News

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.

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.

The Conversation

All The Conversation News

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

Professor Anne Schmitz investigates how nature provides a blueprint for better engineering.

February 5, 2026

Polytechnic universities focus on practical, career-oriented skills, offering an alternative to traditional universities

Professors Kelly Droege and Laura Reisinger details what distinguishes the polytechnic universities from traditional education.

December 11, 2025

Plantation tourism, memory and the uneasy economics of heritage in the American South

Professor Betsy Pudliner investigates the nexus of tourism and our painful national history.

August 5, 2025

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

University Communications

Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering

The Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering focuses on enhancing the learning experience for students in ��'s engineering programs.

Search Keywords: engineeringmaterial sciencemanufacturingadditive manufacturing3D printing

Hero Caption: Engineers use structures found in nature – like the honeycomb – to create lightweight, sturdy materials.

Anne Schmitz

Full Name: Anne Schmitz, Ph.D.

Job Title: Associate Professor / Department Chair

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. Mechanical Engineering

Website: Anne Schmitz CV

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Biomedical Engineering

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Degree: M.S. Biomedical Engineering

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison

Degree: B.S. Mechanical Engineering

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

�� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Report

giffeyt — Mon, 02 Feb 2026 14:00:00 +0000

�� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Reportgiffeyt February 2, 2026

Annual rankings recognize bachelor ��. and master ��. programs for helping students advance education, career goals

Tom Giffey

Returning to school as an adult student balancing work, family or military responsibilities is a daunting challenge. �� . Stout Online gives students the flexibility, affordability and support necessary to succeed in the face of this challenge, and in doing so has once again been ranked among the Best Online Programs by U.S. News & World Report.

Stout Online helps working professionals begin or complete their degrees or advance their career goals through more than 30 online bachelor ��. and graduate programs, as well as dozens of certificates, certifications, individual courses and development opportunities.

According to the just-released 2026 rankings from U.S. News, Stout Online offers some of the Best Online Programs in the state, region and nation. �� ranked No. 3 among all public universities in Wisconsin and Minnesota for its bachelor ��. in management and leadership and its master ��. in education and engineering programs. These programs also attained the following rankings:

Best Online Bachelor ��. in Business Programs: No. 26 in the Midwest, No. 88 nationwide.
Best Online Master ��. in Education Programs: No. 36 in the Midwest, No. 133 nationwide.
Best Online Master ��. in Engineering Programs: Top 19 in the Midwest, No. 79 nationwide.

Provost Glendalí Rodríguez

“With more than 1,300 online students, we understand that working professionals are balancing academic pursuits with many other responsibilities,” said Provost Glendalí Rodríguez, vice chancellor of Academic Affairs. “Through flexible online offerings, we work to meet students where they are. Given �� . polytechnic mission, we facilitate relevant, career-focused education to help working professionals increase their advancement opportunities and skills.”

U.S. News evaluates online programs based on a variety of factors, including student engagement, faculty credentials, and services and technologies. Now in its 14th year, the U.S. News Best Online Programs is designed for individuals looking to complete or further their education. This year ��. edition evaluated more than 1,800 online bachelor ��. and master ��. degree programs using metrics specific to online learning. The rankings include only degree-granting programs offered primarily online by regionally accredited institutions.

Stout Online furthers students’ careers

�� faculty are experienced industry experts dedicated to teaching the latest in technology and trends in their fields. Small cohorts build close communities and share a wealth of diverse perspectives to enhance each other ��. learning.

M.S. Manufacturing Engineering Online

Do you want to improve your ability to respond to the needs of modern manufacturing? Advance in your career with your online degree.

Learn More

Students in the online M.S. in manufacturing engineering program, part of �� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering, enhance their professional skills through assignments and projects that apply to real-life industry problems. They build expertise in continuous process improvement, lean manufacturing, project management and manufacturing engineering processes. Students may also choose to earn a Six Sigma Black Belt Certificate to meet the degree ��. elective requirements.

M.S. Education

Take your career in education further and enhance your impact on students' lives.

Learn More

The online M.S. in education is a 30-credit degree program built around a core of 18 teaching and applied research credits, with a selection of 12 elective credits to meet students’ career interests. While meeting those elective requirements, students may earn one of a number of professional certificates or certifications, including Autism Spectrum Disorder Specialist, Instructional Design, Math Specialist, Reading Specialist or Teaching Adult Learners.

�� . School of Education also offers online master ��. programs in school counseling and career and technical education as well as an Ed.D. in career and technical education leadership.

B.S. Management & Leadership

Our B.S. Management & Leadership program is designed to open new doors to advance your career through industry-enhanced classes and real-world experiences.

Learn More

�� . online bachelor ��. in management and leadership program, offered through the School of Management, has been ranked No. 10 among the best online programs by BestAccreditedColleges.com. It offers eight concentrations to help professionals reach their career goals, including business leadership studies, community-based service management, finance and accounting, human resource management, operations management, project management, quality management, risk control and safety management, and supply chain management.

�� graduates are in demand, with 99% employed or pursuing additional degrees within six months of graduation, a figure that rises to 100% among graduates of the three online programs honored by U.S. News. Those who received graduate degrees from �� had an annual starting salary of $74,000. Meanwhile, the average starting salary for recipients of �� undergraduate degrees was $57,000, according to the university ��. most recent First Destination Report.

For its dedication to affordability and student outcomes, �� has earned national recognition as one of America ��. Best Colleges by Money Magazine for two years in a row.

