"Being back at my alma mater is my obvious inspiration. I know that UB is one of best in the world. Every day when I leave my office, I think to myself, 'I hope what I did today made UB a better place,' said John Crassidis, who was recently recognized with the celebrated Samuel P. Capen professorship.

The award honors outstanding CSTEP research mentors who have been involved in mentoring, supervising and advising undergraduate researchers, and have impacted students’ academic and professional careers. 

Seamus Lombardo, an undergraduate aerospace engineering major, earned third place in the Student Competition at the International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) Symposium on Small Satellites, held in Berlin, Germany.

The award honors Crassidis’ commitment to excellence in aerospace engineering education.