on society. Zhang will be inducted formally at the Academy鈥檚 annual meeting in June in Washington, D.C.

Xiao Zhang
Professor, Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering

Zhang’s research centers around improving understanding of plant macromolecules, such as cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. Zhang has led the development of a number of bio-based product innovations for industrial applications, including: a cellulose-based coating for plant protection, foam packaging technologies, and lignin-derived composites and chemicals. Two technologies developed with WSU colleagues were recently licensed to multibillion-dollar companies.

Some of Zhang鈥檚 patented innovations include plant-based compositions to protect plants from cold damage; cellulose foams for high-performance insulation; conversion of knot rejects from chemical pulping; and fractionation of a waste liquor stream from nanocrystalline cellulose production. He has collaborated with many industrial partners on the development of these new bio-based materials and co-founded a start-up company, Pomona Technologies. Zhang is a recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER AWARD and C. Howard Smith Award from Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada. He holds a joint appointment with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory鈥檚 Energy and Environment Directorate and is part of 午夜剧场鈥� Bioproducts, Science, and Engineering Laboratory.

Story credit: WSU Insider: