WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences

06/18/2024

Through connecting with professors, maintaining a full-time job and focusing on her studies, Tessa Biondo has explored the abundant opportunities at Western and in her field.

“What excites me the most is the versatility of electrical engineering,” says Biondo. “I have so many options I can explore to find one that I click with.”

Currently, Tessa is a technical intern with ZF Group in the core satellites department where she works on remote acceleration sensors that are designed for cars.

Read more about Tessa and her journey at WMU at
https://wmich.edu/engineer/cornish2024

06/14/2024

Esther Forson, a master’s student studying engineering management, was selected as a winner of the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Society for Engineering and Management Systems (SEMS) Best Student Paper Competition.

With the guidance of Dr. Ying Thaviphoke, assistant professor of industrial and entrepreneurial engineering and engineering management, Forson's paper explores the dynamics and challenges of artisanal and small-scale mining in Ghana, captures diverse stakeholder perspectives and promotes sustainable mining practices.

Forson also attended the IISE Annual Conference, held in Montreal, Canada, to accept her award and present her paper.

Congratulations, Esther! Read more at https://wmich.edu/news/2024/05/75670

06/13/2024

Congratulations to engineering students (left to right) Teh Ang Qi, Bhairavi Patel, Sophie Nguyen and Paige DePatis on their first-place win at the 2024 Bronco Pitch Competition! Using their experience from College of Engineering and Applied Sciences courses including Entrepreneurial Engineering I: Cost and Financial Analysis, these students had the knowledge and experience necessary to confidently pitch their concept, Brush Ease, to the judges.

Brush Ease is a retractable hairbrush that uses mechanical technology to better clean hair, remove skin cells and promote overall scalp health. The Bronco Pitch Competition, held at the Haworth College of Business, provides a platform for WMU and high school area students to pitch innovative business ideas like Brush Ease to expert entrepreneurs.

Congratulations, Broncos! Read more at

The 2024 Bronco Pitch Competition brought out the best from student entrepreneurs across Western Michigan University who pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of judges.

06/11/2024

Student involvement is inherent in the Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI) and that has changed the standard for registered student organizations. Their hands on and progressive learning techniques have expanded the club and its impact on student learning and experiences.

"Just from the perspective of our own progress, I think we can be really proud of how far we’ve come since just the past two times that we’ve been a part of the UNP. The judges have told us multiple times … that they’re very impressed with how much we’ve been able to advance the art of satellite design at Western Michigan University," says Douglas Adams, aerospace engineering student.

Read more about the history and future of WALI at

The Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI) is preparing more than a satellite to launch into space. Engineering students of all levels are also getting incredible career experience.

06/07/2024

In light of the heartbreaking damage done to Portage homes during recent tornados, members from the Bronco Construction Research Center are working to find ways to strengthen mobile homes against severe weather events.

Senior Research Associate Bilal Alhawamdeh says, “I found out using the metal straps, which is the conventional one which you can find in any store, they can at least double the strength of the connections.”

Find out more about the Bronco Construction Research Center and their work at

Mobile home communities often see some of the worst damage from tornadoes, but researchers at Western Michigan University say a few construction techniques can significantly increase the strength o…

06/06/2024

In recognition of his leadership, work ethic and research pursuits, Sergei Akhmatdinov, B.S.E.’23, has been named a Tau Beta Pi Fellow, earning a $10,000 stipend for graduate studies in computer science and engineering.

During his time at Western, Akhmatdinov served as president of the student chapter of Tau Beta Pi for two years and was elected as vice chair of the Constitution and Bylaws committee at the 2023 Tau Beta Pi National Convention.

Tau Beta Pi is the world’s largest engineering society and provides more financial assistance to engineering students than any other engineering society.

Read more about Sergei Akhmatdinov and Tau Beta Pi at

Sergei Akhmatdinov, B.S.E.’23, has been named a Tau Beta Pi Fellow, earning a $10,000 stipend for graduate studies in engineering.

