Student Awards- Spring 2024

Phoebe Cain excels in Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering, with a strong presence in academia, research, and leadership. She graduated with honors, driven by a commitment to excellence instilled by her diverse family background. With a GPA of 3.9 and a Certificate in Biomedical Engineering, Phoebe has made significant contributions to research, particularly in innovative scoliosis treatments. She has co-authored papers and presented at respected conferences as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. Outside of research, Phoebe holds leadership positions in Tau Beta Pi and the Student Advisory Board, advocating for peers and driving positive change in the academic community. Her dedication to making connections and creating impact showcases her potential as she prepares for a career in the power and sustainability sector, aiming to engineer solutions for a better world.

Yafa Benavidez’s career is distinguished by her academic prowess, innovative research, and dedication to leadership. Graduating with honors, she embodies a rare blend of technical expertise and a passion for education, evident through her pursuit of a Secondary Education Certificate alongside her engineering degree. Yafa’s contributions to the Robot Control Laboratory and her leadership in the Senior Design Capstone Project showcase her proficiency in designing and implementing cutting-edge robotic systems. Her international research experience at Technische Universität Darmstadt in Germany underscores her global perspective and collaborative spirit. Yafa’s commitment to excellence extends beyond academia into extracurricular activities such as leading the Mechanical Engineering Club and serving as a Section Leader in the Blue Thunder Marching Band. Throughout her college journey, Yafa’s leadership skills flourished, from her role as Vice President to President of the Mechanical Engineering Club, where she led the team to victory in the eHPVC competition twice, notably securing four 1st place awards in this year’s event. Her journey into numerous leadership positions underscores her versatility and resilience, shaping her into a well-rounded engineer ready to make a significant impact in the engineering world and beyond.

Emily Snyder is an exceptional Mechanical Engineering graduate, boasting a remarkable GPA of 3.97 and Summa Cum Laude honors. Her dedication to academic excellence is evident throughout her undergraduate journey. In her research pursuits, Emily collaborated with Sandia National Laboratories on a Senior Design Capstone project, leading the design and fabrication of a spring fatigue testing device. This project showcased her proficiency in project management and engineering principles. Emily’s involvement in Autonomous Robotic Systems and Pump Design further demonstrates her broad expertise and hands-on approach to engineering challenges. Her achievements include earning the Certified SolidWorks Associate (CSWA) certification and membership in Tau Beta Pi, the engineering honor society. Beyond academics, Emily serves as Vice President of Tau Beta Pi and participates in community service initiatives like Rake Up Boise. With her blend of technical skills, leadership, and commitment to service, Emily Snyder is poised to make a meaningful impact in Mechanical Engineering and beyond.

Katherine Fors’ journey from a first-generation student to a graduating senior reflects dedication, creativity, and community-mindedness. Recognizing the value of higher education passed down by her parents, Katherine embraced all aspects of college life, excelling academically and in extracurricular activities. Fueled by a passion for engineering and influenced by her love for art, music, and storytelling, Katherine seamlessly merges creativity with technical expertise. Her dedication to serving society through engineering is evident in her groundbreaking research, which includes investigating fiber analysis software tools and exploring meniscus tissue wear, contributing significantly to advancements in the biomedical field. Actively involved in the Engineering Innovation Community, Katherine fosters mentorship and community spirit among her peers, reflecting the support she received as a freshman resident. Beyond academics, her participation in the women’s lacrosse club showcases her diverse interests and commitment to sportsmanship. Katherine’s journey embodies resilience, innovation, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, serving as a source of inspiration for aspiring engineers and first-generation students alike.