Fall 2025 Academic Associates
Jon Filreis
Jon is a “semi-retired” engineer, project leader, business manager, technology developer, and lifelong learner. Jon has had a long career in high technology industries from entry level mechanical engineering in medical companies to growing new business areas in electronics companies. Over the many years of helping to advance new technologies toward critical applications in medical, national defense, space, and communications industries, Jon has evaluated technologies, worked with researchers and developers, and helped make well founded decisions in the best interests of the companies, customers, and other stakeholders in the ventures. Jon has evolved into a new phase after over 45 years of full-time work, focusing on STEM and environmental volunteering, new generations of his family, and other interests, as well as part time consulting in both commercial and government applications. The volunteering aspect of “semi-retirement” has become a very rewarding part of Jon’s journey. A major part of that is mentoring future generations of technologists to navigate the challenges and opportunities that they may encounter. This part of his journey started over 30 years ago as a referee for Lego robot contests and has evolved to include entrepreneurial mentoring programs for junior engineers and supporting STEM programs in schools.
Skills : Project management, business leadership, developing and evaluating new technology and designs, proposal writing, woodworking
Cody Gillespie
I am a former software engineer with five years of industry experience. I was a member of EPICS for two years during my undergraduate degree. I graduated from ASU in December of 2019 with a degree in Computer Science and worked at a small embedded systems company after graduating. I lead the software team at my previous job and I have a broad range of experience ranging from the low level (C, C++, Assembly) to the high level (C#, Python, Machine Learning). In October of last year I pivoted towards a career in law and took a position in the government. I love engineers and value the mentorship both as a mentor and as a mentee and I am over the moon to be able to be involved with EPICS again!
Skills: Software development, Team dynamics
Gabe Gerbic
I have worked as a judge for EPICS in the past and that lead me to become a mentor, in order to help students in their iteration process. I have a background in biomechanics, exercise physiology and anatomy & physiology. I have taught exercise science and nutrition for years within the Maricopa CC system and look forward to being able to help students with any projects where I can be of added value.
Skills: Biomechanics, exercise physiology, nutrition, strength and conditioning
Raymond Barakat
Raymond Barakat is an electrical engineer with expertise in satellite and space technologies. He holds both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in engineering from Arizona State University. While at ASU, he took 2 semesters of EPICS and contributed to the design of CubeSats including Phoenix and LightCube. Raymond currently works as a Lead Hardware Engineer at Moog Inc., developing avionics hardware for satellites and space systems.
Skills : Circuit Design, LTspice, PSPICE, Test Hardware, PCB Design, Embedded processors
Isabella Werner
Izzy was a 2023-2024 Fulbright ETA in Slovakia and is a current Fulbright Alumni Ambassador. She has a BSE in Computer Systems Engineering with a concentration in cybersecurity from ASU, where she participated in EPICS on the Vietnam Shrimp Farming team. She interned at American Express and the University of Phoenix as an undergrad, where her focus was on front-end web development.
Skills: Familiar with JavaScript, Python, Web Development, 3D Modeling, Audiovisual, Project Management, Cross-Cultural Collaboration, and Public Speaking.
Grace Edahl
Started at Northrop Grumman as an intern in 2021 working the Sentinel program in Utah on the vehicle integration and test team. Moved to the Chandler facility to intern part-time during my last year of college on the materials team (6 months) and the integration and test team, which is where I started my full-time role (1.5 years). Moved to the Gilbert facility to work on the Joint Polar Satellite System (JPSS) program as a systems engineer which is my current role and team (2.5 years).
Skills : Solidworks, NX, Project Management, MATLAB, DOORS
George Muhn
I am an ASU graduate, where I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degree in Robotics and Electrical Engineering. At ASU I participated in multiple years of EPICS, initiated projects and made connections with community partners. I also served as an Graduate TA for EPICS. I have experience working in Aerospace and Defense industry in Electronics design and development. I then pivoted to work at a robotics Startup, Cartken, where I am responsible for the robotics electrical system, PCB design, cabling, electromagnetic interference, and consumer compliance.
