Class Notes Spring 2025

Did you get a promotion? Get married? Receive an award? Expand your family? Write a book? Meet a personal goal? Chat with a fellow alum about the good old days? We want to hear from you and your WPI classmates do, too! Tell us your latest news and it may appear in Class Notes—it’s a great way to reconnect with your fellow alumni: classnotes@wpi.edu.

Robert Van Amburgh will soon celebrate his 99th birthday. His daughter Anne Berg writes, “My father is in fairly good health and is still mentally active and acute. He spent his career in chemical engineering, retiring in the early 1990s from CR Bard in South Carolina. He is enormously proud of his degree from WPI and talks quite often about his experiences there in the late 1940s. He remembers many fellow students, professors, and even housing staff. He has been a regular and consistent donor to WPI over the years and reads every issue of the publications sent to him. The last reunion he attended was his 50-year reunion, which he thoroughly enjoyed. Since he lives in South Carolina, he is unable to travel the distance needed to attend any other reunions or events. He is a great guy, quite the storyteller, and loves to talk about his time on campus.”

Thomas Gelormino was honored by the town of Torrington, Conn., as its Italian Mayor of the Day for his “many acts of kindness” and “service to the community,” according to an announcement. His father, the city’s first Italian mayor (1957–61), started the tradition of naming an honorary Lord Mayor of Torrington. Thomas is a 49-year member of UNICO, an Italian-heritage organization that sponsored the events of the day. He initiated two need-based scholarships in his community and gives his time and talents to various causes. He is the president of Vet’s Explosives, a company with an expertise in blasting applications. 

David Johnson writes, “My wife, Jan, and I ended a fall cruise in Boston and spent time in New England visiting relatives and friends. We had dinner with Charlie Kalauskas ’69 and his wife, Carol, and lunch in Worcester with about 10 ATO brothers, including Bill Chudzik ’69 and Mike Wanczyk ’69. We visited the ATO house to admire the significant recent renovations many of these brothers had helped with. We continued on to our home in South Carolina, with additional stops, renewing old friendships along the way.”

Pat Abbe writes, “After retiring from actively managing my company, Cabinetparts.com, in 2018 and after watching Netflix for two years, I took up pelagic tournament fishing in South Florida. We fish on a 33-foot Invincible catamaran, Hank the Buffalo, and have managed to win enough money to pay for the beer and sandwiches.”

Martin Wolf wrote an article titled “The Innovations That Can Help the World Curb Plastic Waste” for the online news platform Triple Pundit. According to the website, Wolf is a safer-chemicals and circular-economy advisor for the American Sustainable Business Network and has over 40 years of experience in industrial and environmental chemistry, using his expertise to create frameworks for sustainable household and personal care products. He consults with businesses, industry associations, legislators, and regulators to help implement those frameworks. 

Jerry “Dutch” Forstater writes, “After 42 years of marriage, my wife, Teresa, and I are starting to think about retirement. With three grown sons, two grandchildren, and lots of extended family living nearby, life is good. Yes, I still enjoy powering up that massive low-frequency sub loudspeaker I built in 1975 and tested outside Atwater Kent Labs. With Teresa “Tree” Forstater as our CFO, our public safety consultancy firm, Professional Systems Engineering (PSE), will be celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026. Since founding PSE, we’ve had the opportunity to work on hundreds of public safety, educational, behavioral health, indigenous, and government facilities across the nation. The firm’s mantra is to improve engineering safety and communications through good design. With hundreds of millions in systems infrastructure documentation, $2 billion in construction projects under our belt, and $2 billion in designs for engineered systems in construction on the boards, it’s clear that retirement isn’t quite on the horizon. Our work has been a significant contribution to the WPI Plan’s intent: integrating positive society and engineering interaction. I’m proud to be part of THE first graduating class to embody this mission.”

Gary Wnek writes, “I continue as the Joseph F. Toot Jr. Professor of Engineering and Professor and Chair of Macromolecular Science and Engineering at Case Western University in Cleveland, Ohio. I was recently elected a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors.”

