Students

51�Թ��'s Chem-E-Car team takes home first place

Susan Glairon — Tue, 22 Apr 2025 18:19:38 +0000

51�Թ��'s Chem-E-Car team takes home first place Susan Glairon Tue, 04/22/2025 - 12:19

Susan Glairon

51�Թ�� took home first place in the American Institute of Chemical Engineers Chem-E-Car competition, securing 51�Թ�� a spot at the national AIChE competition in Boston this November.

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Engineering Projects Expo 2025: Explore new inventions and technologies created by CU Engineering students

Michelle Wiese — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 15:45:18 +0000

Engineering Projects Expo 2025: Explore new inventions and technologies created by CU Engineering students Michelle Wiese Mon, 04/21/2025 - 09:45

On Friday, April 25 at the 51�Թ��, engineering students will present their capstone design projects at the annual Engineering Projects Expo. This year's event will feature projects from mechanical engineering; computer science; electrical, computer and energy engineering; biomedical engineering; and civil, environmental and architectural engineering.

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Students' building designs to be presented at Expo

Susan Glairon — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 16:10:12 +0000

Students' building designs to be presented at Expo Susan Glairon Tue, 04/15/2025 - 10:10

Susan Glairon

Seven teams from 51�Թ��'s architectural engineering capstone class will present their building design ideas to the public at the university's Engineering Projects Expo 2025. Each team designed a 20,000-square-foot student support building for the Business Field on the university's main campus.

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Research program sparks student’s transfer to 51�Թ��

Susan Glairon — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 23:51:32 +0000

Research program sparks student’s transfer to 51�Թ�� Susan Glairon Mon, 02/17/2025 - 16:51

Susan Glairon

After a summer in 51�Թ��’s Young Scholars Summer Research Program (YSSRP), Kate Lamb was inspired to change her path, transferring from community college to 51�Թ��’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering as a biological engineering major.

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NSBE helps CU Engineering student land internship at Medtronic

Charles Ferrer — Mon, 10 Feb 2025 17:58:53 +0000

NSBE helps CU Engineering student land internship at Medtronic Charles Ferrer Mon, 02/10/2025 - 10:58

Charles Ferrer

Nathan Mahary is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering Department. He interned at Medtronic, a global medical device company, and has been heavily involved with the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) during his time at 51�Թ��.

Medtronic treats about 70 health conditions and their technologies include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools and patient monitoring systems.

Nathan Mahary interns at Medtronic, a global medical device company, with their surgical operations software team.

How did you first get interested in electrical & computer engineering?

Growing up, I loved playing with electronics either if it was taking apart RC cars and helicopters and putting them back together. That curiosity naturally led me to engineering. I joined a robotics program in high school, which helped me realize how much I enjoyed the combination of electrical and software engineering. When I started college, I initially entered as an open engineering major to explore my options, but inevitably knew I’d end up in electrical and computer engineering. I just love how the two fields complemented each other, allowing me to work in both hardware and software.

How did you find out about the internship with Medtronic?

Through NSBE, we had a connection with Medtronic. Medtronic invited NSBE members to visit their facility, and they asked for resumes for anyone interested in learning about their career opportunities. I submitted mine and then received an email inviting me to an interview. I wouldn’t have had that opportunity to learn about Medtronic without NSBE.

What was it like knowing that NSBE played a role in securing your internship?

It was surreal. Glory to God! Our goal in collaborating with Medtronic was to open up opportunities for NSBE members. When they mentioned internship opportunities, I figured I had nothing to lose by submitting my resume. Medtronic was an opportunity to work in an area that had matched my skill set and gave me an opportunity to strengthen those skills.

What kind of projects did you work on during your internship?

My role was primarily in software engineering. I developed a testing application for the surgical operations software team using a programming language of my choice. I wasn’t very strong in Python at that time, so my mentor encouraged me to work on that and by the end of the summer, I had significantly improved my coding skills. It was an eye-opening experience because I never saw myself working in the medical field. My true passion has been space technology, but this internship showed me how impactful and rewarding medical technology can be.

Beyond technical skills, what did you learn from the internship?

One major takeaway was learning to work on a larger team. In my school projects, I had worked with at most up to four people. At Medtronic, I was part of a much larger team, and I had to learn how to do my part while integrating my work into a bigger system.

Another incredible aspect was being able to shadow other engineers. Since I have an electrical background, I was honest with them and wanted to explore both software and hardware. One of the managers connected me with a hardware engineer who I got to work with in the lab where I soldered components and learned more about the hardware. That hands-on experience helped me stay connected to my electrical engineering roots.

