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Seven mechanical engineering students earn graduating student awards

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 17:40:16 +0000

Seven mechanical engineering students earn graduating student awards Alexander Jame… Wed, 04/23/2025 - 11:40

Alexander Servantez

Seven students from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering have earned graduating student awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2025.

These awards honor seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions.

Each of the seven award winners will be recognized and celebrated at the department's Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 8.

Read below to learn more about these students and their amazing achievements.

Boston Abrams

Abrams is receiving the Academic Engagement Award for his genuine passion for learning. As an ME major with minors in computer science and history, he is constantly seeking opportunities to expand his knowledge beyond traditional coursework and through an interdisciplinary approach. His nominator also says Abrams is an invaluable course assistant who is a "trusted mentor and leader in the classroom."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I will be pursuing a master's degree in mechanical engineering here at ɫ��Ƶ��. I am excited to use what I have learned in my classes, research and as a course assistant to succeed in the Bachelor's-Accelerated Master's Program (BAM). During my undergraduate journey, I learned a whole host of technical skills, from heat transfer to coding. I think the most important skill that I learned was managing my time and being efficient in the completion of my work.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

My best advice is to get involved. You get to have a period of your life where your main responsibility in life can be learning. This is a great privilege, so make sure you use it. Get involved in clubs and research. This is how you can stand out and build the connections you will need later to get jobs. Don't worry if you don't click with the first project you try—take the time to find a project that you love.

Hale Burke

Burke, a Community Impact Award recipient, has put together an impressive resume of community engagement events and responsibilities during her time at ɫ��Ƶ��. She has served as the director of elementary school outreach for the Society of Women Engineers, participated in numerous volunteer events at Centaurus High School, founded the Emergency Painting Improv Comedy Club and worked with the Pre-College Engineering Outreach Program. She has also pushed herself to help her classmates by becoming a learning assistant for Physics 2: Calculus Based Electricity and Magnetism, a course assistant for Fluid Mechanics, and a curriculum development aide for Heat Transfer. Her nominator says she is a "true team player" and an excellent engineer who will positively impact any community she ends up in.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I will be working at BOA in Denver as an associate test engineer. The resources offered by ɫ��Ƶ�� helped me grow both personally and professionally far beyond what I could have imagined four years ago. Becoming involved in research in the Granular Flow Lab, joining the board for the Society of Women Engineers, landing an incredible summer position through the CU Internship for Credit Program, working with the Pre-College Engineering Outreach Program through the ITLL, and getting to know the amazing faculty here have allowed me to develop the skills and mindset I needed to feel confident in taking my next steps.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Get involved on campus and don't be afraid to reach out for help or advice! Consider every opportunity that comes your way—you'll never know what you'll learn or what connections you'll make. Professors and upperclassmen are almost always happy to help you out, just take the opportunity to ask!

Additionally, take the time to celebrate your accomplishments and reflect on how far you have come. It is so easy to get lost in all of your assignments, projects, and looking to the future. Be kind to yourself—big changes don’t happen overnight. Take pride in what you have done, and what you continue to do!

Airyl Van Dayrit

Airyl is receiving a multitude of awards this spring, including the Community Impact Award, the Culture Impact Award and the Perseverance Award.

Airyl's impact on community and culture starts with his strong commitment and demonstrated effort to create a welcoming community for Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) students here at ɫ��Ƶ��. As a student leader for Asian Unity, one of the largest AAPI student organizations on campus, he played a key role in developing and bringing back some of the community's signature events, including Passport to Asia. He facilitated collaboration with other student organizations and helped foster an environment built upon relationships and connections. Most importantly, Airyl's work with Asian Unity has helped the AAPI community feel heard and safe on campus.

