2026 SoE Staff Recognition

The 2026 Rutgers School of Engineering Staff Recognition Awards were presented at a luncheon on Tuesday, October 20, 2026. The awards recognize the many contributions of Rutgers Engineering's professional and support staff who do the important work of ensuring the school functions at the highest level of proficiency and success.

School of Engineering Dean Alberto Cuitiħo attended the event and noted that each staff member brings a distinct blend of skills, knowledge, personality, and problem-solving abilities that contribute to the overall success of the school. "I have a deep appreciation for the critical role you all play," he says. "I am grateful for your hard work, professionalism, and the enthusiasm that you bring to your jobs."

Staff and faculty were eligible to nominate staff members across six categories. Those recognized include:

Outstanding Performance

Kendra Cameron, Executive Assistant to the Dean/Special Events

• Nominees:
  Jean Patrick Antoine, Assistant Dean and Director of Honors College, UE
  Priscilla Calderon, Assistant Dean, OAS
  Anu Kadam, Department Administrator, BME
  Laura Kasica, Program Manager, ISE
  Lidiya Kuzmyk, Senior Accountant, Dean's Office
  Dace Ozolina, Senior Business Manager, Dean's Office
  Milan Simonovic, Design Specialist, MAE
  Candiece White, Assistant Dean, OSAI

Staff Excellence

Janet Leli, Associate Director of Technology Transfer and Director of NJLTAP, CAIT

• 

  Nominees:
  Michael Brown, Assistant Dean and Director EOF/EOP, OSAI
  Elaine Connors, Program Coordinator, BME
  Carmen Elsabee, Department Administrator, MAE
  Lidiya Kuzmyk, Senior Accountant, Dean's Office
  Aiesha Long, Assistant Dean, UE
  Laleh Safari Lyman, Department Administrator, CAIT
  Shefali Patel, Accounting Specialist, Grants Office
  Ryan Stiesi, Public Relations Specialist, CAIT
  Iris Zipkin, Assistant Dean and Director of Advising, OAS

Creativity and Solutions 

Jesenia Cadena, Assistant Dean for First Year Students, UE

• 

  Nominees:
  Dijha Allen, Program Development Specialist, OSAI
  Angie DeGuida, Program Coordinator, CBE
  Arletta Hoscilowicz, Business Manager III
  Tannie Wan, Senior Accountant, Grants Office
  Asim Zaman, Engineering Research Project Manager, CAIT

Spirit Booster 

Laleh Safari Lyman, Department Administrator, CAIT

• Nominees:
  Tamara Burgess, Administrative Assistant, OSAI
  Gina Cullari, Administrative Assistant, CEE
  Lisa Musso, Program Coordinator, WINLAB
  Berra Beyoglu Siglam, Lab Facilities Specialist, MSE
  Tannie Wan, Senior Accountant, Grants Office
  Candiece White, Assistant Dean, OSAI

Rising Star

Natashia James, Senior Program Coordinator, UE

• 

  Nominees:
  Khushboo Bajaj, Business Manager, CAIT
  Carol Contreras, Program Manager, First Year Initiatives, UE
  Ryan Krug, Program Development Specialist, UE
  Dana McCarthy, Program Coordinator, CBE
  Kristina Medina, Grants Accountant, Grants Office
  Veronica Mendez, Social Media Specialist, Dean's Office

Continuous Learner

Haniya Rizvi, Business Assistant, BME

• 

  Nominees:
  Mallory Kolar, Professional Advisor, UE
  Shefali Patel, Grants Accountant, Grants Office

A note of thanks to the Staff Recognition Awards team, Laleh Safari Lyman and Lidiya Kuzmyk, for organizing the awards and luncheon event.