Top students honored by College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences

Twelve of the top students in Clemson University’s largest college received awards on April 10 in recognition of leadership, academic achievement, service and character.

The College of Engineering, Computing and Applied Sciences celebrated the students in an annual Honors and Awards ceremony at the Madren Conference Center. See a series of videos featuring the honorees here.

“Tonight, we gather to recognize the extraordinary talent, dedication, and intellect that define our college,” said Thompson Mefford, associate dean for undergraduate studies. “The individuals we honor this evening are some of the brightest among us– the leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs of the future.”

Family, friends, professors and mentors cheered on the honorees as they collected their awards.

Anand Gramopadhye, the college’s dean, called on the honorees to ask themselves how they can not only solve the world’s most complex problems but also address basic challenges, such as providing electricity and clean water to parts of the globe that do not yet have it.

“The sustainable solutions we create will define the legacy we leave behind,” Gramopadhye said. “Meeting these challenges requires a new breed of innovative and service-minded scientists and engineers—individuals with both the technical expertise and the commitment to make a difference. I call upon tonight’s honorees to embrace this responsibility.”

Here is a look at this year’s honorees:

Robert W. Moorman Award – Abbie Underwood, Biomedical Engineering

Recognizes the most outstanding junior in engineering based on scholarship and character.


Blue Key Academic and Leadership Award – Jasmine Creswell, Civil Engineering

Presented to a student who has demonstrated excellence in scholarship and campus leadership.


Phi Kappa Phi Certificate of Merit – Kristen Guernsey, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Awarded to a graduating senior with a GPA of 3.4 or higher who has made significant contributions in leadership, creative endeavors, or service.


J. Wesley Davis Leadership Award – McKenzie Marie Bradley, Biomedical Engineering

Honors a senior engineering student for outstanding scholarship, leadership in a student organization, and strong potential for professional success.


Outstanding Senior in the School of Computing or Applied Sciences – Christian Ihekweazu, School of Computing

Recognizes a graduating senior in computing or applied sciences for academic excellence, leadership, and engagement.


Samuel B. Earle Award – Justin Furgala, Biomedical Engineering

Presented to the most outstanding senior in engineering based on scholarship and character.


Outstanding Graduate Researcher Award – Haotian Su, Automotive Engineering

Honors a graduate student for exceptional research contributions and scholarly excellence.


Outstanding Undergraduate Researcher Award – Suma Ravi, Mechanical Engineering

Recognizes an undergraduate student for outstanding performance and potential in research.


Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award – Morteza Soltani, Industrial Engineering

Given to a graduate student who demonstrates excellence in undergraduate teaching and mentorship.


Jacquelwyn Willis Anthony PEER Award – Jynaia Latrece Thomas, Mechanical Engineering

Recognizes distinguished service to the PEER (Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention) initiative.


The Robert W. Snelsire Service Prize – Daphne Gomez Escudero, Biomedical Engineering

Honors the memory of Dr. Bob Snelsire, a professor of electrical engineering who was a champion of student support and academic excellence in the college.

Outstanding Boyd Scholar Award – Rita Barrera, Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences

Presented to the most outstanding graduating senior from the Boyd Scholars program, based on academic achievement, leadership, and service.