Universitywide awards recognize achievements in teaching, scholarship, advising and philanthropic leadership

Four Cal Poly College of Engineering faculty members were recognized during Fall Convocation for work ranging from supporting students in and beyond the classroom to advancing research with direct benefits for patients and strengthening philanthropic partnerships.

Computer engineering professor John Oliver received the Distinguished Teaching Award; mechanical engineering associate professor Eric Espinoza-Wade received the Distinguished Scholarship Award; civil and environmental engineering professor Rebekah Oulton received the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award; and biomedical engineering professor and department chair Kristen O’Halloran Cardinal received the Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy.

The Aug. 17 ceremony formally launched the academic year and recognized achievements across the university. This year’s convocation also marked the start of Cal Poly’s first fall semester.

John Oliver: Distinguished Teaching Award

Oliver received the Distinguished Teaching Award for an approach to teaching that combines technical rigor with a strong focus on student success.

Across courses in embedded systems, machine learning and senior capstone design, he emphasizes making complex concepts accessible and giving students opportunities to apply what they learn. His work also includes developing courses that respond to changes in computing and supporting transfer students and advancing equitable teaching practices.

Oliver has incorporated the ethical and societal dimensions of emerging technology into his courses, encouraging future engineers to consider how artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics affect people and communities. His teaching and advising have also helped students identify career interests, pursue internships and consider graduate study.

Oliver holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Boston University and a doctorate in computer engineering from the University of California, Davis. He joined Cal Poly in 2007.  

Eric Espinoza-Wade: Distinguished Scholarship Award

Espinoza-Wade earned the Distinguished Scholarship Award for research that applies engineering and socially assistive technologies to improve quality of life for people with neurological conditions.

His work in social robotics explores how sensors, assistive robots and related technologies can support patients as they move between clinical care and their homes. His research has addressed the needs of people living with conditions such as stroke, Parkinson’s disease and cerebral palsy.

Espinoza-Wade has received research support from the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation, including an NSF CAREER Award. His research involving infants with cerebral palsy has also been supported by Children’s Hospital of Orange County and UC Irvine, with the work continuing through partnerships with Chapman University and the hospital.

Undergraduate and graduate researchers play an active role in his work, including through interdisciplinary projects that connect mechanical and biomedical engineering.

Espinoza-Wade earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He joined the Cal Poly faculty in 2019.

Rebekah Oulton: Outstanding Faculty Advisor

Oulton received the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award for advising that encompasses far more than course registration and degree requirements. She works with students navigating academic setbacks, considering changes in their educational paths and planning for graduate school or study abroad.

Her approach emphasizes understanding each student’s circumstances and finding practical ways to keep long-term goals within reach. The annual award recognizes a faculty member who has had a positive influence on students through academic advising.

Oulton has also expanded advising support beyond individual appointments. She has developed workshops, graduate school information sessions and resources to help students navigate Cal Poly’s semester conversion, reaching hundreds of students while continuing to provide individualized guidance when needed.

Oulton holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in general engineering from Harvey Mudd College and a doctorate in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Iowa. She is licensed as a professional engineer in civil and mechanical engineering.

Kristen O'Halloran Cardinal: Provost's Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy

Cardinal was selected for the Provost’s Leadership Award for Partnership in Philanthropy, which honors faculty members who build philanthropic partnerships that advance Cal Poly’s mission. Her work has centered on cultivating long-term donor relationships and connecting their support with priorities in biomedical engineering.

Those partnerships have helped strengthen the Biomedical Engineering Department, expand Learn by Doing opportunities for students and support faculty scholarship. Cardinal has focused on aligning donor interests with academic programs and student experiences to create lasting support for the department.

The honor adds to Cardinal’s record of universitywide recognition. She received Cal Poly’s Distinguished Scholarship Award in 2025 and is a past recipient of the Outstanding Faculty Advisor Award, reflecting contributions that span research, mentoring and departmental leadership.

Cardinal, a Cal Poly alumna, earned her bachelor’s degree in general engineering from the university and a doctorate in biomedical engineering from the University of Arizona.

Read more about Cardinal’s philanthropic leadership and the partnerships behind the award.