06/04/2024

Dr. Qingliu Wu, associate professor of chemical engineering, and Dr. Massood Atashbar, professor of electrical engineering, have put WMU at the forefront of applied research in printed electronics and the development of flexible, lightweight sensing systems. They are amping that ability up with the installation of a Systec roll-to-roll screen printer, capable of boosting advances in printed batteries and flexible components.

"With the new system in place, we can now demonstrate high-volume manufacturing processes leveraging both thermal and UV curing systems, and conduct in-depth optimization studies for enhanced device performance," says Wu.

Read more about this project at https://wmich.edu/news/2023/11/73440

05/31/2024

Bronco Robotics, a registered student organization (RSO), has returned from Dallas, where the VEX Robotics World Championship was held. Keeping the streak alive, Bronco Robotics has qualified for this championship every year since becoming an RSO in 2018!

Patrick West, mechanical engineering student and president of Bronco Robotics, says “This was such an amazing experience for our team, being able to compete among the best in the world!”

Congratulations, Broncos!

05/30/2024

Western Michigan University's Formula SAE registered student organization is building its first electric vehicle (EV), hoping to meet the stringent technical requirements for competition.

“Many teams are beginning to transfer over to EV, and we want to stay competitive so that our team learns the most relevant skills for industry as well as making a name for ourselves, the school and the alumni before us,” says Noah Gould, (left) a manufacturing engineering technology student and vice president for EV development on the student team.

Also pictured is Soham Gargate, M.S.E.’20, general assembly equipment engineer at Tesla (second from right), with current students Jack LeFevre (second from left) and Aidan Fayhee (right).

Read more about their work at https://wmich.edu/news/2023/11/73446

05/28/2024

“I am deeply honored, humbled and excited to receive this recognition as a recipient of the 2024 Lifesavers Conference Traffic Safety Scholars Program scholarship,” says Norran Novat, a Western Michigan University graduate student in civil and construction engineering.

Due to Novat's passion for his research on pedestrian safety at roundabouts, he became one of just 19 students nationally to recieve this scholarship.

Read more about Novat's research and the Traffic Safety Scholars Program at

The 19 students received scholarships to attend the Lifesavers Conference on Roadway Safety, which was held April 7-9.

05/24/2024

Join us on Tuesday, May 28 for the next event in our Custer Speaker Series! Dr. Dr. Santiago Aparicio​ will present "Powering Change: Deep Eutectic Solvents for Energy, Environment, and Sustainability​" at 11 a.m. in Parkview Room, D-132, at WMU's Floyd Hall.

This talk will explore the design principles, the power of computational chemistry, and the diverse applications of deep eutectic solvents (DES) in energy, environment, and sustainable technologies.

Custer Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. Learn more at: https://wmich.edu/engineer/custerseries

05/23/2024

“This project holds promise in revolutionizing the way paper is made, making it more sustainable for our planet,” says Dr. Mert Atilhan (pictured), associate professor of chemical and paper engineering and leading researcher on the $2.5 million grant awarded to WMU by the U.S. Department of Energy.

Read more about the impact of this grant and the initiative at

The team at Western is developing a novel method using enzymes and special solvents, known as deep eutectic solvents, to save energy and reduce carbon output when treating wood chips before they go t

05/21/2024

"Getting that outside experience, industry sponsorships and mentorship and actually doing the work is a huge advantage," says Julia Haas, of Marine City, Michigan.

Julia, a recent graduate of WMU’s industrial and entrepreneurial engineering program, and is on the fast track to earn her master's degree next year through Western's accelerated program.

Congratulations, Julia!

Julia Haas says the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences' connections to industry leaders and focus on real-world projects and experiences has put her on the fast-track to success in her caree

05/16/2024

Earlier this year, WMU’s College of Engineering and Applied Sciences hosted the American Society for Engineering and Education (ASEE) North Central Section Conference and drew more than 150 attendees from across the region.

At the conference, Western Michigan University students and faculty came away with several awards including first place for Best Student Paper, first place for Best Professional Paper and third place for Best Student Poster.

