SJSU Honors Faculty & Staff: President’s Scholar & Awardees 2026
San José State University will honor nine faculty and staff members for their dedication and service to the university community at a luncheon on Wednesday, April 8, from 2 – 5 p.m. In the Student Union Ballroom. The annual “Celebrating Spartans” event recognizes individuals who have reached milestone years of service, demonstrated exceptional leadership, and made significant contributions to the campus and surrounding community.
Among those being recognized, Ehsan Khatami, a professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, has been named the 2025-2026 President’s Scholar. Khatami, who joined SJSU in 2014 after research positions at several universities including Louisiana State University and UC Davis, earned his PhD from the University of Cincinnati in 2009. He has been a Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics Scholar and Fellow since 2016 and received the SJSU Research Foundation’s Early Career Investigator Award in 2018. “Research is my passion, and I love to see my students grow and learn to follow their curiosity too,” Khatami said in a statement.
Mary Currin-Percival, associate professor of political science, will receive the Outstanding Professor Award. Currin-Percival also serves as the director of the Institute for Public Affairs and Civic Engagement (IPACE) and SJSU Votes, and coordinates the Political Science Internship program. Her research focuses on political participation and California politics, and she is co-author of “California Politics and Government: A Practical Approach,” 15th edition. “As a first-gen college student… I don’t underestimate the potential impact I can have on students,” Currin-Percival stated. “My mentors changed my life; they made me believe that I could have this career. I hope to be there for my students as my mentors were there for me.”
Ahmed Banafa, an interdisciplinary engineering lecturer in the College of Engineering, has been selected as the 2025-2026 Outstanding Lecturer. Banafa is an expert in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies and has authored 11 books on these subjects. He frequently provides commentary to national and international media outlets. “Teaching at San José State University is something I truly value,” Banafa said. “Watching students grow, gain confidence and discover their potential is the most rewarding part of being a professor.”
Karthika Sasikumar, a professor in the Political Science Department and former chair of the Academic Senate (2023-2025), will receive the Distinguished Service Award. “Ever since I stepped on campus 16 years ago, I felt at home here,” Sasikumar said. “In a time where immigrants and higher education are under attack, as an international faculty member I’m grateful to be part of a system where my contributions are valued.”
On the staff side, Sonya Vyas, assistant director of the College of Health and Human Sciences Student Success Center, will be presented with the Spartan Spirit Award. Vyas is recognized for her dedication to mentoring new advisors and connecting students with support services. “It’s incredibly humbling to be recognized in this way,” Vyas said. “What I love most about my function is our students: Their courage, curiosity and growth remind me every day why this work matters.”
Catherine Dougherty, who has worked at San José State for over 20 years supporting graduate programs in the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business, will receive the Distinguished Service Award (Staff). Brenjielyn Cuneta, the senior basic needs and community engagement coordinator for SJSU Cares, has been named the Critical Employee. Cuneta oversees operations at the Spartan Food Pantry, which serves over 4,000 students annually. Andrea Tully, assistant director of the Center for Community Learning and Leadership, will be honored as Staff of the Year for her work building community partnerships and supporting service-learning initiatives.
Honorable mentions were also given to Richard Hernandez, Connie L. Lurie College of Education; Roselia Lobato-Morales, Office of the Registrar; Elena Seto, Library Resource Management and Delivery; Christine Marie Holmes, ’95 MLIS; Mathew J. Buchanan, Moss Landing Marine Laboratories; and Sonia Lizama-Orduña, Case Management; and Jinni Pradhan, Center for Asian Pacific Islander Student Empowerment (CAPISE); and Laura Osborne, Lucas College and Graduate School of Business.