College of Engineering Celebrates Merit at 2026 Dean’s Awards Dinner

Grand Challenges Scholars

The National Academy of Engineering Grand Challenges Scholars Program (GCSP) is an engineering education supplement that broadens the reach of undergraduate study by preparing students to think in international terms; developing the perspectives and skills needed to find solutions to real and urgent problems; and offering a clear view to future jobs that matter and the opportunities in engineering. At Villanova University, the GCSP focuses on five challenges that build upon the College’s research expertise: making solar energy economical; providing access to clean water; engineering better medicines; securing cyberspace; and restoring and improving urban infrastructure. The recipients of the 2026 Grand Challenges Scholars award were Hannah Kalamarides ’26 CE and Maria Saltysiak ’26 CE.

Engineering Midshipman Award
This recognition is awarded to a Midshipman 1st Class enrolled in the College of Engineering. The awardee is recognized for exemplary achievement in three specific areas: outstanding academic achievement as indicated by a GPA of 3.5 or higher; leadership as demonstrated by participation in leadership and/or management positions in Villanova’s NROTC unit; and service to the College of Engineering. The recipient of the 2026 Engineering Midshipman Award was Daniel Debartolomeo ’26 ME.

Engineering Entrepreneurship Student Achievement Award
The Engineering Entrepreneurship Student Achievement Award is presented to a graduating Engineering student with a minor in Engineering Entrepreneurship who has achieved distinction through demonstration of exceptional entrepreneurial pursuit both inside and outside the classroom. The recipient of the 2026 Engineering Entrepreneurship Student Achievement Award was Ayden Lagalante ’26 ME.

Humanitarian Engineering Student Award
This award is presented to a graduating Engineering student who exemplifies a commitment to serving communities in need through applied engineering, technical support on sustainable development and ethical engagement in a global context. The recipient of the 2026 Humanitarian Engineering Student Award was Alejandra Risco Bravo ’26 MSSE

Academic Achievement

The Dean’s Award for Academic Achievement was established to recognize outstanding academic performance by a graduating senior. The Dean presents this award to students in the top 10% of their major at the end of the fall term. The recipients for 2026 were:

Meritorious Service
The Dean’s Award for Meritorious Service was established to recognize exceptional service to the College of Engineering as reflected in sustained extracurricular or service activities. Selected students demonstrated noteworthy leadership in one or more activities. This year’s recipients were:

Department Medallions
The criteria used in determining the winners of the department medallions include academic achievement as indicated by the cumulative and technical grade point averages, as well as the quality and consistency of the co-curricular contributions that the student has made to the College and the department. This year’s recipients were:

Robert E. White Chemical Engineering Award: Trevor Coates ’26 ChE
Civil and Environmental Engineering Outstanding Student Award: Hannah Kalamarides ’26 CE
Computer Engineering Outstanding Student Award: Gary Szczotka ’26 CpE
Electrical Engineering Outstanding Student Award: Dmitrii Kapranov ’26 EE
Mechanical Engineering Outstanding Student Award: Mitchell Matella ’26 ME

Departmental Master of Science Student Awards
These department-level awards are presented in recognition of outstanding graduate research, leadership and service to the College. The honorees for 2026 were:

Connor Curtin ’26 MSBChE

Abigail Hammar ’26 MSSE

James Magee IV ’26 MSWREE

Daniel Whitman ’26 MSME

Tom Xaviour ’26 MSCpE

College of Engineering Outstanding Master of Science Student Award
The College of Engineering Outstanding Master of Science Student Award is presented to a graduating master’s degree student who has achieved distinction through outstanding graduate academics and research, and through exemplary leadership and service to Villanova and the College of Engineering. The 2026 recipient was David Bates ’25 ME, ’26 MSME, whose master’s thesis is titled “Transient Cerebrospinal Fluid Flow and Pressurization in Concussion: A Biomimetic Approach.” He was advised by Qianhong Wu, PhD, professor and chair of Mechanical Engineering.

The Barry C. Johnson Award
Presented to a graduating PhD student who has achieved distinction through outstanding scholarship in the doctoral program and through exemplary leadership and service to Villanova University and the College of Engineering. The 2026 recipient was Pamela Samonte ’25 PhD. Her dissertation is titled “Development and Characterization of Drug-Loaded Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-Based Microspheres in Intra-Articular Cartilage for Osteoarthritis Treatment,” and she was advised by Noelle Comolli, PhD, associate dean for faculty affairs and professor of Chemical Engineering.

Robert D. Lynch Award
The Robert D. Lynch Award was instituted in 2003 in honor of the Dean of the College of Engineering from 1975 to 2000. Sponsored by the Villanova University Engineering Alumni Society, this prestigious award acknowledges a graduating senior for their outstanding academic achievements and exemplary dedication to serving the community, thus representing the highest values of Villanova University and the College of Engineering. The Robert D. Lynch Award recipient for the Class of 2026 was Kathryn Hamel ’26 ChE.