Robert Guillemette writes, “I retired from Sikorsky Aircraft after 43 years of service. I graduated from WPI after completing the co-op five-year plan that was available at the time. During the co-op program, I worked in the materials and process group as a materials engineer. The program exposed me to manufacturing, which became my career focus for decades. I opted to stay on a technical path as a senior materials engineer and contributed to many projects in characterizing metals for fatigue, wear, and corrosion resistance for helicopter applications. I found myself often taking time to mentor new engineering employees. I’m looking forward to retirement with the family and am very proud of my accomplishments that were made possible as a graduate of WPI.”

Lisa Kosciuczyk was named 2024 Director of the Year by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE) for her work as executive director of facilities, planning, and construction with Katy Independent School District in Katy, Texas. She was recognized for coleading the development of a continuing education program for A4LE’s global conference, featuring more than 70 educational sessions.

Matthew Goldman was appointed vice president of strategic and technical initiatives for ONE Media Technologies, a broadcast platform for video and data services. In this role, he leads “the implementation, expansion, and support of advanced operational technologies, including High Dynamic Range video (HDR). [He] will also manage conformance testing and develop operational handoff processes for ATSC 3.0 NextGen Broadcasting,” according to an announcement. “I’m excited to take on this position at such a pivotal time in the broadcast industry,” he said. “As we continue to advance technologies like ATSC 3.0 and HDR, it’s crucial to ensure seamless integration and operational excellence. I look forward to contributing to these groundbreaking initiatives and driving innovation that will shape the future of broadcasting.”

Daniel Farrar was featured in an article by Inc. Magazine for his work as CEO of Assembly Software, a legal case management software platform for lawyers. He has almost 30 years of experience in leading and driving growth in Fortune 500 technology companies and has a background in mechanical engineering. “Keep an open mind and continuously work on improving your listening and communication skills,” he advised other business leaders. “The most effective leaders are those who can build and foster personal growth in their team. Relentlessly listen for the best ideas and approaches from any person at any level. Those ideas may be the same ones that change the game for everyone.”

John Jeżowski was appointed a family wealth strategist for Key Family Wealth in the bank’s Hartford, Conn., office. He has over 30 years of experience and previously served as senior wealth advisor with Key Private Bank.

Lisa Barton was named to the Wisconsin 275, a list of Wisconsin’s most influential business leaders. She is president and CEO of Alliant Energy, an electric and natural gas service provider, and CEO of utility subsidiaries Interstate Power and Light and Wisconsin Power and Light. She has held leadership positions in several utility companies and served as lobbyist and senior counsel to gas and electric
utility clients.

John Calcio was appointed chief revenue officer at bowmo, Inc. a New York City-based company using AI and XR/VR technology to provide customizable cloud-based computing platforms. His role focuses on sales strategies and the building of revenue streams. He has extensive experience in enterprise and startup sales and business development. “By combining AI, XR, and deep learning technologies with a
vertically integrated business model, bowmo is uniquely positioned to transform how
enterprises approach HR technology and beyond,” he said.

Emilio Sacristan was featured in a podcast about his work to eliminate brain damage and death caused by ischemic strokes and vasospasm. He is the chief science officer of Vacere, a company focused on mitigating the negative impacts of strokes. Its medical device, CEREFAST, aims to noninvasively improve blood flow to the brain through early intervention. He is also a professor of biomedical engineering at Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa in Mexico City.

Marion Cappadonna is a contributing author to Quality Magazine. She is a senior product manager at Arena at PTC, a software development company, and has over 30 years of experience in the medical device industry, including roles in mechanical engineering, quality engineering, and quality assurance.

Eric Maynard was featured in Powder & Bulk Solids digital magazine for his work as a senior consultant and director of education for Jenike & Johanson, a bulk material engineering firm. He has designed handling systems for bulk solids such as cement, food products, and pharmaceuticals. He lectures on the storage and flow of bulk solids for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, as well as at companies and conferences.