Nathan Mahary and fellow society members from the 51�Թ�� chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers at their 2024 national convention in Atlanta, Ga.

How has NSBE influenced your professional development?

NSBE has played a huge role in my college journey. Before 51�Թ��, my cousin, who was on the NSBE board, encouraged me to attend a meeting. At first, I was only focused on academics—getting good grades and doing well in class. But NSBE introduced me to the professional side of engineering: how to market myself, build a resume and practice for interviews. That changed everything for me.

During my sophomore year I became the media chair and helped promote events to our members. I wanted to give back more to NSBE and thankfully became vice president my junior year, which gave me the platform to help others in the same way NSBE had helped me. Leading NSBE meetings and connecting our members with more opportunities helped grow my leadership tremendously.

What was your experience like at NSBE’s professional conferences?

The NSBE National Convention is an incredible opportunity, and I always encourage students to attend. Over 300 companies and grad schools participate, and the career fair alone is a game-changer. At home, you might apply to two or three jobs a day, but at the conference, you have hundreds of companies right in front of you. It’s one of the best ways for students to land internships and jobs.

What are your post-graduation plans?

I have two major goals. God willing, first, I’m returning to Medtronic in the fall as a software engineer, which is a huge opportunity for me. Second, I’m working with a few other students on a potential startup. My business minor has been incredibly valuable in that process, and I’ve always been passionate about the business side of engineering. I even took an engineering management course this year to sharpen my skills. Whether it’s through Medtronic or this startup, I’m excited about what’s ahead!

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51�Թ�� among top colleges for Indigenous students

Charles Ferrer — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 20:34:04 +0000

51�Թ�� among top colleges for Indigenous students Charles Ferrer Wed, 11/13/2024 - 13:34

Charles Ferrer

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) has recognized 51�Թ�� as one of the top 200 colleges for Indigenous students in its 2024-2025 national rankings.

51�Թ��'s AISES chapter attends the 2024 national AISES Conference in San Antonio.

AISES, a national organization dedicated to increasing Indigenous representation in STEM fields, evaluated schools based on the strength of their support programs for Native students, as well as undergraduate enrollment and graduation rates.

The AISES chapter at 51�Թ�� serves as a community for Indigenous students in the College of Engineering and Applied Science and across campus, connecting those interested in STEM and supporting them academically and professionally. This recognition reflects 51�Թ��’s commitment to fostering an environment where Indigenous students can thrive in STEM—a commitment embodied by the leaders of its AISES chapter.

Noelle Bagola, the chapter’s treasurer, said her journey with AISES has empowered her professionally and personally.

“Being part of AISES allowed me to grow as a leader,” she said.

Through her involvement, Bagola developed skills in areas she once found challenging, like connecting with professionals at conferences and building strong peer relationships.

“Now, I feel confident communicating with people and stepping up to help others. Becoming a leader has been my biggest accomplishment with AISES.”

For Shellene Redhorse, AISES chapter president and a third-year aerospace engineering student, the chapter’s impact extends beyond 51�Թ��’s campus.

“A lot of what AISES does is about supporting our members and the Indigenous community,” she said. “The Indigenous community at 51�Թ�� may be small, and the STEM students within that community are even more rare, but we are here.”

One of her proudest achievements was taking students to this year’s national AISES conference in San Antonio, where they connected with other Native scientists. Redhorse also highlighted the chapter’s outreach to Indigenous students in Denver, where they host hands-on STEM activities, including rocketry demonstrations at Lake Middle School.

“We’re hoping to inspire middle-schoolers by showing them what a future in STEM could look like,” she said.

“When I was in school, I didn’t think a STEM career was possible for me until I got to work on hands-on projects. I know many Native students don’t have those opportunities, so we’re working to change that.”

Looking forward, AISES aims to establish a more permanent support network for Native students in Denver, opening more pathways into STEM fields.

Indigenous Knowledge and STEM

AISES participated in the 2023 First Nations Launch as the ‘CU Trailblazers’, sweeping first place in all their categories and a grand prize trip to the Kennedy Space Center.

Both Bagola and Redhorse draw from Indigenous knowledge to inform their approach to STEM.

Redhorse, who is of Navajo (Diné) and Chickasaw descent, described how her cultural heritage shapes her engineering perspective.

“In our culture, we observe nature closely—how animals act, how weather patterns shift, even how the stars guide us. Our ancestors used this knowledge for everything from growing crops to building structures,” she said.

Inspired by these traditions, she incorporates Indigenous wisdom into school projects.

“I remember building a small rover in sixth grade based on how a beetle moved away from light. It’s that respect for nature and deep observation that really inspires me.”

