The University of South Carolina will host the annual Awards Day ceremony to honor student excellence on Thursday, April 17 on the USC Horseshoe. Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing students from each of the 10 undergraduate programs will be recognized for their achievements.
Outstanding Senior Awards
The Outstanding Senior Awards are given by the college to graduating seniors from each degree program. Recipients are faculty recommended and selected based on demonstrated academic excellence, undergraduate research participation, and active involvement in the college and university community.
Olin Faehrmann
Hometown: Ridgeville, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering with a focus in energy systems at USC.
“Although I only spent three years in college, the experiences made it feel like a decade. My first year, I experienced what all college freshman experience: anxiety. Since I’m not the most social person, I will never forget the humbling experience of trying to make new friends. Similarly, my first few months of working in a lab were just as humbling. But I also experienced some triumphs. After my first semester of working in a lab, I presented my results at a battery safety conference where I won the best poster award.
Although the triumphant experiences are memorable, I believe the humbling experiences are worth more. They allowed me to learn and grow into a better person while the triumphant experiences rewarded me for this growth.”
Jacob Kravitz
Hometown: Derwood, Maryland
Post-Graduation Plans: Product Definition Engineer - GE Vernova
"It is truly an honor to be recognized as an outstanding senior. This award is a product of all the amazing professors I’ve had and the lifelong friends I’ve made in the biomedical engineering department over the last four years. With their support, I’ve been able to constantly challenge myself and use what I’ve learned across multiple engineering disciplines to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
The vast opportunities and extracurricular activities at USC have shaped my passion for research and development and equipped me with the technical and interpersonal skills needed for a successful career in industry."
Chemical Engineering
Frank Dickenson
Hometown: New Market, Maryland
Post-Graduation Plans: Material Physics and Process Engineer - Boeing
"It is an honor to receive this award and be recognized by my professors for four years of dedication and hard work. However, my growth as an individual, student, and aspiring professional would not have been possible without the support of my mentors and peers, both at USC and through my co-ops and internships across the nation.
Throughout my time at USC, I have come to understand the power of collaboration. No single person has all the answers, but together we can achieve remarkable feats. As I prepare to graduate, I am excited to continue learning and growing while representing USC and the Department of Chemical Engineering with gratitude and pride."
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Valerie Sims
Hometown: Kershaw, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in geotechnical engineering at USC.
“I felt so alone on campus at first. I would go home every weekend and didn’t want to come back on Sunday nights. Stepping out of my comfort zone was a big challenge for me. But now I have many friends I’ve made through the school. My favorite part of my time here has been the relationships I’ve formed."
Suprawee Pongpeeradech
Hometown: Bangkok, Thailand
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in computer engineering
“Receiving this award is a tremendous honor and a reminder of how far I’ve come since starting my journey in the field of computer engineering. It represents not only the late nights and hard work, but also the support and encouragement I received from the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing community.
This recognition motivates me to continue growing both academically and professionally as I pursue my master’s degree. I’m incredibly grateful to the professors, peers, and mentors who helped shape my undergraduate experience and inspired me to keep pushing forward.”
Ryan Malone
Hometown: Clayton, Delaware
Post-Graduation Plans: Developer Academy Associate – Capital One
“Instructor Portia Plante was the person who had the biggest impact on my time at USC. She ignited my passion for software engineering and made me want to pursue it as a full-time career after graduation. I took both software engineering and web applications courses with her, and for the past year, I have been her teaching assistant for web applications. Her enthusiasm for the field, the way she challenges students to think critically, and her support beyond the classroom have all played a huge role in shaping my career path. She has been an incredible mentor, and I am grateful for everything I have learned from her.”
Computer Science & Engineering
Matthew Hughes
Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia
Post-Graduation Plans: Software Engineer - Boeing
“I am truly honored to receive the Outstanding Senior Award for 2025. To me, this award represents the culmination of all my hard work and dedication, which is inspired by my mindset of redefining what is possible through technological innovation.
Furthermore, I would never have received this reward without my MCEC peers, professors and research mentors who have helped me grow along the way. I am so thankful for this award and excited to see where the MCEC goes in the future.”
Jacob Vaught
Hometown: Aiken, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Nuclear engineer – Norfolk Naval Shipyard
"Misty O’Donnell (Mechanical Engineering) and Meredith Higgs (Electrical Engineering) are the reason so many of us made it through. As a student organization leader, I constantly leaned on them — whether it was last-minute event issues, budget hurdles, or just needing someone who genuinely cared. They stayed late, followed up after hours, and treated us like people, not paperwork. Any success I’ve had is built on the quiet, tireless work they do every single day.”
Integrated Information Technology
Dillon Barnhardt
Hometown: Irmo, South Carolina
“Winning this award is a significant honor for me. The past four years have been challenging and transformative, fostering considerable growth in both my professional skills and personal development. Being recognized for my efforts is a gratifying affirmation of the hard work I’ve invested throughout my academic journey.
