November 4, 2026 College recognizes 14 exceptional alumni on Engineers’ Day Written By: Staff Categories: Alumni At the 2026 Engineers’ Day banquet Nov. 6, 2026, the College of Engineering will honor 14 influential alumni who have applied their UW-Madison engineering education and experiences to make a difference in a wide variety of fields. Among the 14 are seven young alumni who are exceptionally accomplished innovators and leaders. Together, our award recipients illustrate the vast and remarkable impact Wisconsin engineers have in efforts that improve the lives of people around the world. Early Career Award Recipients Chris Fernandez (BSBME ’14, MSBME ’15)Biomedical EngineeringCo-founder, Chief Research Officer, EnsoData A biomedical engineer whose technical and entrepreneurial leadership in advancing artificial intelligence technologies improve medical data analysis and support more effective patient care. Read more about Chris. Nick Glattard (BSBME ’14, MSBME ’15)Biomedical EngineeringCo-founder, Chief Technology Officer, EnsoData A biomedical engineer whose technical and entrepreneurial leadership in advancing artificial intelligence technologies improve medical data analysis and support more effective patient care. Read more about Nick. Jenna Gruter (BSCE ’14)Civil & Environmental EngineeringSenior Project Manager, Findorff A civil engineer whose work managing large-scale construction projects has led to transformative spaces in sectors that include science and technology, healthcare and higher education, including the largest academic construction project in UW-Madison history. Read more about Jenna. Stephen Krug (BSME ’16)Mechanical EngineeringFounder / CTO, Axicle Robotics A mechanical engineer and forward thinker who leverages technology to enhance the safety, efficiency and productivity of over-the-road trucking. Read more about Stephen. Kyle McElhinny (BSChem ’11, BSMSE ’11, MSMSE ’13, PhDMSE ’17)Materials Science & EngineeringSenior Staff Packaging Module Development Engineer & Process Technologist, Advanced Packaging TD Substrate & Wafer Assembly, Intel Foundry A materials engineer whose advances in semiconductor device packaging have set the pace for highly integrated electronics. Read more about Kyle. Adhiraj Patel (BSIE ’15)Industrial & Systems EngineeringCEO, GD Waldner India Private Limited An industrial engineer whose leadership and corporate vision support scientific discovery in wide-ranging industries across the globe. Read more about Adhiraj. Sam Rusk (BSECE ’14)Electrical & Computer EngineeringCo-founder and Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer, EnsoData A computer engineer whose technical and entrepreneurial leadership in advancing artificial intelligence technologies improve medical data analysis and support more effective patient care. Read more about Sam. Distinguished Achievement Award Recipients Steven Baldridge (BSCE ’82)Civil & Environmental EngineeringPrincipal and Founder, Baldridge & Associates Structural Engineering, Inc. (BASE) A civil engineer whose contributions to structural engineering practice and service have impacted lives and made buildings safer and more resilient. Read more about Steven. Jake Bisenius (BSME ’96)Mechanical EngineeringChief Executive Officer, AmCap Incorporated A mechanical engineer and principled leader in commercial real estate who creates lasting value through innovation, investment service and a positive corporate culture. Read more about Jake. Jeremy Kranz (BSIE ’97)Industrial & Systems EngineeringFounder and Managing Partner, Sentinel Global An industrial engineer, distinguished business leader, board member and strategic advisor who bridges global venture-stage innovation and governance. Read more about Jeremy. Gerald Kulcinski (BSChE ’61, MSNE ’62, PhDNE ’65)Nuclear Engineering & Engineering PhysicsGrainger Professor of Nuclear Engineering Emeritus, UW-Madison A nuclear engineering professor emeritus and pioneer in fusion reactor design, advanced fuels and scientific understanding of radiation damage who has created a legacy of exceptional public service, mentorship and education. Read more about Gerald. Peter Ladwig (MSMSE ’02, PhDMSE ’03)Materials Science & EngineeringVP, Technology & Engineering, Niron Magnetics A materials engineer, innovator and leader who is advancing rare-earth-free permanent magnets and shaping U.S. energy innovation. Read more about Peter. John Martens (BSChE ’68)Chemical & Biological EngineeringVice President & Director (retired), Snyder Biomedical Corporation A chemical engineer, scientist and entrepreneur whose inventions and innovations have generated global impact across materials, manufacturing and medicine. Read more about John. Jianzhong “Charlie” Zhang (PhDEE ’03)Electrical & Computer EngineeringExecutive Vice President, Samsung Research America An electrical and computer engineer whose exemplary leadership in wireless communications has shaped global standards and advanced mobile network innovation. Read more about Charlie.