Congratulations, Broncos! Read more about the recipients and their projects at

Western students and faculty earned awards at the American Society for Engineering and Education’s 2024 North Central Section Conference, including first place for Best Student Paper and Best Profess

05/15/2024

Join Dr. Ravinder Dahiya on Wednesday, May 22, at 2 p.m. for our next Custer Speaker Series event! He will present "Flexible Printed Electronics for Robotics and Interactive Systems." The event will be held in the Parkview Room at Floyd Hall, home to WMU's College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

This talk will discuss recent advances in silicon-based electronics and focus on approaches such as printed electronics based on high-mobility semiconducting nanostructures, ultra-thin chips for system in foil, and hybrid or heterogenous integration of the off-the-shelf devices on soft substrates.

Custer Speaker Series events are free and open to the public. Learn more: https://wmich.edu/engineer/custerseries

05/14/2024

Greg Neff, B.S.E. ‘14, M.S.E. ‘16, is a senior spacecraft mechanical engineer at Rocket Lab, a global leader in launch and space systems.

At WMU, Neff was a member of the Baja Racing Team and also co-founded the Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI) student organization alongside classmate Andrew Hine, M.S.E. ‘16.

“I really want to make our sci-fi movies a reality. I think our future is one where we have people going to space daily and living and exploring the solar system. This is an inspiring and hopeful future, so I’m doing anything I can to try to make that go faster," says Neff.

Read more about Greg Neff and space exploration here

From developing asteroid-mining technology to supporting space travel, Greg Neff has a resume that’s out of this world.

05/10/2024

The National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) is one of over 20 registered student organizations offered in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences. NSBE helps provide opportunities for both careers and companionship for Black students pursuing rigorous degrees within the STEM fields.

“I became a member of NSBE because of the opportunity to meet amazing people who can teach me a lot about professional development and get involved with making a difference in the community,” says Leroy Collins IV, B.S.'23, (left).

Collins was the vice president of NSBE during his undergraduate studies and now serves as the orgnaization's mentor. Hear from him and NSBE President Madison Price-Yancy (right) about their experience in NSBE at WMU at

WMU’s chapter of the National Society of Black Engineers is one of 20 registered student organizations available at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

05/08/2024

Adam Tuckey is our 2024 Presidential Scholar in mechanical and aerospace engineering. He is eager to further his academic journey in mechanical engineering as he begins graduate school at Stanford University in fall 2024. After he graduates from Stanford, Tuckey will begin working full-time for Edwards Air Force Base as a civilian flight test engineer.

“Being an engineer makes me most excited to work on real projects that have a major impact on the world,” says Tuckey. “My day-to-day work as a flight test engineer will have a direct influence on the safety of our airmen performing military operations overseas.”

Congratulations, Adam!

Meet all the engineering and applied sciences 2024 Presidential Scholars at https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75275?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_jnmey9eo1o

05/06/2024

Nathan Snyder is our 2024 Presidential Scholar in industrial and entrepreneurial engineering and engineering management. Because of his time spent as a member of the Western Aerospace Launch Initiative (WALI), Snyder enjoys working in the aerospace industry. He is currently working as an intern with Marshall Space Flight Center and hopes to transition to a full-time position shortly after graduation.

“I am currently working in the engineering cost office and am very happy with the work I am doing there,” says Snyder. “It is a position where I constantly learn new and better ways of doing things with plenty of changes.”

Congratulations, Nathan!

Meet all the engineering and applied sciences 2024 Presidential Scholars at https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75275?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_ir1nscwkr2

05/03/2024

Join us in celebrating Ally Block, a WMU paper engineering student who has been awarded the 2024 PIMA Student Leadership Award for her exceptional leadership and contribution to the paper engineering program. Upon graduation, she will join Solenis in Vancouver, WA. Congratulations, Ally!

05/01/2024

Alex Seymour is our 2024 Presidential Scholar in engineering design, manufacturing, and management systems. He currently works full-time as a plastic injection mold designer and plans to transition from tooling design to product design after graduation.

“My goal is to become a design engineer who works on creating and refining product designs from the ground up. I have always enjoyed bringing new ideas to life and working through the challenges that unfold,” says Seymour.

Congratulations, Alex!

