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Music to honor a master: Ukulele kits by engineering students are in homage to alum Kuboyama

goersab — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 15:34:32 +0000

Music to honor a master: Ukulele kits by engineering students are in homage to alum Kuboyamagoersab April 13, 2026

Cross-disciplinary groups also design toolless furniture connections, learn valuable customer perceptions

A small black case rests atop a filing cabinet in Assistant Professor Kevin Dietsche ��. office. He opens the case and begins strumming a ukulele. The soft music fills the office. Dietsche, an engineering technology instructor at ��, built the ukulele 15 years ago under the guidance of Kazukiyo “Jiggs” Kuboyama, a master in his craft who was honored by the Ukulele Guild of Hawaii.

In homage to Kuboyama, Dietsche tasked his own students to develop a process to build ukuleles in his New Product Development course this semester. “For me to do this is in honor of his tradition,” Dietsche said of Kuboyama, who was a 1957 �� industrial arts alum. He taught technology education in Oahu and passed away in 2019.

Professor Kevin Dietsche and Braden Kapitz watch as the CNC machine removes wood to shape a main ukulele jig.

The project grew to also include developing toolless bed connections, with one group expanding their design to work across different furniture types – a solution allowing for flexibility of use.

The engineering technology and mechanical engineering students worked in cross-disciplinary groups to research market trends and materials and to ideate preliminary designs before they were joined by engineers and designers from Ashley Furniture Industries, including industrial and product design alums Caleb Toft and Anna Lindner, as well as Emeritus Professor Jerome Johnson, who viewed the groups’ design presentations and provided insight based on their industry experience.

The groups then began their build process of the ukuleles and toolless connections in the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing Woods Lab.

“These projects are about teaching the students problem solving through the design process. The most difficult part is getting your first draft right. Once you’ve troubleshooted everything, you can build hundreds of models using your programming,” Dietsche said.

Creating ukulele building kits for beginners

The ukulele groups are meeting the challenge of making instrument-building kits more accessible to beginners. Two groups – Andrea Smith, of East Troy, and Brook Derks, of River Falls; and Konnor Kraft, of Plymouth, Minnesota, Alex Ogno, of DeForest, and Braden Kapitz, of Athens – researched ukulele construction methods, dimensions, and kerfing techniques, and how wood type and body shape affects sound quality and buildability.

Konnor Kraft shows a cardboard prototype and a CNCed jig for a ukulele.

“Traditional instrument construction requires a high level of craftsmanship, which can be difficult for those with limited woodworking experience. Our goal is to simplify the process so anyone can successfully build a ukulele using guided methods and fixtures,” Smith said.

The groups designed main jig blocks in SolidWorks to match the size and shape of a ukulele and then, using AI contour construction, they removed the inner material on a CNC machine to make the manufacturing process more consistent and repeatable.

Andrea Smith and Brook Derks discuss their ukulele design.

“We then steamed .08-inch-thick strips of ash wood for 45 minutes to make it malleable and clamped it to the inside of the main jig block for 48 hours to create the exterior curve of the instrument,” Kraft said. “The quality of the wood can affect how it curves, as well as how long it is steamed. We found that 45 minutes in the steamer was optimal for malleability, and that knots will affect the wood ��. strength. It will weaken and split at the knot when curved.”

The groups also made kerfing supports (flexible, notched wooden strips glued to the inside of the ukulele body to strengthen the structure). “The top of our ukulele will be made of spruce for sound quality and the neck will be made of cherry wood for its vibrant color,” Kraft said.

Konnor Kraft cuts pieces for a ukulele neck on a bandsaw, assisted by TA Annika Schleuter.

Smith and Derks expect bending the wood sides and achieving consistent kerf cuts to be challenging, since both directly affect the shape and structural integrity of the ukulele. “Designing jigs that ensure accurate alignment and repeatability has also required careful planning. We’re looking forward to testing to see how well our designs perform and what adjustments may be needed,” Smith said.

She ��. enjoyed researching everything that goes into making a ukulele and understanding how each component affects the final instrument. “It ��. been especially rewarding to take that knowledge and apply my design skills to create something that actually works. Seeing the transition from research to a functional build has been the most satisfying part of the process,” Smith said.

Andrea Smith and Brook Derks ready their ukulele jig block for the CNC machine.

Simple, functional, attractive and mass-manufacturable designs

One of the toolless connections groups – Alex Dill, of Hartland, Aden Story, of Holcombe, and Bethany Winge, of Cottage Grove – first worked to identify ways that toolless assembly works in conjunction with a flatpack bed frame (a bed designed to be deconstructed into individual components). They then compared their drafted ideas to existing market solutions.

“We found that a flatpack frequently involves various methods that have self-aligning or self-maintaining joinery. From there, we began to brainstorm connection methods that involved self-contained components, or single-step customer assembly and disassembly items,” Dill said.

TA Annika Scheuter and Bethany Winge construct a frame for an epoxy mold pour.

From Toft and Johnson ��. critiques, the group thought the most interesting was to remember how material affects customer perception and quality of an item. “For example, a nicely finished piece of stainless steel has a much more premium feel than injection molded plastic,” Dill said.

Dietsche required the toolless connection groups to produce their designs with three different manufacturing methods and materials. Dill, Story, and Winge ��. thumbscrew and locking head device is intended to work across different furniture types.

Their methods and materials include: 1.) a 3D-printed component, designed in SolidWorks and printed by Story on his home 3D printer; 2.) a poured epoxy component, produced using a two-part casting rubber mix; and 3.) a metal component, based on availability and machinability, such as stainless steel and aluminum, and cut out by Dill on the CNC machine in the Machine and Subtractive Processing Lab in Fryklund Hall.

TA Annika Schleuter and Bethany Winge mix the two-part casting rubber for an epoxy mold pour.

“The epoxy pour makes everything more repeatable in the manufacturing process. And our 3D-printed component is very well designed and thought out. But I think the metal component would sell the best in the real world,” Winge said.

The challenging part is almost always coming up with a design, as it needs to be simple, functional, attractive, and most importantly, mass manufacturable, Dill said. “Professor Dietsche facilitates a phenomenal environment to learn about CNC programming and other shop processes. Being able to go out in the lab and make things while learning how on the fly has proven very fun and interesting.

“More people should take technical manufacturing classes, as they build an appreciation for how the world around us is made,” he added.

Aden Story holds a 3D-printed thumbscrew for toolless furniture assembly.

