Doctoral candidates honored at Herff PhD ceremony
May 12, 2026
The Herff College of Engineering honored nearly a dozen graduate students who earned their PhDs in the Spring 2026 semester.
"This ceremony marks the culmination of years of rigorous study, and it is a moment worthy of reflection, pride, and celebration," said Herff College of Engineering Dean Okenwa Okoli.
The students and their faculty advisors took part in a hooding ceremony in the atrium of the Engineering Research and Innovation Center building, followed by a free catered brunch for the students and their families.
April Bonner, Logan Sirbaugh, Anthony Dontoh, Fisseha Ferede, Efat Mohammadi, Ayomide Sijuade, Sara Hashemikamangar, Mrittika Roy, Najme Alidadi and Ahmad Razi all earned their doctoral degrees. During the ceremony, students were called to the podium, where their faculty advisor acknowledged their hard work and contributions before placing their PhD hoods over their heads.
"I'm really excited. I appreciate the Herff College of Engineering for opening this door and this opportunity to me and after a long journey, five years of research and hard work, I'm really happy that I've reached this point to get my PhD of Engineering, to keep doing my research and to keep solving problems for humanity in the future," Mohammadi said.