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Before They Started Stout: Polytechnic students do more before ‘Day One’

giffeyt — Thu, 03 Sep 2026 20:46:45 +0000

Before They Started Stout: Polytechnic students do more before ‘Day One’giffeyt September 3, 2026

Whether it ��. space-oriented research, welding prowess or Science Olympiad success, Blue Devils arrive with talent and motivation

Tom Giffey

Because of its polytechnic focus on applied learning, industry collaborations, and career-oriented experiences, students at �� Polytechnic are poised to Do More on Day One. In fact, they often do more even before Day One: Diving into applied research that could impact space missions. Building high-value industrial skills on the shop floor. Winning national scholarships for success in STEM competitions.

These experiences exemplify the ambition and talent of students who are drawn to be Blue Devils. Meet three �� Polytechnic undergraduates who have been busy doing more before, during and after Day One.

Student Reese Hufnagel spoke about her research at the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy, in August. / Submitted photo

Starting early with space-bound research

If she is asked to write an essay on her summer vacation, Reese Hufnagel of Anoka, Minnesota, would have plenty of material: This summer, she spent 10 weeks interning at NASA. She made presentations at space conferences in Italy and the United States. She and her business partner and research mentor, Professor Matthew Ray, submitted a provisional patent for their work designing materials to mitigate the risk of space debris crashing to earth.

Now she ��. beginning her third and final year at �� Polytechnic, and the coming semester will not only be filled with courses and lab work but also with submitting new research proposals, conducting materials tests, pursuing an internship for next summer and applying to graduate schools.

Hufnagel ��. �� Polytechnic experience exemplifies the university ��. “Do More on Day One” slogan: She started working on research before classes began during her first year – or, as she put it, on “Day Negative Two.” Hufnagel, who will graduate with a B.S. chemistry degree in May, was drawn to the university for both its size and its polytechnic focus, both of which have allowed her to work closely with faculty.

“The thing that mattered most to me was finding something that felt like a good fit, where I was comfortable,” she said. “I knew the way I learned best was through physically doing things, so the polytechnic aspect really stood out to me.”

Falling space debris poses an escalating risk as spacecraft get stronger and more heat resistant

Student Reese Hufnagel and Professor Matthew Ray examine the material solutions and ‘designing for demise’ to counter public safety risks

Hufnagel was intrigued by the possibility of studying materials science at �� Polytechnic, and her mother, a school counselor, helped her contact Ray. He had an opening in his lab, and Hufnagel had lab experience from earning her associate ��. degree while in high school.

“He asked me directly, ‘What do you want to do?” recalled Hufnagel, “and I said ‘space.’ Any way we can connect it (to research), I will be there.” The connection they found was the problem of space debris surviving reentry – something that is becoming more common both because of the exponential increase in rocket launches and the fact that newer carbon-fiber materials don’t burn up as easily as older rocket components.

For the past two years, Hufnagel and Ray have focused on creating a catalytic additive that, when integrated into carbon-fiber materials, can cause them to disintegrate when they reach a specific trigger temperature. This research led them to form a business partnership, Aurora Catalytic.

“Once we realized that there was commercialization potential with it, then we basically just wanted to see how far we could take it,” Hufnagel said. It was on behalf of Aurora Catalytic that she spoke at both the Wisconsin Space Conference in Kenosha and the Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) Scientific Assembly in Florence, Italy, where she made connections with scientists from around the world.

Before attending the conferences, Hufnagel interned at the Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland, conducting validation tests on equipment for a probe slated to be sent to Venus.

Hufnagel said these opportunities would have been unlikely if she was an undergraduate at another institution. “It allowed me to start doing something that I wanted to do right away,” she said of the university ��. polytechnic approach. “And you can’t do that at other schools.”

Isaah Holden has balanced his mechanical engineering studies at �� Polytechnic with his employment at OEM Fabricators. / Submitted photo

Love of welding leads to engineering program

While a junior at Unity High School, Isaah Holden of Luck took a welding class and fell in love. He progressed quickly, practicing multiple techniques during extra hours in an open lab. Within months, through the Youth Apprenticeship Program he landed a job with Schaffer Manufacturing, a metal fabrication business in nearby Milltown. Through on-the-job training, Holden learned how to read blueprints, fit parts and size up welds. Eventually, he earned his American Welding Society D1.1 qualification, and after graduating high school was hired by OEM Fabricators.

“It was really just a gradual progression of on-the-job training, being obsessed with welding, and having people around me who supported me that paved the way to where I am now,” he said.

Holden knows that welders are in high demand and can be well-paid, especially when working on pipelines or in oil fields. But he also knew the occupation had drawbacks: It ��. dirty, physically demanding and potentially dangerous.

To give himself additional career options, Holden enrolled at �� Polytechnic based on the reputation of the engineering program.

�� mechanical engineering major Isaah Holden, inset, and an example of his welding work. / Submitted photo

“The first time I stepped on campus was the day of orientation,” said Holden, who expects to graduate this fall with a B.S. in mechanical engineering. “I really liked how small it was compared to some larger universities. I also liked how the engineering department really invested in labs for the students. It wasn’t like all you were going to be learning was textbook material: You actually apply the things you’ve been learning.”

Throughout his college career, Holden has continued to work at OEM Fabricators. “I started at OEM as a welder and eventually worked my way into engineering as I progressed through my mechanical engineering degree at Stout,” he said. “Having a welding background has helped me a lot because I understand both sides of manufacturing. I can design something on the computer, but I also understand what it actually takes to build and weld it out on the shop floor.”

Holden credits his �� Polytechnic experience with giving him this dual perspective.

“Stout has prepared me really well through the hands-on classes and projects we have done,” he said. “I’ve gained a ton of experience with several different manufacturing techniques and engineering methods that involve different types of analysis. College also teaches you how to work through the struggle and the grind, and that you can do and manage hard things. I think Stout ��. mechanical engineering program has been a really good balance of all that.”

�� Polytechic first-year student William Engel was drawn to the university because of its packaging program.

Science Olympiad standout drawn to packaging

William Engel, an incoming freshman from Boyceville, excelled as a competitor in Science Olympiad, earning nearly 170 medals and nine state championships in the STEM-based competition.

Earlier this year, he was chosen from among more than 4,000 applicants as one of five winners of a $10,000 Science Olympiad Founders’ Scholarship, with other recipients heading to schools such as Michigan State, University of Pennsylvania and University of Texas. Engel was the first Wisconsin student to ever receive the honor.

What really sparked his interest in science and technology, however, was a trip to IKEA. While hunting through the store for a desk for his brother, Engel became fascinated with how IKEA products were packaged, from the shape of the boxes that held the company ��. furnishings to their strategic placement on pallets. Packaging, he learned, was an entire discipline of its own – a discipline, he discovered, he could pursue at �� Polytechnic.

�� Polytechnic student William Engel at a Science Olympiad competition. / Submitted photo

In fact, the university ��. B.S. packaging program is ranked No. 3 in the nation, something Engel learned while touring �� Polytechnic in advance of the Wisconsin Science Olympiad State Tournament, which was held on campus last year. “We were shown the mechanical engineering, plastics, and the packaging labs, while also meeting with the professors along with students who all were passionate about their fields and simply loved being at Stout,” Engel said.

“I really like that Stout is a polytechnic university and emphasizes experiential learning,” he continued. “I find hands-on work to be extremely beneficial for learning. While on the packaging program tour I was amazed that Stout holds such a high ranking.”

After eight years competing in Science Olympiad, Engel knows a lot about high rankings. “Science Olympiad helped me build important skills by teaching me how to work under pressure, and problem solve with limited materials,” he said.