�� . engineering and technology department offers six undergraduate degrees, including computer and electrical engineering, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, plastics engineering, engineering technology and packaging, as well as four minors and a master ��. in manufacturing engineering.

Technology education is offered through the School of Education, which is home to nine undergraduate degrees, five graduate degrees, certificates, certifications and online professional development courses.

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Cross-disciplinary groups also design toolless furniture connections, learn valuable customer perceptions Ukulele and toolless connections projects, Woods Lab

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Destination Weekend celebrates students at entrepreneur, athletic, fine arts events

goersab — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 16:20:00 +0000

Destination Weekend celebrates students at entrepreneur, athletic, fine arts eventsgoersab March 17, 2026

Featured events include STEM-X, Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, Fashion Without Fabric on April 11

Abbey Goers

�� invites families, alumni and the community to campus Friday, April 10, to Sunday, April 12, for Destination Weekend, a celebration of fashion, fine arts, athletics and more.

The weekend is a continuation of �� . Year of Design, highlighting the innovation, leadership, and impact at the heart of Wisconsin's ��. Enjoy Stout Secrets self-guided tours and presentations, STEM Exploration events, a Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, the annual sellout Fashion Without Fabric and more.

Destination Weekend

Inviting families, supporters, alumni and others to campus April 10-12, 2026, to celebrate all things Stout!

View the full schedule and RSVP for Destination Weekend, the opening weekend of �� . Spring Showcase, a two-month-long lineup of events.

Some events are ticketed, but most do not require advance registration.

Fashion Without Fabric

The encore event of the weekend is Fashion Without Fabric, the annual showstopper, where students bring their wearable sculptures to life on the runway. This year ��. theme is “Years in the Making,” as teams of students take on modern fashion designs. The show is at 7 p.m. on April 11, in the Memorial Student Center Great Hall. Seating will also be available in an overflow and low-stimuli rooms.

Tickets will be available on Wednesday, March 25, at uwstout.universitytickets.com. Seating is first-come, first-served. In collaboration with industry partners and alumni, the School of Art and Design will award up to three $1,000 scholarships to the winners of the highly competitive show. Donate to support the scholarship.

STEM Exploration events

On April 11, community members are invited to STEM Exploration events, with hands-on lab experiences and tours. Leading the STEM-X events to celebrate the Blue Devils hockey team ��. dance at the national tournament, attendees can build and personalize an off-ice hockey puck. They can also create a concrete coaster and join the Construction Lab tour.

Made@Stout Pop-Up Market

Made@Stout will host a Pop-Up Market from 1:30 to 5:30 p.m. on April 11, in the Memorial Student Center. Made@Stout creates opportunities for Blue Devil creators, makers and entrepreneurs to share and sell their products, artwork and goods. Rooted in community pride and �� . applied, polytechnic spirit, the initiative builds pathways for students, faculty and staff to bring their ideas to market.

University Theatre

Students will perform “Something Rotten,” led by Director Audric Buhr, at Harvey Hall Theatre. Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. on April 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18; and 2 p.m. on April 12.

Set in the 1590s, brothers Nick and Nigel Bottom are desperate to write a hit play but are stuck in the shadow of that Renaissance rock star known as “The Bard.” When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theater involves singing, dancing, and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world ��. very first musical. But amidst the scandalous excitement of opening night, the Bottom Brothers realize that reaching the top means being true to thine own self, and all that jazz.

“Something Rotten” has received several Best Musical nominations and was hailed by Time Out New York as “the funniest musical comedy in at least 400 years.”

Tickets are available at uwstout.universitytickets.com.

Fine Arts Events

“Support Structures” and “Simon Ungless: A Life in Print in the South Gallery” exhibits reception: April 10, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Furlong Gallery. A Meet the Artist event for Simon Ungless will be on Monday, April 13.)
Mabel: Drawings Inspired by the Mabel Tainter Theater opening reception: April 10, 5:30 p.m. (Mabel Tainter Center for the Art, downtown Menomonie)
Gallery 209, in the Applied Arts building, second floor, will host an Advanced Printmaking exhibition.

Athletics Events

Lacrosse vs. UW-River Falls: April 10, 7 p.m. (Nelson Field)
Tennis vs. Central College: April 11, 2 p.m. (South Tennis Courts)
Baseball vs. UW-La Crosse: April 12, noon (Wakanda Park)
Softball vs. UW-Platteville (Senior Day): April 12, noon (Alumni Field)

Spring Showcase signature events in May and June

Saturday, May 2, 4 p.m.: WEAR Fashion Show, showcasing innovative capstone collections from fashion design and development seniors.
Tuesday, May 5: Research Day, celebrating the research and creative work of students, faculty, and staff from all fields.
Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.: Stout Game Expo (SGX), western Wisconsin ��. largest game developer exhibition.
Friday, May 8, 6 p.m.: SOAD Senior Show, graduating seniors take over Micheels Hall and the Applied Arts building.
Saturday, May 9, and Sunday, May 10: 4th Annual Unspooled Film & Animation Festival, dedicated to showcasing the very best in independent filmmaking.
Wednesday, June 24, to Sunday, June 28: Murals in Menomonie, featuring the Walldogs, is a collaborative group of community organizations bringing in some of the world ��. best mural artists.

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Featured events include STEM-X, Made@Stout Pop-Up Market, Fashion Without Fabric on April 11 Fashion Without Fabric, 2025

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�� forms partnership with Alquist to adopt industry-leading 3D concrete printing technology

giffeyt — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 20:00:00 +0000

�� forms partnership with Alquist to adopt industry-leading 3D concrete printing technologygiffeyt March 10, 2026

University among first in Midwest to integrate concrete printing into polytechnic programs

��, Wisconsin ��. ��, and Alquist, a pioneer in 3D concrete printing (3DCP) technology, are proud to announce a strategic partnership that brings Alquist ��. industry-leading, proprietary 3DCP printing systems and supporting curriculum to �� . campus.

This collaboration marks a significant step forward in applied learning and workforce development, positioning �� as one of the first universities in the Midwest to integrate 3DCP into its construction management, technology education, and industrial and product design academic programs. The relationship will help build the workforce infrastructure required to scale robotic construction nationwide.

“This partnership with Alquist aligns directly with our mission to deliver applied, career-ready education,” said �� Chancellor Katherine Frank. “By bringing 3DCP technology and curriculum to our students, we’re preparing them to lead in a rapidly evolving construction and manufacturing landscape.”

