Ingenium Awards Celebrate College of Engineering and Computing Sciences Alumni and Industry Partners

Pictured from left: Tom Bianculli of Zebra Technologies, Dean Babak D. Beheshti, Barbara A. Porter (B.S. ’00), and Nicholas Cariello (B.S. ’18, M.S. ’19)

On April 27, guests gathered at NYIT de Seversky Mansion to celebrate the accomplishments of fellow alumni and industry partners at the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences’ first Ingenium Awards ceremony. The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to network, celebrate success, and inspire and support New York Tech students.  

Dean of the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences Babak D. Beheshti, Ph.D., kicked off the evening by welcoming guests. “Being a member of the community and engaging with various constituents is any university’s responsibility. The rich range of technical, professional, and outreach events, including this very event, is a testament to the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences’ commitment to being a global citizen,” he said. “We take an active role in our community and work with others to make the world a better and more sustainable one. From 3-D printing face shields for the first responders in the early days of the pandemic to providing upskilling for unemployed women, we take our mission as a global citizen seriously.”

The event also supports the College of Engineering and Computing Sciences and its mission to offer a broad range of outstanding, accredited academic programs; support faculty members who are effective teacher-scholars committed to a student-centered, stimulating learning and research environment; engage students in applied projects, innovative design, and computing solutions to real industry questions; foster connections and partnerships with employers, alumni, and the community at large; and provide the physical space and modern facilities that befit a premier technology institute.

Electrical and computer engineering student Alexander Impasato demonstrates one of the projects on display to New York Tech President Hank Foley.

2022 Award Recipients

Hall of Fame

This award recognizes exemplary alumni who demonstrated extraordinary achievements and accomplishments in their professional field and who has demonstrated exceptional service and commitment to their profession, the community, and the college.

Barbara Porter (B.S. ’00)
Chief Operating Officer, Fragrancenet.com

Over 30 years ago, Barbara Porter was a student at New York Tech. She remains grateful for the technical skills and the resilience she developed to persevere amidst the uphill battles. “I say to you that your future is limitless,” said Porter. “Follow your passions but be open to unexpected opportunities. Your best path forward is out there. It just may not be visible to you yet. Try new things, take an unexpected course, get involved with clubs and activities, and find ways to give back. All of these things will help your path come into focus. But also keep in mind that the path you start on may branch into others over time, which can take you to places you can’t even fathom today.”

Nicholas Cariello’s IBM colleagues celebrate his award. Standing from left: Alexa Naclerio, Brittany Manley, Daniel Stidham, Cariello, Kara Bowman, Matthew Rahtelli. Kneeling: Lindsey Cariello.

Rising Star

The Rising Star Award recognizes alumni who demonstrated a commitment to the college by serving as a speaker, a mentor, and a resource to current students as they chart and explore their career goals. The awardee must have shown a willingness to go above and beyond to advance the goals and mission of the college.

Nicholas Cariello (B.S. ’18, M.S. ’19)
Cybersecurity Engineer/Software Developer, IBM

During his acceptance speech, Nicholas Cariello recalled his own New York Tech experience, leaving current students with some lasting advice. “If I could give one piece of advice to current students, it would be to get involved outside of class whenever possible, network as much as you can, and always carry gratitude,” he said. Cariello also plans on returning to the institution to complete his Ph.D. in computer science. “I don’t know anyone else who’s going to be a triple alum, so if anyone here knows anyone, send them my way— I’m trying to form a club. Thank you all. Let’s reinvent the future!”

Members of the National Society of Black Engineers from both New York campuses at the first Ingenium Gala.

Industry Partner of the Year

The Industry Partner Award recognizes a company that has played an important role in supporting the college’s growth and transformation and has shown outstanding and significant service to the college, its students, and its mission through financial support, technical collaborations to benefit students, and support internship and employment pathways for the college’s students and graduates.

Zebra Technologies
Tom Bianculli, senior vice president and chief technology officer, Zebra, accepted the award.