Who We Are

Program Affiliates

Program History

The San Jose State University Engineering Ambassador Program (EAP) started in 2011. The Engineering Ambassadors Program is a SJSU College of Engineering Dean's Affiliate Leadership Outreach Group, and falls under the Engineering Pathways to Success (EPS) initiative. This mission of EPS is to “increase the number, diversity, and preparedness of Bay Area high school students choosing to enter college engineering and technology programs." EAP helps engage students in K-12 by encouraging them to pursue STEM fields in college/life, providing a student perspective, and acting as role models.

Event Types

  • Hands-on activities in classrooms
  • Student-led tours of the Charles W. Davidson College of Engineering Building
  • Student panels
  • Tabling
  • Volunteer force for various college of engineering and community events.

Past Events

  • Bay Area Science Festival
  • ​Girls Day @ The Tech Museum
  • Boy Scouts’: Stem in Scouting
  • Girl Scouts’: When I Grow up
  • Chevron IED Challenge
  • San Jose State University Science Extravaganza
  • Outreach at High School Elective/College Nights
  • K-12 Class visits to administer STEM activities

Current Staff and Lead Engineering Ambassadors

   
Matthew Stowe

Mathew Stowe,
Director of MESA and Student Programs

Staff Advisor Jesús 'Chuy' Villicaña

Staff Advisor Jesús "Chuy" Villicaña

Jesús "Chuy" Villicaña joined the College of Engineering at San Jose State University as the Student Engagement Advisor for the MESA Engineering Program (MEP). He holds a BA in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to joining SJSU, Mr. Villicaña worked as an Operations Manager under the Google Food Team where he collaborated with senior leadership to pilot and expand the Student Program. When time permits he plays guitar, enjoys logic puzzles, and is a supporter of The California Regional Intercollegiate Ethics Bowl.

Lead Ambassador Asma Safdar

Lead Ambassador Asma Safdar

Hi! I am Asma Safdar, a transfer Chemical Engineering student. The cumulation of my life and the amazing individuals that I have had the good fortune of knowing and being inspired by has consistently been the driving force behind my ambitions. Most recently, I taught Engineering for Kids Summer Camp and also mentored International Students visiting SJSU through the Summer in Silicon Valley Program. As an EAP Ambassador, I hope to encourage and inspire the next generation of students in feeling confident and supported in the pursuit of their dreams and ambitions. In my free time, I enjoy whipping up creative concoctions in the kitchen, nurturing my (not so) green thumb, and reading. More often than not, I can be found entertaining my dear nieces and nephews or (admittedly) at your nearest café sipping on a perfectly foamed vanilla latte. I’m also an avid sports fan and can often be found rooting for (my) Philadelphia sports teams!

Cooper Gable

Lead Ambassador Cooper Gable

Hello, my name is Cooper Gable and I am one of the Lead Ambassadors for the Engineering Ambassador Program. I am a Chemical Engineering Major and I have a strong passion for photography. Specifically, I love to take pictures of nature, and I also love to camp and kayak. All in all, I hope to have a positive impact on the local engineering community by introducing engineering principles and sharing its importance to a broad spectrum of people.

Evelin Ventura

Lead Ambassador Evelin Ventura

Hi! My name is Evelin Ventura. I am majoring in chemical engineering with a minor in mathematics. I am an EAP ambassador and I enjoy working to inspire future generations in STEM.

Vanessa Aldaz

Senior Lead Ambassador Vanessa Aldaz, 3rd Year, Biomedical Engineering Student

My name is Vanessa Aldaz, I major in Biomedical Engineering. I first joined EAP in hopes of giving younger generations interest in STEM. I'm in a research program, where I study the activity of the proteases of mosquitoes. In my spare time I enjoy playing tennis, baking, getting milkshakes and exploring new places to eat at (**with a budget of course**).