He is also being recognized for his perseverance and sheer toughness en route to his degree. English is Airyl's second language. He came to the United States at 14 years old and since he's been here, he's had to navigate numerous obstacles. But despite all of this, Airyl's nominators say he is always looking to help others and working hard with a smile on his face. One nominator said they couldn't imagine "a person more deserving of these awards than him."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

This summer, I will be working as a field engineer for Mortenson, helping construct and commission wind turbines across the border of Washington and Oregon. In the fall, I’ll be continuing my accelerated master’s in mechanical engineering at ɫ��Ƶ��, where I hope to deepen my technical foundation in sustainable systems and sharpen my ability to lead in complex, cross-disciplinary environments. In the long term, I plan to pursue an MBA to further expand my leadership and business strategy skillset—ideally at a school where I can bridge clean energy innovation with global impact.

ɫ��Ƶ�� and [the college] prepared me for all of this—not just with technical knowledge, but with the confidence to lead, mentor, and advocate for change. I will leave (and return) with a deep gratitude and understanding that engineering isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about serving people, communities, and the foreseeable future.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

My best advice is for anyone who’s simply trying their best, living day by day and taking any chance they get to survive the harsh realities of life filled with uncertainty and insecurity. Be proud of who you are, where you come from, and what you believe in, while also having a curious and open mind. In every challenge, there will be better days and new reasons to keep fighting, so never stop fighting for your people, your sacrifices, your aspirations, your ambitions, and your values.

In a place as vast as Boulder, don’t just search for where you belong, but try and create that space and invite others into it. Help those who feel lost and offer them the safety and support you once needed. And when you’re tired, remember you are human too. Be open to help, just as you strive to uplift others. You are not alone. Your presence is powerful. Let it silence your doubts. And above all, do what makes you happy and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Aaron Kai Groudan

Groudan, a Community Impact Award honoree, is well-known in the college for his strong commitment and genuine care for his peers. He has served as a recitation leader in the Engineering Honors Program, leading students in dialogue relevant to the classroom and curriculum. He has been a standout peer mentor, going above-and-beyond to provide personalized support and cultivating a community of belonging.

Groudan has even shown commitment to other student's wellness, regularly helping fellow students who may feel lonely or disconnected. He has served as a facilitator on a peer-led wellness group that helps engineers tackle the stigmas of the discipline and find effective solutions to dealing with their struggles. His nominator says he is a "kindhearted human who isn't afraid to use his voice to help others."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

The next steps in my career involve me coming back to ɫ��Ƶ�� for a master's degree through the BAM Program. This college and university has helped me prepare for this degree with invigorating and engaging classes that made me want a higher education at this campus.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

My best advice for students is build connections with your classmates and faculty. Opportunities arise in different forms, so try your best to meet them head on when they reveal themselves.

Andrew McCoy

McCoy is receiving the Culture Impact Award for his unwavering dedication to outreach and underrepresented student support. As a long-standing member of the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers, he has consistently encouraged and advocated for access to engineering education. He went beyond the college community, often coordinating K-12 outreach events such as "Dia de Ciencias" to inspire future generations.

McCoy has also served as a mentor in the Engineering GoldShirt program, providing first-year, underrepresented students with crucial support to help them transition into college. His leadership helped create an inclusive environment where young students were empowered to succeed. Many students also say his academic support has helped them achieve their goals in classes, as well. McCoy's nominator says he has a natural ability to connect with others and he has enriched the college community from top to bottom.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I'm going to continue my research in air quality, while looking for a full-time job. ɫ��Ƶ�� helped me prepare by providing resources that allowed me to open doors and opportunities.

Harrison William Gannon

Gannon is being given the Global Engagement Award for his dedication and persistence to engineering impact, not just here at ɫ��Ƶ��, but abroad, as well. In 2022, he joined Engineers Without Borders and worked on two major projects aimed at improving infrastructure in Guatemala and Ecuador. On both of these projects, Gannon exemplified global teamwork by serving other communities and learning from his peers. He has a deep appreciation for other cultures that makes him both an incredible teammate, and a true student of engineering, capable of impacting communities across the globe in a variety of ways. His nominator says Gannon "dives deep into these experiences, building lasting connections and bringing them back to ɫ��Ƶ��."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

Next year I will be in New Zealand on a Work Holiday Visa. During this time I will work in agriculture and tourism. ɫ��Ƶ�� helped me prepare for this situation by instilling a sense of curiosity to explore the world.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

My advice is to be an active listener who seeks to understand others without judgment. Approach every interaction with kindness, joy, and a genuine interest in other people's lives. The way you treat others defines a meaningful life, and building compassionate relationships creates a powerful legacy.

