DukEngineer Magazine 2026

Jerome Lynch

Hello, and thank you for taking the time to peruse the 86th edition of the DukEngineer magazine! This long-running publication and tradition has a history of both providing a glimpse into today’s Duke Engineering student experience and looking into its future.

This year’s edition is no exception. Within these pages, you will find an in-depth look at how the transformational naming of our Pierre R. Lamond Electrical and Computer Engineering Department will provide our students with new resources and opportunities to impact the world through semiconductor and microelectronics technologies. I cannot state strongly enough how thankful we are for the Lamond family’s trust and investment in our future, nor how much of a difference it will make in our research and educational endeavors.

You have also undoubtedly noticed the gorgeous designs and renderings for our Hudson Hall renovation project on the magazine’s cover. We continue to fundraise and move forward with this critical project, and I hope that these early concepts convey to you just how big of an impact this incredible effort will have on our school.

As always, you will also hear from many of our students themselves about the research and projects being pursued within our school. Charles Gersbach lays out the advances being made by his laboratory in the CRISPR space and what it means for the future of the technology. Daniel Scolnic details the work being done by him and his graduate students to use the world’s most powerful telescopes to ensure the world avoids potentially devastating asteroid strikes. And Henri Gavin takes students across the world to work with local researchers, experts and politicians to develop an early earthquake warning system for Nepal.

Inside and outside of our classrooms, you will hear about how master’s students in our Design Climate program are learning about the complexities involved in making great ideas become realities through efforts to design and implement geothermal energy stations. Within our undergraduate program, you can learn how our Character Forward Initiative is integrating ethical considerations within the foundational framework of our First-Year Design program. And you can see an incredible amount of creativity and faculty support for one student’s quest to build a hybrid physical-digital custom version of the game Settlers of Catan through an independent study project.

Finally, you can learn about our BME PhD students’ efforts to build STEM interest and confidence in local high school students through our continuing DukeREP program. Be sure not to skip the final pages of the magazine, where our development team lays out the incredible impact our alumni continue to have on our program and highlights continuing opportunities to get involved.

As always, we are incredibly grateful for the high levels of support we receive from all of you, not just through financial gifts, but through your valuable time, effort and knowledge. It is your holistic generosity that enables us to train the next generation of engineering leaders, and it is undoubtedly the envy of other engineering schools nationwide.

Please enjoy the articles within this edition of the DukEngineer magazine, and continue to stay engaged with us throughout the year. Duke recently launched its visionary MADE FOR THIS campaign, which we are proud to play a critical role in. We also launched our Strategic Vision earlier this year—an unwavering look at how engineers will shape the future of the world and how Duke Engineering can lead the way in specific areas of strength.

All of this and more can be found by staying in touch through our regular newsletters, social media posts and website updates. Please continue to join us as we pursue knowledge in service to society.

Jerome P. Lynch, PhD, F.EMI
Vinik Dean of Engineering
Fitzpatrick Family University Distinguished Professor of
Civil & Environmental Engineering and
Electrical & Computer Engineering

Anika Suman

When I (Anika, ECE + CS ’27) first stepped onto campus my freshman year, Pratt felt vast. Buzzing classrooms, ambitious conversations and faces I had yet to learn. In the midst of that excitement, I found myself wondering where I would belong. Even then, I knew I didn’t want these four years to simply pass by; I wanted to help build something meaningful, something that would endure long after I walk across the stage at graduation.

Anavi Kaul

For me (Anavi, BME ’27), ESG was more than a pathway into Pratt—it was where I began developing as a leader. As I navigated the process of transferring into engineering after my first year, monthly dean’s meetings, hot dog contests and late night laughs transformed an intimidating transition into a genuine sense of belonging. Through those experiences, I came to understand leadership as service: creating access, building community, and helping others find their place within Pratt.

At its core, ESG serves Pratt students, and this past year, we’ve worked to do just that. Our events cabinet brings the community together through traditions like E-Oktoberfest, E-Picnic, E-Ball, and E-Socials, giving engineers across years and majors the chance to connect beyond academics.

That spirit extends beyond campus, bridging Pratt with the broader professional ecosystem in North Carolina and beyond. We’ve welcomed local and national companies to engage with students and piloted site visits to Duke’s start-up incubator, the BRiDGE, where students connect with founders and industry leaders.

Over the last few years, we have been proud to welcome thriving local and national companies to network with and guide our engineers.

