Celebrating Excellence: 2025 Distinguished Faculty and Staff Award Winners at SCE
Each year, we honor individuals who embody our commitment to student success with the Distinguished Faculty and Staff Awards. This year’s honorees for the 2023–2024 academic year represent the best of what our college stands for: mentorship, innovation, service, teaching excellence, and tireless support behind the scenes. We are proud and grateful to celebrate their accomplishments.
Dr. Aminul Islam Khan – Distinguished Teaching Award
Assistant Teaching Professor in Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Aminul Khan has been recognized for his outstanding commitment to student learning and instructional excellence. His implementation of active learning, flipped classrooms, and project-based approaches, especially in thermodynamics and machine design, has greatly enhanced student engagement and academic performance. Dr. Khan’s evidence-based learning strategies and continuous innovation in the classroom have earned him the Distinguished Teaching Award. His dedication ensures that SCE students graduate not just with knowledge, but with confidence and curiosity that lasts a lifetime.
Dr. Jennifer Wade – Distinguished Scholarship Award
Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Dr. Wade is pioneering engineering solutions to address climate change. Her cutting-edge research on Direct Air Capture (DAC) of CO₂ and sequestration in volcanic minerals earned a prestigious $4.5 million grant from the Department of Energy. She also leads an NSF-funded initiative to develop carbon capture technologies in partnership with Indigenous communities. Her collaboration with the Arizona Geological Survey highlights her interdisciplinary reach and commitment to sustainability. Dr. Wade’s visionary work elevates the research mission of the college and inspires future environmental engineers.
Mr. Kai Kaoni – Distinguished Mentorship Award
Associate Professor of Practice in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, and Environmental Engineering, Mr. Kaoni is the very definition of a mentor. Through his leadership of the Reno Heavy Civil competition team and the Sigma Lambda Chi honor society, he has guided students toward personal and professional growth. His ability to connect with students and invest in their long-term success has made him a cornerstone of the Construction Management program. Many students attribute their career launches to his mentorship—a legacy that continues to shape our community.
Dr. Bridget Bero – Distinguished Service Award
As a Professor in CECMEE, Dr. Bero has dedicated three decades to NAU and the Sanghi College of Engineering, culminating in a career defined by integrity, compassion, and commitment. A driving force behind two successful ABET accreditation cycles, her leadership has fortified the college’s civil and environmental programs. Even in her final months before retirement, she chose to extend her service to support ongoing accreditation efforts. Dr. Bero’s legacy of service and her ability to inspire a culture of care will resonate for years to come.
Dr. Paul Bakke – Distinguished Service Award
Associate Teaching Professor in the School of Informatics, Computing, and Cyber Systems (SICCS), Dr. Bakke brings not only technical expertise from a distinguished Department of Energy career, but also a deep dedication to student mentorship. His efforts include partnerships with APS, international collaborations, and leadership in cybersecurity education through the VICEROY DECREE program. His passion for teaching foundational courses like IoT and computer architecture is matched by his patience and approachability—qualities that make him both a role model and a vital contributor to the SICCS mission.
Mrs. Cami Iacona – Distinguished Staff Award
As Business & Educational Partnerships Coordinator for CECMEE, Cami Iacona has been instrumental in elevating the Construction Management program. From streamlining NAU Foundation processes to expanding industry sponsorships and event planning, her meticulous professionalism ensures that operations run smoothly and strategically. Her support of Women in Construction and coordination of the ASC competition reflect her deep investment in student enrichment and industry engagement. Cami’s work behind the scenes is foundational to the program’s success.
Mrs. Leslie Mitchell – Distinguished Staff Award
In her role as Academic Success Programs Manager, Leslie Mitchell is a guiding force for graduate students and a pillar of the college’s academic infrastructure. Her deep institutional knowledge, willingness to assist, and positive demeanor make her an indispensable resource for faculty, staff, and students alike. Leslie’s contributions go beyond the procedural—her presence enhances the spirit of community and excellence that defines the Sanghi College of Engineering. Her impact on academic success is as profound as it is enduring.
To each of our awardees: your contributions make the Sanghi College of Engineering a place where students thrive. You are true Lumberjacks for Life, and the college is grateful for the passion, talent, and humanity you bring to our college. Congratulations, and thank you for all that you do.