Redhorse often reflects on Navajo understandings of stars and space, which she sees as especially relevant to her studies in aerospace. She also appreciates Indigenous approaches to sustainability, noting how Native architecture adapts to harsh climates in environmentally mindful ways.

“Whether it’s the way water moves around structures or how a hogan—a traditional dwelling and ceremonial structure—retains heat, these hold incredible value in my engineering work.”

Bagola, an integrative physiology student and a member of the Navajo (Diné) and Cheyenne River Sioux tribes, finds similar connections in her field.

“For us, health is not just physical—it’s about mind, spirit, and experience,” she explained.

“Indigenous medicine, like using sweat lodges, plays an important role in healing. Staying connected with your spirit is essential to being truly healthy.”

Community and Advice for Indigenous STEM Students

“AISES is a really welcoming community for Native students here at CU,” Redhorse said. “It’s a safe space where we can connect, share and rejuvenate. Our meetings are open to anyone, you don’t have to be Native. We welcome anyone who wants to learn about our culture and support us.”

Campus Organizations and Community Resources

Like Bagola, Redhorse also said her involvement with AISES has helped her grow as a leader. Recently, she was invited to welcome the keynote speakers at 51�Թ��’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day plenary event—a role she could not have imagined for herself as a first-year student.

Chantal Baca, academic services manager for the BOLD Center, has served as the AISES faculty advisor for the past academic year. She noted the inclusive community for Indigenous students and credits AISES’ executive student board and members over the last five years.

“The AISES chapter is a remarkable group of student leaders who embody the vision, achievement and STEM student success,” said Baca. “Their membership has made a significant impact in the College of Engineering and Applied Science.”

Student leaders offer heartfelt advice to Indigenous students interested in STEM.

“It’s OK to feel alone sometimes, but find your community, and don’t be afraid to ask for help,” said Bagola. “Joining AISES helped me step out of my comfort zone, gain confidence and start reaching out to my professors and others in my field.”

“In engineering, there were five women in a room of 50 students—and being Native added another layer,” said Redhorse. “But, I’d tell anyone in that position: keep going.”

“Our people are resilient, and if you push through and find your community, you’ll thrive.”

The American Indian Science and Engineering Society has recognized 51�Թ�� as a top college for Indigenous students in its 2024-2025 national rankings.

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Engineering physics senior explores radio astronomy through summer research

Anonymous — Fri, 02 Aug 2024 19:05:06 +0000

Engineering physics senior explores radio astronomy through summer research Anonymous (not verified) Fri, 08/02/2024 - 13:05

Engineering physics senior Angel Hernandez completed a boot camp on radio astronomy at the Green Bank Observatory in West Virginia. Now he’s at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory’s Research Experience for Undergraduates program, where he continues to explore the field.

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Mechanical engineering juniors build drill-powered vehicles

Anonymous — Tue, 21 May 2024 06:00:00 +0000

Mechanical engineering juniors build drill-powered vehicles Anonymous (not verified) Tue, 05/21/2024 - 00:00

Students partnered with the Idea Forge to design, build and test drill-powered vehicles as part of the capstone project in a component design class. The project culminated in a day of friendly competition to test their vehicles in a drag race, a maneuverability course, uphill challenges and an endurance race.

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22 51�Թ�� engineering students earn major National Science Foundation fellowships

Anonymous — Thu, 16 May 2024 16:09:12 +0000

22 51�Թ�� engineering students earn major National Science Foundation fellowships Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 10:09

Jeff Zehnder

The National Science Foundation has bestowed 22 prestigious Graduate Research Fellowship Program awards to 51�Թ�� engineering students.

The national awards recognize and support outstanding grad students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

Awardees receive a $37,000 annual stipend and cost of education allowance for the next three years as well as professional development opportunities.

51�Թ�� is in the top universities 15 nationally for the NSF fellowship recipients for 2024, with 27 awardees across all majors. CU Engineering also has a strong track record with winning the fellowships — 28 students received GRFP awards in 2023,23 students received them in 2022, and 26 students received them in 2021.

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51�Թ�� students launch hybrid rocket

Anonymous — Thu, 16 May 2024 16:01:35 +0000

51�Թ�� students launch hybrid rocket Anonymous (not verified) Thu, 05/16/2024 - 10:01

Jeff Zehnder

Blastoff! The rocket soared over the prairie, its unique engine screaming in unison with cheers from more than two dozen students. The months of work, late nights, calculations, and validations had all been worth it.

Three 51�Թ�� aerospace senior design teams had come together and successfully designed, built, and launched a 10’ tall, 50 lb. hybrid liquid/solid fuel rocket at Pawnee National Grasslands in rural Weld County.

