These awards recognize students who have made a significant contribution to DPE, the College of Engineering, and the others by demonstrating initiative and positively contributing to the college’s climate toward diversity.
Freshman of the Year
Priya Abiram ’26, (Unaffiliated)
Priya can often be found in the Learning Student Center helping and collaborating with peers to brainstorm ideas and work through problems together. She is a member of the Alpha CubeSat satellite research team and the Cornell Rocketry Project team. In addition to her involvement with academics, research, and project teams, she is an internationally awarded speaker and published researcher. Finally, she is a Cadet Lieutenant Colonel and pilot trainee in the Civil Air Patrol, Auxiliary of the US Air Force.
Undergraduate Student of the Year
Chukwuemeka Emmanuel Adebi ‘24, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Chukwuemeka is recognized by numerous peers as an extraordinarily committed, hard-working student dedicated to his academics, professional development, football team, and community. A peer shared, “He took time of out his busy schedule to sit down with me and explain the problems.” He is always willing work with his peers to support their academic success and personal wellbeing.
First-Year Graduate Student of the Year
Joshua Almonte, Chemical Engineering, MS Student
As first-year representative of the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Women’s Group, Joshua planned several events focused on community building, professional development, and recruitment. He’s also connected outside his department through DPE events. A nominator writes, “Josh is an individual who is great at making sure that the people around him are cheery and is always there to help clear up any concerns that arise in class.”
Graduate Student of the Year
Cátia Dombaxe, Biomedical Engineering, PhD Student
Cátia has been dedicated to serving the Cornell community in various capacities as a leader, advocate, and mentor to meet the needs of graduate students. As a graduate coordinator at OISE, she revamped Coffee Hour Connection Chats to provide a space for BGPSA members to connect with Black faculty and engage in critical discussions. She mentors new graduate students, providing advice on graduate life and research to help them succeed at Cornell and develop a sense of belonging.
Return to 2023 Annual Awards list