Engel also enjoyed interacting with other Science Olympiad coaches and competitors: “It ��. fun to collaborate with other schools to improve not only our skills but to share our knowledge with other teams as well.”

Now, he ��. looking forward to similar collaboration in a polytechnic environment. Even before he began classes this semester, Engel said, he had the opportunity to connect with professors in the packaging program.

As the semester begins, Engel said, “I am excited to start learning more and getting hands-on experience in my major, and to also get to know more people from other places across the state.”

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Whether it ��. space-oriented research, welding prowess or Science Olympiad success Blue Devils arrive with talent and motivation Student Reese Hufnagel during NASA internship summer 2026

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Hero Caption: �� Polytechnic student Reese Hufnagel during her summer internship at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. / Submitted photo

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University Alumni Partner Award: Green Bay Packaging

goersab — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:00:00 +0000

University Alumni Partner Award: Green Bay Packaginggoersab August 26, 2026

‘By working collaboratively, we can develop a workforce that is skilled, adaptable and ready to contribute from day one.’

With strong ties to �� Polytechnic and deep roots in Wisconsin, Green Bay Packaging reflects the university ��. mission of applied learning, industry and community partnerships, and workforce development.

The recipient of the 2026 University Alumni Partner Award, Green Bay Packaging has made a significant impact on the lives of �� Polytechnic students and alumni by creating career opportunities and employing a strong pipeline of graduates across packaging, engineering, supply chain, business and sustainability-focused programs.

�� Polytechnic packaging students and faculty receive a tour of Green Bay Packaging / Amanda Rodriguez

Founded by George Kress in 1933, Green Bay Packaging now has 35 facilities in 16 states and Mexico and has more than 4,000 employees. The company is committed to providing innovative packaging solutions while operating with a long-term focus on people, sustainability and community impact. As a family-owned company, it believes that business success and community responsibility go hand in hand.

The George Kress Foundation extends that commitment by investing in initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Northeast Wisconsin and beyond, with a special focus on education, youth development, health and human services, and community enhancement. Its mission is to create opportunities that improve lives and build stronger communities for future generations.

“Our connection with �� Polytechnic developed through a shared commitment to workforce development, innovation and student opportunity. �� Polytechnic is a valued partner because of its strong connection between education and industry, and it creates meaningful opportunities for Green Bay Packaging and the George Kress Foundation to invest in students while helping to strengthen the future of the packaging industry,” said Matt Murphy (’01), general manager of Green Bay Packaging Twin Town Division.

Packaging students tour Green Bay Packaging facilities with senior designers Robert Herdina and Steve VandenAvond / Amanda Rodriguez

By engaging with students through internships, mentorships, cooperative education, and on-campus recruiting efforts, Green Bay Packaging helps bridge academic learning with practical application. Students also gain real-world exposure through on-site facility tours, research collaborations, and technical projects, including work focused on sustainable packaging innovation and product testing.

“Partnerships with institutions like �� Polytechnic give students meaningful experiences that complement their education while giving employers access to talented individuals who bring fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. By working collaboratively, we can develop a workforce that is skilled, adaptable and ready to contribute from day one,” Murphy said. “We can help students develop the skills, confidence and connections they need to succeed, and we want students to know that organizations like ours are invested in their success.”

Max Marsh, an alum and senior designer at the Green Bay Shipping Container Division / Amanda Rodriguez

Green Bay Packaging and the George Kress Foundation support students through investments that strengthen educational opportunities and resources. The George Kress Foundation ��. support for the Packaging Department began in 2010 and has continued to expand opportunities for students pursuing careers in the field. A scholarship is awarded annually to a packaging major from Wisconsin or Minnesota.

“Investing in the next generation is one of the most important responsibilities we have as business and community leaders. By supporting �� Polytechnic packaging students, we help remove financial barriers, expand access to education and prepare future professionals to lead and innovate in an industry that touches nearly every aspect of daily life. We hope these investments create opportunities that strengthen students, families and communities across Wisconsin and beyond,” said Michelle Hansen, president of the George Kress Foundation.

In 2021, the George Kress Foundation donated $180,000 to �� Polytechnic, which facilitated an upgraded, interactive packaging classroom and a new high-tech Mimaki specialty printer. The Mimaki printer allows students to print on a wide variety of materials and 3D objects, including corrugated, wood, plastic, paper and glass.

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Green Bay Packaging also works closely with the university ��. Career Services’ Cooperative Education and Internship Program to provide students with hands-on industry experiences and recruits students at career conferences. Company representatives regularly participate in career fairs and Packaging Association meetings, giving students direct access to packaging professionals and valuable insight into potential career pathways.

Over the years, Green Bay Packaging has hired students for internships and full-time positions, helping them launch successful careers within the organization. Many former interns have now come full circle, with more than 40 �� Polytechnic alumni employed at Green Bay Packaging. They serve in a variety of professional roles and strengthen the company through their leadership, technical expertise, innovation and commitment to continuous improvement.

Many remain actively engaged with �� Polytechnic by participating in the Packaging Advisory Committee, mentoring students, speaking in classes, recruiting future talent, creating internships within their own departments, serving as ambassadors for both the university and Green Bay Packaging. Their involvement continues to strengthen the relationship between the university and Green Bay Packaging while supporting future generations of students.

Max Marsh, an alum and senior designer at Green Bay Packaging, meets with packaging students on campus / Amanda Rodriguez

As a packaging program alum, Eli Weber (’22), manager of continuous improvement at Green Bay Packaging, thinks the longest-lasting impact of his education was the university ��. laser focus on career readiness. “Early on, my professors pushed me to find internships through the career conference, which is how I originally landed at Green Bay Packaging. After three internships here, it was crystal clear what I wanted to do professionally, and I entered my senior year with a signed job offer,” Weber said. “As an intern, I was hired by another Stout packaging alum, who became my manager when I joined full-time. Years later, I now lead the team, which includes another Stout packaging intern. Upon graduation, we hope to bring him on full-time. This full-circle loop makes us extremely proud of our alma mater and excited to mentor the next generation.”

Green Bay Packaging hopes to continue building on the strong foundation of its partnership with �� Polytechnic by creating even more opportunities for students, faculty and alumni through collaborative initiatives that benefit both organizations.

“Higher education and industry partners are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. Together, we can help address workforce needs, identify emerging skills and ensure graduates are prepared for the changing demands of today ��. workplace,” Murphy said.

Green Bay Packaging facilities / Amanda Rodriguez

Through its continued investment in students, Green Bay Packaging hopes to help future packaging professionals build confidence, gain valuable experience and pursue meaningful careers that contribute to the industry and their communities.

“Receiving the �� Partner Award is a tremendous honor for Green Bay Packaging and the George Kress Foundation,” Hansen said. “We are proud of the lasting impact our partnership has created for students, employers and communities. This award reflects a shared commitment to student success, workforce development and community growth, and inspires us to continue investing in opportunities that make a meaningful difference.”

�� Polytechnic is one of only a few schools in the United States, and the only school in the Universities of Wisconsin, that offers a bachelor ��. degree in packaging. The program has been ranked a top program in the U.S. for its ties to business and industry and how those ties benefit students.

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Engineering students support Sierra Space ��. lunar testing system

giffeyt — Wed, 15 Jul 2026 14:30:00 +0000

Engineering students support Sierra Space ��. lunar testing system giffeyt July 15, 2026

Alum works with computer and electrical, mechanical engineering students to improve lunar dust testing, bolstering NASA ��. return to the moon

Tom Giffey

Through a collaboration with Sierra Space, a leading defense-tech space company, �� Polytechnic students are validating critical systems that may be part of missions that return humanity to the moon.

