Washington State University Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture recognized outstanding faculty and staff at its annual convocation ceremony and celebration on May 7.
Anjan Bose Outstanding Researcher Award: Su Ha
Su Ha is a leader in renewable energy research, known for his groundbreaking work on fuel cell systems and carbon-negative hydrogen production. His innovations have attracted major collaborations with Boeing and Nissan and has earned federal support to scale up his hydrogen technology. His research accomplishments include more than $5.5 million in funding, more than 110 peer-reviewed publications, and over 6,000 citations. He also serves as director of the Voiland School and as president of the Korean Institute of Chemical Engineers–US Chapter. He has mentored 16 Ph.D. students, 3 M.S. students, and dozens of undergraduate and postdoctoral researchers. His work consistently reflects technical excellence, professional integrity, and a strong commitment to training the next generation, according to his nominators.
Junior Faculty Research Award: Ganapati Bhat
Since joining WSU in 2020, Ganapati Bhat has built a trailblazing research program in computer systems design, with a transformative focus on energy-harvesting wearable technologies for mobile healthcare. His work addresses some of the most critical barriers to widespread adoption of wearables—limited energy capacity and real-world data reliability—by pioneering machine learning-based solutions that make recharge-free and disturbance-resilient operation possible. His research not only advances science and technology but directly contributes to solving pressing challenges in public health and aging.
In his four years at WSU, he has published nearly 50 high-impact papers—many in the most competitive venues of his field—and secured an NSF CAREER award. He leads a dynamic group whose innovations have earned multiple best paper awards and national recognition for student researchers. Beyond the lab, he is building interdisciplinary bridges across AI, healthcare, and advanced manufacturing, and his research is already influencing global standards in wearable systems, thermal management, and mobile computing. His leadership and intellectual breadth are helping shape the future of computer engineering at WSU and beyond.
Reid Miller Excellence in Teaching Award (tenure track): Venera Arnaoudova
Venera Arnaoudova stands out as a thoughtful, effective, and caring teacher in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Her classes combine real-world projects with strong academic content, helping students build practical skills and confidence. She adjusts her teaching style for undergraduate and graduate students, always focused on what helps them learn best. Her clear structure, helpful feedback, and hands-on approach make her courses both challenging and rewarding.
What sets Arnaoudova apart is her commitment to her students beyond the classroom, say her nominators. She supports their academic growth and personal well-being, especially for women and international students. Many of her former students credit her for helping them succeed in both research and industry.
Reid Miller Excellence in Teaching Award (career track): Ananth Jillepalli
Ananth Jillepalli is well-known for his outstanding work teaching key courses in computer science, cybersecurity, software engineering, and data analytics in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. Students appreciate how he blends hands-on projects with core theory, making complex topics like networks, cryptography, and databases both accessible and engaging. His teaching evaluations reflect this—he earned an impressive 4.70 average in 2024, even while teaching large, challenging courses.
Beyond the classroom, Jillepalli has played a leading role in shaping WSU’s new undergraduate cybersecurity degree. He helped design course content and structure from the ground up and revamped existing classes to meet modern standards and accreditation goals. He also leads the senior design project sequence, which involves organizing dozens of industry projects each year—a major effort that benefits students’ career readiness and connection to industry.
He’s known for being highly available to students, using tools like Teams and appointment apps to respond quickly and guide them individually. He mentors undergrads, judges hackathons, and contributes to program assessment and curriculum development.
Safety Award: Terry Olson
Terry Olson has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to maintaining a safe, efficient, and supportive environment in the SDC Fabrication Labs. Since stepping into the role, Olson has gone above and beyond in implementing rigorous safety protocols, personally training students, faculty, and staff, and ensuring that every tool and process in the lab is used responsibly. His leadership has contributed to an exceptional safety record, with no reported injuries beyond minor scrapes. As an active member of the SDC Safety Committee, he’s led improvements throughout the school, such as enhancing first aid access in studios and classrooms. He communicates safety expectations clearly and respectfully, even in challenging situations, and consistently balances accountability with encouragement.
Spirit Award: Maria Greaney Curry
Maria Greaney Curry is the heart of undergraduate advising in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering, her nominators say. As academic coordinator, she supports nearly 200 students with expert guidance, a positive spirit, and a deep dedication to their academic and personal success. Whether navigating complex curriculum changes or helping a student find their footing, she handles every challenge with grace, warmth, and unwavering commitment. Her impact on student success, retention, and morale is profound and deeply appreciated. Beyond advising, she plays a vital role across the school—shaping curriculum, managing assessments, and supporting day-to-day logistics that keep everything running smoothly. She’s the person faculty and students alike rely on to get things done—and to do them with care.
Rookie of the Year Award (faculty): Huiyun Wu
Huiyun Wu, assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has revitalized a research lab, introduced cutting-edge molecular techniques, and sparked new collaborations across academic units. Her proactive approach, strong research leadership, and commitment to interdisciplinary work have already elevated the department’s impact. Beyond her scholarly contributions, she brings a spirit of teamwork, professionalism, and steady support to colleagues and students alike. Her drive, curiosity, and collaborative mindset sets her apart, her nominators say.
Rookie of the Year Award (staff): Kaye Paranada
Whether coordinating high-profile college events, streamlining operations in the Dean’s Office, or volunteering her time on committees, Kaye Paranada brings a thoughtful, professional approach to everything she does. Her adaptability, attention to detail, and willingness to step in where needed have made a significant impact in a short time. Colleagues consistently highlight her strong communication skills, sound judgment, and positive attitude. She brings energy, warmth, and reliability to every interaction—whether planning an award ceremony, assisting with a search committee, or simply greeting visitors with a smile.
Staff Excellence Awards: Dylan Freeman and Jason Minor
Though he works behind the scenes, Dylan Freeman’s impact on the School of Design and Construction is front and center every day. From overhauling the school’s website to expanding its social media presence, he approaches each task with professionalism, creativity, and a collaborative spirit. He navigates competing design preferences, WSU brand standards, and evolving communication needs with both technical skill and interpersonal grace. Whether he’s streamlining content, anticipating challenges, or mentoring a student intern, Freeman consistently delivers high-quality work that reflects and elevates the SDC’s mission.
Jason Minor is a standout contributor to the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, and is known for his exceptional precision, efficiency, and collaborative spirit. Whether managing complex tasks, streamlining purchasing and travel processes, or stepping into new responsibilities like grant budgeting and proposal support, he approaches every challenge with a solution-oriented mindset and a drive to improve. His clear communication, eagerness to learn, and willingness to step in wherever needed have earned him the trust of faculty, staff, and students alike.
Employee of the Year Award: Lisa Hill
Lisa Hill exemplifies the highest standards of service, innovation, and commitment within the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture. Since joining the Voiland College in 2022, she has had an extraordinary impact—first as the college’s sole recruiter, where her creative and personalized approach helped the college achieve the largest undergraduate enrollment increase across WSU, and now as director of tutoring and retention, where she continues to drive student success through targeted engagement, improved tutoring strategies, and cross-functional collaboration. She consistently identifies new opportunities to support students and colleagues, while maintaining a professional, ethical, and deeply collaborative spirit.
