Spotlight Stories
May 12, 2026
The Family Blueprint: Three Siblings’ Journeys with Mechanical Engineering
Carly, E’18, Kevin, E’21, and Kayla Parlato, E’26, have all graduated from Northeastern with mechanical engineering degrees. Inspired by their engineering father, they were all drawn to the same discipline, yet carved their own paths using the opportunities and resources Northeastern provided.
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.
May 05, 2026
A Chemical Engineering PhD Student’s Evolution Through LEADERs
Natesan Mani, PhD, chemical engineering, reflects on how the courses from the LEADERs Program impacted his professional development, preparing him for his internship at Amgen. These experiences enriched his research skillset and opened doors to opportunities and paths he had never seen before.
Apr 21, 2026
From Analytics to Application: Ashlesha Donde’s Path in Information Systems
For Ashlesha Donde, Information Systems spring 2027, technology is most powerful when it is applied with purpose—using data, software, and analytical thinking to solve real-world problems. Throughout her time at Northeastern University, Donde has shaped an academic journey defined by hands-on projects, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a strong focus on building impactful, data-driven solutions.
Apr 21, 2026
Choose Your Own Path: Sara Capella’s Journey at Northeastern
Sara Capella, E/MS’22, bioengineering, graduated with both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree from Northeastern University. Using the experiences and skills she gained at Northeastern, Capella now works full-time at Medtronic installing novel cardiovascular technology.
Apr 21, 2026
The Blending of Physics and Engineering to Generate Positive Change
Brennan Bezdek, E’27, mechanical engineering, is currently on co-op at the MIT Department of Material Science and Engineering. Combining this experience with his vast array of research endeavors at Northeastern, Bezdek is planning to pursue higher education with the motivation of creating a positive impact.
Apr 16, 2026
Solving Real Healthcare Problems with Tech: Naimisha Kaza’s Story
For Naimisha Kaza, Information Systems, fall ’25, technology has always been more than code—it is a tool to solve meaningful problems in healthcare. At Northeastern University’s College of Engineering, Kaza has built an academic and professional journey that bridges biomedical engineering, software development, and real-world healthcare innovation.