Under the mentorship of alumnus Todd Treichel, Ph.D., a principal manufacturing engineer at Sierra Space, students from �� Polytechnic ��. Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering have been developing methods to ensure that high-tech parts can survive in the harsh lunar environment.

The work comes at a time of revived public interest in space travel, thanks in large part to NASA ��. successful Artemis II lunar flyby in April. Sierra Space has been actively developing In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) technologies, including developing a system to extract oxygen from lunar soil, as well as efforts to design inflatable space habitats and support activities for an upcoming Moon base.

For several years, �� Polytechnic students have been redesigning and improving a lunar dust testing chamber. The chamber is used to study how gray, gritty moon dust – technically known as “lunar regolith” – could impact components like gears and lighting elements.

�� Polytechnic Sierra Space project research team, from left to right: Luke Stanelle, Heidi Benningfield, Sammie Kotek, Dominick Konkel and Todd Treichel.

“It is very encouraging to know that something our team worked on could impact future designs for lunar testing,” said Sammie Kotek, of New Prague, Minnesota, who graduated in May with a bachelor ��. degree in mechanical engineering. “Todd has given us an opportunity to highlight what we learn here at Stout and apply it to something that will reach very important projects. The redesign and testing of the dust chamber could help better design equipment that is being sent to the moon, and I think that ��. pretty cool!”

From lab to lunar environment

On a Friday during the spring semester, Kotek was among several students who joined Treichel in a lab in Fryklund Hall to use the dust chamber to test two headlights intended for a moon rover. Colorado-based Sierra Space developed the lights, which are meant to be used on an unmanned rover.

While images from the Apollo missions may make moon dust appear light and fluffy, it ��. anything but. Heidi Benningfield, who graduated in May with a mechanical engineering degree, described the substance as “jagged like a kidney stone.” Unlike dust on Earth, which is smoothed and rounded by wind and rain, lunar dust is like a fine, abrasive ash. It ��. also electrically charged, Treichel explained, which means it sticks to things – something Apollo astronauts discovered in the 1960s.

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Over the past two years, a team of �� Polytechnic students have redesigned the lunar testing chamber to make it more functional: For instance, they added variable speeds to the fan that keeps the dust airborne, as well as added a method to keep the dust from settling. Benningfield and Kotek engineered structural components while controls and electrical components were the focus of senior Luke Stanelle, a computer and electrical engineering major from St. Paul; senior Noah Flood Elyafi, a computer and electrical engineering major from Orfordville; and 2025 mechanical engineering graduate Dominick Konkel, who now works at Hewlett Packard Enterprise in Chippewa Falls.

The process had two goals: Measuring how effectively the chamber could coat the headlight lenses with simulated moon dust and assessing how that dust impacts the light output of the lenses. The lenses were coated with a prototype material to prevent dust from accumulating. When compared with an uncoated control piece also placed in the testing chamber, the coating seems to have done its job, Treichel said.

Just as importantly, the chamber that the students designed did its job, too, which will usher in the next phase of the project.

“The ultimate goal would be to take what the students have done and up-scale the chamber size to accommodate larger-sized test articles,” Treichel said. He plans on having several �� Polytechnic students visit Sierra Space ��. Madison location this summer to conduct further tests.

Sierra Space Principal Manufacturing Engineer Todd Treichel with the lunar dust testing chamber in a Fryklund Hall lab.

Mentor comes full circle

Treichel, who received his manufacturing engineering degree from �� Polytechnic in 1990, has worked for Sierra Space and its affiliate, Sierra Nevada Corporation, for 18 years. His experience spans manufacturing and design engineering as well as quality, reliability, and environmental testing. He has worked on everything from rocket engines and thrusters to Mars landers, specifically the Phoenix Lander, and payloads sent to the International Space Station.

A few years ago, Treichel was invited to become a member of his alma mater ��. Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board. At the encouragement of faculty, he visited �� Polytechnic in the hopes of arranging a project between the university and Sierra Space. He connected with Benningfield, who he described as having an exemplary passion for aerospace, and she interned at Sierra Space and presented at the Wisconsin Space Conference in 2024. Benningfield later completed a three-month paid internship as a SMART Scholar Engineer with the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command.

Last summer, Konkel made a keynote presentation about the lunar dust testing chamber at the conference, which is held annually by the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium, of which �� Polytechnic is an affiliate member.

Left: Dominick Konkel presents at the Wisconsin Space Conference. Right: Cannisters of lunar and Martian simulants. / Todd Treichel

“Being surrounded by so many brilliant minds and mind-blowing projects and knowing that the work I did earned the keynote spot at the conference was such an amazing achievement,” Konkel said.

“What I learned during this project will contribute to my future career through introducing me to topics that I have grown increasingly eager to explore,” continued Konkel, who plans to pursue a master ��. degree in aerospace engineering at the University of Michigan. “These new topics will continue to drive me as I go to grad school and continue to drive deeper into the world of aerospace.”

The lunar dust chamber project grew out of a prototype that was developed about a decade ago, Treichel said. The original chamber prototype had several limitations and was put on pause. However, the launch of the Artemis program and NASA ��. desire to return to the moon meant lunar dust testing was once again a relevant topic, and one that Treichel brought to �� Polytechnic students.

“The Stout team really took on an open-ended challenge where they were tasked with providing recommendations for design architecture, presenting them to Sierra Space, gaining approval, and then cut loose to design, build, and test,” Treichel said. The challenge was complex, he noted, involving the synthesis of mechanical and electrical engineering – precisely the interdisciplinary strength of �� Polytechnic ��. polytechnic model.

“I found this transition to be most impressive because it represents the real world of aerospace design engineering,” he said. “The amount of electrical engineering was greater than originally planned, but the students figured it out and executed without hesitation.”

The lunar dust testing chamber developed by �� Polytechnic students is shown with containers of simulated lunar and Martian dust.

Kotek, who began working at Scott Equipment Company after graduation, said working on the project not only broadened her horizons but gave her valuable experience working across teams, as the testing chamber was frequently passed between the students as deadlines arrived and new features were added.

She lauded the mentorship Treichel has been able to provide because of his long experience in the aerospace field.

“His knowledge about general engineering and aerospace was highly valuable to my learning experience,” Kotek said. “He taught with a purpose and always wanted us to walk away from a conversation gaining something. He also valued our engineering process and never tried to take our project away from us. When doing projects like this, it ��. nice to know that your mentor trusts you to get the job done and does not overstep.”

Treichel said working with students has given him a full-circle experience. “Having graduated from ��, it ��. rewarding to work with the next generation of engineers, almost like handing off the baton in a relay race,” he said. “As a polytechnic university, hands-on work coupled with experimentation on prototype hardware really makes this a solid focus on a career-oriented skill that can one day serve the aerospace industry as well as others like it.”

Falling space debris poses an escalating risk as spacecraft get stronger and more heat resistant

Student Reese Hufnagel and Professor Matthew Ray examine the material solutions and ‘designing for demise’ to counter public safety risks

Student ��. research aims at space debris

The Sierra Space project isn’t the only space-related research going on at �� Polytechnic. In April, junior Reese Hufnagel presented her work on addressing the growing problem of space debris during the Research in the Rotunda event at the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison.

Hufnagel, a chemistry major from Anoka, Minnesota, is working with Professor Matthew Ray to mitigate the risk of reentry debris from spacecraft and satellites. Ideally, materials like used rocket stages and old satellites burn up when they fall to earth. However, as stronger carbon-fiber materials have become more common and the number of rocket launches has increased dramatically in recent years, reentry debris has become much more common. To address this growing danger, Hufnagel and Ray have worked to create a catalytic additive that, when integrated into carbon-fiber materials, can cause them to disintegrate when they reach a specific trigger temperature at reentry.