Alquist, which is based in Greeley, Colorado, is a leader in 3D concrete printing technology, offering scalable solutions for residential, commercial and infrastructure construction. Through its curriculum, licensing programs, and robotics systems, Alquist is transforming how communities build and grow.

The partnership includes:

Integration of Alquist ��. 60-hour 3DCP curriculum into �� . curriculum, designed to certify students in the operation and application of 3D concrete printing technology. The curriculum will also enhance �� . ability to offer continuing education opportunities for working professionals in aligned areas such as architecture, construction, engineering and industrial design.
Installation of Alquist ��. proprietary 3DCP print system within �� . construction lab, enabling students to gain real-world experience with robotic printing and sustainable construction materials.
Collaborative research and development focused on climate-specific concrete mixes and scalable additive manufacturing solutions for infrastructure and housing.

“As 3D construction printing moves from experimentation to national deployment, the workforce must evolve alongside it,” said Zachary Mannheimer, founder of Alquist. “We’re not just installing printers on campuses, we’re building a long-term talent pipeline that gives students direct access to the tools, software and real-world processes shaping the future of construction.”

The initiative will be housed within �� . Center for Advanced Manufacturing & AI (CAM-AI), which supports manufacturers and other businesses by leveraging the expertise of �� faculty and staff and the university ��. industry-standard laboratories and equipment.

“CAM-AI already provides additive manufacturing, advanced 3D printing technologies and AI to its external partners. The addition of Alquist ��. system will expand the lab ��. capabilities to include large-format concrete printing,” said Seth Hudson, executive director of Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement at ��.

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�� forms partnership with Alquist to adopt industry-leading 3D concrete printing technology

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Seth Hudson

Seth Hudson was announced as the new leader on Thursday, July 28, by Chancellor Katherine Frank. He will direct �� . Discovery Center, including the Manufacturing Outreach Center, Stout Technology and Business Park, and a comprehensive range of industry, applied research, technical assistance and technology transfer efforts of the university.

Hudson has bachelor ��. degrees in political science and economics from the University of Southern Maine.

"I am looking forward to growing �� . existing partnerships in order to expand the relationships between students, faculty, staff and Wisconsin ��. business community,” he said.

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School of Management students propose riverfront hotel model for Milwaukee ��. historic Third Ward

goersab — Tue, 10 Mar 2026 17:47:15 +0000

School of Management students propose riverfront hotel model for Milwaukee ��. historic Third Wardgoersab March 10, 2026

Institute of Real Estate Management club members take third at CORE Case Competition

Abbey Goers

How do you produce a comprehensive, financially feasible development plan that creates value, generates attractive returns, is feasible in today ��. capital markets and aligns with the long-term positioning in Milwaukee ��. historic Third Ward?

�� School of Management students were tasked with just such a challenge recently at the Wisconsin CORE (Creation of Real Estate) Case Competition, hosted by the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin and sponsored by the Milwaukee Commercial Association of Realtors.

IREM members Alexis Brinkmoeller, Breyden Kane and Madelyn King

They joined eight other student teams from three Wisconsin universities in the two-week-long challenge before presenting their real estate development case to industry judges at CORE, held on Feb. 28 at Marquette University and the Wisconsin Club in Milwaukee.

Students used the Harbor Yards riverfront site, a Mandel Group-owned 2.61-acre property on Water Street, selecting an appropriate mix of uses – such as apartments, condos, office, retail and hospitality – consistent with industrial ‑mixed zoning and under 10 stories tall.

After a full day of presentations and networking opportunities, �� won third place. The team – Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) student club members – were:

Breyden Kane, double major in hotel, restaurant and tourism management and real estate property management from St. Paul
Madelyn King, double major in hotel, restaurant and tourism management and real estate property management from Brownsville
Alexis Brinkmoeller, double major in business administration and real estate property management from Eau Claire.

“We decided to do a hotel – naming it RiverFront, by Kohler – with a golf simulator, 15-hole PGA putt putt course, luxury spa, self-pour tap room, and a rooftop beer garden restaurant, inspired by the German- and Polish-based heritage of Milwaukee,” Kane said.

In polytechnic fashion, the competition gave students another opportunity to apply classroom simulations to a real-world project, analyzing the project from concept to completion. They completed a comprehensive proposal addressing market needs, financial feasibility, risk awareness, design and community impact.

The team ��. analysis of the riverfront site included zoning, parcel boundaries, and environmental and infrastructure assumptions. “The capital stack, development budget, and projected returns (IRR, equity multiple and yield on cost), showed that the project is financeable in the current interest rate and capital markets environment,” Kane said.

Their professional deliverables included a slide deck for a 15-minute presentation with 10-minute Q&A, an executive summary and a financial model.

The development plan included the proposed use mix and program, phasing and timeline for construction, site planning, and market positioning relative to the Harbor District Area Plan and prior Mandel concepts.

The financial model offered sources and uses, a development budget with hard and soft costs, capital structure assumptions, stabilized operating projections, return metrics, exit value, and risk and sensitivity considerations.

“Our Stout students’ presentation offered a highly creative and feasible use of the land, integrating their experiences in hospitality and real estate management,” said REPM Program Director Fred Prassas. “We are very proud of their accomplishments.

“Competitions of this nature provide students with an exceptional learning opportunity,” Prassas added. “Success in this industry requires collaboration among many disciplines and these competitions give the students the opportunity to meet with professionals they will likely encounter throughout their careers.”

CORE, through the Commercial Association of Realtors Wisconsin, is committed to strengthening the talent pipeline and connecting students with real-world opportunities in Wisconsin ��. commercial real estate industry. This was its inaugural competition.

Career Services’ annual First Destination Report found that 100% of recent REPM graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, and have an average starting salary of $56,000. �� . real estate property management program is one of only a handful of its kind in the U.S.

�� . School of Management offers 20 undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificates that build students’ leadership skills in business, hospitality and technology innovation, military science, and operations and management fields.

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Institute of Real Estate Management club members take third at CORE Case Competition

March 10, 2026

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Supporting campus community through the Dean of Students Office

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Institute of Real Estate Management club members take third at CORE Case Competition IREM students Alexis Brinkmoeller, Breyden Kane and Madelyn King

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�� cybersecurity program ranks No. 14 in nation as students excel in cyber defense competitions

giffeyt — Mon, 02 Mar 2026 16:00:00 +0000

�� cybersecurity program ranks No. 14 in nation as students excel in cyber defense competitions giffeyt March 2, 2026

Program has earned national credentials, international reach during its first four years

Tom Giffey

Just four years after it was created, the �� Bachelor of Science cybersecurity program ranks as one of the best in the nation, recently landing at No. 14 among the Top 25 programs in the United States, according to Programs.com.