Stout Online

All Stout Online News

�� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News rankings recognize bachelor ��. and master ��. programs for helping students advance education, career goals

February 2, 2026

Stout Online programs ranked among Best Online by U.S. News & World Report rankings

Master ��. in engineering, education; bachelor ��. in business programs recognized for helping professionals advance their career goals

February 4, 2025

Inspiring Graduate: Alex Stuckert, M.S. Operations & Supply Management

‘I am capable of much more than I could ever have imagined.’

January 13, 2025

U.S. News rankings recognize bachelor ��. and master ��. programs for helping students advance education, career goals �� campus tour in winter

University Marketing

Stout Online

Learn why �� Online is your best choice for advancing your career

Search Keywords: U.S. News & World ReportStout Online

Hero Caption: �� manufacturing engineering students program industrial robots. �� . online M.S. in manufacturing engineering program was ranked No. 19 in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report.

Stout Online

Full Name: Stout Online

Include in Directory: Yes

Department: Office of Enrollment & Quality

Education:

Stout Online

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

giffeyt — Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:00:00 +0000

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learninggiffeyt January 29, 2026

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

Tom Giffey

A yearlong business intelligence internship at Royal Credit Union, one of Wisconsin ��. largest financial institutions, has helped a �� applied computer science graduate student gain confidence and skill in both data engineering and machine learning.

“It ��. been a fun experience. I’m really grateful,” said Justin George, who expects to receive his M.S. applied computer science degree in May. “This internship has been the best part of my Stout experience so far.”

George began his business intelligence internship last May at the Eau Claire-based financial institution, which serves 330,000 members through 28 branches in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota. Now in its third semester, George ��. internship has provided an opportunity for him to apply what he ��. learned through his degree program at Wisconsin ��. ��.

Professor Keith Wojciechowski of �� . Department of Math, Statistics and Computer Science, who encouraged George to pursue the internship, praised the graduate student for seizing the opportunity and making it a successful experience.

“One of the things that we emphasized and that he was very eager to do was to get an internship where he could apply those skills and learn on the job,” Wojciechowski said.

Lou Heimstead, Royal ��. business intelligence and analytics manager, supervises �� student Justin George during his internship.

Student ��. work makes business data visual

�� . M.S. applied computer science program provides professionals in a wide range of occupations a pathway to deepen their knowledge, skills and experience with computer systems that automate tasks, analyze data and create new workflows. Through the program, George has been able to focus on topics that interest him, such as data visualization and machine learning, both of which have played a role in his Royal internship.

Lou Heimstead, business intelligence and analytics manager at Royal, said George has been fully integrated into her team and its work. “He ��. not doing isolated intern tasks,” Heimstead said. “He ��. been learning and applying the same processes that our business intelligence analysts and data engineers use.”

And as George has continued to demonstrate his skills, the scope of the internship has expanded into the realm of machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence in which algorithms are used to find patterns in data to make predictions without explicit programming.

“What he has added is the capacity to bring in his technical skills that align closely with what he ��. been studying at ��, specifically data science and machine learning,” Heimstead explained. “With that background, he ��. been able to contribute to more technical work that would otherwise compete for my senior analyst ��. time. So rather than replacing existing work, he ��. actually been expanding what the team can realistically take on, especially in areas requiring stronger programming, modeling and data science skills.”

Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems for Royal Credit Union

Computer science students from ��, UWEC, UWRF exercise ‘exceptional’ AI acumen for leading financial institution

Expanding machine learning applications

Last summer, four undergraduates — including two from �� — took part in a machine learning internship at Royal. They focused on writing software to dive into Royal ��. data and address two issues: The first was studying the factors that could lead members to leave the credit union, while the second aimed to determine a “next best product” that might interest an existing member. After the undergraduates’ internship ended last summer, George was asked to continue working with the machine learning-powered software models they built.

“It was not part of my job description, but since I was interested, they were happy to give me the opportunity to work on machine learning,” he said. As a result, George continues to hone his machine learning skills, while Royal continues to benefit from what the previous interns helped build.

Graduate student Justin George, at far right, in a �� Advanced Machine Learning class.

In fact, Heimstead said, George has enhanced and unified the multiple machine learning models into a single model for each issue. His work ensures the solution remains both usable and valuable. That continuity helps Royal keep the work ready to build on in the future.

George said the �� master ��. program offers a sharp contrast to his bachelor ��. degree experience. “Here I get the exposure of practical training and working on projects. There are so many internship opportunities, and they are directly aligned with my academics,” George said.

“I feel like the professors are very helpful,” he continued. “They are always making sure you are getting practical exposure. It ��. not just theory. That ��. something I like about Stout.”

Wojciechowski is impressed by George ��. hard work and adaptability in the Royal internship. “He ��. out there in the world solving problems,” Wojciechowski said.

Not only has George been able to tackle the tasks he was originally hired for, but he ��. been able to grow his skill set, too. “He ��. been able to adapt and evolve at Royal,” Wojciechowski said. “I think that speaks very well for him.”

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and �� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

February 24, 2026

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

January 29, 2026

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework RCU employee Lou Heimstead works with intern Justin George

University Marketing

M.S. Applied Computer Science

Our M.S. Applied Computer Science program will equip you with the practical computing skills to enhance your current career expertise.

Learn More

Search Keywords: machine learningartificial intelligenceinternships

Hero Caption: M.S. applied computer science student Justin George interns at Royal Credit Union ��. Corporate Center in Eau Claire.