To bolster their work, Hufnagel and Ray have conducted more than 50 interviews with people in the space industry, including experts at NASA, SpaceX and Sierra Space. The pair have also formed a startup to commercialize their work, and Hufnagel has received a research scholarship from the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium. The pair also recently published an article about their research at The Conversation, an academic outline that rarely publishes work by authors who aren’t faculty members.

Hufnagel will be a panelist in August at the Wisconsin Space Conference this August in Kenosha. In the meantime, however, she will spend the summer as an intern at NASA ��. Goddard Space Flight Center in Maryland.

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Engineering students support Sierra Space ��. lunar testing system

Alum works with engineering students to improve lunar dust testing, bolstering NASA ��. return to the moon

Alum works with engineering students to improve lunar dust testing, bolstering NASA ��. return to the moon Sierra Space project team checks equipment

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Hero Caption: �� Polytechnic students and recent graduates who worked on a research project for Sierra Space look at their lunar dust testing chamber.

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Ashley, Cadrex, Apogee among companies benefiting from engineering students’ prototypes

giffeyt — Mon, 15 Jun 2026 12:45:05 +0000

Ashley, Cadrex, Apogee among companies benefiting from engineering students’ prototypesgiffeyt June 15, 2026

Capstone projects demonstrate mechanical, manufacturing know-how, leadership skills

Tom Giffey

�� Polytechnic mechanical engineering student Dominick Marco faced several challenges when he became team leader for the second semester of a capstone project on behalf of Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions.

In addition to designing and building a prototype that would automatically assemble a plastic latch and a steel bracket into a completed part, Marco had to ensure that his six-member team stayed on track as the project deadline – and graduation – approached.

Marco wasn’t just learning engineering; he was learning leadership.

“I worked on delegating by asking questions rather than directing, and through this and similar techniques, I was able to stay up to date on my team ��. progress while helping direct team members to work on important tasks without overstepping or feeling like I was micromanaging,” explained Marco, of Eleva.

“Working on a project like this with a team is a very valuable experience,” Marco continued. “Learning alongside other up-and-coming engineers has been an incredible two semesters.”

Students, faculty and industry representatives examine the prototype for Cadrex after the demonstration.

Such applied learning, which is key to the polytechnic mission that distinguishes �� Polytechnic, was on display in mid-May as mechanical engineering and manufacturing engineering seniors presented their capstone projects to industry leaders, faculty members and peers. These two-semester projects aren’t theoretical exercises. They lead to real, working prototypes designed to solve problems for industrial sponsors. In addition to Cadrex, one of the nation ��. largest metal fabricating firms, corporate sponsors included Ashley Furniture, Tomahawk Manufacturing, Apogee Enterprises, Genesis Industries, Frost Inc. and Industrial Heat Transfer.

“This course sequence truly is a capstone on a student ��. academic career at �� Polytechnic,” said Assistant Professor Nathan Spike, part of the capstone teaching team. “Over the two semesters, a student completes the transition from engineering student to a full-fledged, career-ready manufacturing or mechanical engineer – or, in some cases, both for students pursuing a dual major. Students can put what they have learned in these courses directly into practice as they transition into their engineering career.”

According to the university ��. most recent First Destination Report, 100% of 2024-25 graduates from the manufacturing engineering program reported they were either employed or continuing their education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary was $76,000. During the same period, mechanical engineering graduates had a 99% employment rate within six months and an average starting salary of $66,000.

A �� Polytechnic student adjusts piston positions in the prototype. / Submitted photo

Process teaches communication skills

At the culmination of the capstone process, second-semester teams offer presentations of their mechanical and manufacturing solutions, then demonstrate them. During their presentation, Marco and his team – fellow seniors Aiden Koepsel, Ben Swift, Will Schlafke, Darren Byle and Josiah Castleberg – described their project scope and how they reached their final design. Originally, they considered a conveyor belt to carry the two parts. However, this was ultimately replaced with static, angled ramps that bring the two pieces together to become the completed part, which ultimately will be used in a battery holder in a data rack enclosure.

Later, the Cadrex group and other capstone teams moved into a nearby lab in Fryklund Hall to demonstrate their projects. The Cadrex prototype, a single workstation on casters, came to life, smoothly combining the pieces into completed latches, which flowed into a plastic bin.

The prototype that students developed for Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions combined these two pieces into one component.

After the demonstration, team members chatted about the prototype with Wayne Greensky, an automation engineer at Cadrex ��. Osceola plant, who provided technical input during the project. While the students had solid technical understanding when they began the project, what really grew over the course of two semesters was their communication skills, Greensky said.

“Communication with project stakeholders helps students shake off communication anxiety and prepares them for proper meeting etiquette, structure, and progress update communications, while also dealing with customer dictated deliverables,” Greensky said.

The �� Polytechnic students handled challenges – including bill of materials ordering and issues with electrical schematics – promptly and professionally, he added.

“This type of project is useful for getting engineering students comfortable with solving an unsolved problem,” Greensky explained. “Undergraduate degree curriculums typically do not prepare the students with coursework that does not have a ‘correct’ answer or solution method. This senior design experience fills that gap nicely.”

Students discuss a pallet destacker they designed on behalf of Ashley Furniture.

Efforts aimed at automation

During the spring semester, the Cadrex capstone group was just one of 13 teams composed of 83 students from �� Polytechnic ��. Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering who worked on projects in Fryklund Hall labs.

Senior Sawyer Boigenzahn, a manufacturing engineering major from Mondovi, was the first-semester team lead for a project to create an automated system to wash and dry extruded aluminum window frames for Apogee Enterprises, owner of the Wausau Windows and Walls brand.

The frames, Boigenzahn explained, are processed in a CNC machine and emerge covered in chips, coolant and cutting fluid. Currently, the parts must be washed by hand, which leads to inconsistent cycle times. Automation would improve the quality and consistency of the process, ultimately saving Apogee time and money.

The five-member team – which also included Boigenzahn, Logan Boettcher, Brody Bongaarts, Brooks Brewer, and Joseph Gardner – conceived of a device that operated something like a car wash, but they pondered whether the sprayer or the aluminum part itself should be what moves. Ultimately, Boigenzahn explained, they decided it was easier to move the part through the sprayers than vice versa.

Based on feedback from their end-of-semester presentation, the team will return to build a prototype of their design in the fall semester. “We are at the start of that process, because this is a very difficult process to automate,” he said.

Boigenzahn, who previously worked as a welder, said the capstone project is a reminder that engineering isn’t about a single input inevitably leading to a single output: It ��. a practical discipline that involves hands-on craft.

“For us, it ��. an experiment in terms of our ability to understand the mechanical and engineering principles that we’ve been taught and actually apply them in the real world,” Boigenzahn said. “And more importantly, when you encounter real world problems – including teamwork issues, design problems, people giving you conflicting advice – how do you try to solve them? The thing about design is that you can’t just plug it into a computer and it spits out the right answer. That is just not the way this works.”

Despite the challenging work involved in the capstone process, Boigenzahn said it ��. ultimately a valuable part of the �� Polytechnic experience. “I don’t think Stout would stand out as much if we did not do these things,” he said.

Capstone students cut holes in an electrical box while building their prototype for Cadrex Manufacturing Solutions. / Submitted image

Teamwork connects students, faculty, industry partners

The capstone process is a team effort, and not just among the students: In addition to Spike, instructors include Senior Lecturer Glenn Bushedorf, Lecturer Anwr Albaghdadi, Lecturer Brandon Dick and Lecturer Niloofar Moradian, with technical support from Paul Craig, program director for manufacturing engineering.

