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At Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­, engineering isn’t just taught. It’s built, tested and brought to life.

This spring, that work once again takes center stage at , where nearly 100 student teams will unveil solutions shaped by months of collaboration, iteration and real-world problem solving. From technologies that detect wildfires earlier to innovations that restore mobility and improve lives, the event offers a powerful glimpse into the future of engineering in action.

Hosted by Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­â€™s , the free event returns 1--4 p.m Wednesday, May 6, bringing together students, industry partners, alumni and the broader community for one of the college’s most anticipated annual events. 

For students, Senior Design Day marks the culmination of their undergraduate experience. Across aerospace, mechanical, electrical and computer, and civil, construction and environmental engineering, teams conceive, design and build solutions to complex challenges, often in partnership with industry and community collaborators. 

The result is more than a showcase. It is a demonstration of what happens when technical knowledge meets human need.

Projects span a wide range of applications, including public safety, accessibility, environmental conservation and emerging technologies. Each reflects the college’s emphasis on hands-on learning and its commitment to preparing students to address society’s most pressing challenges.

Classroom-to-career

Senior Design is intentionally designed to mirror the professional world. Students work in teams, manage timelines and budgets, and respond to feedback from faculty and industry mentors.

One project highlights how engineering can directly improve quality of life. Through ((Student Engineering for Resilience of Veterans and Emergency Responders), senior design students partnered with a disabled U.S. veteran to develop an adaptive cycling solution. The team designed a custom pedal system that restores full rotational motion while maintaining stability and comfort, allowing the veteran to ride a bicycle again for the first time in 22 years.

This experience builds more than technical expertise. It develops critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills that translate directly to the workforce.

Another project addresses public safety through applied engineering. students developed Ember Eye, a lightweight, long-endurance unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with thermal imaging to detect heat signatures from missing persons and emerging wildfire hotspots. Designed to be affordable and easy to deploy, the system reflects the College of Engineering’s emphasis on practical, real-world solutions.

Senior Design Day also reflects Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»­â€™s broader commitment to community engagement. Local high school students are invited to attend, offering a firsthand look at engineering in practice and helping spark interest in STEM pathways. By creating opportunities for early exposure, the College of Engineering is helping build the next generation of problem-solvers while addressing the growing demand for skilled engineers. 

As the largest event hosted by the College of Engineering, Senior Design Day represents more than a milestone. It is a celebration of innovation, collaboration and purpose-driven design. It is also a reminder the future of engineering is already taking shape, one project at a time.

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