The cybersecurity program also was placed No. 21 among the Most Affordable Cybersecurity Bachelor ��. Programs in separate rankings compiled by Cybersecurity Guide.

The accolades arrived just as cybersecurity students are making another strong showing in the annual Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, earning the top spot in Wisconsin for the sixth time in seven years and placing second among teams from five states in a regional qualifier. Next, the �� team will compete at the Midwest Regional CCDC on March 20-21 at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond, Indiana.

�� students also delivered an outstanding performance last fall in the National Cyber League (NCL) competition, which includes more than 9,000 students nationwide. The five-member �� team placed 43rd among nearly 800 institutions in the competition.

And in December, �� hosted its second annual Capture the Flag event, a competitive simulation in which participants solve security problems to gain points. The competition drew more than 100 participants, including students from other Universities of Wisconsin campuses, high school teachers and their students, and even students from Malaysia.

Professor Holly Yuan, program director of B.S. cybersecurity and B.S. computer networking and infrastructure engineering, points to driven, talented students as the reason for this notable string of achievements.

“I’m very proud of the students, our Stout students, because of their passion,” Yuan said. “My job is giving them the resources they need. They are self-driven.”

Last year, �� . cybersecurity program placed No. 22 on the Best Value Cybersecurity Degree rankings by Programs.com. The most recent ranking — 14th among all U.S. cybersecurity programs — considers affordability as well as academic rigor, applied learning and the relevance of the curriculum.

That curriculum, Yuan explained, combines computer networking, computer science and applied math with cybersecurity-focused courses that explore security networking, security software and artificial intelligence in cybersecurity, all of which gives students industry-ready skills.

What really strengthens the program, she added, are its small class sizes, applied learning environment and strong industry partnerships that allow students to work on real-world projects.

“I think that combination makes the Stout program unique and strong,” Yuan said.

CCDC team members are Kayne Whitney, Fletcher Meyer, Brett Bender, Will Worthington, Andrew Rhode, Blake Dirksen, Ethan Coulthard, Daisy Hardwick, Chloe Kaneski and Kaonou Lor. / Submitted photo

Competitors juggle tasks to thwart hackers

Students say the cybersecurity program excels because it offers applied learning that combines computer science, networking and security.

“Students aren’t just learning concepts; they are applying them in labs fueled by passionate instructors. The work that Holly and other professors have put into the program shows to the students,” said junior Fletcher Meyer, a cybersecurity major from Appleton, Wisconsin, and president of the Cyber@Stout student organization.

Meyer said he was drawn to �� . cybersecurity program because of its designation as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, the availability of Department of Defense scholarships, and its success in the Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. This is Meyer ��. third year taking part in CCDC, and he ��. been focusing on learning more about firewall systems and teaching newcomers about Linux security.

In CCDC, team members are placed in a scenario where they must defend a compromised corporate environment that includes mail servers, databases, websites, and more. “A typical CCDC competition starts with the flag drop, where all teams can suddenly enter the environment and secure these services,” Meyer explained. “What makes this flag drop so special is the fact competitors already have the knowledge their system has been hacked and must be fixed soon — otherwise the red team hackers will further compromise our systems.”

At the same time, the team must respond to simulated users facing technical difficulties while also responding to “injects,” or business memos requesting certain tasks.

“The most challenging part of the competitions for me is the mental juggling act, remaining somewhat collected while balancing troubleshooting, injects, and other requests, all while the environment is trying to burn itself up,” said senior Brett Bender, a computer networking and information technology major from Rio, Wisconsin. “There ��. a unique adrenaline rush in solving high-stakes puzzles under extreme pressure, especially when you’re doing it alongside one of the most talented teams in the Midwest.”

This is Bender ��. first year taking part in CCDC, and he said the experience has been both amazing and rigorous. “We practice multiple times a week in our own environment, have volunteer red team hackers test our skills outside of competition, and have frequent presentations regarding various topics that are relevant during competition,” he said.

“Between practicing, competition, and other weekly meetings, it ��. obvious that we all show up with a drive for excellence,” Bender continued. “Each of us finds joy in the challenges presented, and we are constantly looking to solutions for the situations we find ourselves in during competition.”

Professor Holly Yuan, right, and a �� student.

Lab experience leads to workplace skills

These competitions, as well as educational events hosted by organizations affiliated with the program, help expand the expertise of students and prepare them for the workforce. Senior Chloe Kaneski, a cybersecurity major from Plymouth, Minnesota, interned last summer as a technical support engineer at Verkada, a security technology company.

“This role was very centered around understanding networking concepts and how their devices were connected to a client ��. network,” Kaneski said. “For my future career, I believe that the skills Stout ��. program has given me and the knowledge I have learned from competitions will set me up for success.”

Kaneski, who will graduate in May, is already making a mark in her field. Last semester, she helped found a campus chapter of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS), which has hundreds of student and professional chapters worldwide, and she now serves as the organization ��. president. “We are hoping that we can make a change for both current and future women in cybersecurity at Stout,” Kaneski said.

Sophomore Tram Nguyen of Vietnam is also involved WiCyS, and she received a scholarship to attend the Women in Cybersecurity Conference in Washington, D.C., in March. While Nguyen is majoring in computer networking and infrastructure engineering, she said that program is strongly connected to cybersecurity.

“Security is no longer separate from networking. It is embedded in infrastructure design, authentication and system architecture. That integration really drew me in,” she said.

Nguyen said being able to work directly with CNIT lab equipment helped prepare her for a network support internship with the City of Eau Claire. “Being able to rack equipment, cable switches, configure real devices, and troubleshoot physical connections builds practical confidence,” she said. “Those skills translate directly into industry roles. The combination of theory and real-device experience makes the program strong and career-focused.”

Cybersecurity degree, internships underscore ��'s renewed designation as national cybersecurity center

National Security Agency recognition goes through 2028; students receive paid internships as Career Services grows industry partnerships

Program has notable credentials, reach

�� is designated as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity through the 2028 academic year. �� was the first four-year university in the state to receive this designation.

The cybersecurity program is also recognized as a Cisco Certified Networking Academy, an AWS Certified Academy, a Palo Alto Cybersecurity Academy, and a Microsoft Certified IT Academy. Real-world lab experiences and courses are taught by faculty members with advanced IT industry credentials.

