
2025 Graduation
Engineering and Computer Science Students Shine at
UT Dallas Commencement Ceremony

Concluding the spring 2025 semester, the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas recognized graduates at the University’s Doctoral Hooding Ceremony on Friday, May 16, and at three commencement ceremonies held at the Activity Center the following Wednesday, May 21. Students also celebrated at the annual University Commencement Ceremony held in the evening of May 16.
Shaurabh Nandy BS’08, MS’09, PhD’18, founder and head of applied AI at Foxbat Research, was the doctoral hooding speaker. Nandy studied software engineering, focusing on artificial intelligence as an undergraduate at UT Dallas, then studied neuroscience at the School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences in graduate school. He then launched his company that focuses on machine learning and neuroscience.

“If the calculator made mental math optional, what happens when thinking itself becomes optional for society?” Nandy asked. “Or if intelligence becomes a commodity? The real shortage will be independent thinking.”
At the Jonsson School ceremonies, Dean Stephanie G. Adams spoke about the Year of Creativity, citing Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, a Hungarian-American psychologist who studied flow, or the state of being immersed in creativity.
“Optimal experience is something we make happen,” Adams said. “I wish you all the best in your future endeavors, and I hope that today is just the beginning of a life filled with thousands of opportunities to expand yourselves through creativity.”
Student speakers including Rishita Bansal MS’25 in computer science, Shivani Elitem BS’25 in computer science and Jeremy Warren PhD’25 in biomedical engineering reminded students of their unique purpose and place in society.
“To me, being in STEM means being at the forefront of technological and societal advancements,” Warren said. “I am extremely proud to be part of a group of people dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and facilitating advancements that drive humanity forward.”

Commencement Brights

Lamia Alam PhD’24 in electrical engineering
“I am currently exploring opportunities in research and academia, with a strong interest in computer vision, machine learning and generative AI. Being part of UT Dallas has shown me the importance of fostering inclusive and diverse STEM environments. As I came to the U.S. from Bangladesh to pursue advanced studies, I understand the challenges that international and underrepresented students often face. My journey has taught me the value of mentorship, community and accessible education in building a successful STEM career.”

Bennett Daniel MS’25 in mechanical engineering
“My most memorable experience was conducting my thesis research under Dr. Justin Ruths, which was a deep dive into autonomous vehicle software stacks and their advantages and current limitations. The research provided a comprehensive view of potential improvements and methods that make self-driving possible. Dr. Ruths was phenomenal to work with. As an international student, American culture felt overwhelming at first, but Dr. Ruths was so supportive that I felt completely at ease. I’m grateful for the experience UT Dallas provided me.”

Pritul Dave MS’25 in computer science
“Celebrating different festivals while being far from my home country was truly memorable. It gave me the opportunity to explore and appreciate a new and diverse culture while building lasting friendships. I plan to join industry and gain practical experience by applying the knowledge I acquired at UT Dallas. I currently have a few offers and am in the process of deciding which one to pursue.”

Le Minh Tri Pham BS’25 in software engineering
“I have many great memories of the Jonsson School’s Communications Team. I still benefit from the teamwork and clear communication skills I have learned. I genuinely appreciated the connections and friendships I made with the incredible individuals I had the opportunity to work with. Internships further fueled my interest in software development by giving me hands-on exposure to systems and agile workflows. Together, these events strengthened my confidence and helped shape my route to a career in software engineering.”

Karen Herrada BS’25 in mechanical engineering
“I have this stole in honor of a full scholarship I earned from the Terry Foundation for my bachelor’s degree. I made the paper flowers and decorations on my cap myself! The script in Spanish essentially reads, ‘Everything I am, I owe to my parents. In my heart, it’s always yours. I didn’t graduate — we graduated!”
Student Commencement Speakers

Jeremy Warren BS’19
PhD, Biomedical Engineering,
Erik Jonsson School of Engineering
and Computer Science

Rishita Bansal
MS, Computer Science,
Erik Jonsson School of Engineering
and Computer Science

Shivani Elitem
BS, Computer Science,
Erik Jonsson School of Engineering
and Computer Science
Date | Ceremony Programs | Recordings/Livestreams |
---|---|---|
May 16, 2025 | Doctoral Hooding Ceremony | YouTube |
May 16, 2025 | University Commencement | YouTube |
May 21, 2025 | Biomedical Engineering Computer Engineering Electrical Engineering Materials Science and Engineering (Graduate programs only) Mechanical Engineering Systems Engineering and Management Telecommunications Engineering | YouTube |
May 21, 2025 | Computer Science (Graduate programs only) Software Engineering | YouTube |
May 21, 2025 | Computer Science (Undergraduate programs only) | YouTube |