Undergraduate News
Many industrial facilities rely on cryogenic gases for processes such as cooling, materials testing or energy transport. But before those gases can be used, they must be vaporized with electricity-intensive equipment that can cost companies tens of thousands of dollars each year. A team of seniors are working to address that problem by developing a heat-exchange device for their senior capstone project that captures waste heat circulating through refrigeration systems.
Starting in fall 2026, the Paul M. Rady Department of Mechanical Engineering is rolling out two major curriculum changes—guided by student feedback—that aim to rebalance credit allocation and streamline degree requirements. Janet Tsai, associate teaching professor and associate chair for undergraduate education, said the changes will help improve student learning experiences for all current and prospective students.
Mechanical engineering students Jack Mulvaney, Josh Shrewbridge, Hayden Dondlinger, Kai Groudan, Duncan Laird and Gregory Reilly shined at this year's Colorado Sustainable Challenge, receiving nearly $8,500 in awards during the two-week hackathon-style event designed for anyone passionate about solving problems and building a solution to impact sustainability.
Two undergraduate students, third-year Asaiah Gifford and first-year Caleb Woldemichael, were selected as Patti Grace Smith Fellows. The prestigious program is designed to help accelerate the careers of high-achieving Black students across the nation–a population that statistically remains underrepresented throughout the aerospace industry.
Bryce Sohayda is an undergraduate student in mechanical engineering. He interned at Xtreme Power Conversion Corporation during summer 2024.
Aria Mundy, a dual-major mechanical engineering and applied mathematics student graduating this fall has been selected to receive the Â鶹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder College of Engineering and Applied Science 2024 Outstanding Undergraduate Award. Mundy has displayed a vast level of achievement during her time on campus in areas such as academics, outreach, professional development and inclusion.
Heather Maclachlan is an undergraduate student in Mechanical Engineering. She interned at Veolia Water Technologies during summer 2023.