And it ��. an effort that leads to results for industry sponsors, Spike explained. “The prototypes students develop often serve as a starting point or otherwise inform the direction a company will go with their process or product,” he said.

In addition, two semesters of intensive, iterative capstone work provide invaluable experience for emerging engineers as they enter the job market.

“Getting the chance to be a part of a project like this and create such a cool prototype machine for Cadrex has honestly been one of the best experiences to date,” Marco said. “This is the largest, most expensive project I have ever been a part of, and it makes me emotional seeing it come to a close. I am sad knowing that I will most likely never see it after it ships away, but I am so very happy to have gotten to design, develop and assemble the prototype.”

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Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:33:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla (’26) 

Hometown: South Range 
Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Minors: Material Science

�� graduate Thomas Shamla can point to specific engineering course work that helped him excel at an industrial internship – an internship that led to a job offer. The connection between learning technical drawing and design software skills in class and then applying those skills to create 3D models for an employer is a prime example of the advantages of a degree at Wisconsin ��. ��.

“�� has prepared me to work in my field by offering extensive exposure to the same equipment and processes used in industry,” said Shamla, who will soon begin as a mechanical engineer at Absolut Manufacturing, a maker of paper converting equipment in Iron River.

B.S. mechanical engineering graduate Thomas Shamla shakes hand with Chancellor Katherine Frank during the �� spring commencement ceremony May 16, 2026.

Even classes outside his major that he was initially skeptical of – such as those in speech and writing – had application in his career, Shamla found.

“I was asked to give two presentations to the senior engineers at the company where I had my internship, and I remember using some of the feedback I received in my speech class years earlier to create a clear, concise presentation,” he said.

Shamla, of South Range, was one of 1,067 Blue Devils who received degrees during the May 16 spring commencement ceremonies. Of this year ��. graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, while 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

“I hope to contribute to my field by bringing my knowledge to the manufacturing industry of northern Wisconsin and by using my acquired skills to offer unique and innovative solutions to problems,” Shamla said.

What brought you to ��?

When I was touring colleges in high school, I was very impressed by �� . ability to give a hands-on education through its labs. I also think that this campus has a lot of resources dedicated to preparing students for a career after school, and I was interested in taking advantage of those opportunities to help me stand out in my field.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

�� has prepared me to work in my field by offering extensive exposure to the same equipment and processes used in industry. My internship and senior design experience are two examples of direct exposure to my field that I had as a student. I remember learning a lot about technical drawings and design software in my Communication of Engineering Design class that I took in my second year. I relied heavily on what I learned in that class when I completed my summer internship, which involved converting legacy part and assembly drawings into 3D models.

What were the greatest lessons or projects you were involved in during your internship with Absolut Manufacturing?

I completed my internship at Absolut Manufacturing in the summer of 2025. My role there was to convert legacy drawings of parts and assemblies into 3D models. In addition to modeling the parts and determining the assembly structure, this involved determining appropriate stock for the parts to be made from, categorizing and labeling the parts within the company ��. product data management system, and preparing a report on differences between the legacy system and more recent machines produced by Bretting Manufacturing, Absolut ��. parent company. Because the way that the parts were modeled and categorized determined their manufacturing method, I learned a lot about how to select the most appropriate and realistic manufacturing process to produce a certain type of part.

What stands out about your �� experience?

What stands out to me about my �� experience is how hands-on learning and small class sizes allow students to get the best understanding of the material being taught. One example of this was in Associate Professor Greg Slupe ��. Computer-Aided Manufacturing class. In that class, everyone gets a lot of time using the lab equipment. Greg presents his knowledge on the subject matter clearly and thoroughly, and he is always available to answer questions. That class is a great example of professors providing the resources needed for each individual student to succeed.

How did your campus involvement impact your experience?

During my time at ��, I was involved as a member of StoutCatholic. At the weekly meetings, I met great people and had the opportunity to lead several Bible studies. Leading the studies gave me an opportunity to practice leadership and conversational skills, which are great skills to have in the professional world and in life.

I was also awarded the Rath Foundation academic scholarship, which was an incredible opportunity that helped me cover the cost of attending the university.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree and how did you overcome them?

When I started pursuing my degree, there were some classes in the curriculum that I struggled to connect to practical skills for my career. I didn’t understand how taking certain classes in speech and writing could help me in the future because I believed that they didn’t relate to my future career. Because I didn’t understand the benefits of these classes, it was difficult to motivate myself to put in extra time for them.

Overcoming this challenge happened naturally through experience, as I grew to realize the need for an engineer to have skills in many of these areas. I was asked to give two presentations to the senior engineers at the company where I had my internship, and I remember using some of the feedback I received in my speech class years earlier to create a clear, concise presentation.

Career development jobs program for students honored with statewide Innovation Award

With applied and experiential learning and a career focus, students who attend �� know they will graduate ready to enter the work world.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

As I finish my degree, I am most proud of the knowledge I have that lets me give back to my community. In the professional world and beyond, I am leaving the university with practical skills that will help me be a more valuable employee and solve problems in my day-to-day life. I am proud that I have learned new ways to approach those problems and have practiced solving them creatively. I am also proud of the fact that I was able to maintain a GPA of over 3.9 throughout the challenges I have faced.

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Inspiring Graduate: Thomas Shamla, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

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Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing Inspiring Graduate Thomas Shamla shakes hand with Chancellor Katherine Frank

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Inspiring Graduate: Austin Pratt, B.S. Packaging

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:31:30 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Austin Pratt, B.S. Packaging giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation at Smurfit Westrock

Inspiring Graduate: Austin Pratt (’26)

Hometown: Lakeville, Minnesota
Degree: B.S. Packaging

�� provided the right package of industry oriented-education, athletic dedication and family connection for Austin Pratt, who followed his siblings’ footsteps to earn a B.S. packaging degree.

After five seasons playing junior hockey in Canada, Pratt came to ��, where he completed three professional internships – with Menasha Packaging, Imagine Printing Solutions and DDL Inc. – one of which even allowed him to collaborate on a project with his sister that created retail displays for Hormel Foods products in Costco stores. Pratt was also a member of the football team for two years and was a student coach for the Blue Devils hockey team, which reached the Frozen Four during their most recent season.

Inspiring Graduate Austin Pratt is congratulated by Chancellor Katherine Frank at the May 16, 2026, �� commencement.

“Football taught me how to persevere through challenging times while coaching taught me how to be a leader,” said Pratt, one of 1,067 Blue Devils who received degrees during the May 16 spring commencement ceremonies. Of this year ��. graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, while 99% of recent graduates were employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation.

Pratt, of Lakeville, Minnesota, is among the large majority of Blue Devils hired before graduation: He accepted a job at Smurfit Westrock as a packaging sales representative. He credits �� . applied learning environment with preparing him for his career.

“�� has given me, and a lot of other students, a place where we can really be ourselves. One thing I like most is how flexible it is – you can be as involved in whatever you want. If you’re into clubs, sports, or campus activities, there are tons of opportunities,” he said “Overall, it ��. a welcoming environment where you can shape your own college experience, with support from both professors and other students along the way.”

What brought you to ��?

After my career in the Western Hockey League, my sister and brother graduated from �� with packaging degrees. They both have successful jobs in the packaging industry, so I thought that would be a great career path for me, too.

My sister, Ashley, works for Hormel Foods as a senior packaging scientist and my brother, Justin, works for Central Packaging and Display as a medical packaging engineer and in sales.