The University of South Carolina has equipped me with the essential technical expertise to excel in my field. Through rigorous coursework and practical experience, particularly in the Security Operations Center, I have gained invaluable knowledge in cybersecurity that will allow me to make meaningful contributions in the professional world.”
Tanner Harmon
Hometown: North Augusta, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from USC.
“Receiving this award is truly meaningful to me, as it recognizes the dedication and effort I have invested in my education over the past three years. Balancing research, participation in the Carolina Band, and my academic responsibilities have been challenging, but also highly rewarding.
I will always value my experience working as a researcher under Dr. Xinyu Huang. Joining his research team in my second semester provided me with the opportunities to apply the concepts I have learned to real-world applications. While I recognize there is still much for me to learn, I am deeply grateful for the experiences I have gained and the individuals I have had the privilege of working with during my time here.”
South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers Outstanding Senior Awards
The South Carolina Society of Professional Engineers (SCSPE) Outstanding Senior Awards are given to graduating seniors in seven MCEC degree programs. Recipients are faculty recommended and selected based on demonstrated academic excellence and contributions to the engineering profession.
Aerospace Engineering
Matthew Burnett
Hometown: Lexington, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering at USC.
“I am incredibly honored to have received this award. It represents the culmination of years of hard work that I have put into my various pursuits at the college and will serve as a great reminder of my time here at USC.
The college has effectively prepared me for various challenges that I will encounter in my professional career through a series of enriching yet demanding courses. Additionally, the college has equipped me with essential soft skills, such as teamwork and time management, through my extracurricular activities. These soft skills will be equally, if not more, significant in my daily responsibilities as an engineer.”
Biomedical Engineering
Monique Kanitz Ruschel
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Attending medical school
“This award has served as a testament to my journey at the University of South Carolina. As someone who has always tried their best in all fields they are involved in, this award has served as a reminder that my efforts have not gone unseen. I am so pleased to have been working with my amazing colleagues at the biomedical engineering program, and happy to represent our major in this achievement.”
Chemical Engineering
Sean Budke
Hometown: Commack, New York
Post-Graduation Plans: Associate Consultant – Siemens Industry Software, Inc.
“As a recipient of this award, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for everyone who has helped contribute to my growth. This award signifies that my work ethic has been recognized which has presented me with a rewarding feeling.
However, this award is more than a recognition of my success, but also to those who have supported me along the way. My professors provided me with constant support and guidance in my education and professional experiences, my classmates indulged me in a hard-working environment, and my family helped shape my character. This award will serve as a constant reminder of what I have learned here so I can apply it to make a meaningful impact wherever I go.”
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Nicholas Cunningham
Hometown: Bluffton, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a Ph.D. in civil engineering with a concentration in structural engineering,
while also working with Carolina Transportation Engineers & Associates, PC.
"The experiences I will take with me from my four years are both professional and personal. One of the most impactful experiences has been my role as a college ambassador, where I learned that excelling at any task starts with a willingness to learn the necessary skills and a commitment to seeing it through. Through this position, I discovered many hidden abilities, such as crowd management, greeting visitors, and other roles that taught me valuable service and leadership skills.
Additionally, my coursework has been instrumental in sparking my passion for deepening my own knowledge and helping others learn. The most important lesson I’ve gained is the importance of constantly challenging myself and never closing myself off from new opportunities."
Computer Engineering
Alexander Anderson-McLeod
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a Ph.D. in computer engineering at USC.
“During my junior and senior years, I have become acquainted with Computer Engineering Professor Dr. Jason Bakos, who has played a major role in my college experience. We first met when I needed some help on a personal project, and he recognized my interest in the field. We soon started working together to redesign a class he teaches that all computer engineers are required to take, and I have had a great experience developing new projects for the curriculum.
I am also doing my Capstone project with him, and he has given my group freedom with choosing a project topic and determining how to implement our idea, which has made for an excellent learning experience. I am grateful to Dr. Bakos for the opportunities that he has given me, and I look forward to continuing to work with him.”
Electrical Engineering
Parker Huggins
Hometown: Greenville, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical engineering.
"Dr. Alphan Sahin, my three-time professor and now advisor, has been integral to my success in recent years. Dr. Sahin's mentorship has helped me mature tremendously as an academic, and his commitment to my success is truly inspiring. He has certainly left a positive and lasting impact on my career - one I hope to pass on to others in the future."
Mechanical Engineering
Tyler Russo
Hometown: Somerset, New Jersey
Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership
Nominated by faculty or staff, the Dean's Award for Outstanding Leadership recognizes graduating seniors for significant contributions to the MCEC. Each award recipient has provided outstanding leadership to an MCEC student organization and positively impacted the college's brand through service to the college.