Skills : Cadence, KiCAD, Soldering, Fusion 360, Solidworks, oscilloscope, C++, Embedded C, Python, Microcontrollers, Visual Studios, Arduino, Welding, Wood working, Robotics, Electro-Mechanics
Stacy Kalisz Johnson
Stacy Kalisz Johnson, founder of Impress Marketing Group, leads with a passion for nurturing careers. With an array of services, Stacy empowers rapid career advancement. Stacy currently serves as a Solutions Program Manager at Keysight Technologies. Stacy holds a BS and MS in mechanical engineering from the Rochester Institute of Technology and a Master Certificate in Project Management from George Washington University.
Skills : Project management, empowered leadership, creative thinking, strategic thinking, problem solving, time management, AI prompt engineering, public speaking, networking
Mike Amato
I have experience working in smaller companies and startups, primarily within the edTech industry. Currently, I work in AI Product at Edplus and develop teacher tools in my free time, focusing on project-based learning environments in schools. I also create STEM kits through my 501c3 organization, Kids Should Make Things. I participated in EPICS for a year during my undergrad and spent most semesters as a TA, focusing on project-based environments.
Skills: Prototyping and Iterative Design, STEM Education, Video Editing, Mockup, Hardware and Software, Connecting with Users
Miles Mabey
I’ve worked in the automation field for the last 3 years with several large name companies. I focus on custom AI and Low/No Code implementations. Back in college I did 3 semesters of EPICs for the GCSP program. We focused on building model houses from around the world on the Poly campus.
Skills: Automation, AI, Software Development, Solution Consulting, Business Development
Paul Balch
Paul Blach is an academic associate for the Spring 2025 semester of EPICS.
Skills:Civil, MBA
Peter Fischer
Peter Fischer joined EPICS in 2022 as a Community Partner on two team projects, and now returns for his 4th semester as Industry Mentor. Peter holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Grand Canyon University and a Bachelor in Architecture from Arizona State University. Peter has been working towards inclusive accessible design for over two decades serving on the Phoenix Mayor’s Commission on Disability Issues from 2006 to 2010, and as the City of Phoenix’s City-wide ADA Coordinator for five years. Today, Peter is the Coordinator of Accessibility Compliance at Arizona State University where he reviews construction design and plans for accessibility compliance to enhance ASU’s progressive vision of accessibility innovation.
Can Emden
I graduated from Arizona State University in 2022 with a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering, and I have a strong passion for the aerospace industry. Currently, I work at Honeywell Aerospace as an Advanced Manufacturing Engineer, where I support propulsion products. I specialize in program cost estimations, metal manufacturing methods, and supply chain solutions.
Skills : Excel, Visual Basic Applications (VBA), Additive Manufacturing, Project & Process Engineering, Requirement Writing, Budgeting, Cost Estimations.
Sohum Berdia
Sohum Berdia is a Computer Science Graduate from ASU currently in a mission to setting up AI first tech infrastructure for small-to-medium businesses. His passion lies in finding ways to automate anything and everything. He has been involved with EPICS on and off ever since joining ASU: 2 Years as a student, twice as an EPICS Pro Judge and once as an EPICS Pro sponsor. He truly believes in the mission of EPICS to help the lives of others and make this world a better place.
Skills : Creative Thinking, Problem Solving, Project Management, Python, React, ML, AI, PowerBI, ELT Processes, Innovation
Tyson Elias
Tyson Elias is an associate vice president within enterprise architecture governance at MUFG Bank, Ltd. As an additional part of his role, he is involved with business system administration, standing to production an architecture strategy tool that will improve app rationalization and change-impact planning. Although having received his B.S.E. in Industrial Engineering in 2021, has now pursued an MBA that will be completed by the end of this term. Outside of work and school, Tyson enjoys watching movies, cooking some of his favorite meals, and playing pickleball.