Chris Patterson is senior director of product management at Navisite, a cloud management service enterprise. In his role, he oversees the development and enhancement of various cloud storage solutions. With a strong technical and consulting background, he previously led information security services at MTM Technologies.

Jessica Hersey joined Red River Technology, a company that provides IT solutions, as vice president of business development for government technology services. She has over 25 years of experience in the government contracting industry, beginning her career as an electrical engineer and software developer with Lockheed Martin, an aerospace and security company.

Jeb Ledell was appointed chief operating officer of KalVista Pharmaceuticals, a company specializing in oral medicines for rare diseases. He joins the company with over 20 years of experience in the biotechnology industry, previously serving at AVEO Oncology and Enzyvant Therapeutics.

Mika Newton was accepted to the Forbes Technology Council for his work as CEO of xCures, a company focused on medical records discovery and AI-powered data extraction. Those chosen for acceptance into Forbes have a track record of impactful business growth and demonstrate personal and professional achievements.

Jeevan Ramapriya, executive director of Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment, met with Consul General Seiichiro Takahashi at the Consulate General of Japan in Boston. The two discussed
economic relations and investment between Massachusetts and Japan.

Mitchell Sanders’ mystery thriller book, Climate of Monsters: Breath of Fire, was featured in My Bookmarked Reads blog and Ornery Book Emporium’s blog, Readers Roost. Breath of Fire is the second book in his Climate of Monsters series. He is an expert in wound repair and regeneration through his work in biomedical research and is the founder of companies ECI Biotech and ProDevLabs, which specialize in wound-care research and development.

Mert Aktar was appointed to the board of directors for both Kyverna Therapeutics, a biopharmaceutical company, and Unnatural Products, a pharmaceutical biotech company. He has over 20 years of experience in the biopharmaceutical industry, with expertise in cell and gene therapy and corporate development. He currently serves as CEO of Receptive Bio and holds board positions with ReAlta Life Sciences and UCLA Technology Development Group.

Deepthi Bathina, MS, was named to Microsoft’s “50 Under 50” list for her work as founder and CEO of RhythmX AI, an AI-powered decision-making platform used to assist medical professionals when caring for patients. 

John LeBlanc, MS, was appointed to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standards Council by the NFPA board of directors. In this role, he helps oversee NFPA standards for fire and safety operations. He has over 40 years of experience as a senior engineering technical specialist at Factory Mutual (FM), where he manages the “development of FM’s loss prevention guidelines on ignitable liquids, aerosol products, and explosion protection systems,” according to an announcement. He has served on 15 NFPA committees.

Sean Toomey, MS, the New Hampshire state fire marshal, joined the International Code Council’s board of directors as director at large. He has substantial experience in building safety and fire code enforcement and he oversees the state’s Division of Fire Safety. Previously, he served as deputy fire chief in Concord, N.H., and has held leadership roles in the National Association of State Fire Marshals.

Piti “Todd” Bhirombhakdi was featured on PrestigeOnline.com, a media outlet for affluent and influential corporate leaders and Asia’s social elite, according to the website. He is the deputy first senior executive vice president of Boon Rawd Brewery and chair of the board for Boon Rawd Supply Chain Company. He oversees the supply chain at Boon Rawd Brewery and has made contributions to Singha R-SA, a social services networking community in Thailand. He also manages R-Haan, a 2 Michelin–star restaurant.

Michael Carlozzi was appointed vice president of Beacon Global Strategies, a strategic advising firm specializing in global public policy, according to an announcement. He is a 22-year veteran of the national security community, with previous positions at the CIA and the US State Department. His most recent role was chief of science and technology for weapons and counterproliferation with the CIA.

Ian Love is an analyst with the infectious, niche, and rare diseases team at Decision Resources Group (DRG), which is part of Clarivate, a company that provides augmented data with insights and analytics for government agencies and those in the educational, life sciences, and healthcare industries. Before joining DRG, he was an instructor at Virginia Commonwealth University in the Department of Internal Medicine.