Scott Turner

Professional Interests: Computer Skills: IBM PC Operating Systems: Windows XP/Vista/7 Languages: C, C++. FoxPro, Java, PHP, JavaScript

Full Name: Scott Turner

Job Title: Associate Professor / Program Director

Include in Directory: Yes

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

Department: Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Curriculum Vitae: Scott Turner CV (356.87 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Computer Science and Applications

University: Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech)

Degree: M.S. Computer Science and Applications

University: Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech)

Degree: B.S. Computer Science

University: Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University (Virginia Tech)

Degree: Engineering Education Certificate

Degree: Future Professoriate Certificate

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems for Royal Credit Union

giffeyt — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 14:00:00 +0000

Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems for Royal Credit Uniongiffeyt January 26, 2026

Computer science students from ��, UWEC, UWRF exercise ‘exceptional’ AI acumen for leading financial institution

Tom Giffey

Three Universities of Wisconsin campuses partnered with Royal Credit Union to launch an innovative internship program using AI to support this Wisconsin-based financial institution. This story is one of four in a series showcasing the impact of this collaboration. Read more about the faculty who supported the internship, how the partnership supported the state's economic development and how the collaboration originated.

Computer science students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses leveraged their knowledge of machine learning to address real-world questions for one of the state ��. largest credit unions in a unique internship program.

Four students — two from ��, one from UW-Eau Claire and one from UW-River Falls — honed their professional skills through internships with Royal Credit Union ��. AI Innovation Lab last summer. The internship was a pilot program to help Royal implement machine learning, a subset of artificial intelligence in which algorithms are used to find patterns in data to make predictions without explicit programming.

Chris Meyer, Royal ��. vice president of IT Innovation and Efficiency, said such partnerships with the Universities of Wisconsin provide “immeasurable” value for the credit union, which serves 330,000 members in western Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota.

“This particular program brought about an opportunity for us to try some new, innovative ideas without the risks of derailing existing strategic projects or core work that were going on with our existing teams,” Meyer said.

Royal Credit Union interns, left to right, Paige Keller of UW-Eau Claire, Mariah Waslie of UW-River Falls, Emmett Jaakkola of �� and Matthew Peplinski of ��. / Submitted photo

“The interns we worked with from ��, UW-River Falls and UW-Eau Claire absolutely exceeded our expectations,” he continued. “Not only did they bring exceptional skills immediately out of school into the workforce, but they brought a perspective that we don’t always see — a younger perspective in how to approach some of the projects we’re looking at.”

The student interns were Matthew Peplinski and Emmett Jaakkola of ��, Paige Keller of UW-Eau Claire, and Mariah Waslie of UW-River Falls.

“We got to fully make our own data set, run all these machine learning models, analyze the results, present them, double check our own processes, and lay out a foundation for the company. It ��. amazing what we could do as interns,” said Peplinski, of Milwaukee, who graduated in December with a B.S. in applied mathematics and computer science.

“We were the catalyst to all machine learning that Royal was delving into,” explained Jaakkola, of St. Paul, who graduated in December with degrees in both computer science and applied math and computer science.

Matthew Peplinski works on his laptop in an Advanced Machine Learning course at ��.

Leveraging students’ talents

Interns were recruited from the computer science programs at the three universities, all of which are within Royal ��. geographic footprint. Once the interns began working in June at the Royal Credit Union Corporate Center in Eau Claire, the students began brainstorming how they could apply their machine learning acumen to the financial institution.

Keller, a UW-Eau Claire senior from Crystal Lake, Illinois, majoring in computer science, was excited by the opportunity, which allowed the students to come up with their own use cases for machine learning. “It ��. almost like we were in the driver ��. seat as the interns, which was what I loved most about the experience,” Keller said.

For the first few weeks of the internship, the students delved into Royal ��. databases, learning what data was available, creating queries to gather it, and determining how it could be used to make projections.

Working with interns from multiple universities enhanced the experience because of the students’ varied experiences and curriculums, Keller said. “We all helped each other. We all asked each other questions,” Keller said. “We ran into the same roadblocks a lot of times, and so we had to come together and brainstorm. Having that experience from different backgrounds was very useful in coming up with different ideas.”

For example, Waslie — a UW-River Falls senior from Maiden Rock pursing a double major in computer science and data science — was adept at creating models with the programming language R, which the other interns had less experience with. Meanwhile, Peplinski used SQL to combine data and Python to develop models, while also bringing business skills to the table thanks to his �� minors in business and economics.

Universities of Wisconsin interns pose with Royal Credit Union employees Tad Carlson, far left, and Linda Kampa, far right. / Submitted photo

With the help of their team leader — Linda Kampa, a senior data engineer at Royal — the interns built a giant table set of more than 100 customer attributes, combining pieces of data from multiple sources. Once all this data had been gathered, the team tried to use it to predict members’ future behavior.

“Building out our own data set was a pretty astounding part of the internship, something that is pretty unique,” Peplinski said. His �� classmate, Jaakkola, agreed: “Working with a large database like that, it would be hard to get that experience without actually doing it.”

Over the course of the summer, the interns focused on two main classification problems. The first was to determine which factors indicated a member was about to leave the credit union: For example, was it when their balances reached a certain amount, or perhaps when a loan had been paid off? The second aimed to determine a “next best product” that would interest an existing member, similar to how a streaming service algorithm might recommend a new TV series.

AI reshaping industry: Advanced Machine Learning students develop impactful, competitive models

Projects result in innovative way to search course bulletin, play digital Othello board game

Jaakkola said he was well-prepared by his �� machine learning coursework to tackle problems for Royal. “I think the foundation we had from our classes really made it possible,” he said. Nonetheless, he added, the tasks were more complex: For example, while the queries he wrote for class might have included roughly 10 lines of code, some he wrote for Royal were as long as 1,000 lines.

