Asem Aboelzahab, Lead Lab Instructor – Junior and Senior Design
Asem is a driving force behind some of BME’s most impactful student experiences. As the leader of both Junior and Senior Design, he builds strong relationships with students, faculty, and industry partners that elevate our programs. He organizes the now-signature Senior Design Day each fall, personally invites mentors and sponsors, and ensures they feel recognized and appreciated.

Behind the scenes, Asem is the go-to problem solver—printing posters, helping staff during events, and even staying late to clean up after graduation. He also supports our Indianapolis students and plays a key role in ABET accreditation prep and TA assignments. His professionalism, initiative, and care embody the spirit of the Bravo Award.

Norvin Bruns, Research Technical Assistant
Known affectionately as “Uncle Norv,” Norvin brings boundless creativity, technical knowledge, and compassion to BME. He’s a key contributor to security programs and is always seeking out new technologies and policies that benefit not only BME but our College of Engineering partners.

Norvin’s passion shines in the machine shop, where he mentors students as they bring bold medical device ideas to life—often using reused materials and cost-effective solutions. He’s a fierce advocate for expanding opportunities at our Indianapolis location and remains one of the most inspiring and resourceful members of our community.

Lagora Carrell, Research Technologist
Lagora has transformed how we manage research logistics. She coordinates everything from approvals to vendor communication, ensuring precise research specifications. She manages complex transportation logistics while protecting and controlling research costs.

Her meticulous coordination and behind-the-scenes work are crucial to preserving the integrity of our studies and helping research run smoothly.

Susan Hardy, Operations Clerical Lead
Susan is the heart of the Weldon School. From preparing for major events to stocking the candy jar and checking weekend security footage, she consistently goes above and beyond. Known for starting her day before most and working long after hours (without requesting overtime), Susan keeps our environment safe, efficient, and welcoming.

At graduation, she personally rolled silverware in school colors, decorated, and created meaningful keepsakes for our seniors. Her thoughtfulness and tireless work ethic deeply impact everyone who enters MJIS.

Cindy Holderbaum, Senior Administrative Assistant
Cindy is the rock of our academic team. Always dependable, she tackles tasks before being asked and brings problem-solving, initiative, and institutional knowledge to every project. Faculty, staff, and students rely on her expertise—and her willingness to continuously learn and grow ensures she stays ahead of the curve.

From mastering TEAMS tools to pursuing professional development, Cindy models what it means to be both a team player and a lifelong learner.

Brent Ladd Managing Director of EMBRIO Institute

Brent has gone above and beyond the expected duties this past year. At the beginning of 2024 we learned that we would have to submit the institute proposal a year earlier due to a shift in the NSF cycle. This required a hurculean effort to develop and write a new Institute proposal with all five additional partner institutions and to do so with a limited time frame and in a new level of uncertainy in federal funding landscape.  To support the proposal Brent provided the most up to date annual report on activities and this document proved critically important to setting the stage for the new proposal and an on time submission. Shortly after the submission several changes have started to occur across the nation that put funds at risk- even the normal noncompetitive renewal funds. In advance of changes, Brent has taken the current budgets and prepared three scenarios to ensure we are ready for any eventuality or shift in the funing. Overall Brent has gone above and beyond his normal duties and done a trememndous job in managing the EMBRIO Institute.  

Vlad Marasigan, Instructional Lab Coordinator
Vlad, a BME grad and Junior Design instructor, is admired for his calm energy and deep connection with students. He regularly goes beyond teaching duties—offering lab tours, supporting communications efforts, and even leading hallway concerts as part of the “BME Beats” music initiative.

Vlad brings artistic flair to events, celebrates students with creative signage, and even cheered them on at graduation after spending the entire day helping. His generosity, creativity, and enthusiasm inspire our whole community

Jackie Thompson, Custodian
Jackie, who maintains the second floor of MJIS, quietly made a huge impact this past winter. During a snowstorm, she took it upon herself to shovel and salt a path from the building to a staff member’s car—just so they could get home safely.

This wasn’t part of her job description, but she continued the practice after every snowfall. Her kindness and care are a powerful reminder of the everyday heroes who make our school a safer, more compassionate place.

Celebrating Excellence
Purdue’s Bravo+ Award recognizes the exceptional contributions of faculty and staff. These individuals exemplify the values and spirit of the Weldon School, and we are incredibly proud to have them on our team.