Dear Maseeh College Community,

Winter Term is nearing its end, and as we approach final exams and spring break, I want to take a moment to celebrate the many reasons we are proud of Maseeh College and the incredible accomplishments of our community. This month, we partnered with the Portland State’s Center for Women’s Leadership to host an event spotlighting the journeys and achievements of some of our most distinguished alumni and faculty–Marching Forth: Celebrating Women in Tech. The event featured networking, a panel discussion, and a community mixer, providing opportunities for students to connect with these inspiring women leaders and learn about their work in tech-related fields.

In honor of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the significant achievements of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni who have made impactful contributions to engineering and computer science. Women are underrepresented in STEM fields, but their contributions are vital to innovation and progress. At Maseeh College, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where students from all backgrounds can thrive.

Research consistently shows that diverse teams are more innovative and productive. In fact, diversity within teams can have a greater impact on achievement than the individual abilities of team members. To that end, we are embedding diversity at the core of engineering and computer science education to address the challenges of our time and create solutions that benefit everyone.

An inspiring example of this legacy is PSU’s own Judith Ramaley, President Emeritus and Trustee, who is credited with coining the acronym STEM during her tenure at the National Science Foundation (NSF). Her work has shaped the way we approach science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education globally. You can read more about the history and importance of STEM here: STEM Education | Britannica.

Celebrating Accomplishments

In this issue, we have focused on featuring women–faculty, alumni, staff. I’m thrilled to share some of the remarkable stories from the Maseeh College community that exemplify our mission of innovation, inclusivity, and impact:

  • Professor Jun Jiao, a leader in materials science, has mentored generations of students and driven groundbreaking research through her role as founder of PSU’s Center for Electron Microscopy and Nanofabrication, securing over $15 million in funding.
  • Natalie Violetta Frank, a Ph.D. candidate, continues to break boundaries in microgravity research while advocating for diversity in STEM. Her experiments, conducted in PSU’s Dryden Drop Tower, will soon be replicated on the International Space Station.
  • Jin Zhang, Senior Director at Synopsys Inc. and PSU alumnus, has built a successful career in semiconductor innovation, earning international recognition and contributing to advancements in design automation and formal verification.
  • Led by Kristin Harrison, the Portland Metro STEM Partnership (PMSP) is reshaping STEM education from preschool to high school. Through culturally responsive early learning STEM kits and the groundbreaking Patterns curriculum, PMSP ensures that STEM is accessible and meaningful for students from all backgrounds. This collaborative initiative, supported by PSU’s Maseeh College, empowers educators and inspires the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators.
  • The launch of four new philanthropic funds, including the Indigenous Engineering Fund and the Maseeh College Student Success Fund to create opportunities for students from underrepresented backgrounds to thrive, would not have been possible without the hard work of our Development Director, Erin O’Roak.

These accomplishments reflect the heart of Maseeh College’s mission: empowering individuals to make a meaningful impact on the world around them.

Looking Ahead

As we continue our journey as a top-tier urban research institution, our focus remains on providing an education that is inclusive, affordable, and accessible. Together, we are building a community where all students feel welcome and are equipped to succeed. Thank you for your continued support in making Maseeh College a place where creativity and diversity thrive. I look forward to the exciting work ahead as we continue to grow and make a meaningful impact.

Warm regards,

Dr. Joseph Bull

H. Chik M. Erzurumlu Dean of the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science at Portland State University