2026-27 PCE Graduate Fellowship Recipients
Adam Billings
John C. Jackson Fellowship
Adam is a first-year Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering. Adam earned his bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering, also at the University of Utah. Adam has been fascinated by computers, mathematics, logic, and engineering since childhood. He enjoys finding novel solutions to problems and wishes to apply unique solutions to improve digital logic design. When not in the lab, Adam can usually be found working on one of his many home computing projects. He has recently taken an interest in legacy computers and enjoys programming for retro hardware. Originally from Syracuse, UT, Adam enjoys spending time outdoors hiking and fishing. Adam will continue his education, pursuing a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering, performing research under the guidance of Dr. Ken Stevens.
Sarah Brownstein
Campbell Endowed Graduate Fellowship
My name is Sarah Brownstein, and I am a Biomedical Engineering PhD student in Dr. Andy Anderson’s lab. I got my BS from the College of William and Mary in Mathematics and Kinesiology while competing in D1 gymnastics. After many struggles with injuries, I became interested in exploring ways to improve treatment planning and surgical outcomes using computational modeling. At the University of Utah, I will be working towards this goal as I investigate the surgical outcomes of ankle arthrodesis and total ankle replacement.
Makani Buckley
Gary S. & Patricia Watkins Fellowship
Makani is excited to join the University of Utah’s Price College of Engineering to pursue a Ph.D. in Computer Science. He previously studied Computer Science at the University of Oregon and completed a thesis in parallel computing and graphics. Makani is interested in researching high-performance computing and its applications.
Landon DeRoche
Ernst R. and Marianne M. Friedrich Fellowship
Landon is beginning his Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah, where he also earned his B.S. in Biomedical Engineering. His undergraduate research focused on computational modeling of coronary arteries, with an emphasis on comparing healthy and diseased vascular systems. He has over two years of experience in cardiac electrophysiology and is interested in further developing his expertise in this area.
Landon will join Dr. Ravi Ranjan’s lab at the Nora Eccles Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, where his research will focus on the left atrium and associated arrhythmias. His work aims to advance the understanding of cardiac dysfunction and contribute to improved treatment strategies. Outside of his academic work, Landon enjoys mountain biking and snowboarding.
Lauren Hagerty
ARCS Foundation Fellowship
Lauren is an incoming Ph.D. student in Environmental Engineering. She graduated from Lehigh University with a B.S. in the Integrated degree in Engineering and Arts and Sciences with concentrations in Environmental Engineering, Ethics, and Environmental Science. Her undergraduate research focused on coal ash geochemistry and the presence of rare earth elements in ash byproducts using scanning electron microscopy. Combining her background in aSH and interest in contaminant treatment in drinking water, Lauren will be joining Dr. Dowdell’s lab, working on the microbial effects of wildfire ash in primary drinking water sources. Outside of academics, Lauren can be found backpacking, traveling, kayaking, or rock climbing.
Matthew Mastowski
John C. Jackson Fellowship
Matthew Mastowski is an incoming PhD student in Chemical Engineering who graduated from Lehigh University. During his undergraduate studies, he conducted research in the Blocher McTigue Lab, where he focused on solution blow spinning of complex coacervates into fiber-based materials for wound healing applications. His work contributed to advancements in biomaterials design, and he is a co-first author on a publication in the Journal of Polymer Science. Matthew presented his research at the 2025 AIChE Regional and National Conferences. Through these experiences, he developed strong skills in experimental design, materials processing, and data analysis. He is broadly interested in biomaterials and soft matter systems, with a focus on designing materials for biomedical applications. In his free time, Matthew loves backpacking, playing basketball and skiing.
Kyler Pak
ARCS Foundation Fellowship
Kyler Pak is completing his undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah, where he will continue this fall as a Ph.D. student under the advisement of Professor Heather A. Holmes. Kyler's research focuses on advancing air quality modeling to better understand and forecast complex environmental hazards. His recent work involves evaluating wildfire smoke transport using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model to address critical atmospheric challenges. Originally from Oregon, Kyler is deeply honored to be named a John and Marcia Price College of Engineering Fellow. This fellowship will play a vital role in supporting his graduate research and his ongoing commitment to developing computational tools that protect public health and the environment.
Camryn Sheen
Campbell Endowed Graduate Fellowship
Camryn Sheen is an incoming first year Ph.D. student in the Neuroergonomics and Occupational Biomechanics Lab led by Dr. Erika Pliner. Her research will focus on developing step training programs via analyzing the neurophysiology of motor control. Camryn is originally from Ogden, Utah, and completed her undergraduate degree summa cum laude in biomedical engineering at Arizona State University. During her time there, she focused on researching and implementing injury prevention routines for youth and young adult athletes. She watched her work have impact in real-time while playing collegiate rugby for ASU. When she's not pursuing various academic projects, she spends her time weight lifting, reading fantastical books, or enjoying the great outdoors.
Samuel Shillcutt
Ernst R. and Marianne M. Friedrich Fellowship
Samuel Shillcutt is an incoming Ph.D. student in Biomedical Engineering at the University of Utah, where he will focus on cardiovascular research. He earned his B.S. in Engineering with a minor in Mathematics from Baylor University in Spring 2026, graduating magna cum laude. His undergraduate research centered on cardiovascular devices and imaging, with hands-on experience in medical device and biosensor design, modeling, and simulation. Outside of academics, Samuel enjoys reading novels, fly fishing, and DIY construction projects.
Abby Stamper
ARCS Foundation Fellowship
Abby Stamper is pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering in the HGN Lab. She graduated from Boise State University in 2026 with her bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. Abby developed an interest in the field through hands-on experience working at a prosthetics and orthotics clinic, where she saw the impact of engineering on improving people’s lives. She joined the lab to continue building on that experience and to contribute to work that helps others. Outside of the lab, Abby enjoys running, hiking, and spending time playing with her dog.
Lance Truman Whitesides
Rafati Foundation Fellowship
Lance Truman Whitesides is a Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering at the University of Utah and a recipient of the prestigious John and Marcia Price College of Engineering Fellowship. Originally from Grand Junction, Colorado, Lance earned his undergraduate degree from Brigham Young University, where he developed a deep interest in thermodynamic modeling and powercycle design.
His research, conducted under the advisement of Dr. Kody Powell, focuses on the development and optimization of Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) and renewable energy. Specifically, Lance is developing advanced machine learning models to maximize the operational efficiency of geothermal surface power production. By integrating data science with thermodynamics, he aims to expand the impact of geothermal to those in energy poverty.
Outside of his research, Lance is a dedicated husband and father who enjoys the rugged landscape of the Mountain West. He is an avid outdoorsman, frequently spending his time exploring the fourteen-thousand-foot peaks of the Rocky Mountains.
Caelum van Ispelen
Shane and Robin Robison Fellowship
Caelum is an incoming PhD student in high-performance computing. Caelum graduated with a BS in computer science from the University of Utah, where he engaged in research focused on making compilers and runtime systems more architecturally aware. He has especially considered GPUs and the architectural balance of their compute and memory subsystems, work which he is looking forward to continuing during his PhD studies. He is also eager to connect research to industry, beginning with an internship at NVIDIA this summer. Outside of research, Caelum enjoys hiking and reading narrative nonfiction.