UNC Charlotte MEES Department Student Awards

May 26, 2026
Categories: Departmental News
Osman Goni Ridwan with Dr. Konstantinos Falaggis

The Department is excited to recognize the winners of this year’s Student Awards. These awards recognize each of these individuals’ dedication and service to both MEES and UNC Charlotte as a whole.

Graduate Awards

Andrew McPartland with Dr. Konstantinos Falaggis
Towfiq Rahman

Distinguished Teaching Assistant – Andrew McPartland – Master’s Student

  • Mechatronics Curriculum Committee
  • Developing new guides and assignments

Distinguished Service to the Department – Towfiq Rahman – PhD Student

  • President of Bangladeshi Student Organization
  • Advocate for Graduate Students across campus

Distinguished Research Assistant – Osman Goni Ridwan – PhD Student

  • Best Poster Awards at conferences in 2024 and 2025
  • Co-author in multiple journals

Undergraduate Awards

Isabella Garay Alzamora with Dr. Konstantinos Falaggis
Isabella Chahin Villet with Dr. Konstantinos Falaggis

Distinguished Service to the Department – Isabella Garay Alzamora

  • Increasing attendance fivefold at BSME student chapter meetings
  • Bridges the gap between lab research and undergraduate community

Distinguished Grader – Isabella Chahin Villet

  • Dedication to Dr. Kamia Smith and her students in Statics I
  • Accurate grader and excellent communicator
Jia Holt with Dr. Konstantinos Falaggis
Ben Demosthene with Dr. Konstantinos Falaggis

Distinguished Undergraduate Researcher – Jia Holt

  • Research in DEAM Lab and multiple projects under a faculty advisor
  • Currently working on a project sponsored by Boeing

Outstanding Senior – Ben Demosthene

  • Captain of the Formula SAE IC team
  • Academic achievements and leadership qualities