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

I want to make an impact in the packaging field by providing knowledge I learned while attending ��. My hands-on experience in my packaging classes, along with being a lab assistant, has shaped my understanding of different packaging materials and equipment.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

The course work that is taught in the packaging program relates directly to the field and areas of packaging that you can work in. After the intro class, the others moving forward taught about specialized areas of packaging. The capstone classes use all the information and experiences to create solutions for real companies. At the capstone level, our groups came with a wide range of knowledge from packaging classes and co-op experience.

In the Packaging Distribution Class, I did a store walk-through to locate pallets that are being used in industry. At the store, I took measurements and pictures and collected information regarding the pallets. I used that information to go back to the Packaging Lab to scale down and rebuild the pallet to test the compression strength. This taught me that there are many different pallets and pallet patterns used in industry and each one has a specific use.

What were your greatest lessons or projects you were involved in during your internships with DDL, Imagine Printing and Menasha Packaging?

I have completed three internships. My first internship was with DDL Inc. as a packaging intern. We did distribution, integrity and aging testing for medical packaging.

My second internship was with Imagine Printing Solutions as a creative design intern. I worked with companies like Starbucks, Marshalls, etc. For one project, I designed Christmas decorations that went into Starbucks stores.

My last internship was with Menasha Packaging as a structural design intern. This internship was my favorite due to being able to work with my sister at Hormel Foods, helping design Costco display-ready case projects for the Columbus Brand. This made my decision to attend Stout come full circle and was a unique experience that many other students here would not be able to have.

Austin Pratt, right, during his time on the Blue Devil football team. / Submitted photo

What stands out about your �� experience?

My professors – Mary Paz Alvarez Valverde, Kate Liu and Min DeGruson – were amazing during my time at Stout. They have made my experience at Stout exceptional. They care for the students that attend their classes, wanting to see them succeed. They work hard to set up each class to be in line with what is happening in the packaging industry. They work with great companies to ensure what they’re teaching in the classroom aligns with industry. This allows students to be set up for success after graduation.

How did your campus involvement impact your experience?

I was a student assistant coach with the �� men ��. hockey team for five years. Being able to coach great athletes over the last five years has made my time at Stout more memorable, especially this year with the team making the Final Four.

I was also on the football team for the first two years I attended Stout. During that time, I was able to meet lifelong friends. Football taught me how to persevere through challenging times while coaching taught me how to be a leader and build up others when they are going through challenging times in their own lives.

Austin Pratt, far right, stands with other Blue Devil hockey coaches while holding the 2026 WIAC Men's Ice Hockey Tournament trophy. / Photo by Owen Segna

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

Learning how to balance all my course work with playing football and coaching was challenging. Once I was able to set my schedule and knew my allotted time for studying, it really made a difference. Managing your time in school helps translate to the real world by allowing you to set schedules and determine project priorities.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am proud of my ability to persevere through challenging times. Many students encounter obstacles in college that are entirely new to them, including rigorous coursework and personal challenges. Remaining focused, disciplined, and determined in the face of these difficulties requires a high level of commitment, and I take pride in successfully maintaining that dedication.

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Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

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Hired before graduation at Smurfit Westrock Inspiring Graduate Austin Pratt and Chancellor Katherine Frank

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Inspiring Graduate: Cassie Santelman, B.S. Plastics Engineering

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:31:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Cassie Santelman, B.S. Plastics Engineering giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation as a process engineer at Nolato

Inspiring Graduate: Cassie Santelman (’26)

Hometown: Savage, Minnesota
Degree: B.S. Plastics Engineering

Cassie Santelman was drawn to �� by the institution ��. polytechnic promise: learn by doing, on real equipment, in real conditions.

The plastics engineering program at Wisconsin ��. �� delivered, giving her lab experiences that included designing an injection mold in her molding class and then creating that mold in her machining class. This end-to-end experience on industry standard equipment in �� . labs honed talents that Santelman applied in two internships, one of which led to a full-time job as a project engineer for Nolato, a plastics manufacturer in Baldwin.

“These internships helped me to understand the whole process that goes into manufacturing parts by seeing all sides of the process and documentation,” she said.

Santelman was also a two-sport athlete, playing on the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference conference-winning women ��. golf team and as well as the women ��. flag football team, which won the inaugural Midwest College Women ��. Flag Football League Championship in 2025.

Santelman was among more than 1,000 Blue Devils who received their degrees at the university ��. May 16 commencement ceremonies. Now as she begins her professional career, Santelman hopes she can bring new insights into the industry and advance her chosen field thanks to the personal and professional skills she developed at ��.

Cassie Santelman in the plastics engineering lab.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

�� prepared me to work in my field by having industry grade machines to learn on, so I had experience with the equipment that I am working with in industry. My favorite lab experience would be designing an injection mold in my molding class and then getting to machine it in the machining class.

Where did you complete your internships?

My first internship was with Stratasys in Eden Prairie, Minnesota, as a quality engineer. I learned what goes into maintaining the quality of products and materials in an ISO 9001 facility. My second internship was with Nolato as a process technician, where I was on the floor learning how the company works from the production level. These internships helped me understand the whole process that goes into manufacturing parts by seeing all sides of the process and documentation.

Cassie Santelman, fifth from left in back row, celebrates with fellow members of the �� women's golf team after winning the WIAC Championship in October 2025. / Photo by Steve Frommell / D3photography.com

What stands out about your �� experience?

I love how small the class sizes are, which allowed me to build relationships with my professors and classmates. This helped me to feel more confident in asking for help as well as helping others when we got confused in classes.

Cassie Santelman with the trophy after �� won the first-ever Midwest College Women's Flag Football League Championship.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I am involved in three clubs: the Society of Women Engineers, where I was treasurer; the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, where I was also treasurer; and The Society of Plastics Engineers. I am also a member of the women ��. golf team and the women ��. flag football team. Being so heavily involved around campus has greatly impacted my experience by increasing my network between classmates and industry professionals.

What challenges did you face in earning your degree, and how did you overcome them?

I faced challenges balancing school and athletics being in two sports, but the small class sizes helped me get individualized help from my professors to stay on top of all my classwork while also excelling athletically.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I am most proud of graduating my degree as a scholar athlete and conference champion, proving that academics and athletics can go hand in hand without hindering one another.

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Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

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Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

Hired before graduation as a process engineer at Nolato Inspiring Graduate Cassie Santelman receives diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank

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Inspiring Graduate: Makenna Lowell, B.S. Packaging

giffeyt — Thu, 21 May 2026 15:30:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Makenna Lowell, B.S. Packaging giffeyt May 21, 2026

Hired before graduation at Midwest Packaging and Container

Inspiring Graduate: Makenna Lowell (’26)

Hometown: Frederick, Maryland
Degree: B.S. Packaging
Minors: Sustainability

When it came to choosing a path after high school, Makenna Lowell knew exactly what degree she wanted to get and where she wanted to get it. As a student fascinated by both engineering and art, “Packaging felt like the perfect blend of those two passions,” Lowell said.

After learning about the packaging field during her older brother ��. college search, Lowell was drawn to the packaging program at ��, one of the few U.S. universities to offer a packaging major. Lowell appreciated the fact that �� . packaging program was part of the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering, which gave her an opportunity to take engineering-focused prerequisites.

Furthermore, �� . status as Wisconsin ��. �� meant that Lowell could work with industry-standard equipment in on-campus labs while also pursuing off-campus cooperative opportunities within industry. Lowell applied her knowledge during co-ops at Kimberly-Clark and Ocean Spray Cranberries, in the latter instance completing a project that saved the company a projected $200,000.

Lowell was one of 1,067 Blue Devils who received degrees during the May 16 spring commencement ceremonies. Of this year ��. graduates, 77.4% were hired prior to graduation, a group that includes Lowell: She’ll soon begin her career as a structural designer at Midwest Packaging and Container in Rockford, Illinois.