Shannon Blanco

Blanco is graduating with a dual major in mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering. She is receiving the Research Award for her work as a member of Neu Lab under Professor Corey Neu. Since joining this group in 2022, Blanco has contributed greatly to impact in the fields of biofabrication, 3D bioprinting, and the advancement of knowledge of osteoarthritis. Current solutions for younger patients with osteoarthritis who do not qualify for total knee replacements are primarily anti-inflammatory drugs that don’t restore the afflicted cartilage or bone tissue. There is a need for new treatment options, and her work will help bring these options to life.

She is also being recognized as a key member of an interdisciplinary team. She has co-authored peer-reviewed publications and worked with multiple stakeholders throughout her time at ɫ��Ƶ��, including doctors, surgeons and PhD-level scientists. Her nominator says her contributions have been "trusted by all members of the laboratory."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

After graduating this spring, I will be continuing at ɫ��Ƶ�� to pursue my master’s in mechanical engineering through the BAM program. In the future, I hope to work in medical device design or prosthetics. ɫ��Ƶ�� has helped prepare me beyond an educational standpoint by providing opportunities to get involved outside of class and make valuable connections.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Take advantage of the opportunities CU has to offer, whether it's research, clubs, internships, or design projects. Explore different areas, even if you're unsure at first, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Seven students from the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering have earned graduating student awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2025. These awards honor seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions to the college and campus community.

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Five mechanical engineering students, affiliates earn NSF recognition

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 21 Apr 2025 17:42:18 +0000

Five mechanical engineering students, affiliates earn NSF recognition Alexander Jame… Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:42

Alexander Servantez

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has recognized five students and affiliates in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering with Graduate Research Fellowships. These top awards honor and support outstanding graduate students from across the country in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees.

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ME seniors design new fluid aliquoting device to help ease hospital workloads

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 22:02:27 +0000

ME seniors design new fluid aliquoting device to help ease hospital workloads Alexander Jame… Mon, 04/14/2025 - 16:02

Alexander Servantez

New discoveries and advancements in the medical field have introduced a myriad of life-saving therapy options for patients across the globe. But what does it matter if tremendous costs and inefficient processes cause those therapies to be inaccessible?

A group of seniors in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are working to solve that problem by developing an automated medical fluid aliquoting device during their senior capstone design class.

A rendering of the team's automated fluid aliquoting device, sponsored by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies.

The project, sponsored by Terumo Blood and Cell Technologies, is a user-focused system that employs a rotational fluid distribution mechanism to divide and organize medical fluids into disposable bags. These fluid-filled bags can then be taken to hospitals for administration or stored for later use.

“A lot of different medical facilities need systems that can aliquot or essentially ‘dose out’ medical fluid for various applications,” said CAD engineer Zachary Goldberg. “Our device improves upon those previous systems by increasing the capacity of fluid samples that can be created and reducing the amount of space that the system takes in medical labs.”

Through human factors input, the group has found a way to streamline and automate the process to minimize labor-intensive interactions.

“In medical aliquoting, anything that a fluid comes in contact with needs to be disposed of after every single run to maintain a sterile product. So the operator is regularly unloading and reloading the tubing from the system,” said logistics manager Lia Cucuzzella. “This is a process that takes precious operator time with the existing machinery. Our device aims to streamline the loading process.

“This could reduce the cost of labor and help increase patient access to the therapies associated with these fluids.”

The medical aliquoting device is the first of its kind in the Senior Design program. Instead of having a foundation of designs created by teams in past years, the group started brainstorming with no reference points and no restrictions.

In many ways, this open brainstorming period enabled the group to push the boundaries of their project. But it also proved to be an obstacle.

“I’ve often felt that constraints on projects create smooth thinking,” Cucuzzella said. “When you are given a clearly defined project, it’s easier to think creatively within that space. For us, the bounds were so large that it was difficult for us to come up with an identity and define our own specifications.”