In addition to serving as cybersecurity program director, Yuan is also founding director of �� . Cybersecurity Research and Outreach Center, which promotes cybersecurity research, education and workforce needs for the state of Wisconsin. While she is quick to laud her students and their success, she has earned honors of her own. Among other things, in 2024 she received the Visionary Academic Leadership Award at the 14th annual Cyber Security Summit in Minneapolis.

Cybersecurity program director receives national Visionary Academic Leadership Award

Yuan recognized for ‘pushing the envelope’ to train next generation at Cyber Security Summit

Last fall, she was selected by the U.S. State Department for the Fulbright Specialist Program, which sends professionals and academic experts abroad for two- to six-week project-based exchanges. In May, Yuan will travel to Malaysia for a specialist appointment in the Cybersecurity & Technological Convergence Department of the University of Kuala Lumpur. Her work will focus on cloud security and AI-driven cybersecurity, compliance frameworks and workforce skill gaps in Malaysia ��. digital economy, as well as hands-on workshops in cloud security, AI-powered threat detection, digital forensics, and ethical hacking. Yuan said she will also provide faculty mentorship and curriculum development.

The connection between �� and the University of Kuala Lumpur was formed several years ago when Yuan first traveled to Malaysia thanks to a U.S. State Department grant obtained with the help of �� . Office of International Education. “They made me feel so honored and welcomed, I couldn’t wait to go back!” Yuan said. “I’m super excited to strengthen the relationship between the two schools.”

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Career-connected learning: SkillsUSA brings nearly 400 middle, high school students to ��

goersab — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Career-connected learning: SkillsUSA brings nearly 400 middle, high school students to ��goersab February 25, 2026

Engineering, technical, design competitions prepare young people for future careers

Abbey Goers

Nearly 400 students from 41 middle schools and high schools across the state will put their engineering, technical and design knowledge to the test at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition at ��, Thursday, Feb. 26, and Friday, Feb. 27.

Students will compete in more than 35 events hosted by Continuing Education and Conferences. Using industry-standard machinery, devices and software across campus labs, competitors’ hands-on experiences help prepare them for their future careers – a goal at the core of Wisconsin ��. ��.

�� students will also build their leadership skills as they help coordinate judging and develop many of the challenges, such as the Team Engineering Challenge. Technical events include 3D printing, additive manufacturing, automotive service technology, carpentry, CO2 dragster, electronics technology, entrepreneurship, mechatronics, medical terminology, precision machining technology, robotics, photography and video production, welding and more.

Events are coordinated and judged by �� faculty, staff and students, SkillsUSA advisors, technology educators and alumni.

Media are welcome to cover the competition. Contact Youth Program Manager Tiffany Hoage at hoaget@uwstout.edu for a full schedule and location of events.

The competition will also host a Future-Ready Workforce Summit from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 26. Area business leaders, human resource directors, and recruiters from across Wisconsin will participate with SkillsUSA Wisconsin team members to discuss the challenges of finding and recruiting skilled employees and how SkillsUSA Wisconsin can partner with organizations and school districts to provide a pipeline of skilled and qualified future workers.

Career-connected learning in action

Career and technical student organizations (CTSOs), like SkillsUSA, are what ��. working in education, said SkillsUSA Wisconsin State Director Jake Mihm, technology and engineering consultant with the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.

“When we think about career-connected learning and developing the whole child to be college and career ready, CTSOs are the perfect fit to round out a student ��. professional endeavors. Thank you to �� for hosting this event for more than 40 years,” he said.

Mihm, a 1998 �� education in technology and engineering alum, hopes the competition helps students:

Gain a sense of purpose and connectedness to what they are learning in their technology and engineering courses.
Gain a sense that there is more to learn outside of high school and that there is a wonderful variety of opportunities for them beyond secondary education.
Have a positive experience on a Universities of Wisconsin campus.
Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

Students build leadership skills

Many student volunteers are members of student organizations, such as the Student Construction Association and the Technology and Engineering Education Collegiate Association, which provides leadership opportunities for future educators.

Students Jessica Heckenkamp and Lilly Douty are leading two volunteer efforts this year. Heckenkamp, a double major in manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering, is the logistics lead for the Team Engineering Challenge, working with engineering technology Program Director Abhi Ghosh. Douty, a hotel, restaurant and tourism management major, is a SkillsUSA Wisconsin alum and has been helping to plan the regional competition.

“I hope the competitors take away from the challenge are the benefits of being able to solve a problem promptly, the value of teamwork, and gracious professionalism, which is the ability to be competitive whilst being a good sport,” Heckenkamp said. “The biggest benefits I see from young students getting to work within Stout are exposure to the college work environment and the confidence that they will get from knowing they can continue their learning and expand their skills up to the college level.”

For Douty, an events management minor, it ��. been a nostalgic experience planning the event. “It has reconnected me with my old SkillsUSA advisor and brought back many other sweet memories. It ��. been great to apply my HRTM skills I’ve learned in class to this event coordinator position. I plan to pursue a career in event management after college, so both HRTM and this campus position are equipping me for the future,” she said.

As a SkillsUSA alum, Douty ��. biggest takeaway from participating in the competition was the connections she made. “I connected with like-minded students from all over Wisconsin, many of whom are still close friends,” she said. “Beyond the friendships, I developed valuable skills such as public speaking, leadership and project management. Competing and collaborating pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me gain confidence in my abilities, both personally and professionally.”

The annual SkillsUSA State Competition will be held April 7-8, in Madison. �� faculty and students will be running the Team Engineering Challenge at the state competition.

SkillsUSA is a nationwide organization that provides educational programs, events, and competitions focused on career and technical education. Founded in 1973, Wisconsin SkillsUSA has 166 high school and middle school chapters. Its talent pipeline covers more than 110 trades, technical, and skilled service occupations, mostly related to science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

��'s College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management offers 26 undergraduate and 11 Graduate Studies degree programs, eight academic departments, the School of Management and the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering.

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Excitement, accomplishment and potential are three words that probably best describe what you will experience here.

Tiffany Hoage

As the Youth Program Manager at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, Wisconsin ��. ��, I design and lead initiatives that help young learners discover their strengths, spark curiosity, and see themselves as innovators and problem-solvers.

Through programs such as STEAM summer camps, FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), SkillsUSA, and Science Olympiad, students explore emerging fields, build technical and transferable skills, and gain confidence in their academic and career pathways.

By collaborating with faculty, student leaders, PK-12 and higher education partners, industry, and youth-serving organizations, I help expand access to high-impact experiences that develop future-ready talent and strengthen communities.