Outside the classroom, Lowell was both a leader in the Student Packaging Association and a campus tour guide with the Admissions Office. “Not only did I get to meet many great people, but the role significantly strengthened my public speaking, communication and time-management skills,” she said. “I always appreciated being treated as a student first, and the Admissions team was incredibly understanding and supportive of my academic schedule.”

What brought you to ��?

In high school, I loved both engineering and art. I completed the pre-engineering program and took ceramics, graphic design and other creative courses. Packaging felt like the perfect blend of those two passions. After researching the handful of universities that offer packaging programs, I toured several and ultimately chose �� for a few key reasons. The first is that the packaging program is housed under the School of Engineering, allowing me to take engineering-focused general education courses. Second, I liked Stout ��. polytechnic focus and hands-on learning style. Third, I liked the mid-size of Stout because I didn’t want to be just another number. I love that I know most of the people in my major and I can build meaningful relationships with my professors.

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

Sustainability has always been my driving force. I only wanted to enter the packaging industry if I could help make it more sustainable, and I hope to continue pushing the field toward environmentally responsible solutions.

How has �� prepared you to work in your field?

Stout ��. polytechnic approach has been invaluable. I’ve gained hands-on experience with packaging equipment, testing methods and design software. Beyond coursework, Stout encouraged me to get involved. I’ve been a tour guide, lab tech, teaching assistant and president of our industry-affiliated Stout Packaging Association student organization. I’ve also attended numerous industry events, which significantly expanded my professional network.

What were the greatest lessons or projects you were involved in during your co-ops at Kimberly-Clark and Ocean Spray?

My first co-op was at Kimberly-Clark in Neenah, working on their baby and childcare team as a packaging engineering intern. I worked on optimization projects, competitor analysis, distribution testing and more. It was my first industry experience, and it helped me connect classroom concepts to real-world applications.

My second packaging engineering co-op in the food packaging industry was at Ocean Spray Cranberries in Lakeville, Massachusetts. One of my favorite projects was leading a new supplier qualification for paperboard cartons. I planned the trial, attended it independently, and validated a new carton that contributed roughly $200,000 in projected annual savings. My biggest takeaway was the importance of clear communication both across departments and with external partners.

What stands out about your �� experience?

What stands out to me about my �� experience is my packaging professors and labs. Because the program is small, the professors are deeply invested in our success. They’ve supported me at every step, inside and outside the classroom.

The labs have also been incredibly valuable. I’ve worked with nearly all the equipment, including manufacturing machines, material testers, and distribution testers, which has prepared me well for full-time work.

Packaging program to host international student-led Pack Jam conference

Pack Jam invites industry, alumni, community to see fresh ideas April 7-9

Were you involved in any clubs or organizations? How did your involvement impact your experience?

I was heavily involved in the Stout Packaging Association, our student-led, industry-affiliated club. From sophomore year through my fifth year, I served on the executive board, eventually becoming president. This involvement allowed me to attend industry events across the country, grow my network and meeting incredible people.

I’m also grateful for the Stout Foundation Scholarships and multiple industry scholarships I received. Their support motivated me to keep striving for excellence.

What are you most proud of as you finish your degree?

I’m most proud of the community I’ve built. From packaging peers and professors to industry professionals, tour guides, roommates, and friends, I’ve surrounded myself with people who have shaped my college experience in ways I never expected, in a place I never expected to be.

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Hired before graduation at Redpath and Company as a tax associate

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Hired before graduation at Absolut Manufacturing

Hired before graduation at Midwest Packaging and Container Inspiring Graduate Makenna Lowell receives diploma from Chancellor Katherine Frank

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Distinguished alum, educator Albrecht credits �� for preparing graduates who ‘step forward’

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Co-op Q&A: Noah Klenner, Nicolet Plastics and Harley-Davidson

goersab — Tue, 12 May 2026 18:45:00 +0000

Co-op Q&A: Noah Klenner, Nicolet Plastics and Harley-Davidsongoersab May 12, 2026

‘My internships built on the strong foundation Stout has given me by showing me how concepts are used in actual production environments.’

For more than 120 years, Harley-Davidson, headquartered in Milwaukee, has been one of the world ��. most recognizable motorcycle brands. Dominating the U.S. market, the heavyweight motorcycles and the signature orange and black shield embody the freedom of the open road.

Just a short ride up the shores of Lake Michigan is Nicolet Plastics, with facilities in Jackson and Mountain, Wisconsin. The custom injection molding company specializes in producing complex plastic parts for industrial, medical and consumer markets. It was recently awarded the Small Business Wisconsin Manufacturer of the Year Award.

Noah Klenner, a dual major in plastics engineering and mechanical engineering, completed two internships this year, one with each of these manufacturers.

“I most enjoyed seeing what it ��. like to work in an engineering environment at both a smaller-scale company and a larger, more well-known manufacturing plant. I have a better understanding of how different teams operate, how communication and responsibilities vary, and how engineering work changes depending on the size and structure of the company,” Klenner said.

Klenner, of Slinger, was one of 24 �� students who received the university ��. 2026 Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award. He will graduate in fall 2028 and is looking to start a role in manufacturing or process engineering, “ideally in an environment where I can continue working on product development, process improvement, and production optimization,” he said.

What were your main roles and projects at Nicolet Plastics?

At Nicolet Plastics, my first internship, was my first real-world engineering role working with injection molding machines in a manufacturing setting. As a plastics engineering intern, I worked closely with the processing team lead on injection molding process support, including helping with mold changes, machine start-ups, and adjusting processing parameters, like injection speed and temperature, to improve part quality and consistency.

Toward the end of this internship, I also helped gather data for production part approval process (PPAP) documentation. Much of my work involved monitoring and adjusting processing parameters, such as injection speed and temperature, to improve part quality and consistency. I also spent time on the production floor troubleshooting issues and working with the team to reduce defects and improve overall efficiency.

What were your main roles and projects at Harley-Davidson?

At Harley-Davidson, as an advanced manufacturing engineering intern, I worked with the new product development group, supporting new parts as they were being prepared for production. One of the main things I worked on was supporting validation efforts for new 2026 police motorcycle parts. A big part of my role was running and supporting validation testing, including ensuring cosmetic quality standards were met and helping with significant production runs (SPRs) to validate that parts and processes were capable of running at production scale.

Toward the end of this internship, I also helped create PPAP documentation for those same parts to support the production approval process. Overall, I was helping make sure parts met quality and production requirements before launch.

What was challenging about your internship, and how did you face those challenges?

One of the most challenging parts was dealing with process issues on the production floor, where there isn’t always a clear or immediate answer. In those situations, I learned to stay organized, ask the right questions, and work closely with experienced operators and engineers to narrow down the root cause. I also found that being patient and methodical, instead of rushing to a fix, made a big difference in solving problems effectively.

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

My coursework at Stout has given me a strong foundation in manufacturing processes, materials and engineering problem-solving. Hands-on lab work and project-based courses have been especially valuable because they connect theory to real-world applications.

My internships at Nicolet Plastics and Harley-Davidson really built on that by showing me how those concepts are used in actual production environments.

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Top 50 ranking on 2026 ‘Best Value Public Universities’ list adds to �� Polytechnic accolades

University ranked at the top based on high median earnings, graduation rates, affordable tuition

‘My internships built on the strong foundation Stout has given me by showing me how concepts are used in actual production environments.’ Noah Klenner, CEIP award winner

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Career Services’ annual First Destination Report declared that 99.5% of recent plastics engineering and mechanical engineering graduates are employed or furthering their education within six months of graduation, with an average starting salary of $71,500.