Still, the group was able to come together and find an innovative solution that combines precision and practicality. The team says they’ve learned a lot along the way, including the importance of working together as a team.

“When you have a good team with incredible people who are passionate about what you are working on, the potential is endless,” said project manager Ana Quiñonez. “Our team dynamic and our willingness to work with each other is a culture I will look to maintain going forward.”

The group says their year-long journey has told a story that they are excited to share with attendees at this year’s Engineering Expo event. Not only will people be able to see the progression of their project, but they will also get to see the development of their friendship in a fashion reminiscent of an old scrapbook of pictures.

They are also hoping to have another surprise: a demonstration that invites all visitors to try their device.

“A part of our mechanism is being user-focused and easy to manage,” said Quinonez. “What better way to explain our story than to let the audience load and operate our device?”

A group of seniors in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are working to increase access to life-saving therapies by developing an automated medical fluid aliquoting device during their senior capstone class that streamlines the fluid dosing process.

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From left to right: Lia Cucuzzella, Samantha Shaw, Zhixing "Antonio" Li, Milo Ostwald, Zachary Goldberg, Andrew Hill and Ana Quiñonez

ME senior project aims to keep bomb squads out of harm's way

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 17:24:07 +0000

ME senior project aims to keep bomb squads out of harm's way Alexander Jame… Mon, 04/14/2025 - 11:24

Alexander Servantez

Bomb squads across the nation put their lives on the line everyday to protect others. But who is working to protect them when they are out in the field?

A group of seniors in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are working to fill that gap by developing an automated X-ray device during their senior capstone class used to help explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians scan for hazardous materials.

The project, sponsored by Los Alamos National Laboratory, is the first of its kind in the Senior Design program. It’s designed to address key efficiency and safety issues that bomb squads encounter when dealing with explosive devices.

“Currently, EOD technicians are holding a tripod with an X-ray panel connected to it and manually scanning for explosives and other objects. It’s dangerous and it’s not nearly large enough for the objects they want to scan,” said project manager Thomas Montgomery. “We want to make sure the technicians are safe and they can do their job with more consistency and precision.”

The team's automated X-ray bomb disposal device, sponsored by Los Alamos National Laboratory.

To do this, the team attached an X-ray panel to a two-armed system powered by a series of motors with a torque output equivalent to a Prius. This allows the arms to swing and swivel to capture images anywhere within a 68-by-56 inch view without anybody getting too close.

The group says their automatic device also allows for faster setup and image processing capabilities—both of which are very important when bomb squads are working against the clock.

“Sometimes when the operators are scanning for objects, they come across overlaps in the images that are inherent in a manual process,” Montgomery said. “Our device keeps the operator further away from the danger, and it’s repeatable. It can precisely combine all of these images with consistency and that’s incredibly crucial during these high-stakes situations.”

It’s a novel approach to a tangible issue. But despite their success, the group said it wasn’t always easy.

The biggest challenge came all the way at the beginning of their capstone journey. When the team began brainstorming different designs and solutions, it became clear that there were quite a few dissenting opinions on how they should tackle this project.

“I was definitely one of the biggest voices of dissent on some of our original ideas,” said logistics manager Luca Voeller. “I think it was actually a good thing for our team. It really forced us to identify the flaws in our designs and come back to the group with solutions.”

Graduating student and team member Mateo Medellin fabricating parts of the automated X-ray EOD device.

Once they settled on a design, the group encountered their next big challenge: budget.

They found out right away they were going to need a motor capable of producing enough power to keep each of the 15-pound arms steady and moving. But purchasing one would blow a devastating hole in the rest of their project.

“Two weeks in we realized we needed a $3,000 motor and we most likely weren’t going to be able to do the project,” Montgomery said. “We spoke to support staff and they were miraculously able to get us one.

“It really shows you the importance of the resources here at the Idea Forge. Sometimes [the staff] brings you into some random closet somewhere and just pulls something out that saves your entire project.”

