News Bulleting
Dr. An Ho Receives Outstanding Professional Award from U.S. Department of Energy
August 27, 2026
Congratulations to WSU Energy Engineering Professor Dr. An Ho on receiving the Outstanding Professional Award from the U.S. Department of Energy at the annual ITAC Directors’ Meeting!
As Director and Principal Investigator of the Weber ITAC Center at Weber State University, Dr. Ho leads efforts in industrial energy assessments, workforce development, student training, outreach, and partnerships with industry, government, utilities, and community organizations.
Since securing $550,000 in federal funding to establish Weber ITAC, Dr. Ho and his team have grown the center into a program that supports regional industry while providing students with valuable, hands-on experience addressing real-world energy efficiency and sustainability challenges.
This recognition highlights the impact Weber State University and Weber ITAC are making across the region and the important role of experiential learning in preparing the next generation of professionals.
Weber State student accelerates career through automotive technology degree
August 19, 2026
OGDEN, Utah — Isabel Tuman, a third-generation automotive technician from California, grew up attending professional drag races — experiencing her first at just 6 weeks old — and fixing cars with her dad.
“I was 3 years old, working in the garage, holding up sheet metal as my dad drilled it,” Tuman said.
Though she initially pursued careers in fitness, beauty, and marketing, her passion for motorsports led her to seek a degree in automotive technology.
Preparing Utah’s Nuclear Energy Workforce
August 17, 2026
Weber State University faculty Dr. An Ho and Ian Wilkinson recently joined an expert panel at the Weber County Nuclear Energy Symposium, part of Utah’s Operation Gigawatt Initiative.
The event brought together community, industry and education leaders to discuss the future of nuclear energy and how Utah can prepare its workforce for emerging opportunities.
Read more in the Standard-Examiner
Agenda of the Event
Dr. Brian Rague Represents Weber State At Aerospace Event
International Summer School Brought Engineering and Culture Together Across Continents
May 6, 2026
A summer school partnership between FH Aachen University of Applied Sciences and Weber State University brought students from Germany and the United States together for hands-on learning in engineering, technical sales, and culture. The program combined lectures, company visits, and travel experiences to help students build global professional and cultural connections.
Career Champions
April 6, 2026
Congratulations to our 2025-2026 Career Champions, nominated by our Weber State students:
- Justin Knighton - MFET Professor
- Aimee Golden - Academic Advisor
Women4STEM Success: Students Master Robotics for Tic-Tac-Toe Demo
March 16. 2026
At the Women4STEM conference, a dedicated group of students including Devon Sanborn, Julieta Marchitelli, Autumn Wildey, Steven Dipani, Brianna Barkey, Sarah Silvest, and Ciara Stettler captivated attendees with an interactive FANUC robot programmed to play tic-tac-toe. This impressive demonstration resulted from weeks of voluntary training under the mentorship of Scott Hill, with essential logistical support from Vanessa Orton.
WSU to Honor Blake Nielson at 56th Annual H. Aldous Dixon Awards
March 10. 2026
The 56th Annual H. Aldous Dixon Awards will be held at the Hurst Center for Lifelong Learning to honor outstanding faculty and staff from Weber State University. This year’s ceremony recognizes Blake Nielson from the Department of Professional Sales for his professional distinction and dedication to students. The event continues a prestigious tradition established by the WSU Alumni Association in 1970 to honor the memory of President Dixon.
Inaugural Miller Endowed Chair
February 3, 2026
The College of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology (EAST) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Dustin Birch as the inaugural Miller Endowed Chair.
The Miller Endowed Chair recognizes a faculty member with expertise in research and innovation in advanced materials and related academic disciplines. Dr. Birch, Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology within EAST, was nominated by Dr. Brian Rague, Dean of the College, in recognition of his contributions to the Miller Advanced Research and Solutions Center (MARS) and his academic accomplishments.
Dr. Birch brings extensive industrial experience in aerospace and engineering leadership, including senior roles at Williams International supporting the design and testing of gas turbine engines for military and commercial aircraft. He also served as Director of Engineering at ClearStream Environmental, leading the design and global deployment of complex process equipment.
He is actively engaged in applied research and student mentorship, including a 2024 co-presented project on a hybrid rocket system at the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics Forum in Alexandria, Virginia.
The College is honored to recognize Dr. Birch with this appointment and gratefully acknowledges the support of the Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Foundation.