The interns worked with managers from many of the credit union ��. departments, strengthening their communications skills in frequent meetings and presentations. Part of the project ��. goal, Peplinski said, was to create confidence that machine learning could supplement these managers’ own business intuitions.

Peplinski said the experience also helped him hone his technical communication skills. “In the same way that when you’re building machine learning models you iterate and make it better every iteration, I felt we also got better over time communicating results,” he said.

Emmett Jaakkola, right, in an Advanced Machine Learning course at ��.

Learning workforce skills

Professor Keith Wojciechowski of �� . Department of Math, Statistics and Computer Science, commended Royal Credit Union for putting trust in student interns to create algorithms for the financial institution. “This is like being part of a real research and development team,” Wojciechowski said.

Professor Keith Wojciechowski

During the course on the internship, Wojciechowski and faculty members from UW-River Falls and UW-Eau Claire met twice with the interns and the Royal Credit Union team, once in the middle of the summer and once at the end for a final showcase of their work.

“Not only are we impressed with their ability to solve the problems, but by their ability to present and work in a professional environment,” Wojciechowski said of the interns. “That ��. also a very important skill that they eventually have to learn.”

Kampa, the senior data engineer who worked side by side with the students, said part of the goal of the internship was to determine if Royal is ready to build machine learning models in-house. The interns, she said, were well-positioned to pursue the project.

“They came in with fresh ideas,” Kampa said. “None of them had a lot of financial background, but it was nice to have that clean slate. There were no preconceived notions of how something should work. It really led to a lot of unique and fresh perspectives, unbiased solutions and the recommendations that they made.”

Kampa said the interns arrived with excellent technical skills and absorbed new abilities quickly. The team experienced numerous “lightbulb moments” throughout the summer, she said.

“Early on in the internship, we were meeting to discuss what type of data we would be including to feed into the models,” Kampa recalled. “The idea that we were working through was really a complex concept to understand right away. We met a few times, we worked through some examples and did some whiteboard drawings, and to see the look on their faces when it clicked was really a rewarding experience for both me and the interns.”

Both businesses and students benefit from these collaborations, Kampa added. “Having the interns participate was a win-win for both Royal and the interns, because we got things up and running more quickly with their expertise from all the classes they’ve taken, and it gave the interns a chance to see what it ��. like to work in a business setting,” she said.

Having Universities of Wisconsin campuses nearby creates a talent pipeline for the credit union as well as other organizations in the region, added Meyer, Royal ��. vice president of IT Innovation and Efficiency. “The opportunity to work with faculty, who are experts in their areas, and students who are learning from them is something unique that we would not be able to do if we didn’t have those universities in our backyard,” he said. “And the opportunity to do that means that we can provide new value to our members, growing our organization in a way that would have been impossible without the universities’ presence.”

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and �� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

February 24, 2026

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

January 29, 2026

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

Computer science students from ��, UWEC, UWRF exercise ‘exceptional’ AI acumen for leading financial institution �� student Matthew Peplinski displays code

University Marketing

Search Keywords: machine learninginternshipsRoyal Credit Unionindustry partnerships

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

AI reshaping industry: Advanced Machine Learning students develop impactful, competitive models

goersab — Thu, 22 Jan 2026 16:48:14 +0000

AI reshaping industry: Advanced Machine Learning students develop impactful, competitive modelsgoersab January 22, 2026

Projects result in innovative way to search course bulletin, play digital Othello board game

Abbey Goers

�� . 360-degree AI education approach prepares graduates to meet the needs of a rapidly evolving workforce by embedding artificial intelligence training in all of its degree programs. For two groups of applied mathematics and computer science students in an Advanced Machine Learning course, their final projects resulted in a model that could actively impact their institution and another that created a highly competitive AI opponent for a classic board game.

One group built a RAG model – or Retrieval Augmented Generation – to allow students to search the �� course bulletin in a much more engaging way. Another created a digital version of the board game Othello, using a Monte Carlo Tree Search (MCTS) and a database of top international players to train the model.

Matthew Peplinski presents on the group Stout Bulletin RAG project.

“The motivation of the class is for students to pick up a cutting-edge paper, read it, understand it and implement it. Five years from now, when they are in their careers, they’ll know how to read a tech-heavy math paper and translate it into code,” said AMCS Program Director, Professor Seth Dutter. “These are the types of top-tier projects I look to give my students. The experience sets them apart. That ��. polytechnic and gets to the point of ��.”

The Stout Bulletin RAG

In developing their group project, Tyler Smith, of Rochester; Matthew Peplinski, of Milwaukee; Aaron King, of Rhinelander; and Kyler Nikolai, of Rochester, wanted to create an easy way to gather information about �� . courses, degree programs, minors and certifications without having to read through the entire course bulletin.

“We created the Stout Bulletin RAG, which can take any question someone has about Stout ��. courses and programs and give them accurate information back within a couple of seconds,” Smith said. “A new student could use the program when applying to Stout to find out what classes and programs are offered, or a current student could use it when scheduling their classes for the next semester. The program actively uses ChatGPT to curate a response that provides the necessary information in a nice way. It also gives ChatGPT more specific information because the data is directly from the current Stout bulletin, so there will be no mistakes in finding old or irrelevant information.”

The group demonstrates the Stout Bulletin RAG in a final project presentation.

A RAG model allows the user to describe what they are looking for in sentence form, rather than just by using a single word search. The model consists of three parts, Smith explained: the prompt, the retrieval of data and the response from a LLM, or large language model. The prompt is what the user, like a student, asks the model. The model then searches through the stored data and finds what sentences, paragraphs or documents of text are most similar to the question asked.

