UT Dallas > Erik Jonsson School of Engineering & Computer Science > News > Stories > 2021 Summer > Recognizing A Team Effort: Commencement Ceremony Honors Graduates of 2020 and 2021

Recognizing A Team Effort: Commencement Ceremony Honors Graduates of 2020 and 2021

Sneha Thakur PhD’21 (right) graduated in spring 2021 with a PhD in electrical engineering and posed with her dissertation advisor, Dr. Poras T. Balsara (left).
Ibukun Monson PhD’21 (center left) in electrical engineering celebrated with his dissertation advisor, Dr. Kenneth O (left) and family. Monson has been a researcher for the past several years at the Texas Analog Center of Excellence, or TxACE. He plans to continue his work in industry.
Masoud Ghaffarinia PhD’20 (left) and Anahita Muhzari PhD’20 (right) were hooded simultaneously for their degrees in computer science. The couple who has been married for seven years initially connected when pursuing their bachelor’s degrees in Iran. Muhzari said, “We want to say thank you so much to our graduate advisors for everything.”
Jonsson School senior leaders including (left to right) Dr. John Hansen, Dr. Poras Balsara, Dr. Stephanie G. Adams and Dr. Amy Walker lined up prior to the second commencement ceremony on Aug. 10 2021.
Graduates shared wisdom through mortar board decorations: “There is always more to learn, even for a master.”
Jonsson School Dean Stephanie G. Adams addressed students at the school’s second commencement ceremony.
Graduate David M. Brooks encouraged graduates to persevere and rely on their problem solving skills during uncertain times.
Marlon Hodge MS’15, MS’21 completed his second master’s degree in electrical engineering at The University of Texas at Dallas and also holds a bachelor’s degree from Texas Tech University. As a licensed professional engineer in control systems, he wanted to attend commencement in person in order to set an example for his young children. “I did this for them,” Hodge said.
Nataly Almasri BS’21 and Michel-Andre Wuilleumier BS’21 both completed their bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering in May. They conducted and presented their senior design capstone projects virtually.
Ethan Fisher BS’21 completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering. He is continuing at The University of Texas at Dallas to pursue a master’s degree in computer engineering and has been working in Dr. Golden Kumar’s lab. “It’s a whole new ballgame,” Fisher said. “I’m really excited to get started.”
Wyatt Keller BS’20 and Kimberly Klein BS’21 enjoyed bubble tea following the ceremony. “I’ve been working full time, so there’s a disconnect,” Keller said. “Yes, it’s definitely weird,” Klein said. “But now we’re back here, this time under no pressure. It’s good to see people again.”
Austin Nguyen BS’21 celebrates with his family at an outdoor tent near the Davidson-Gundy Alumni Center. Nguyen competed his bachelor’s degree in computer engineering and is continuing to pursue a master’s degree at the Jonsson School.

Nearly a year and a half after the COVID-19 pandemic began in March 2020, graduates from the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science were welcomed back to campus for in-person commencement festivities on Aug. 9-10. Graduates from spring, summer and fall 2020, as well as spring 2021 attended the event, students had adapted to The University of Texas at Dallas remote operations following spring break, continuing with online courses and virtual campus events through the summer of 2021, so many returned to campus for the first time in several months.

On Monday Aug. 9, doctoral degree graduates across the University participated in the doctoral hooding ceremony. As speakers described the significance of the doctoral regalia with colors from UT Dallas which will be worn for subsequent ceremonies throughout their lives, they also reminded graduates of their loved ones’ support.

“You are representing UT Dallas with distinction,” said Dr. Juan Gonázlez, dean of graduate education. “You could not have succeeded without the encouragement and sacrifices in support of your success.”

On Tuesday, Aug. 10 2021, bachelor’s and master’s degree candidates from the Jonsson School participated in three in-person commencement ceremonies.

During the second ceremony, Dr. Stephanie G. Adams, dean of the Jonsson School, introduced graduate David M. Brooks BS’21 who delivered one of two commencement addresses for the Jonsson School; Kasra Nasiripour BS’20 delivered the other address.

“Engineers rarely build anything great without a team, and I know I’ve got one,” Brooks said. “They’ll have my back as we move forward. I don’t know what comes next, but that’s what makes it exciting … Keep in mind that no matter what the twists and turns, we’re smart, we’re engineers, we’re Comets. We can handle a challenge, including whatever comes next.”