Spotlight Stories
Jun 10, 2026
Bridging the Brain and the Machine Through Engineering and Neuroscience
Sidharth Annapragada, E ’25, neuroscience and electrical engineering, is currently a research assistant at the Datta Lab at Harvard Medical School. With ambitions to pursue an MD-PhD, Annapragada hopes to work as both a practitioner and a researcher once he completes his education.
Jun 08, 2026
Collaboration and Commitment: Creating Impactful AI Research
Jianglin Lu, PhD ’27, electrical and computer engineering, works at the SMILE Lab under the supervision of Professor Raymond Fu. He has completed internships at Adobe Research and Amazon. In a rapidly expanding AI industry, Lu emphasizes collaboration and grounded discussion as the keys to research that translates meaningfully to the real world.
Jun 04, 2026
It’s Never Too Late to Pivot: Dani McLaughlin’s Computer Engineering Journey
Danielle “Dani” McLaughlin, E’26, combined computer science and computer engineering, is entering the semiconductor industry following her recent graduation from Northeastern. With a diverse co-op and academic background, McLaughlin has built a skill set that will serve her well in any company she joins.
Jun 04, 2026
Trial and Error: Using the Co-op Program to Find Your Path
Mark Yang, E’26, electrical and computer engineering, is planning to pursue a PhD in bioelectronics after graduation. Through a series of research experiences during his undergraduate years, Yang hopes to eventually translate his work into a startup that makes advanced technologies accessible to the general public.
May 07, 2026
Paying It Forward: Four Northeastern Engineers on Service, Purpose, and Giving Back
Four Northeastern engineering students — Clare Chi, Hebat Elkacemi, Jimmy Cheung, and Mia Filardi—were selected this year as Patrick P. Lee Scholarship recipients, chosen not for accolades alone but for their commitment to bringing others along with them. From teaching robotics to Boston schoolchildren to leading civic engagement programs and organizing voter registration drives, each has found a distinct way to turn their education outward. Their stories reflect a simple but demanding idea: that what you receive, you owe to others.
May 05, 2026
Free and Fair Internet Access for All
Ali Saeizadeh, PhD’27, is a graduate research assistant in electrical and computer engineering at Northeastern’s Institute of Intelligent Networked Systems, where he builds “digital twin” simulations of 5G and 6G telecommunications networks. His work aims at something ambitious: making free and fair internet access a reality for people around the world. Before completing his degree, he plans to intern at Apple and a smaller tech firm to compare perspectives across an industry he hopes to shape.
Mar 27, 2026
Where Impact Meets Innovation, Abhiram Elango, MS’25
Abhiram Elango, MS’25, electrical and computer engineering, recently completed his master’s degree at Northeastern. Armed with new confidence and expertise, he is now pursuing roles in wireless communications where he can work closely with customers and see the direct impact of his work.
Mar 26, 2026
Spoiled: How One Polymer Could Change the Way We Trust Our Food and Medicine
Tara Arjomandbigdeli, PhD’27, is an interdisciplinary engineering researcher at Northeastern’s eSOIL, a lab where she is developing a heat-sensitive polymer label designed to protect consumers by detecting when temperature-sensitive products like food or medication have spoiled. With plans to launch a startup from her research, she hopes to bring the technology to market—and eventually into every home.