Each year, the University of Virginia’s School of Engineering and Applied Science recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional achievement in academics, research, leadership and service. The 2025 winners of the Outstanding Student Award reflect the variety of individuals who contribute to UVA Engineering’s robust intellectual community and represent the spirit of engineering for the greater good. Dean Jennifer L. West and James H. Aylor, dean emeritus and professor emeritus of electrical and computer engineering, bestowed the awards during the annual Fourth-Year Garden Party, organized by the Engineering Student Council.
Mina Gorani
Shaping Sustainable Solutions Through Service and Design
Mina Gorani, a civil engineering major with a data science minor, holds a 3.87 GPA and has applied her skills to global and local infrastructure challenges, including researching how to maximize hospital access when flooding occurs.
“During her tenure at the University of Virginia, Mina’s selection of leadership roles has significantly enriched not only the engineering community but also the broader academic institution and the surrounding community,” said Lindsay Ivey Burden, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering.
As president of the Society of Women Engineers, Gorani leads programming for more than 250 members. She also helped plan restoration projects for a 200-year-old World Heritage site through her role with the Jefferson Literary and Debating Society.
Gavin Miller
Rocketing to New Heights in Research and Responsibility
Gavin Miller, a double major in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering, has earned a 4.0 GPA. As lead engineer of UVA’s ATLAS hybrid rocket project, he mentored a 25-person team and presented his research at the 2025 AIAA Student Conference in Montreal. His technical contributions span elite labs including Rocket Lab USA.
“It is Gavin’s charisma, organizational skills and commitment to the engineering profession that make him a genuine leader,” said Richard “Doc” Jacques, a UVA Engineering lecturer and Science, Technology and Society capstone instructor.
Miller, an Eagle Scout, led UVA’s Big/Little Mentorship Program and taught underclassmen CAD and aerospace fundamentals, all while supporting safety and technical training in UVA’s design spaces.
Kimball Sheehan
Bridging Research, Mentorship and Outreach
Kimball Sheehan has earned a 3.997 GPA while co-authoring more than two dozen scientific publications and assisting clinical research projects. She helped create and teach a student-led biomedical engineering course and has held leadership roles in student organizations including Alpha Epsilon Delta and the Society of Women Engineers.
“Kimball is not only a strong analytical thinker but also a natural teacher and a caring and compassionate mentor,” said Shannon Barker, associate professor of biomedical engineering.
Sheehan's work spans from national conferences to mentoring first-year students, reflecting a deep commitment to both discovery and community.
Taka Suzuki
Advancing Materials Research Across Disciplines
Takamitsu “Taka” Suzuki has earned a 3.98 GPA while conducting research across three research groups focused on aerospace materials for extreme environments. His projects involve experimental coatings, laser diagnostics and computational modeling.
“Taka is not just an outstanding student but also a well-rounded person with a broad range of interests and talents,” said Leonid Zhigilei, professor of materials science and engineering.
In addition to his academic work, Suzuki has contributed to UVA’s rocketry and solar car teams and previously volunteered as a math and language teacher in rural Cambodia.
Justin Vinh
Merging Biomedical Research and Service
Majoring in biomedical engineering with a minor in data science, Justin Vinh has a 3.9 GPA. He has conducted award-winning research in focused ultrasound and cancer immunotherapy. He has also designed and taught a course on cancer biology for first-year students and leads a peer mentorship initiative for new and transfer students.
“Justin joined our lab as a first-year student, and nearly four years and numerous accolades later, he has distinguished himself as a researcher defined by unfettered curiosity, intellectual maturity, and a deep motivation to drive meaningful impact,” said Natasha Sheybani, assistant professor of biomedical engineering.
Vinh’s impact stretches beyond UVA through volunteer work at free clinics, student advising, and support for mental health and housing insecurity.