Celebrating excellence: A&A's 2025 student award winners

Kazuki Mizuta

Doctoral Research Excellence

Kazuki is revolutionizing how robots navigate complex, dynamic environments—think safely crossing Red Square during class change or helping robots work alongside people in hospitals and warehouses. His innovative approach combines AI techniques with proven control theory methods, enabling robots to handle uncertainty while maintaining crucial safety guarantees. In less than six months of starting his PhD, Kazuki earned acceptance at a premier robotics conference and was selected as an Amazon Fellow.

Jichen Yao

Master's Research Excellence

Jichen's research bridges experimental techniques and computational modeling to unlock the secrets of high-performance polymers under stress. His work on nanofoam formation could lead to lighter, more heat-resistant materials for future aircraft and spacecraft, demonstrating exceptional research skills and promising applications for next-generation aerospace systems.

Dena Villasenor

Undergraduate Research Excellence

Dena is uncovering the mathematical secrets behind one of nature's most elegant movers: snakes. Her research reveals how snakes achieve such fluid motion despite having rigid bones and soft muscles, discovering that they must actively control each body segment's stiffness. This biomechanical insight could inspire more adaptable robots for search and rescue missions and planetary exploration, showing how nature continues to inform engineering innovation.

Thomas Key

Thomas transformed the Junior Lab experience for students through his dedication to deep understanding over quick fixes. Rather than simply providing answers, he stayed after lab sessions to help students grasp underlying concepts and develop independent problem-solving skills. His patient, encouraging approach while maintaining clear expectations helped students build the confidence and capabilities they needed for advanced coursework.

Kuang-Ying (Eddie) Ting

Graduate Service Excellence

Eddie stepped up to lead the ControlX seminar series during a challenging year, recognizing how valuable these gatherings are for students across departments. He took on everything from inviting speakers and coordinating logistics to setting up rooms and managing hybrid sessions. His dedication created an inclusive space for learning and collaboration, advancing our department's culture while providing essential professional development opportunities for fellow students.

Erika Wood

Undergraduate Service Excellence

Erika transformed an incredible opportunity into a platform for broader impact. When Blue Origin offered Husky Satellite Lab a rocket payload launch, Erika not only organized the entire project in record time but expanded it to include area schools, amplifying our outreach mission. As co-president of Husky Satellite Lab, she seamlessly manages technical challenges, business relationships, media interviews, and day-to-day operations. Her leadership demonstrates how one person's vision can elevate an entire community.