Undergraduate Students Conduct Research On Multiple Engineering Topics
Mechanical engineering undergraduates have been participating in faculty-led research projects, giving them opportunities to work on real engineering problems and receive training in discovering new knowledge before graduation.
Six students presented their research outcomes during the 2026 Student Research Days Undergraduate Showcase on April 8. Their projects spanned several areas of mechanical engineering. In biomedical research, Louis Gaytan studied fluid flow in the internal jugular vein; Sophie Viger explored vibration therapy as a potential treatment for cubital tunnel syndrome; Noah Douglas developed a benchtop system that replicates pulsatile flow for medical device testing; Andres Aasheim examined how lidocaine may be released from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene under walking-like loads.
Other students focused on materials and sustainability. Evan Paulson investigated the use of biomass-derived nanoparticles as additives in polymers. Kalen Gordon tested compression-molded PET/fiberglass composites to better understand their performance after exposure to different environmental conditions.
These projects provide students with experience that is difficult to gain through coursework. They learn to plan experiments, operate testing equipment, record and analyze data, and adjust their approach when results do not match expectations. They also practice communicating their work through posters and conversations with faculty, classmates, and visitors. For many students, undergraduate research helps clarify future goals and can prepare them for graduate school, industry positions, or continued work in research and development.
Faculty mentorship is central to the experience. Working closely with professors helps students connect classroom concepts to open-ended research questions. It also introduces them to the habits of professional engineers, including careful testing, clear communication, teamwork, and persistence. ME faculty members Adam Gladen, Ali Amiri, Annie Tangpong, Chad Ulven, Majura Selekwa, and Yan Zhang guided the students throughout their research.