ESG also strives to represent the full spectrum of Pratt undergraduates, including those pursuing paths beyond traditional engineering. With support from the Engineering Alumni Council, Campus Outreach launched the Career Buckets Series, highlighting fields from biotech and pharmaceuticals to consulting.

Academic Affairs remained central to ESG’s advocacy, ensuring student voices are heard. Events like Prattsgiving and the Majors Fair welcomed new engineers, while major representatives hosted advising events. We also promoted resources like Duke’s 4+1 program, FE exam prep, and technical interview preparation.

Meanwhile, ESG strengthened outreach through a new website, weekly newsletters, and social media. Our treasury allocated over $40,000 to support student groups like Motorsports, FEMMES+, and DEID.

Serving in ESG over the past few years has shown us how deeply student voices matter. We’ve watched this organization grow not only in size, but in purpose and impact. Now, stepping into our term as Executive Co-Presidents for 2026, we do so with immense gratitude and excitement. We know we have big shoes to fill, and we continue to draw inspiration and mentorship from past ESG Presidents Kate Stutheit and Pranav Mukund (2025) and Eliana Durkee (2024). Their leadership helped shape ESG into the vibrant, action-driven community it is today.

As we look ahead to this year, our focus is simple: to further foster connections. Between students and faculty. Between underclassmen and upperclassmen. Between alumni and current students. Between majors and organizations that may not otherwise cross paths. Engineering is rigorous, it challenges us daily. But it’s also creative, collaborative, and deeply human. We want every student to feel supported not just academically, but personally and professionally. It’s truly an honor to serve the Pratt community in this role. Thank you for trusting us to represent you, advocate for you and celebrate alongside you. We’re excited for a year of growth, tradition and new ideas—and most importantly, for a year dedicated to making Pratt feel like home for every engineer.

Warmest regards,

Anavi Kaul and Anika Suman
ESG Executive Co-Presidents.

Reza Fathi

Serving as president of the Engineering Graduate Student Council (EGSC) this year has been both an honor and a responsibility I do not take lightly. We were fortunate enough to be building on the strong foundation established by Deniz Acil (president 2024–25), on which our board has worked to continue advancing EGSC’s mission and impact. Our mission has remained clear: to bring together graduate programs across Pratt, support students in their academic journeys, and foster a sense of belonging within our community. This year has been especially productive for EGSC, marked by consistent initiatives and successful events led by every member of our board.

At a time when academia faces evolving pressures, EGSC’s efforts to build connection and positivity across Pratt have been more important than ever. Throughout the year, we have hosted a range of Pratt-wide events that strengthened our community. Kashish Malhotra (vice president) played a key role in organizing multiple Pratt Chat events, assisting with recruitment of incoming students, and supporting various social initiatives. Nura Brimo (BME representative) organized the BEPSA & EGSC Social Mixer, bringing together BME and other Pratt students for a social hiking experience. Kumaresh Ravi Lakshmi Narayanan (community chair) is planning our 3rd Annual International Food Festival, where 10 student cooks prepared dishes from around the world for over 100 attendees. Trailokaya Raj Bajgain (CEE representative) is currently organizing an upcoming CEE & EGSC Social Mixer scheduled for early April. In addition, EGSC hosted seasonal gatherings such as the Spooky Pratt Chat and Winter Solstice Pratt Chat, featuring themed food, beverages, raffles, and a costume competition. I would also like to extend my sincere thanks to Alison Brandeis (senior program coordinator for PhD programs in GSPS), whose consistent support as EGSC advisor and dedication to enhancing the student experience at Pratt have been invaluable.

Beyond social events, our board has demonstrated strong commitment to professional development, sustainability, and expanding EGSC’s reach. Ankesh Singh (MEng representative) and Walter Pariona Sanchez (MEM representative) organized a free professional headshot event for the Pratt community. Aniketh Shenoy Kota (communications chair) significantly enhanced EGSC’s digital presence by redesigning our website and strengthening our social media outreach, all while serving as president of the Duke Indian Students Association. Lingyu Zhang (ECE representative) is developing an AI-focused competition for the Pratt community, highlighting both the practical and creative applications of AI for graduate students. Astha Sul (M.S. representative) and Ankesh Singh are organizing the upcoming Envisioning the Invisible competition, which invites students to showcase visually compelling images from their research. Han Zhang (MEMS representative) has been a strong advocate for student feedback and sustainability, contributing to fair funding allocation, coordinating event catering, and leading the Pratt Raccoons initiative (Resource Ambassadors for Coordinating Campus Operations and Organizing Nutritious Solutions), which addresses food waste across Duke. These initiatives would not be possible without continued administrative support. We are deeply grateful to Professor Joel Collier, Dean Jerry Lynch, and Alison Brandeis for their advocacy, encouragement, and ongoing commitment to EGSC’s mission and growth.