“This is determined by an embedding model, which, in short, is a specific model trained to find similarities between text using a vector space,” he said. “The RAG then retrieves the top results of the most similar text and throws it into a new prompt. This prompt has all the details of the question asked, the information retrieved, and any rules in place, so when the model gets an LLM, like ChatGPT, to summarize the information, the LLM will not make up information it does not have.”

Peplinski added that the point of the RAG is to leverage existing LLM models’ reasoning capabilities, utilizing information that it was not trained on. “We used two different AI models in the process, one for the text embedding and one for the summarization,” he said. “The embedding model was used to determine how similar a user ��. question is to the information available in our data set. We then pulled the top five most similar bits of information and sent that to the LLM, or ChatGPT, in our case. The LLM was used only to give the summary of the information that we provided it and given strict instruction to not make up false information.”

An example of a response generated by the Stout Bulletin RAG. / Tyler Smith

Peplinski and Smith thought the best part of the project was seeing how thorough their RAG model was during the final class presentation, as it nearly flawlessly answered prompts and challenges given by attendees.

The most challenging part was gathering all of �� . program information and automating the data collection process so they would not have to write it out manually.

Smith will graduate this spring and will begin work at Federated Insurance this summer. He feels the project helped prepare him for industry, as many companies already use internal chatbots to search documents. “They are very likely using similar RAG model structures to what we created. So, going into industry with that knowledge is helpful,” he said.

Dutter agreed, adding, “Companies would benefit from employees who know how to code a RAG. It ��. a useful skill to help a company that wants to be able to search for information within its sometimes decades worth of documents.”

Othello AI project

In four days, Nathan LaCrosse, of Portage; Noah Stitgen, of Lodi; Jake Swanson, of Eden Prairie, Minnesota; and Lindsey Redepenning, of Elk River, Minnesota, programmed their digital Othello version from scratch, creating an interface and teaching the AI model parameters of play, how to capture an opponent ��. piece, and conditions to win the game. Over the next two weeks of the project, they optimized the game to make the most challenging, hyper-aggressive AI opponent they could.

Download their game at GitHub.

Nathan LaCrosse presents on the group Othello AI project.

LaCrosse originally wanted to select chess for the group ��. project, but they decided on Othello, as it ��. a simpler board game that ��. easy to watch and play. Also, unlike checkers, Othello cannot end in a draw.

The group used an MCTS, a lightning-fast algorithm used in AI for decision-making processes, particularly in games, to develop their model. It simulated 3,500 Othello games per second. “When the MCTS evaluates a board position, it plays out a bunch of random games and picks the move that statistically leads to a win,” LaCrosse said.

They were challenged by the tree search to make sure it worked properly. “We actually discovered that we had programmed the game incorrectly because the algorithm was finding glitched moves that gave it an unfair advantage,” LaCrosse said.

An example of opponents' positions in the AI board game of Othello. / Nathan LaCrosse

They later added a neural network to the tree search that studied a database of top French Othello players. They used the database to train the network.

The group enjoyed playing against all the variations of gameplay the model allowed. In the published version, they selected the tree search that had the most unique playstyle, LaCrosse said.

“This project prepared us for industry because it familiarized us with the process of creating a full application, where we had everyone working on different elements of the program and combined it all together in the end,” said LaCrosse, who plans to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science.

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and �� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

February 24, 2026

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

January 29, 2026

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

Projects result in innovative way to search course bulletin, play digital Othello board game Advanced Machine Learning, Othello student project

University Marketing

B.S. Applied Mathematics & Computer Science

Our B.S. Applied Mathematics & Computer Science program will help you develop the analytical and technical skills to solve real-world problems.

Learn More

B.S. Computer Science

Our B.S. Computer Science program offers project-based experiences and opportunities—from paid internships to hands-on Agile software development.

Learn More

Seth Dutter

Teaching Interests: My teaching interests include all areas of undergraduate mathematics.

Research Interests: Algebraic Geometry, Algebraic Number Theory, Diophantine Geometry

Full Name: Seth C. Dutter, PhD

Job Title: Professor / Program Director

Include in Directory: Yes

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

Department: Mathematics, Statistics & Computer Science Department

Program

All Degree Programs

B.S. Applied Mathematics & Computer Science

Curriculum Vitae: Professor Seth C. Dutter CV (294.39 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Mathematics

University: University of California at Berkeley

Degree: B.S. Mathematics

University: University of California at Davis

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

AI reshaping industry: �� professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology

goersab — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 14:45:00 +0000

AI reshaping industry: �� professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biologygoersab January 14, 2026

Grant develops student-driven projects; finds high accuracy in AI-dispensed information

Abbey Goers

Professor Jennifer Grant, with �� . biology department, has been curious about how well everyday chatbots dispense health information, including pharmacology advice and influences on human health.

“You sometimes hear that these tools can give distorted or misleading answers, and that ��. what first caught my attention,” she said.

To quell her curiosity, Grant began several lines of AI research and developed projects for her introductory pharmacology and 100-level human biology students. For the results of the first study, Grant published a peer-reviewed manuscript, with reviews that noted that she is developing a unique angle on chatbot use in health care.

“Looking ahead, I plan to develop curricula that teach both students and, eventually, patients how to critically evaluate the quality of chatbot responses. Those skills will be of paramount importance in a world overflowing with digital advice,” Grant said.