“This was a really hard design challenge, a very difficult technical dance,” said Matt Rhode, teaching assistant professor in the Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences and the lead faculty advisor on the project. “A hybrid motor is very difficult technically, requiring analysis in structures, fluids, propulsion, aerodynamics, remote sensing and control. This is a true triumph.”

All 51�Թ�� aerospace seniors spend two semesters tackling a capstone project that brings together their education with real-world engineering challenges. There are myriad project options for students, from space mission prototypes to reconnaissance drone concepts.

The 36 students of the rocket teams signed up for a project that had bedeviled years of previous seniors.

“I liked the challenge,” said senior Matt Bechtel, who served on the ground system team. “It was something completely different than any other project and had a practical endpoint. We would be able to test it in the exact environment it was designed for, which had a bigger appeal to me than any other project.”

The project saw its genesis more than 20 years ago, when a student approached Rhode about hybrid rockets, which are safer than solid fuel propulsion and not subject to the same U.S. government export restrictions that the turbo pumps necessary for liquid rockets are.

The complexity of the project presented a unique challenge for senior design, and proved to be more than could be accomplished by a single team in just two semesters. This academic year, Rhode split the project into three separate parts: ground systems, airframe, and engine. With dedicated teams for each, they made it to the finish line.

“This project was bigger than any of us,” said senior Gavin Morales, who was project manager for the engine team. “We had highs and lows. Our lowest point was when our second static fire test had an actuation failure with the main valve and just burned out. But we came back, and everybody had the attitude that we’re going to do whatever it takes.”

The rocket mid-flight.

The students designed and built everything themselves. Even the rocket fuel and oxidizer was manufactured on campus.

“All the mixes went well. The solid propellant was aluminum powder with HTPB, which is a rubbery binder. It’s a non-standard fuel but has high thrust initially, and we were really concerned about getting off the pad, so it made sense,” Morales said.

Each team worked separately toward their portion of the project goals while interfacing regularly to stay aligned. As students like Morales tackled engine design, others were perfecting the embedded systems and dual-deploy parachute systems necessary for the ground station and airframe.

Hybrid solid/liquid rockets are unusual in industry, with Sierra Nevada’s Dream Chaser and Virgin Galactic as the primary users in the United States. Team members, however, discovered commercial interest is high, as the project helped numerous students get post-graduation jobs.

“I’ve been hired by a defense contractor and during the interview process I got to give specific examples from this project that were relevant to their work,” Morales said. “Another team member got a job at SpaceX doing exactly what he did on this project and a member of the ground team posted on LinkedIn about the launch and someone else from SpaceX tagged their boss about hiring him.”

Watching the students progress over two semesters, Rhode was impressed with their commitment to the project.

“These were a bunch of good students,” Rhode said. “They were motivated and dedicated and spent a lot of extra hours and got it done. Students don’t build this kind of rocket because it’s so hard, but this department has outstanding faculty and a world-class program, and these students got the job done.”

Preparing for the final launch, team members spent 36 hours setting up the rocket and ground equipment. Although there were some final hiccups with a load cell and morning fog that took far longer to clear than hoped, when the final countdown came the rocket went up without a hitch.

“I don’t think I’ve ever been so stressed and I don’t think I’ve ever had such instant relief,” Bechtel said.

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Students

51�Թ���'s Chem-E-Car team takes home first place

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Engineering Projects Expo 2025: Explore new inventions and technologies created by CU Engineering students

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Students' building designs to be presented at Expo

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Research program sparks student’s transfer to 51�Թ���

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NSBE helps CU Engineering student land internship at Medtronic

How did you first get interested in electrical & computer engineering?

How did you find out about the internship with Medtronic?

What was it like knowing that NSBE played a role in securing your internship?

What kind of projects did you work on during your internship?

Beyond technical skills, what did you learn from the internship?

How has NSBE influenced your professional development?

What was your experience like at NSBE’s professional conferences?

What are your post-graduation plans?

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51�Թ��� among top colleges for Indigenous students

Indigenous Knowledge and STEM

Community and Advice for Indigenous STEM Students

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Engineering physics senior explores radio astronomy through summer research

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Mechanical engineering juniors build drill-powered vehicles

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22 51�Թ��� engineering students earn major National Science Foundation fellowships

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51�Թ��� students launch hybrid rocket

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51�Թ��'s Chem-E-Car team takes home first place

Research program sparks student’s transfer to 51�Թ��

51�Թ�� among top colleges for Indigenous students

22 51�Թ�� engineering students earn major National Science Foundation fellowships

51�Թ�� students launch hybrid rocket