NDSU claims victory in second annual Engineering Gauntlet

The rivalry between North Dakota’s two largest universities took a technical turn on March 21 as the NDSU Memorial Union played host to the Feathers and Horns Engineering Gauntlet. When the dust (and rubber bands) settled, the NDSU chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers emerged victorious, securing the traveling trophy on home turf.

The event, now in its second year, brought together 52 NDSU students and 25 visiting students from the University of North Dakota for a day of high-stakes design, networking and professional development.

Precision and Power: The Competitions

The heart of the Gauntlet consisted of two design challenges that tested the students' ability to innovate under pressure with limited resources.

• The Mousetrap Grand Prix: Teams were tasked with building vehicles powered solely by the spring of a mousetrap. The goal? Precision. Cars were scored on their ability to stop exactly 15 feet away. NDSU dominated the podium, taking 1st, 4th and 5th place.
• The Aero-Challenge: Students pivoted to flight, constructing rubber band-powered airplanes. From cling wrap to cardboard, the materials were as varied as the designs. NDSU swept the top three spots, securing 1st, 2nd and 3rd place based on accuracy and distance.

"The competition gives students an opportunity to look forward to a big event year after year," said Brody Clarke, an NDSU Mechanical Engineering senior and one of the event organizers. "Seeing the trophy around campus gives students a real incentive to win."

Networking Beyond the Classroom

While the rivalry was fierce on the competition floor, the event aimed to bridge the gap between academic theory and professional reality. Four engineers from Bobcat, the event’s sponsor and NDSU College of Engineering Premiere Partner, were on hand not just to judge, but to mentor.

The Bobcat contingent — Braden Lach, Kjell Kroh, Kaden Leier and Alyssa Miller — shared insights into their careers and engaged with students over rounds of pool and bowling in the Memorial Union.

"Many students don't see opportunities to connect with industry professionals outside of career fairs or interviews," Clarke noted. "I am so grateful to Bobcat for their sponsorship and their approachability. They spoke well about their careers and were willing to answer every question we threw at them."

Building the Future of Engineering

The "Gauntlet" isn't just about winning a trophy; it's about preparing the next generation of engineers for the workforce. By emphasizing soft skills like teamwork, leadership and quick-thinking, the event replicates the fast-paced environment of a professional engineering firm.

Looking ahead, the NDSU ASME chapter sees limitless potential for growth, with plans for more complex competitions and even more guest speakers. However, their primary goal remains unchanged.

"We don’t ever want the trophy to leave Fargo," Clarke said. "Roll Herd!"

Students interested in joining the ASME community can follow @ndsu_asme on Instagram or visit their official website.