When everyday chatbots dispense advice

A plot graph comparing ChatGPT and Copilot / Jennifer Grant

Grant asked her pharmacology students to put three chatbots to the test: ChatGPT, Copilot and Gemini. Their task was simple: ask the chatbots about the safety profiles of specific medications and look for errors. They looked at correctness and rated how thorough and helpful the generated answers were.

“To my surprise, and theirs, students found that the chatbot responses were highly accurate,” she said. “And yes, the chatbots differed. Each had their own style, and students preferred when chatbots organized information in a helpful way.”

Grant recently published an article on her findings in the open-access journal Discover Artificial Intelligence, titled “Undergraduates perceive differences in helpfulness and thoroughness of responses of ChatGPT 3.0, Gemini 1.5, and Copilot responses about drug interactions.”

“I published this research because this is truly a new academic frontier. This work is also very timely, because we believe that many people already consult everyday chatbots for medical advice,” she said.

Access to better information on human health

The pharmacology project experience led Grant to wonder how this approach could help students in her human biology class. Because the goals in that course are different, Grant redesigned the activity.

Instead of focusing on medications, students used Copilot and ChatGPT to explore how molecules influence human health. Every other week, students asked the chatbots a question tied to the organ system the class was studying. Early results showed that the chatbots provided accurate information, and Grant is excited to work up the rest of the data.

“Chatbots are everywhere now, which means learners and patients have more information at their fingertips than ever before. My hope is that this work will help people get better information, not just more of it,” she said.

A third line of Grant ��. research addresses biochemistry, using AI software to look at how proteins fold. These student projects are in mid-stage, with outcomes expected by June.

“I am very excited about these projects and will start looking for high-power collaborators with bespoke AI chatbots this spring,” she said.

Artificial Intelligence

All Artificial Intelligence News

Wisconsin manufacturing leaders unite to accelerate AI adoption across the state

MKE Tech Hub, WMEP and �� form strategic partnership to support mid-market manufacturers

February 24, 2026

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

M.S. applied computer science student finds workplaces experience aligns with coursework

January 29, 2026

�� professor brings aspects of grandfather ��. experience in Battle of the Bulge ‘back to life’

Oss uses AI tools to decipher World War II journal, recreate portraits, landscapes

January 28, 2026

Grant develops student-driven projects; finds high accuracy in AI-dispensed information Jennifer Grant research, ChatGPT vs Copilot plot graph

University Marketing

Biology Department

Biology helps us understand ourselves, other species, and our place in the earth's ecology, and what life is and how it functions.

�� . biology department offers undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and molecular biology; applied science; biology; environmental science; as well as an online professional science master's in conservation biology. �� also offers degrees in chemistry and physics.

Is content a Story?: Yes

Jennifer Grant

Teaching Interests: Proteomics (Bio425); Biochemistry (Chem311); General Chemistry (Chem135); Human Biology Lecture & Laboratory (Bio132); Biochemistry Lecture & Laboratory (Chem311); Introduction to Biotechnology (Bio210, Online); Advanced Biotechnology (Bio470); Introductory Biology (Bio101); General Chemistry (Chem 135); Biology of Aging (Bio125)

Research Interests: The impact of proteins in disease and the creation of functional foods using biochemistry.

Professional Interests: Mass spectrometry, protein chemistry, protein separations.

Full Name: Jennifer E. Grant, Ph.D.

Job Title: Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

Area of Expertise: Mass Spectrometry Protein Chemistry Protein Separations

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

Department: Biology Department

Program

All Degree Programs

Curriculum Vitae: Jennifer Grant CV (445.53 KB)

Website: LinkedIn Profile

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Molecular & Cellular Pharmacology

University: University of Wisconsin Medical School

Degree: M.S. Biochemistry

University: Case Western Reserve University Medical School

Degree: B.A. Biochemistry

University: Oberlin College

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

goersab — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 13:50:00 +0000

All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniorsgoersab January 5, 2026

Student team builds functional nonstandard pallet stacker to be implemented, replicated in company ��. facilities

Abbey Goers

A team of engineering students at �� designed an innovative nonstandard pallet stacker for Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture, which plans to quickly implement the machine in its facilities.

Within their Senior Design Experience II capstone course, the team was tasked with building a machine that could lift and hold 6-foot-long, 100-pound pallets off the ground until a stack of 12 was collected. Made of quarter-inch steel, the stacker can support 1,800 pounds, a 125% increase of Ashley ��. requested 1,400 maximum stack weight.

Once the stack is complete, the system lowers it to the floor for removal with an electric pallet jack. The stacker – which is 10 feet long, 8 feet wide and 4 feet tall – can be operated by a single person and has a maximum cycle time of 40 seconds.

Erik Kramer, Chase Rodewald, Luke Mertens, Riley Stiehl and Zachary Morgan.

The student team is Luke Mertens, a double major in manufacturing and mechanical engineering from Blue Earth, Minnesota; manufacturing engineering major Zachary Morgan of Eau Claire; and mechanical engineering majors Chase Rodewald of Lake City, Minnesota, and Riley Stiehl of Alma.

During the Manufacturing Engineering & Mechanical Engineering Showcase on Dec. 16, they presented a scaled, controls-focused prototype to �� faculty and supporters, as well as Ashley representatives, including Manufacturing Engineer Erik Kramer, the team ��. project manager.

“The �� team built a better system, a better product for us. And with a final product price of about $25,000, their solution offers us a cost reduction of about 60%,” Kramer said. “Now, with the team ��. documentation, our automation team can replicate their functional design to build six more stackers for our facilities.”

Riley Stiehl (left) and Chase Rodewald (right) present the Ashley Furniture nonstandard pallet stacker.

