College of Engineering Recognizes Stellar Performance with 2025 Staff Awards
Each year, the College of Engineering recognizes and honors staff members who consistently perform above and beyond expectation and demonstrate a strong commitment to the college's mission and vision.
Four staff members were selected for exceptional service, innovative approaches, community engagement, and commitment to the college's community core values and diversity, equity and inclusion.
Outstanding staff awards will be presented at the College of Engineering Awards Celebration on May 28.
William Doering, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering
“Friendly,” “kind,” “proactive” and “knowledgeable” are just a few words that have been used to describe William Doering, the undergraduate lab manager and department safety coordinator for the Departments of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering.
Doering helps researchers, including faculty, graduate students and TAs, get set up in their labs. His duties include ensuring lab personnel receive AggieAccess, installing equipment and acting as a liaison to other departments for repairs and other needs. Doering goes above and beyond by also troubleshooting issues and suggesting innovative solutions for problems.
When the senior design course went from two quarters to three, Doering proactively developed a dedicated safety lecture for the course, which “streamlined lab operations and elevated the course’s effectiveness for students and instructors alike,” according to one nominator.
Doering is well-regarded for treating people with integrity, patience and respect, creating a welcoming environment for all who enter his labs and everyone he meets.
Michael Ebrahimi, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Michael Ebrahimi consistently excels in his role as a finance manager.
He has developed video tutorials and financial reporting templates that have improved administrative transparency and allowed faculty members to confidently navigate real-time account data in Aggie Expense. He has also shown great resolve to figure out account deficits, optimize fiscal close processes and craft streamlined problem-solving approaches that improve his department’s effectiveness to serve faculty and staff.
Ebrahimi’s contributions to the college extend beyond his department. He participates in a committee examining workloads, where he provides insights on how to improve financial management across the College of Engineering. In addition, he often mentors new hires and creates resources that empower faculty and staff alike.
“[He] is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment,” a nominator said. “[His] efforts in workload optimization and process improvement promote a more balanced distribution of responsibilities, aligning with the college’s core values of equity, integrity and excellence.”
Prosper Godonoo, Dean’s Office
Prosper Godonoo has demonstrated unyielding, invaluable service to the College of Engineering since joining as a senior research administrator in 2023.
“[Godonoo] has become a quarterback to all the research administration staff in the college, serving both as an authority and a personal mentor,” a nominator said. “[He] is always willing to deep dive into all policies and is an encyclopedia of best practices.”
To streamline financial processes, Godonoo has developed and implemented new tools, such as a new budget reporting system that equips research administrators and decision-makers with critical financial insights. He has also established a monthly series, called “Refresher Conversations,” to support administrative staff and encourage a culture of continuous learning.
Outside his role, Godonoo has become a beating heart of the college’s community, dedicated to uplifting and fostering connections between students, faculty and staff.
“[When] he walks across campus, it's clear how many students, faculty and staff [he has] connected with; many see him as a colleague, mentor and consistent, friendly presence."
Sylvia Liu, Civil and Environmental Engineering
As the academic personnel specialist, front office coordinator and visa liaison for the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Sylvia Liu wears many hats. Her duties touch every part of the department, whether she is updating the website, coordinating and assisting with events, conferences and workshops, supervising the administrative student assistants on other staff projects, or instigating efficiency by creating new processes. She also lets her artistic nature shine and takes on design projects for her team's staff retreats, including creating personalized playing cards with portraits of each staff member and illustrating a graphic T-shirt.
Outside of her department, Liu has shown enthusiasm for engaging with the College of Engineering community by participating in her Staff Networking Group, aiding in gathering agenda items, contributing ideas and resources, and recommending future goals. Additionally, Liu served as one of the arbiters, or “wizards,” of the college-wide scavenger hunt, dedicating time outside of work to develop clues and commemorative magnets, monitor emails as answers came in and plan the award ceremony event.
From bringing in treats to share with the office to taking the time to offer a smile to all who cross her path, Liu’s inclusive nature and genuine respect for others evoke the university’s principles of community to a T.
