The 2026 Class of Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineers. Top row, from left: Dave Gallagher, Joe Bentley and Rehan Jalil. Bottom row, from left: Mark Q. Shaw, Sid Sheth and Rafael Sotomayor.

From exploring space and advancing artificial intelligence to transforming the energy and semiconductor industries, six Purdue University alumni are being recognized for their leadership, innovation and lasting contributions to their fields.

The Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is honoring these accomplished graduates as the 2026 class of Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineers (OECE).

Established in 1992, the OECE Awards recognize alumni who have demonstrated exceptional professional achievement and leadership. Now in its 34th year, the annual celebration highlights the many ways Purdue ECE graduates are shaping industries, advancing technology and making a difference around the world.

“These are leaders and innovators whose work brings pride to Purdue and inspiration to all of us,” said Milind Kulkarni, the Michael and Katherine Birck Head of Purdue ECE. “They are shaping industries, leading teams, launching technologies and solving global challenges.”

Meet the 2026 OECE honorees

• Joe Bentley (BSEE 1988) is a longtime energy industry leader whose career spans more than three decades. Most recently, he served as senior vice president of Electric Engineering at Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E), overseeing engineering, grid planning, asset management and major electric projects. Previously, he spent 30 years with AES Corporation and its subsidiaries, holding leadership roles in utility operations, power delivery, customer operations and energy supply.
• David "Dave" Gallagher (BSEE 1982) is the 11th director of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), one of the world's leading centers for robotic space exploration. Throughout his career at JPL, he has helped lead some of NASA's most significant missions, including the effort to correct the Hubble Space Telescope's original optical flaw. He also contributed to major programs such as the Spitzer Space Telescope.
• Rehan Jalil (MSEE 1998) is a technology entrepreneur whose career has focused on helping organizations protect, manage and make better use of their data. He founded Securiti.ai, which developed Data Command Center technology before being acquired by Veeam for $1.7 billion. He previously founded Elastica and WiChorus, both of which were also acquired. Now president of Products and Technology at Veeam, he continues to advance data security and management as artificial intelligence transforms how businesses operate.
• Mark Q. Shaw (PhD ECE 2015) is a strategist and distinguished technologist at HP, where he helps develop artificial intelligence technologies that improve printing, scanning and digital workflows. During more than two decades with the company, he has helped bring machine learning and AI into products used by customers while supporting innovation and university research partnerships. He also mentors high school robotics students and teaches graduate-level image processing at Boise State University.
• Sid Sheth (MSEE 1997) is the founder and CEO of d-Matrix, a company developing next-generation computer chips designed to make artificial intelligence more efficient in modern data centers. Since co-founding the company in 2019, he has grown d-Matrix to more than 300 employees across five global locations. Previously, he held leadership positions at Inphi, NetLogic Microsystems and Intel. He also serves on the Purdue ECE Advisory Board.
• Rafael Sotomayor (BSECE 1992) is president and CEO of NXP Semiconductors, a global company developing chips used in vehicles, industrial systems and connected devices. With more than 30 years of experience in the semiconductor industry, he has helped shape the company's strategy around intelligent systems powering everything from software-defined vehicles to smarter factories. Before joining NXP, he held leadership roles at Broadcom, Motorola and Intel.

Celebrating excellence across Purdue ECE

While the awards celebrate professional accomplishments, they also underscore the lasting connection between Purdue ECE and its alumni, whose work continues to inspire future generations of engineers.

“Our honorees remind us of what’s possible with a Purdue ECE foundation,” Kulkarni said. “Their passion, curiosity and commitment to making a difference inspire us all.”

Learn more about the Outstanding Electrical and Computer Engineer Awards and the 2026 honorees.