Stanford Engineering honors 2025 staff award winners
The School of Engineering community gathered in the Mackenzie room in the Jen-Hsun Huang Engineering Center on April 22 to celebrate the six staff members who received awards for their exemplary service, character, and contributions to the school. Also honored were individuals employed by Stanford University for over 5, 10, 15, and more years. School of Engineering Dean Jennifer Widom, the event’s host, presented special staff awards to the following people.
Nick Davis, Data Analyst, Dean’s Office - Analytics, Citizenship Award
The Citizenship Award recognizes an individual who does the right thing when no one is looking, and earns the trust and respect of their colleagues by taking initiative and being a good steward of Stanford resources.
Nick’s nominators praised his “unswerving integrity,” dependability, and dedication to finding creative ways to make analytics tools more efficient and effective. He not only has “exceptional analytical skills,” but also provides excellent customer service by listening to and understanding people’s needs before proposing a solution. One nominator said, “All of his work is done with an eye to protecting our people’s data and providing as truthful information as possible.” Throughout a period of leadership changes, Nick has remained a “pillar of steadiness and reliability.”
Samantha Schwartz, Director of Academic Policy & Finance, Dean’s Office - Student Affairs, Innovation Award
The Innovation Award recognizes contributions of change and innovation that support improvements in customer service, efficiency, or operational effectiveness.
In a year of evolving financial complexity and uncertainty, Samantha’s nominators said she leveraged her expertise, insight, and attention to detail to quickly “dissect complex issues and provide clear, actionable recommendations.” In one challenging situation, she “developed new budget models, revised planning exercises, and effectively communicated changes,” a nominator said. Her nominators appreciated her strategic and “forward-thinking mindset” that leads her to innovative ideas, such as using AI to match students with fellowships. They also noted how frequently she worked with other departments, calling her “a trusted collaborator who continually delivers high-quality results.”
Katryna Dillard, Senior Program Manager, Chemical Engineering, Client Service Award
The Client Service Award recognizes exemplary customer service, collaboration, and interdisciplinary contributions.
Katryna’s “remarkable ability to forge strong relationships” make her “a role model for collaboration among staff,” her nominators said. As the Senior Program Manager of eWear-X, Katryna brings together staff, faculty, and students from across units and schools, as well as donors and industry stakeholders. With her “solutions-oriented mindset," she helped build Stanford’s wearables research community. She also volunteers to share her knowledge through groups for event planners and managers of industrial affiliates programs at Stanford. “Her resourcefulness and attention to detail improve processes, benefiting both clients and colleagues,” one nominator said.
Nan Aoki, Director of Student and Academic Services, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Leadership Award
The Leadership Award recognizes mentoring and management contributions that promote a supportive and respectful work environment by an individual who advocates for growth and opportunities, motivates others, and leads impactful change.
Nan “sets a standard for thoughtful, effective, and deeply human-centered leadership that elevates not only her team, but the department as a whole,” one nominator said. Her innovative and empathetic approach guided staff, faculty and students through a challenging year. When CEE Student Services was short-staffed, she strategically restructured. She coordinated among faculty and multiple offices to adapt to legal and administrative changes. When a faculty member had a medical event during a large class, Nan organized well-being sessions for students. “Nan is the rare leader who can navigate complex legal frameworks in the morning and provide deep emotional support to a classroom in crisis in the afternoon,” a nominator said.
Marly LeSene, Program Director for Communications & Initiatives, Bioengineering, Community and Culture Award
The Community and Culture Award recognizes outstanding efforts to promote a vibrant campus culture and positive work environment where faculty, staff, students, and/or postdocs can feel respected and appreciated, and which may include facilitating meaningful relationships across roles and departments and building a genuine sense of community and belonging.
Marly’s nominators know her as an authentic, insightful leader who is dedicated to “amplifying others’ voices, celebrating excellence, expanding access, and creating spaces where people feel supported and connected.” As leader of the department’s JEDI Committee, Marly organized events that “foster learning, dialogue, and sustained engagement.” As a communicator, “she brings her values to life by elevating stories of students and staff.” Beyond her department, she has helped create resource guides and trainings through the School of Medicine Staff Collective. Her contributions have made community and culture part of BioE’s fabric, “ensuring conversations lead to real outcomes rather than remaining abstract discussions.”
Margie Mene, Senior Human Resources & Visa Specialist, Dean’s Office - Human Resources, Shah Award
The school’s highest staff honor, the Shah Award is given each year to a staff member who demonstrates outstanding competence, dedication, and accomplishment.
Margie’s nominators said her exemplary communication skills, integrity, attention to detail, and ability to proactively address concerns have made her “a trusted steward of Stanford’s resources.” In a turbulent visa and immigration landscape, Margie helped staff, faculty, and postdocs work through time-sensitive and stressful situations with “expertise and compassion.” She coordinated with campus partners and sought innovative solutions, going “above and beyond to support and advocate for” employees facing urgent visa issues. “Her ability to communicate intricate legal information in an accessible manner has made a significant impact on our community, alleviating uncertainties and providing peace of mind,” one nominator said.
