The 2025 SURE Poster Fair & Celebration highlighted the incredible work of our first-generation undergraduate researchers at the Lory Student Center, April 23. 

The Scott Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) connects first-gen students with faculty mentors, giving them hands-on experience with real-world research projects.

🔹 From the AR/VR Lab, Electrical and Computer Engineering student Emily Brown designed the interior of a virtual cat café. Mechanical Engineering student Denzel Hlazo developed virtual characters (NPCs), and Grady White built video games that users can play within the café. All three were mentored by Systems Engineering Associate Professor Marie Vans.

🔹 Biological Engineering student Darwin Schindler worked with Associate Professor Steve Conrad on a project titled “Artificial Neural Network of the Ultraviolet Advanced Oxidation Process for Desalination Energy Efficiency.” His work supports energy-saving decisions in water treatment.

🔹 Civil and Environmental Engineering student Cecilia Neuheardt, along with Mechanical Engineering students Avery Turner and Gibson T. Roberts-Brysh, used model-based systems engineering (MBSE) in creative ways: proposing traffic safety systems, analyzing theme park ride design via social media, and mapping satellite architecture. They were mentored by Assistant Professor Dan Herber.

🔹 In the Systems Security Lab, Biomedical Engineering student Alexandra Sequeros and Electrical and Computer Engineering student Sylvia Ingegneri developed cybersecurity testbeds—truck hacking platforms that will support infrastructure protection research—mentored by Associate Professor Jeremey Daily.

Congratulations to these talented students for their creativity, dedication, and contributions to engineering research!