Navigating obstacles and issues is a staple in the senior capstone class. Whether it’s managing team dynamics or budget constraints, the program is designed to prepare graduating undergraduate students for industry experiences.

For this group, it was a rollercoaster ride. But they believe their struggles taught them a valuable lesson for the future.

“Don’t be afraid to fail. Fail early, fail often,” said Voeller. “The best way we learned all year was by messing up and making mistakes.”

This year’s Engineering Expo is on Friday, April 25 at the ɫ��Ƶ�� Indoor Practice Facility from 2-5 p.m. Make sure to drop by and check out all the exciting projects in action!

A group of seniors in the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering are working to keep bomb squads safe by designing an automated X-ray device during their senior capstone class used to help explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) technicians scan for hazardous materials.

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From left to right: Kyle Varra, Jakson Praeger, Luca Voeller, Thomas Montgomery, Benjamin Green, Daphne Felt, Bella Wolf, Dylan Mills and Mateo Medellin

ɫ��Ƶ�� further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 16:17:45 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ�� further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program Alexander Jame… Tue, 04/08/2025 - 10:17

The Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering graduate program at ɫ��Ƶ�� was ranked 17th amongst public institutions for 2025-26, according to U.S. News and World Report’s Best Graduate Schools rankings.

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Boulder’s Mana Battery is in race to perfect sodium-ion battery technology

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 18:12:41 +0000

Boulder’s Mana Battery is in race to perfect sodium-ion battery technology Alexander Jame… Mon, 04/07/2025 - 12:12

Associate Professor Chunmei Ban is a co-founder of ɫ��Ƶ�� spinout Mana Battery. The company is at the forefront of a race to provide low-cost batteries with longer lifespans than the market offers today.

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Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises'

Alexander James Servantez — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 20:34:32 +0000

Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises' Alexander Jame… Tue, 04/01/2025 - 14:34

Colorado-based startup company Lunar Outpost, co-founded by AJ Gemer ((AeroEngr'10; MMechEngr'12; MAeroEngr'16), recently launched the country's first ever robotic rover designed to explore the moon. Now, they look to explore space in a new way, this time in collaboration with LEGO.

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Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 19:24:59 +0000

Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/31/2025 - 13:24

Professors Mark Borden and Mark Rentschler have been inducted into the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) College of Fellows. The program is among the highest professional distinctions given to medical and biological engineers, representing the top 2% of these engineers around the world.

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From research to impact: Massimo Ruzzene

Alexander James Servantez — Mon, 31 Mar 2025 15:52:12 +0000

From research to impact: Massimo Ruzzene Alexander Jame… Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:52

Professor Massimo Ruzzene is the senior vice chancellor for research and innovation. His goal is to foster a campus environment that turns research into real-world impact in areas such as quantum, space, climate and health.

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Sustainable Spinouts: Innovation in Action

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:22:08 +0000

Sustainable Spinouts: Innovation in Action Alexander Jame… Fri, 03/21/2025 - 11:22

ɫ��Ƶ�� is a hub for sustainable entrepreneurship. Spinouts such as Associate Professor Greg Rieker's LongPath Technologies, Professor Se-Hee Lee's Solid Power and Associate Professor Chunmei Ban's Mana Battery are just some of the university's latest successful ventures motivated by protecting the environment.

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All News

Seven mechanical engineering students earn graduating student awards

Boston Abrams

Hale Burke

Airyl Van Dayrit

Aaron Kai Groudan

Andrew McCoy

Harrison William Gannon

Shannon Blanco

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Five mechanical engineering students, affiliates earn NSF recognition

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ME seniors design new fluid aliquoting device to help ease hospital workloads

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ME senior project aims to keep bomb squads out of harm's way

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ɫ��Ƶ���� further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program

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Boulder’s Mana Battery is in race to perfect sodium-ion battery technology

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Lego partners with moon rover firm Lunar Outpost for 'future product and surprises'

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Borden, Rentschler inducted into the AIMBE College of Fellows

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From research to impact: Massimo Ruzzene

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Sustainable Spinouts: Innovation in Action

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ɫ��Ƶ�� further solidifies ranking as top 20 graduate engineering program