The team will submit their accompanying documents and the full-size machine, which includes an emergency stop for user safety, to Ashley for integration into the company ��. operations. Final assembly will be completed at Ashley, when safety curtains will be installed around the machine as well.

Reverse-engineering to build a better product

The two-semester-long project began last spring, when the team had a site visit to Ashley to meet with Kramer and other staff. Ashley had purchased a stacker from a third party, but there were aspects of the machine that Kramer and staff didn’t like.

“We needed the Stout team to find a way to reverse-engineer the machine to have it function as we needed it to,” Kramer said.

A digital SolidWorks model of the Ashley Furniture nonstandard pallet stacker.

The team developed schematics in SolidWorks software and a small-scale model, which they presented to Ashley in May. Ashley purchased the materials needed to build the prototype as well as the final product.

“We’re no different than a real engineering team. Everyone is working together, but we each have niche roles based on our strengths,” said Mertens, who led the team ��. controls and instrumentation. Morgan was the CNC machinist and completed the documentation and organization of project records. Rodewald and Stiehl managed the manual assembly, machining and welding.

While some of the parts were cut and machined at Ashley, the team also completed the machining and welding of parts in �� . Fryklund Hall labs.

Chase Rodewald (left) and Riley Stiehl (right) assemble the Ashley Furniture nonstandard pallet stacker prototype.

“There ��. a lot to be done, so it ��. nice to have multiple people working on it together,” Stiehl said. “We relied on Ashley ��. industry equipment and experience. Having them cut and machine parts, rather than going to a third source, was a lot more cost-effective and saved a lot of time. And we could also use our own skills right in the labs on campus.”

Electrical and welding breakthroughs

During the first phase of their project, the team ��. biggest challenge was how to meet one of the requirements set by Ashley: using electrical power, rather than pneumatics or hydraulics, to lift the pallets.

“Because most electrical motors are rotational based, it limits your options for linear motion, or the straight-line and up-and-down motion we needed for the pallet stacker,” Rodewald said. “We achieved this through a linear actuator, which is a device that converts a motor ��. rotational energy into linear motion.”

Luke Mertens works on the controls for the Ashley Furniture nonstandard pallet stacker prototype.

The electrical power matches Ashley ��. capabilities and can be implemented immediately on the shop floor by pulling in power from overhead sources, instead of the company having to install tanks to support a fluid power device.

During the project ��. second phase, the team was challenged by how to weld some of the individual pieces before final assembly. The gussets – a three-part support structure, for example – needed to self-align at a 90-degree-angle to make it easier for Rodewald and Stiehl when welding the pieces together.

“We devised a self-aligning slot and tab mechanism, so the parts would basically hold themselves in place,” Stiehl said.

A side-by-side comparison of a digital model and a welded gusset.

“Breakthroughs often come just after the moment you feel you’ve exhausted every option,” Mertens added.

Engineering students use a project management methodology called a “stage gate process,” which includes built-in briefs and reviews at key points in the design and build process. It also allows for feedback from their classmates, professors and project sponsors.

“The process is very helpful because it allows you to review the current aspects of your design, so you never get too far down a rabbit hole,” Mertens said. “The feedback allows for a varying array of perspectives from your rough draft to the final draft of your concept.”

Zachary Morgan (left) and Luke Mertens (right) present a prototype of the Ashley Furniture nonstandard pallet stacker.

This fall semester, the Ashley capstone team was just one of a dozen teams composed of about 50 engineering students working on Capstone I and II projects in Fryklund Hall labs.

Mertens, Morgan, Rodewald and Stiehl earned their degrees and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20, among a class of 527 Stout Proud graduates.

According to the university ��. most recent First Destination Report, 99% of 2023-24 graduates from the mechanical and manufacturing engineering programs reported they were either employed or continuing their education within six months, with an average starting salary of $72,000.

�� . 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.

School of Engineering

All School of Engineering News

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

Professor Anne Schmitz investigates how nature provides a blueprint for better engineering.

February 5, 2026

�� . 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

�� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Report

U.S. News rankings recognize bachelor ��. and master ��. programs for helping students advance education, career goals

February 2, 2026

Student team builds functional nonstandard pallet stacker to be implemented, replicated in company ��. facilities Engineering capstone, Ashley project

University Marketing

B.S. Manufacturing Engineering

Our B.S. Manufacturing Engineering program trains you in engineering design, robotics, artificial intelligence, automation systems, and industrial management.

Learn More

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Our B.S. Mechanical Engineering program covers mechanics, kinematics, thermal/fluid sciences, materials sciences, and more.

Learn More

Search Keywords: mechanical engineering degreemanufacturing engineering degreeAshley Furniturenonstandard pallet stacker

Hero Caption: Zachary Morgan (left) and Luke Mertens (right) present a prototype of the Ashley Furniture nonstandard pallet stacker.

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

PHOTO ESSAY: Understanding the World at a Deeper Level

goersab — Mon, 29 Dec 2025 13:45:00 +0000

PHOTO ESSAY: Understanding the World at a Deeper Levelgoersab December 29, 2025

Honors Chemistry students’ experiments spark curiosity

Abbey Goers

The first snowfall of the season blankets the grass and clings to pine boughs. Walking through campus, winter arrives early as the ground turns white.

But inside a Jarvis Hall Science Wing chemistry lab, liquids turn vivid pinks and deep blues in beakers — a stark contrast to the scene outside. Clear flames ignite compounds and burn a sun-kissed orange hue. And the faint smells of ammonia, tropical-fruit-flavored antacids and roasted sugar waft through the air.