If you are interested in partnering, I welcome the opportunity to connect and explore how we can create meaningful impact together.

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�� announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs

giffeyt — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 19:33:20 +0000

�� announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs giffeyt February 18, 2026

Dr. Ramakrishnan will advance strategic priorities, foster academic initiatives at Wisconsin ��. ��

Tom Giffey

�� has announced that a new provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs will begin on Aug. 1.

Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan, currently special assistant to the provost at Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, will advance strategic priorities and foster academic initiatives that reflect �� . status as Wisconsin ��. ��.

“We are thrilled to welcome Dr. Ramakrishnan to ��. She brings the background, ideas, and experience that will help advance �� . distinct polytechnic identity and support student success,” said Chancellor Katherine Frank, who announced the appointment on Feb. 16.

With a focus on collaboration and innovation, Dr. Ramakrishnan will work closely with faculty, staff and stakeholders to address regional and state needs and support student success. 

Dr. Latha Ramakrishnan

“I am excited to join �� and contribute to its vibrant polytechnic identity,” Ramakrishnan said. “I am inspired by the ‘Do More on Day One’ spirit, and I look forward to partnering with all stakeholders to lead Academic Affairs. Together, we will advance academic excellence in alignment with our core polytechnic tenets to better serve our students.”

Glendalí Rodríguez, who has served as �� . provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs since 2019, will return to the faculty within the Operations and Management Department.

Ramakrishnan will come to �� with considerable academic and administrative experience, having served as a professor, chairperson, program director, dean and associate provost (interim). During her tenure at St. Cloud State University and Commonwealth University of Pennsylvania, she secured or contributed significantly to securing more than $9 million in external grants, including several National Science Foundation grants, which provided scholarships in STEM, improved student success, and enhanced research infrastructure. At Commonwealth University, she established the college ��. first external advisory board and empowered faculty to lead the development of the first college strategic plan.

During her interview process at ��, Ramakrishnan demonstrated a strong commitment to student success and excitement to lead the Academic Affairs unit in advancing �� . polytechnic mission. Ramakrishnan holds a Ph.D. in physical polymer chemistry from the Indian Institute of Science; a M.S. in chemistry from the Indian Institute of Technology, Madras; and a B.S. in chemistry from the Sri Sarada College for Women. She was a Postdoctoral Fellow and a Research Associate at Cornell University from 2000 to 2006, including a year as Epilepsy Foundation and Milken Family Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow.

The Provost ��. Office oversees the Division of Academic Affairs, which includes:

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Building with air – how nature ��. hole-filled blueprints shape manufacturing

hugginsm — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 17:29:24 +0000

Building with air – how nature ��. hole-filled blueprints shape manufacturinghugginsm February 5, 2026

Professor Anne Schmitz examines the influence of the natural world on engineering and additive manufacturing.

Anne Schmitz

This article appeared in TechXplore and others, and originated from The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.

If you break open a chicken bone, you won’t find a solid mass of white material inside. Instead, you will see a complex, spongelike network of tiny struts and pillars, and a lot of empty space.

It looks fragile, yet that internal structure allows a bird ��. wing to withstand high winds while remaining light enough for flight. Nature rarely builds with solid blocks. Instead, it builds with clever, porous patterns to maximize strength while minimizing weight.

Cross-section of the bone of a bird ��. skull: Holes keep the material light enough that the bird can fly, but it ��. still sturdy. Steve Gschmeissner/Science Photo Library via Getty Images

Human engineers have always envied this efficiency. You can see it in the hexagonal perfection of a honeycomb, which uses the least amount of wax to store the most honey, and in the internal spiraling architecture of seashells that resist crushing pressures.

For centuries, however, manufacturing limitations meant engineers couldn’t easily copy these natural designs. Traditional manufacturing has usually been subtractive, meaning it starts with a heavy block of metal that is carved down, or formative, which entails pouring liquid plastic into a mold. Neither method can easily create complex, spongelike interiors hidden inside a solid shell.

Bird bones, seashells and honeycombs use clever, porous designs to stay strong without the extra weight. Now, 3D printing is letting engineers copy those natural blueprints.

The sustainable future

Beyond performance, mimicking nature ��. less-is-more approach is a significant win for sustainability. By “printing air” into the internal structure of a product, manufacturers can use significantly less raw material while maintaining the necessary strength.

As industrial 3D printing becomes faster and cheaper, manufacturing will move further away from the solid-block era and closer to the elegant efficiency of the biological world. Nature has spent millions of years perfecting these blueprints through evolution – and engineers are finally learning how to read them.

The invisible architecture

That paradigm changed with the maturation of additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, when it evolved from a niche prototyping tool into a robust industrial force. While the technology was first patented in the 1980s, it truly took off over the past decade as it became capable of producing end-use parts for high-stakes industries like aerospace and health care.

3D printing makes it far easier to manufacture lightweight, hole-filled materials. kynny/iStock via Getty Images

Instead of cutting away material, printers build objects layer by layer, depositing plastic or metal powder only exactly where it ��. needed based on a digital file. This technology unlocked a new frontier in materials science focused on mesostructures.

A mesostructure represents the in-between scale. It is not the microscopic atomic makeup of the material, nor is it the macroscopic overall shape of the object, like a whole shoe. It is the internal architecture, including the engineered pattern of air and material hidden inside.

It ��. the difference between a solid brick and the intricate iron latticework of the Eiffel Tower. Both are strong, but one uses vastly less material to achieve that strength because of how the empty space is arranged.

If engineers wanted to make a part stronger, they generally had to make it thicker and heavier. This approach is often inefficient, wastes material and results in heavier products that require more energy to transport.

I am a mechanical engineer and associate professor at the University of Wisconsin-Stout, where I research the intersection of advanced manufacturing and biology. For several years, my work has focused on using additive manufacturing to create materials that, like a bird ��. wing, are both incredibly light and capable of handling intense physical stress. While these “holey” designs have existed in nature for millions of years, it is only recently that 3D printing has made it possible for us to replicate them in the lab.

From the lab to your closet

While the concept of using additive manufacturing to create parts that take advantage of mesostructures started in research labs around the year 2000, consumers are now seeing these bio-inspired designs in everyday products.

The footwear industry is a prime example. If you look closely at the soles of certain high-end running shoes, you won’t see a solid block of foam. Instead, you will see a complex, weblike lattice structure that looks suspiciously like the inside of a bird bone. This printed design mimics the springiness and weight distribution found in natural porous structures, offering tuned performance that solid foam cannot match.