Biomedical Engineering
Ava Wickberg
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia
Post-Graduation Plans: Business Consultant - McKinsey & Company
“The college has poured so much into my personal and professional growth. I am beyond grateful to be an award recipient and look forward to continuing to give back long after I graduate. Aside from an incredible education, I have been nurtured by faculty who place an emphasis on technical and soft skills. The college places a huge emphasis on collaboration, creativity, and communication, which are invaluable skills as I pursue a client-facing career in consulting.
I am leaving USC with lifelong friendships and a lasting legacy. As a college ambassador, I tell students on tours that their study hours may look different than other majors - but they will never be studying alone. This community and culture are unmatched at any other university.
Lastly, a shout-out to my best friends who have stood by my side since Biomedical Engineering 101 - Leighton Buckner, Ella Froedge and Liz Hinkley. From our freshman year study groups to now graduating together, it has been a privilege getting to know you and call you lifelong friends.”
Chemical Engineering
Nidhi Upasani
Hometown: Lexington, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Materials, Process and Physics Engineer - Boeing
“When I entered college, I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of options I had as a future engineering graduate. The Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing helped me find my path through participation in undergraduate research, involvement in student organizations and service as an ambassador for the college.
The resources offered by my professors and the career center helped me find success in securing my internships and full-time role. Now, as a graduating senior, I am excited to carry the skills that I have gained through my experience in the MCEC to my future career.”
Civil & Environmental Engineering
Valerie Sims
Nicholas Cunningham
Computer Engineering
Ke’Shunna Morton
Hometown: Abbeville, South Carolina
“The college played a major role in my academic and professional development. As an MCEC ambassador, I gave campus tours, spoke at recruitment events, and shared my experiences with prospective students, which helped me strengthen my communication and public speaking skills. The college provided valuable resources like the Career Center and regular networking opportunities with industry professionals in the Swearingen lobby. When I faced challenges in my coursework, the tutoring center offered the support I needed to stay on track.
MCEC's hands-on, student-focused approach encouraged me to get involved both on and
off campus. This led me to study abroad through the TRIO OSP program, where I traveled to Ghana and later Paris, France. These experiences expanded my
cultural awareness and helped me grow personally and professionally.”
Computer Science & Engineering
Gavin Hewitt
Hometown: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Associate Software Engineer - Capital One
"I am incredibly grateful to be receiving the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Leadership. I’ve devoted a lot of my life to leadership, whether at work, in organizations, or extracurricular activities, and it’s a rewarding feeling knowing that devotion has not gone unseen. I am eternally thankful to the wonderful peers, staff, and faculty that I have been fortunate enough to meet, engage with, and learn from throughout my four years at Carolina."
Electrical Engineering
Watts Liddle
Hometown: Easley, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Will graduate in December 2025.
“The many hours spent inside the Wired Cafe sitting and talking with friends will always be something I look back on as it will be one of the biggest things I will miss about being in college.”
Integrated Information Technology
Andy Smith
Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in IIT at USC.
“Leading teams in collegiate cybersecurity competitions has provided me with many lessons, not just in security, but in life. I have learned that collaboration and trusting others is a difficult but powerful tool to cultivate. My teammates and fellow students have sharpened me and made my time at USC incredibly fun.”
Mechanical Engineering
Cecilia Fraticelli
Hometown: Salem, Virginia
Post-Graduation Plans: Supply Chain Analyst – Wells Fargo
“I’ll never forget my experiences with the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) and my work at the Student Success Center (SSC). I was a member of SWE from my freshman through senior year, serving as treasurer for one year and VP for two years. A highlight of my experience was our trip to the national SWE Conference in Los Angeles during my junior year.
At the SSC, I’ve tutored over 200 students since I started working there as a sophomore. I’ve helped students in classes ranging from fundamental college math to differential equations to statics and thermodynamics, and I’ve also guided other tutors as a peer mentor tutor since my junior year. The SSC is a fantastic place to refine your communication, content knowledge and leadership as a tutor.”
Mechanical Engineering
Trent Miller
Hometown: Clover, South Carolina
Post-Graduation Plans: Pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from USC.
“Throughout my four years, I gained leadership and technical skills that have significantly prepared me for my professional career. Getting involved through roles like tutoring, being a tour guide, and taking on other leadership responsibilities helped me develop important leadership skills, while guiding others academically.
On the technical side, professors like Dr. [David] Rocheleau went above and beyond to nurture my abilities, offering invaluable guidance that has shaped my technical knowledge and work ethic. The collaborative environment and hands-on problem-solving experiences further fueled my passion for engineering.
Reflecting on the past four years, I am grateful for the growth I've experienced and the lessons I've learned, all of which have equipped me with the skills and confidence to succeed in my future career.”