Class Notes: MAE

As of March 2022, all alumni updates should be submitted to Cornellians, the new digital-first publication dedicated to informing, entertaining, and connecting the Big Red community around the globe. Submit your news via the online news form and look for your update in an upcoming edition of Class Notes!

Degree Year
  • 1982
  • 1983

Brandes Family

Enjoying Early Retirement...

Degree(s):

  • BS
  • MEng

Had an amazing run working for GE, ADP and FLT over my 32-year career and was able to retire early. Am now an angel investor in companies that are building something that sparks my interest, like scuba diving equipment (check out http://www.ai-ctec.com)! Enjoying raising my two sons and traveling with my wife, Tricia, to fun places like Cozumel, Bonaire, and Australia to dive and explore...

Degree Year
  • 2009

photo of Michael Psiaki

Michael Psiaki

Degree(s):

  • BS

Mike Psiaki, B.Sc. 2009, a LEGO® designer since Aug. 2012

Designs a replica of the iconic Ferrari F40, with sleek aerodynamic lines, vented, hinged rear hatch, opening doors and detailed interior.  Now you can build your very own Ferrari F40!  Get up close to one of the world’s greatest supercars.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl-TKIp-A8k

LEGO® Creator - Build your very own Ferrari F40! - YouTube

UPDATE:  Mike Psiaki, Senior Designer, the LEGO Group. On Air: March 29, 2016 How do you design toy sets like Lego's Ferrari F40?  http://www.innonavi.com/mike-psiaki/

Degree Year
  • 2004
  • 2006
  • 2010

image of Michael Schmidt

Michael Schmidt

Degree(s):

  • BS
  • MEng
  • PhD

There aren't enough data scientists to go around-unless you automate them.  http://www.technologyreview.com/lists/innovators-under-35/2014/entrepreneur/michael-schmidt/

Degree Year
  • 2007

photo of Tuhin Sahai

Tuhin Sahai

Degree(s):

  • BS
  • MS
  • PhD

Alumni Tuhin Sahai was awarded the Grainger Foundation Frontiers of Engineering (FOE) grant by the National Academy of Engineering in 2014.

The research will be conducted by Tuhin Sahai, a UTRC (United Technologies Research Center) staff research scientist located at the company's offices in East Hartford, under contract with the University of California at Davis.

Sahai, who joined UTRC in 2007, holds a Ph.D. in theoretical and applied mechanics from Cornell University, along with a masters and bachelors in Technology in Aerospace Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Bombay.

Degree Year
  • 2011

Joshua Velson

Degree(s):

  • MEng

Joshua Velson (MEng '11) of Nexant Consulting is featured in Conference Daily published by HYDROCARBON PROCESSING® March 2014. The article titled, "Coal re-emerges as a primary petrochemical feedstock," begins as follows: 

Coal was, historically, a critical resource in the infantry of the organic chemical industry. Among many other applications, coal tar provided aromatics, and coal syngas was used for ammonia and methanol production. The invention of the electric-arc furnace allowed coal-based calcium carbide to unleash a wealth of early acetylene-based production of butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl chloride, and acetaldehyde.