Engineers use the same principle to improve safety gear. Modern bike helmets and football helmet liners are beginning to replace traditional foam padding with 3D-printed lattices. These tiny, repeating jungle gym structures are designed to crumple and rebound to absorb the energy more efficiently than solid materials, much like how the porous bone inside your own skull protects your brain.

Testing the limits

In my research, I look for the rules nature uses to build strong objects.

For example, seashells are tough because they are built like a brick wall, with hard mineral blocks held together by a thin layer of stretchy glue. This pattern allows the hard bricks to slide past each other instead of snapping when put under pressure. The shell absorbs energy and stops cracks from spreading, which makes the final structure much tougher than a solid piece of the same material.

I use advanced computer models to crush thousands of virtual designs to see exactly when and how they fail. I have even used neural networks, a type of artificial intelligence, to find the best patterns for absorbing energy.

My studies have shown that a wavy design can be very effective, especially when we fine-tune the thickness of the lines and the number of turns in the pattern. By finding these perfect combinations, we can design products that fail gradually and safely – much like the crumple zone on the front of a car.

By understanding the mechanics of these structures, engineers can tailor them for specific jobs, making one area of a product stiff and another area flexible within a single continuous printed part.

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Professor Anne Schmitz investigates how nature provides a blueprint for better engineering. bee-honeycomb.jpg

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Co-op Q&A: Amber Kuhn, IBM, Rochester, Minnesota

goersab — Wed, 04 Feb 2026 14:40:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Amber Kuhn, IBM, Rochester, Minnesotagoersab February 4, 2026

Computer science senior hired as a hardware developer before graduation

IBM, the largest industrial research organization in the world, has been at the forefront of innovative technology and systems for more than a century. Advancing from its earliest electric accounting machines to partnerships in space travel and cloud computing, IBM is a leader in artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

At IBM in Rochester, Minnesota, �� computer science senior Amber Kuhn is completing her cooperative learning experience as a hardware development intern.

Kuhn, of Andover, Minnesota, will graduate in May 2026 and has accepted a full-time hardware development position at IBM, where she plans to continue growing her skills in industry while gaining deeper experience in large-scale systems and engineering practices, she said.

“This internship has reinforced my interest in the field of computer science and confirmed that I am on the right career path. I am grateful for the support from both �� and IBM, and I am excited to continue learning and contributing as I move into a full-time role.”

What interests you most about computer science?

What interests me most about computer science is the combination of problem-solving, logic and creativity. I enjoy building systems that have real-world applications, especially when software interfaces directly with hardware. I find it especially rewarding to take abstract concepts and turn them into functional, reliable solutions.

How do you hope to make an impact in your field?

I hope to make an impact by contributing to well-designed, reliable systems and by building tools that improve efficiency and reduce errors for both engineers and users.

Long-term, I want to be involved in work that bridges software and hardware and that has tangible, real-world impact. Enterprise computing systems are a strong example of software and hardware with significant real-world impact. Large-scale server hardware, combined with low-level software, firmware, and automation tools, supports industries such as health care, finance, government, cloud services and research. These systems are critical because they must be highly reliable, secure, and scalable to support essential services and large volumes of data.

Through my internship experience, I’ve seen how internal software tools and automation can make a meaningful difference by streamlining workflows, reducing configuration errors, and improving system reliability. While these tools may not be customer-facing, they have a broad impact by supporting the engineers and technicians who build and maintain complex systems.

I hope to contribute to fields that rely on dependable infrastructure and high-performance systems, particularly enterprise computing and hardware-software integration. I am especially interested in building tools and systems that support technical teams and help ensure that critical technologies people rely on every day function reliably and efficiently.

What are your main roles as an intern with IBM?

My main roles include supporting hardware development and testing, assisting with automation and tooling, working with cross-functional teams, and contributing to projects that improve reliability, usability and efficiency of engineering workflows.

One project I worked on involved developing and improving internal tools to automate test setup and configuration, making bench setups more consistent and reducing manual errors. I also assisted with hardware-related testing and documentation efforts that helped streamline workflows for engineers and technicians.

These projects were primarily designed to support enterprise computing and infrastructure development. While the tools and testing work I contributed to were internal-facing, they directly support hardware platforms that are used across many industries, including health care, finance, cloud computing, government and research.

My team ��. work fits into a much larger system at IBM, where every part of the supply chain, from hardware design and manufacturing to testing, integration, and deployment, plays a critical role in delivering reliable systems. Each team contributes a piece that ensures these platforms can meet the needs of a wide range of industries and use cases.

By improving test automation, configuration consistency, and documentation, the work helps ensure that hardware systems are reliable, scalable, and ready for deployment in environments where downtime or errors can have serious consequences. In that sense, the impact extends beyond a single field and supports industries that rely on high-performance, dependable computing systems to operate critical applications.

The projects also supported engineering and technical teams directly, helping them work more efficiently and accurately, which ultimately improves the quality of the systems delivered to customers across these industries.

What do you enjoy most about your internship?

What I enjoy most is working on meaningful, real-world problems alongside experienced engineers. I appreciate being trusted with responsibility and having the opportunity to learn how large-scale systems are designed, tested and maintained in an industry environment.

What is challenging about your internship, and how do you face those challenges?

The most challenging aspect is the complexity of the systems and the steep learning curve that comes with enterprise-level hardware and software integration.

I face these challenges by asking questions, seeking feedback, reviewing documentation and breaking problems down into manageable pieces. I’ve learned to be persistent and proactive when troubleshooting.

How will your courses and experiences at Stout help you make an impact in your career?

�� . hands-on, applied learning approach has been especially valuable. Courses in software development, databases, and web programming, along with project-based assignments, have prepared me to work on real systems.

Projects where I designed full applications from backend to frontend stand out the most, as they closely mirror the work I’ve done during my internship.

A strong example of this preparation is my capstone project, Rock the Wall, which I completed the semester before starting my internship. Rock the Wall is a full-stack, web-based route management system designed for the Stout Adventures Rock Climbing Wall. The application was created to replace a manual Excel-based process used to track climbing routes and employee hours, which was time-consuming, error-prone and difficult to manage collaboratively.

The application serves multiple end users. Climbers can view currently set routes, track their progress, see leaderboards and climbing rankings, and leave feedback on routes. Employees can add, edit, or retire routes and log their setting hours, while managers have additional administrative tools to manage user roles and oversee wall activity. The system was built using JavaScript and PrimeVue for the frontend, Firebase for authentication, PostgreSQL for the database and GitHub for version control.