Katie Scroth was named vice president of Air and Space Forces Center, within the MITRE National Security Sector. Her role focuses on ensuring MITRE’s delivery of technical capabilities to the Department of the Air Force, which includes “space warfighting, air operations, [and] cyber operations,” according to an announcement. She has over 20 years of experience in communication and networking systems, having served previous roles in other areas at MITRE that operate as research and development centers on behalf of the US Department of Defense.

Cale Putnam and his wife, Liz, are working with the EcoTarium museum of science and nature in Worcester to honor the memory and vision of their 5-year-old son, Anthony, who passed away unexpectedly in January 2024. The EcoTarium is developing an Early Childhood Science Learning Center, opening in late 2026, that will feature an interactive exhibit called “Change the World,” which will share Anthony’s vision for a brighter future with clean oceans, no litter, and an end to homelessness and war. The goal of this exhibit is to inspire both children and adults to think about how they, too, can make the world a better place. For more information on the exhibit and how to support it, please visit www.ecotarium.org/change-the-world/.

Paul Dragnich was appointed as chief of staff at the International Affairs Office in Space Systems Command for the US Space Force. He previously served as a strategic advisor at the International Affairs Office.

Brian Harvie, MBA, joined Hueson Wire & Cable as vice president of technology, overseeing product engineering and IT. He has over 20 years of industry experience, having served in other roles at Proterial Cable America and TE Connectivity. 

Janelle Drake was interviewed by the Concord Monitor for being recognized as the “Young Professional of the Month” by the Concord Young Professionals Network. Janelle works as a senior mechanical engineer at Setra Systems and co-founded the Affirming Spaces Project, a nonprofit organization that trains New England businesses on gender-inclusive practices. Janelle also serves on the boards for the Key Foundation and the WPI Alumni Association.

Noah Forrest was named senior vice president and chief financial officer at OMG Roofing Products, a global supplier of products for commercial roofing and residential construction. He develops financial plans, forecasts, and budgets to support the company’s long-term goals. With over 20 years of financial, accounting, and strategic leadership experience, he has held positions with Stanley Black & Decker and Raytheon Technologies.

Sarah Mattessich joined St. Peter’s Health Partners Medical Associates’ radiation oncology department. She practices radiation oncology at two New York state hospitals, St. Peter’s in Albany and Samaritan in Troy, with a focus on breast cancer, prostate cancer, skin cancer, and metastatic cancers.

Livia Fernandez, MS, is an assistant professor in the biotechnology program at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, Mass. “As a professor, I strive to foster interactive learning,” she said. “I have incorporated practical labs and real-world case studies into my classes, which has led to positive feedback from students who report a deeper understanding of the material. I’ve also seen significant improvements in student performance, with many achieving higher grades and enhanced critical-thinking skills.”

Michael Friedman, MS, joined the engineering firm Syska Hennessy Group as a fire protection engineer. He has extensive experience in designing fire protection systems across various environments and settings.

Zhenyu Wan’s work in robotics was featured in an article by the Science Times. He and his team developed a snake-like robot with the goal of making rescue missions easier in complex environments. The Orisnake, as it’s called, combines cutting-edge robotics technology with origami principles in its design. As a robotics engineer, Wan is an expert in soft robotics, bio-inspired robotics, origami robotics, and robotic control systems. 

Daniel Pelaez, Noah Budris, and Noah Parker were featured in Forbes’ “30 Under 30” list for co-founding Cyvl, a company that helps with road improvements by using vehicle sensors to map and digitize road infrastructure. Their aim is to help increase the efficiency and speed of road, tunnel, and bridge repairs; their startup has raised more than $9 million so far.

Mahtab Kouhizadeh, PhD, was named to Stanford University’s ranking of the top 2% of scientists around the world. She is an assistant professor of supply chain management at the University of Rhode Island. The Stanford list is considered one of the most prestigious, and scholars considered for the list have published numerous highly cited papers that have a large impact on research.

Nick Gronda won first place at the Venture Forum 5-Minute Pitch Competition. He is the founder of Croi, an organization aimed at empowering high school students and their families to navigate college decisions with confidence. He and his team operate out of WPI’s i3 Lab at Gateway Park.