This past year, more than 980 students participated in co-ops and internships through Career Services at nearly 600 employers in 28 states and three international locations.

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Engineering seniors design portable toy tractor manufacturing machine to engage kids in making process

goersab — Tue, 05 May 2026 13:45:00 +0000

Engineering seniors design portable toy tractor manufacturing machine to engage kids in making processgoersab May 5, 2026

Capstone concludes three-year professorship, collaboration with Urban Forestry Board

Abbey Goers

While Wisconsin farmers are out in their tractors preparing their fields, engineering students at �� have designed a portable manufacturing cell – a semi-automated assembly machine – to produce wooden toy tractors for area children.

The cross-disciplinary Taft Wooden Toy Assembly System group is made of five mechanical engineering and manufacturing engineering seniors: Owen Coon, of Appleton; Ben Gurka, of Beloit; Kierce Hemauer, of Menomonie; Ryan Kahl, of Menomonie; Aili Klein, of Lakeville, Minnesota; and Dominick Widi, of Stillwater, Minnesota.

Owen Coon, Kierce Hemauer, Ben Gurka, Aili Klein, Ryan Kahl and Dominick Widi

The two-semester-long project concluded their Engineering Technology Capstone 2 course, under the guidance of Assistant Professor Kevin Dietsche. The manufacturing cell is 40 inches wide, 38 inches long and 36 inches tall. Its height makes it accessible to elementary children, as Dietsche plans to transport the machine to area schools to demonstrate the toy manufacturing process. He can also show the cell on campus tours and at industry conferences. The machine is fully enclosed with safety features, allowing Dietsche to pause assembly and talk about the process.

Constructed to be able to fit in the back of Dietsche ��. minivan, the two-part portable cell can be easily assembled and disassembled by one person, and its lightweight aluminum extrusion and plexiglass frame meets OSHA ��. standards for a two-person lift. It can produce 20 tractors in an hour, including the main body, front and back wheels, and two dowel axles.

On May 1, the group showcased their system to engineering and technology faculty, as well as retired faculty members John Schultz and Professor Emeritus Jerome Johnson and City of Menomonie representative Megan Hines, environmental program coordinator with the Urban Forestry Board.

They presented again on May 4 to faculty, peers, industry partners, family and community members as part of the Senior Design Experience, which blends the university ��. polytechnic tenets of applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences.

The wooden toys, ducks and tractors are constructed from ash tree lumber provided by the City of Menomonie ��. Urban Forestry Board.

An interactive toy manufacturing experience for kids

Challenges for the Taft Wooden Toy Assembly System group began on day one, as they essentially needed to redesign the previous group ��. manufacturing cell from scratch. The previous design had broken and was not usable for testing.

However, this also gave them the opportunity to revamp the design in their own way. Their concept ideas in CAD included updating the sheet metal frame to a stronger aluminum extrusion and plexiglass frame. This was also a durability and safety consideration. The original sheet metal frame had sharp corners and was not as solid – features the group deemed unsafe, since the machine is meant to be accessible to children.

With Dietsche as their project sponsor, the group ��. lead capstone instructors were Assistant Professor Nathan Spike and Senior Lecturer Glenn Bushendorf, to whom they presented their initial research and design concept for critique. The group was aided by Instrumentation Coordinator-Instructor Paul Craig and Lecturer Brandon Dick for coding and controls and Lecturer Mike Miller with sensors.

“The build phase brings a spark to see the fully functional machine. Our overall design has changed a lot. It ��. two inches bigger and wider than our initial concept. The cell originally had seven doors, but after talking with Paul, we changed it to have one plated door on top. This cut down on the number of safety latches that we needed,” Hemauer said. “The machine also has an emergency stop button, and if the door is opened during production, the machine will stop.”

The wooden tractor components are fed by Dietsche through the top door into 3D-printed gravity-fed chutes. Then, like a mini-Henry Ford assembly line, five actuators – one for the body and one for each wheel – feed the components through the machine.

At first, the group designed the machine to be automated. “But we switched to have the dowels be manually inserted through the wheels, so kids can engage in the making process,” Klein said. “We also included a human-machine interface (HMI) touch screen for kids to give them an industrial feel. The screen shows images to guide kids through the steps of making the tractor.”

It was Hemauer ��. idea of a Pez dispenser that evolved into the bolt-action idea of the manual insertion of the dowels, similar to how a ball is launched in a pinball machine. The insertion of the dowels is a press-fit operation, with no glue involved.

In their research, the group found that the pull force of a 6- to 10-year-old child is 22 pounds. They made the pull factor of the wheels 60 pounds for added safety and durability, knowing children would try to remove the wheels. They also imagined children would attempt to sit on and ride the tractor, although it is only 6 inches long and 3 inches high. With extra-strong dowels, made of oak, and chamfered wheels for structural integrity, the tractor can support up to 200 pounds.

A controls box mounted on the front of the machine houses the circuit board. They also added a plaque commemorating the professorship project, as well as ash wood brackets to cover the metal brackets on the exterior casing, giving the machine a warmer appearance.

The group enjoyed the cross-disciplinary project and understands the importance of the experience as they prepare to graduate and enter the workforce. “Working across majors helps you see other people ��. point of view and their strengths,” Gurka said. “We’re building communication skills and the confidence to ask each other questions. It ��. being able to admit when you don’t know something and being able to fall back on each other for knowledge.”

A collaboration connecting people to people

The project concludes Dietsche ��. three-year G.A. Taft Manufacturing Engineering Endowed Professorship, in which various groups of students designed toys with first-graders, created AI rapid prototypes of toys with kindergartners and built a two-wheel toy assembly system to produce a wooden duck, including its body, wings, wheels and dowel axle.

Professor Emeritus Jerome Johnson gives a brief history of the collaboration during the capstone presentation.

The collaboration between the engineering and technology department and the city ��. Urban Forestry Board began nearly a decade ago with the support of a Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources grant. As the city ��. ash trees were dying and trees were being cut down, the grant funded the cutting, acquiring, milling, and kiln-drying of the ash wood. The repurposed wood was then used in student projects, creating benches for the City of Menomonie parks.

The projects were fostered under the guidance of Johnson and Nancy Schofield, a former �� professor and member of the Urban Forestry Board, who has since passed.

“Students wanted to see something that they built be used out in the city. Students became leaders and produced projects I never imagined possible,” said Johnson, who was honored as Citizen of the Year by the Menomonie Urban Forestry Board in 2021.

Professor Kevin Dietsche presents Environmental Program Coordinator Megan Hines with a toy wooden tractor and duck.

Students produced more than 20 city benches from the repurposed ash wood between 2018 and 2021, when Johnson retired and Dietsche stepped in to take his place. “This project has impacted how I teach. It follows a high-impact practices model (HIPS), which reinforces the importance of partnerships and hands-on activities, creating a whole team of student leaders,” Dietsche said.

“This project is something special. We’re able to take something dead and dying and give back to the city, with an end goal of showing kids the engineering process – from mechanical and technical to packaging. The real key is connecting people to people,” he added.

Dietsche plans to continue similar projects with the addition of artificial intelligence and circular design practices in the research and development, as well as construction and repair processes.

Graduates from �� . mechanical and manufacturing engineering programs reported 99.5% employment rate within six months of graduation and an average starting salary of more than $70,000, according to the latest university First Destination Report.

�� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering is home to five ABET-accredited programs that also include computer and electrical engineering, engineering technology and plastics engineering, as well as a sixth bachelor ��. program in packaging. A master ��. in manufacturing engineering is available on campus or online.

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