Designing Rock the Wall required me to think critically about user roles, data modeling, authentication, and usability, skills that directly transferred to my internship work. Building a complete application from backend to frontend gave me confidence working on production-level systems and reinforced the importance of clean architecture, collaboration and user-centered design. This experience has been foundational in helping me contribute meaningfully in a professional software development setting.

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�� . packaging program ranks among top 10 in national listings for its polytechnic approach

goersab — Tue, 03 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

�� . packaging program ranks among top 10 in national listings for its polytechnic approachgoersab February 3, 2026

Applied learning, strong industry partnerships benefit students, create clear career pathways

Abbey Goers

�� . B.S. packaging program has been recognized by three national ranking authorities in their annual listings:

College Raptor: No. 3 for 2026
Universities.com: No. 9 for 2026
College Factual: No. 5 for 2025

“We are honored to be recognized as one of the top packaging programs in the nation,” said Associate Professor Min DeGruson, program director. “�� . distinction comes from our polytechnic approach of hands-on, applied learning, our deep and long-standing industry partnerships and our strong career focus.”

DeGruson said students with an interest in design, engineering, problem-solving and sustainability can find wonderful careers in the packaging field. In the end, every product needs a package — meaning every industry needs packaging engineers, she said.

�� packaging graduates achieve 100% job placement with an average starting salary of $70,000. Located near the Twin Cities and Wisconsin ��. Fox Valley, two major hubs for packaging innovation, �� offers unparalleled access to packaging suppliers and career opportunities across the food, consumer products and medical device industries.

Recent employers of graduates include 3M, Bosch, Boston Scientific, General Mills, Great Northern Corporation, Kimberly Clark, Medtronic, Milwaukee Tool, Post Consumer Brands, Sartori Cheese, Target and more.

�� . award-winning Cooperative Education & Internship Program helps students connect with placement opportunities to gain additional career-readiness skills before graduation. More than a third of students accept positions after graduation with their internship employer.

Students begin working in five dedicated packaging labs in their first semester, spending more than half of their coursework engaged in lab-based testing, materials research, prototyping, and design verification alongside faculty and peers.

“With our dedicated labs, a rich program history, and a highly engaged alumni network, our students benefit from exceptional industry support and clear career pathways. These strengths are reflected in our outcomes,” DeGruson said.

Cross-disciplinary research and projects are another highlight of education at ��, as well as the Great Northern Corp. Collaboration Experience course, in which students design packaging for a Great Northern client.

Great Northern sees students bring cosmetics packaging, design ideas to life

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“Packaging students work alongside students from the graphic communications, and graphic design and interactive media, industrial and product design and video production programs,” Associate Professor Kate Liu said. “We offer students multiple development paths to maximize their potential for success, including design, management, sustainability, business, medical packaging, food packaging, quality control, manufacturing, sales and supply chain.”

The program ��. dedicated faculty, including three professors and an adjunct professor with diverse expertise, ensures students are well-prepared for their careers. “We have excellent instructors and small class sizes that allow students to develop key skills for success,” added Provost Glendalí Rodríguez.

In addition to her faculty role, DeGruson is chair of the Food Packaging Division under the Institute of Food Technologists and is an Executive Committee member of Kilmer Innovation in Packaging. Liu recently worked with Madison-based Tricky Foods to identify sustainable insulation options to safely ship charcuterie and cheese boards coast to coast.

Students have the opportunity to join the Stout Packaging Association. They also participate in and are frequently awarded for their designs at national and international student competitions, including the Paperboard Packaging Alliance, International Molded Fiber Association, Flexible Packaging Association and 48HR REPACK, created by the Institute of Packaging Professionals. A team of students even won a competition sponsored by Kellanova, a division of Kellogg ��., and the Packaging Association of Canada, for their redesign of the iconic Pringles packaging.

�� is the only school among the Universities of Wisconsin that offers a bachelor ��. in packaging. Schools that ranked first and second in each list are Michigan State University and Clemson University.

�� also offers a minor in sustainability and a B.S. plastics engineering, in which faculty and students research how the plastics industry can be more sustainable, including by using more recycled materials.

Packaging

All Packaging News

�� . packaging program ranks among top 10 in national listings for its polytechnic approach

Applied learning, strong industry partnerships benefit students, create clear career pathways

February 3, 2026

Cool solution: Faculty-student research will help Madison company ship charcuterie, cheese boards coast to coast

Packaging professor and student identify sustainable insulation option for small business

December 17, 2025

University Partner Award: Great Northern Corporation

'�� . hands-on approach aligns with our values of innovation, collaboration and continuous learning.'

August 27, 2025

Applied learning, strong industry partnerships benefit students, create clear career pathways Students in the Packaging Lab

University Marketing

B.S. Packaging

Our B.S. Packaging program provides hands-on training in package printing and design, business, quality management, and research and development.

Learn More

Min DeGruson

Research Interests: My research focuses primarily on synthesis and characterization of bio-based polymers for food packaging applications, and using nanotechnology to improve their mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties with additional functions such as antimicrobial property.

Full Name: Dr. Min L. DeGruson

Job Title: Associate Professor / Program Director

Include in Directory: Yes

College: College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management

Department: Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering Engineering & Technology Department

Program

All Degree Programs

B.S. Packaging

Curriculum Vitae: Min DeGruson CV (129.92 KB)

Website: LinkedIn Profile

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Food Packaging/Food Science

University: Pennsylvania State University

Degree: M.S. Plastics Engineering/Engineering Technology

University: Pittsburg State University

Degree: M.S. Cereal, Oils & Protein Engineering

University: South China University of Technology

Degree: B.S. Food Science & Technology

University: Shanghai Jiao Tong University

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

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B.S. Packaging

�� forms partnership with Alquist to adopt industry-leading 3D concrete printing technology

School of Management students propose riverfront hotel model for Milwaukee ��. historic Third Ward

�� cybersecurity program ranks No. 14 in nation as students excel in cyber defense competitions

Cybersecurity degree, internships underscore ��'s renewed designation as national cybersecurity center

Career-connected learning: SkillsUSA brings nearly 400 middle, high school students to ��

�� announces Latha Ramakrishnan as provost and vice chancellor for Academic Affairs

Building with air – how nature ��. hole-filled blueprints shape manufacturing

�� . packaging program ranks among top 10 in national listings for its polytechnic approach