At GW Engineering, a fast-growing research enterprise, dedicated faculty mentors, and a supportive community come together to create an environment where students can thrive. GW Engineering’s highest-achieving undergraduate students for the 2024-2025 academic year were recognized at GW’s annual Academic Honors Ceremony on April 22.
Through the Outstanding Academic Achievement Awards, the ceremony honors students with at least 60 credits at GW and who rank in the top 2% of their schools by GPA. Out of 225 students, 16 GW Engineering students were recognized: Ozzy Simpson, James Ashby, Roan Riordan, Laura Anker, Aditya Arjun, Fiona Berg, Anand Bhat, Luca Caruso, Derek Chen, Ciaran Krabak, Ivan Mejia, Ian Nappi, Matthew Roberts, Emilia Schmidt, Joshua Shapo, and Joseph Staller. This marks Simpson’s, Ashby's, and Riordan's second consecutive year receiving the award.
Additionally, one student per school is named Distinguished Scholar each year. Simpson's selection as GW Engineering’s 2025 Distinguished Scholar reflects not only his personal dedication but also the school’s collaborative and rigorous academic environment, which has helped him excel both in and out of the classroom.
“Being named GW Engineering’s Distinguished Scholar is an incredible honor, and a moment of reflection on all the hard work and late nights I’ve put in since setting foot in Foggy Bottom almost four years ago. Beyond that, it reminds me of the countless teaching assistants who helped me understand assignments that at first felt impossible; the professors who pushed me to do my best work, pursue new interests, and give back to the GW Engineering community; and the lifelong friendships I’ve formed with my peers,” said Simpson.
Simpson’s passion for technology, which led him to major in computer science, began in elementary school. In kindergarten, he started designing websites for family and friends before becoming a self-taught web developer at the age of 10. His interest in cybersecurity specifically was sparked by the Computer Security course taught by Assistant Professor of Practice Joe Goldfrank. The class culminated in a hands-on hacking project, which Simpson found so exciting that he applied for the CyberCorps: Scholarship for Service program the following semester.
“The relationships I’ve built with my professors have been incredibly impactful to my academic journey—whether it’s feeling comfortable going to their office hours, collaborating on research, or receiving career and life advice. Getting to know my professors on such a personal level is something that only happens in small engineering programs like GW’s,” Simpson shared.
After graduating in May, Simpson will continue his education at GW Engineering, conducting research at the GW Usable Security and Privacy Lab over the summer before beginning a master’s in Computer Science with a focus on Computer Security and Information Assurance in the fall. His next chapter, supported by the CyberCorps Program, reflects the strong foundation built through his undergraduate experience and will prepare him for a career in the U.S. government protecting national security. Together with his fellow honorees, Simpson exemplifies GW Engineering’s culture of academic excellence and community impact.