Over the years, EGSC has become one of the most meaningful parts of my PhD journey. I have learned so much with organizing different events and working with skillful people. Through weekly Pratt Chat discussions, where we talk about the challenges and joys of research and life, and through interdepartmental mixers, I have built lasting connections and gained insight into diverse fields. As an international student from Iran, facing uncertainty during these times, I believe EGSC has helped create a second home for many of us, one defined by friendship, belonging, and unforgettable memories.

Looking ahead, we are excited about what’s to come. Stay tuned for our upcoming AI competition, consider submitting your work to the Envisioning the Invisible photo competition, and join us at the Annual International Food Festival and EGSC x CEE Mixer this April. We look forward to continuing to serve you throughout the rest of 2026.

Reza Fathi
EGSC President

Andrew Schmidt

If you’re reading this letter, and thus the DukeEngineer magazine, you obviously feel a strong connection to Pratt and Duke. And I am willing to guess that you are incredibly impressed by the boundary-pushing innovation and experimentation that is being highlighted in this impressive publication. As the President of the Engineering Alumni Council (EAC), I am constantly reminded through in-person experiences of Pratt’s relentless ambition to innovate, educate and better society. Staying connected to the university as an alumni volunteer has been incredibly rewarding for me, and for all my fellow alumni who also volunteer in some capacity, I trust you feel the same. But regardless of whether you are a current student, faculty, staff, alumni or friend of Pratt, I trust you feel a connection to the school. This is the focus of the EAC—to foster connectivity across the Pratt community.

This has been an exciting and active year for the EAC as we pursue our mission of connectivity. At our September and January meetings, we hosted panel discussions with current undergraduate and graduate students in which we discussed a wide range of topics about how to navigate one’s career post-graduation. In November, our regional engagement committee partnered with Engineering Student Government to host a virtual panel on careers in the health care and biotechnology sectors that received rave reviews from students and will be repeated for a different industry in the spring. Our work with Pratt-affiliated student project groups—all 29 of them—continues as they look to build their plans for the 2026–27 school year. Our awards committee has selected three award winners who we will announce at the upcoming April banquet—we hope to see you there! And finally, our mentoring program continues to grow—we currently have almost 350 alumni mentors engaged with over 450 student mentees. As one of those mentors, I can personally vouch for the depth of fulfillment that comes from engaging with current Pratt students.

In these efforts to foster connectivity across the Pratt community, I’m most encouraged by the sharing of learnings that are transferred from one member of the community to the next. I’d like to share a personal reflection that helps bring this to life. When I enrolled at Duke to study engineering, my parents gave me a copy of To Engineer is Human by Duke’s own Henry Petroski. The book was published many years before, but it still served as a fascinating and informative read for me as a first-year engineering student. Fast-forward to earlier this year, over two decades later, and a conversation I was having with a Pratt mentee. The discussion wasn’t about which course to take, how to structure a resume or what company to apply to for an internship. Rather, the questions my mentee asked were all about how I had learned from the challenges and failures of my career along the way. I recalled Dr. Petroski’s book, and the central thesis—that failure is inherent to the design process because engineering is a fundamentally human endeavor. And I realized how this concept had become something I embraced in my life—that failure, and the resulting lessons learned, were foundations of growth and future successes. The conversation that ensued with the mentee was one of the most rewarding I have ever had and a reminder of why I enjoy remaining connected to Pratt two decades later.

To all my fellow alumni out there—please consider how you can give back to the current community of students and other alumni by sharing your learnings and experiences. There is always room for one more mentor, for one more alumnus on a panel discussion with students or for one more applicant to serve on the EAC. There are so many great things happening in the Pratt community—many of them highlighted on these pages. But I also know there are remarkable things happening in the lives of every Pratt community member—triumphs small and large that add to our community and our society broadly. I hope you have a chance to share what you’ve learned along the way, regardless of how your engineering journey has unfolded. Because here in the Pratt community, we are all engineers, we are all human and we all benefit from being connected to one another.

Andrew R. Schmidt E’06
President, Engineering Alumni Council

Nominate someone who would be a great addition to Duke’s School of Engineering Alumni Council (EAC)! Self-nominations are welcome.