FYE staff recognized with 2026 College of Engineering BRAVO+ Awards
First-year engineering is proud to recognize eight team members who received College of Engineering BRAVO+ Awards during the 2026 award cycles. These awards honor individuals whose outstanding contributions, innovation, operational excellence and commitment to student success have made a meaningful impact on Purdue Engineering and the students we serve.
The accomplishments of these eight recipients reflect the creativity, dedication, leadership and student-centered focus that define Purdue's first-year engineering community. Through their efforts, they have strengthened curriculum, enhanced advising, improved operational effectiveness and expanded opportunities for Purdue engineering students.
“We congratulate all of our 2026 BRAVO+ Award recipients and thank them for their outstanding contributions to first-year engineering and the College of Engineering,” said Kendra Erk, the assistant dean for first-year engineering.
Jeannete Aguilar
Lecturer, ENGR 13200
Aguilar was recognized for introducing hands-on hardware experiences into ENGR 13200 through an innovative MATLAB-Arduino pilot project. By connecting programming concepts with physical hardware and design activities, she created new opportunities for student engagement and experiential learning. This work supports first-year engineering's broader efforts to make coursework more relevant, interactive and impactful.
Ian Bardwell
Academic advisor
Bardwell was recognized for combining technical innovation with an unwavering commitment to student and colleague success. He developed an AI-powered advising support tool designed to improve efficiency and consistency during the busy summer advising season, while also sharing his expertise with advisors across campus through professional development programming focused on technology and data management.
Sydney Hillan
Lecturer, ENGR 13300
Hillan was recognized for her leadership in expanding high-quality engineering opportunities for Indianapolis students. She strengthened and modernized ENGR 13300 curriculum, created an honors pathway for students in Indianapolis and taught the Early Start program to help incoming students build confidence and readiness for success in engineering. Her work supports Purdue's long-term goal of providing equitable and engaging engineering experiences across locations.
Annie Jarrard
Lead academic advisor
Jarrard was recognized for exceptional operational leadership within FYE Advising. She has taken on critical responsibilities supporting advising technologies, Transition to Major processes, Purdue 101 onboarding and university-wide student success initiatives while maintaining outstanding support for students and colleagues. Her work ensures that key advising systems and processes run smoothly for thousands of engineering students each year.
Lisa Jones
Senior academic advisor
Jones was recognized for leadership in creating the FYE Careers Seminar and Engineering Feature Weeks. These initiatives have transformed how students explore engineering majors and career pathways, expanded opportunities for engagement across the College of Engineering and strengthened the overall student experience. Her work has established innovative, sustainable programs that continue to benefit students and advisors alike.
Curt Oechsle
Director of first-year engineering advising
Oechsle was recognized for leadership during a year of significant change and growth. He helped create Engineering Feature Weeks, a new initiative designed to improve major exploration for first-year students, while simultaneously guiding the FYE Advising team through a major organizational transition. His leadership helped maintain strong student outcomes while advancing strategic improvements across the college.
Katy Panozzo
Senior academic advisor
Panozzo was recognized for innovative advising practices and leadership across the university advising community. Her development of student-facing Padlet resources improved communication and onboarding for hundreds of incoming students, while her professional presentations and mentoring efforts have influenced advising practices both at Purdue and nationally.
Lauren Seymour
Senior curriculum developer
Seymour was recognized for contributions to curriculum development and operational excellence across first-year engineering. She has played a leading role in curriculum redesign efforts, improved assignment structures and course organization, mentored team members and provided critical in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Her work has strengthened instructional consistency and enhanced the student learning experience.