Meet all the engineering and applied sciences 2024 Presidential Scholars at https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75275?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign&utm_content=ap_ksarkne5iz

04/30/2024

We are excited to welcome students from all over the state to our campus this weekend for the Michigan Science Olympiad State Tournament! Nearly 2,000 students in grades 6-12 who were the top winners from each of Michigan's regional events will be at WMU to compete in a series of 23 team events in areas such as experimental design, astronomy, ecology, chemistry, forensics and more.

Learn more: https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75430

04/29/2024

Sergei Akhmatdinov, B.S.E. ’23, is our 2024 Presidential Scholar in electrical and computer engineering. He enjoys learning through research and also spreading his knowledge by mentoring other students.

“I aspire to lead my own research laboratory as a university professor, driven by my deep passion for cutting-edge research and a commitment to mentoring students.”

In the fall Sergei plans to attend graduate school at the University of Michigan to pursue his doctorate in computer engineering. Congratulations, Sergei!

Meet all the engineering and applied sciences 2024 Presidential Scholars at https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75275?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_xbyxiwb8nh

04/27/2024

The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences wishes a big congrats to everyone graduating today! We are so proud of all your hard work and can't wait to cheer you on in your future successes.

04/24/2024

Jin Park is our 2024 Presidential Scholar in computer science. He is excited to enter and explore the fields of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.

“I'm eager to explore and gain experience across a variety of topics,” says Park. “I'm open to embracing any roles related to artificial intelligence or cybersecurity, as they will provide valuable opportunities for me to broaden my knowledge and skills in these cutting-edge domains.”

Congratulations, Jin!

Meet all the engineering and applied sciences 2024 Presidential Scholars at https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75275?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_6juusb4sfk

04/22/2024

Summer Yeck is our 2024 Presidential Scholar in civil and construction engineering. She has found her passion in the transportation industry and will begin working with the Michigan Department of Transportation in their Engineering Development Program (EDP) after graduation.

“I am excited for the opportunity in the EDP to work in many different areas of transportation engineering before being placed in a position,” says Yeck. “Getting to see the transportation industry from so many different perspectives is a great way to start my career.”

Congratulations, Summer!

Meet all the engineering and applied sciences 2024 Presidential Scholars at https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75275?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_lm640waylq

04/19/2024

Ally Block is our 2024 Presidential Scholar in chemical and paper engineering. Block plans to apply the hands-on experience she has gained as president of Ts’ai Lun, a registered student organization in the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences, to her future endeavors. She is excited to begin her role in commercial sales with Solenis in Vancouver, WA after graduation and enter the pulp and paper industry.

“I look forward to making a significant impact and establishing a pathway for future female engineers in the pulp and paper industry,” says Block.

Congratulations, Ally! Meet all the engineering and applied sciences 2024 Presidential Scholars at https://wmich.edu/news/2024/04/75275?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_jnckybbrc8

04/17/2024

Hats off to all who have donated today! It is amazing to see what the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences can do in just one day. If you haven't made your Giving Day gift yet, you have until 11:59 p.m. tonight! Thank you for your support, and as always, Go Broncos!

Make your gift here: https://secure.wmualumni.org/s/give?funds=PASA%20DEAS

04/17/2024

Thanks for all your support so far this Giving Day, April 17! We have a special, new giveaway this year--this tote, which is available to all donors who make a gift of $75 or more today! We are raising funds for two essential parts of our college:

The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Student Activities fund is essential in providing opportunities for our students to meet with professionals in their field, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and gain valuable hands-on experience.

The Dean’s Discretionary Fund is used to support student engagement and appreciation events, mentorship programs, emergency student needs, undergraduate research, experience-driven learning opportunities, and more.

Make a gift today to support our students tomorrow: https://secure.wmualumni.org/s/give?funds=PASA+DEAS&utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_content=ap_5o5nx2exgp

04/17/2024

We are so grateful for Margean Gladysz’s support of our registered student organization, the Society of Women Engineers (SWE)! Gladysz’s support of SWE will allow students to attend the SWE National Conference and keep the organization growing and attracting new members, helping to cover costs associated with their activities for years to come. Lend your support to our student organizations this Giving Day: https://secure.wmualumni.org/s/give?funds=PASA%20DEAS