Fall 2024 Commencement — A Family Affair for UH Grads

These are just some of the many stories from the Class of 2024 and reflect the drive and determination of UH’s graduating Coogs.

Family Focused

Among those Cougars crossing the finish line is Summer Dalgamouni, who is earning her Ph.D. in electrical and computer engineering from UH’s Cullen College of Engineering. The rigorous academic program was no doubt challenging for Dalgamouni but imagine completing a doctorate while parenting two young twins.

Dalgamouni did just that despite days that often began as early as 2 a.m. to work on her dissertation and research. By 6 a.m., she began readying her twins — Lawrence and Laura — for school. Then, it was time to focus again on her doctoral obligations.

While her husband Muhammed provided unending support, the academic workload and parenting responsibilities were daunting. Still, Dalgamouni persevered. When in doubt, she thought of Lawrence and Laura.

“There were tears, doubts, and nights when I felt like giving up. But I kept going, not because it was easy, but because it was worth it,” she said. “What kept me grounded was my ‘why.’ I wanted to create a better future for my children and to prove to myself — and to them — that nothing is impossible with hard work and determination.”

She has certainly proven herself to her family and her faculty mentors.

As a researcher, Dalgamouni has focused her attention toward developing of a Fiber Bragg Grating sensor to monitor chlorine levels in water. Her hard work paid off as there is a pending patent for the CSense sensor. According to Dalgamouni, the sensor has the potential for real-time, cost-effective water quality monitoring and may yield many health benefits for communities.

Born in Houston, but raised in Jordan, Dalgamouni’s return to her birthplace has proven to be quite rewarding. Beyond her family, she is particularly grateful for professors Stanko R. Brankovic and Driss Benhadouu for their guidance. Likewise, she credits UH for providing the perfect academic environment for her goals and ambitions.

“UH also provided the facilities, funding, and supportive environment that allowed me to thrive,” she said. “UH truly turned challenges into opportunities, helping me grow as a researcher and achieve milestones like securing a patent for my work.”

Sister Act

Kristen and Emily Kiang were very close growing up in Sugar Land. The sisters often dressed the same, played together and pursued similar interests. Their mutual love for health care led them both to Baylor University to pursue undergraduate degrees in Medical Humanities. Kristen graduated in 2021; Emily in 2022.

“I found out about the Second-Degree Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program at the University of Houston, and I knew that it would be the best fit for my path to becoming a nurse,” Emily said.

Now at the end of their studies, and as they have done so in many other ways, Emily and Kristen will graduate together from the UH Andy and Barbara Gessner College of Nursing.

“Our family and friends were excited when they heard we would be in the same program at the same time,” said Kristen. “They would all say how nice it was that we would have each other to go through the program with, and that we would be each other’s study buddies.”

While the sisters express gratitude for the support they received from each other, both are quick to thank family, friends and faculty for their success in the program and future success in the industry.

The sisters both will enter the nursing profession in the Texas Medical Center, Kristen as a medical ICU nurse, while Emily will work in a specialized cardiac unit.

“This year wasn’t easy by any means, but there were good memories made that I can carry into the future,” Emily said. “I extend special gratitude to my classmates. I am so glad we were able to experience nursing school together. I can’t wait to see the impact we will make in the future.”

A Fresh Start

Miguel Patino was fresh out of the U.S. Army when he enrolled in graduate programs at the University of Houston. The veteran found the University and its Hobby School of Public Affairs to be exactly what he was looking for after serving in the military.

“The Hobby School differs greatly from the military, but that is precisely what I wanted,” said Patino who is earning a dual master’s degree in economics and public policy. “I wanted to become more well-rounded. In the military, I learned how to lead and be resilient in challenging situations. In grad school, I learned skills I can use in the workplace, such as working in teams, conducting research, and writing.”

Patino said UH and the Hobby School helped him adjust to civilian life and provided many life-changing opportunities. These included serving as a teaching assistant and facilitating a discussion during a Texas Tribune symposium on democracy.

Perhaps the most transformative experience within the Hobby School was meeting fellow student and future wife Leyla Taghiyeva.

“We became friends, eventually began dating, and most recently got married,” he said. “We would rehearse class presentations, help each other with homework, study for tests, and provided emotional support as we finished the program.”

After earning his degree, the sky’s the limit for Patino … literally. He plans to attend flight school and become a pilot. First, he will apply what’s learned at the Hobby School to an Army Captain’s Career Course and become a captain in civil affairs for the U.S. Army Reserve.

“I thank the University of Houston, Hobby School and economics department for everything,” he said. “Before attending the school, I was experiencing a tumultuous time with leaving my previous job and not knowing exactly what I wanted to do next. At the school, I figured out what I wanted to do, met my wife and got my life in order.”

Strong Support Group

The holidays are weeks away, but first-generation student Lori Garcia received the best present of all during Thanksgiving week. On Nov. 26, the College of Education student welcomed a baby girl and became a first-time mother.

During Commencement, she will proudly accept her degree and know that her baby girl was with her during the home stretch.

She will admit that continuing her degree was in doubt when she discovered she was pregnant. Thanks to friends, family and faculty at the College of Education, she is now emerging with a bachelor’s degree in teaching and learning.

“Luckily, I have a lot of wonderful people in my life that were there to encourage me to finish,” she said. “We came up with a plan to ensure I make it across that stage no matter what.”

In addition to a strong support group, Garcia was driven by her passion for education. She said that school, particularly math, was important to her. She hopes to instill this same interest in learning within her own students, as well as her daughter.

Beyond her own interests in teaching, Garcia said the College of Education has been integral to her personal and professional growth. She cites Celeste Alba, clinical instructional professor of curriculum and instruction, as a major source of inspiration.

“The program prepares you for success after graduation,” she said. “Many courses helped me to either prepare for my state exams or helped me to better understand what is expected of a teacher. I would like to give a huge thank you to Professor Alba for always being there to support and encourage me throughout my time in college.”

Now that she’s earning a degree, Garcia has two primary goals.

“My plans after graduation are to be the best mom I can be and to apply for teaching jobs,” she said. “I hope that one day my child can look up to me and want to attend college and strive to become a banner bearer as well.”