“What ��. burning?” a classmate asks. Nothing to be alarmed about. It ��. all part of the experimental process in Professor Marcia Miller Rodeberg ��. College Chemistry Honors I course, as seven pairs of students conduct research in preparation for the STEMM Student Expo on Dec. 11.

Students choose their projects based on their interests. The smell of roasted sugar stems from Hayden Weber and Erick Day ��. lab station, where they’re just “Fuelin’ Around.” They use a deflagration spoon, or burning spoon, to hold small amounts of fructose, sucrose, starch and organic acids over a Bunsen burner flame, waiting for it to ignite.

The sugar takes a bit to ignite, but once it does, the blue flame *pops* and a white and orange flame erupts above the spoon. They measure the carbon levels and combustion rates of each substance and find how much water is lost in the combustion process to determine the mass of carbon in each.

Griffin Boldt and Carson Stehr are curious about “Refilling the Hindenburg” and want to know how much helium it took to lift the massive zeppelin. They wonder what combination of metal, acid and acid concentration results in the largest rate of hydrogen production.

The Hindenburg was a German passenger zeppelin – the largest airship by volume of its time. It crashed and burned while landing on May 6, 1937, in New Jersey. The disaster, probably caused by a spark that ignited the hydrogen gas used to lift the craft, ended the era of rigid airship travel.

“Because of hydrogen ��. explosive properties, you don’t get to interact with it every day,” said Boldt, of St. Paul. “I’ve always liked learning about history, so I thought it would be fun to see how much basic lab material we’d need to fill the Hindenburg.

“We figured it would be a cool way to connect our data with a real-world scenario,” added Stehr, of Baldwin. “Finding the rate of hydrogen production alone is not necessarily the most interesting experiment. But calculating the conditions necessary to make a massive object lift off the ground is much more intriguing and provides our experiment with a little bit of scale.”

Using a fume hood for safety, the pair mix individual fragments of magnesium, calcium and zinc with hydrochloric acid to produce and measure different levels of hydrogen gas. As the mixture combines, bubbles rise through the liquid, producing gas as they break the surface. Boldt and Stehr predict that a higher concentration of hydrochloric acid combined with calcium will have the fastest production rate.

Chemistry interests Boldt and Stehr because it explains how the world works and shows how things are connected at a deeper level. “I have taken for granted that things just work, but chemistry opens up a new world of understanding. Chemistry plays a role in everyday life and helps me appreciate the intricacies that everything relies on at some level,” Stehr said.

At another lab station, Elliot Harding and Camdin Lillesve are conducting a “Comparison of Gas Production by Commercial Antacids.” They measure the dissolving rate of the calcium carbonate levels in various antacid brands. They can determine which brands may relieve the feeling of indigestion most effectively.

Across the lab, Maddy Weiss and Reesi Williams are finding “The Sweetest Absorption” by measuring glucose levels in beverages, including orange juice, apple juice, an energy drink and coffee, while Natalie Schmit and Jadyn Swinehart measure the free fatty acid content in various kinds of salad dressing oils.

The salad dressings tested are pumpkin seed oil, peanut oil, olive oil, vegetable oil and Italian dressing. They use the titration method, adding a base of potassium phthalate to each oil, turning the solutions into different shades of pink. A lighter pink equals a lower concentration of free fatty acids, and the better quality of the oil.

Grady Hatlestad and Gavin Staudacher are looking into the “Hard Facts about Campus Water.” They study seven samples of campus tap water to test the pH balance. Different calcium levels determine the hardness levels of the water samples. Using a solution of ammonium chloride and ammonium hydroxide, they first titrate deionized water as a control. The sample turns immediately blue, showing there is no calcium present.

However, a sample of water from the lab faucet turns pink, showing that calcium is present. The brighter the pink, the higher the level of calcium.

Cole Remiger and Chenue Thao are experimenting on “Tick Tock, It ��. Iodine O’clock” by creating an iodine clock reaction, which illustrates the different rates at which chemical reactions occur: one that produces iodine and a second that consumes it.

Something has gone awry, however. The experiment is meant to result in a dramatic color change — from a colorless liquid to deep blue — upon reacting with starch. Instead, the liquid turned dark brown in color. The students think perhaps they didn’t boil the starch long enough on the hot plate, and the reaction failed — all part of the scientific process.

The STEMM Student Expo, along with Research Day, are two of �� . College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Management ��. biggest events of the year, showcasing hundreds of projects across more than a dozen fields of study. Research Day 2026 will be held on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.

Boldt and Stehr, who are computer and electrical engineering students, encourage others to participate in STEMM Student Expo and Research Day because the events give students the “opportunity to dive into a topic to be invested in and learn more about it. Instead of doing one lab experiment and moving on, you get to slow down a little and learn more about a topic that interests you. It is one of the best ways to understand and build off that topic,” Stehr said.

“There are so many cool projects and topics at the STEMM Expo, and you never know what you might find. You might be inspired to find a topic of your own to research or discover something interesting to learn more about,” Stehr added.

Boldt encourages community members and industry professionals to attend the events because “it ��. a great opportunity to better know the students living in their community and to find future employees. It ��. much better to meet with somebody face-to-face instead of scrolling through endless resumes,” he said.

CSTEMM

All CSTEMM News

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

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

March 2, 2026

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

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

February 25, 2026

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

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

February 18, 2026

Honors Chemistry students’ experiments spark curiosity Honors chemistry, water testing

University Marketing

B.S. Chemistry

Our B.S. Chemistry program prepares you to synthesize and characterize new materials and effectively scale commercial production processes.

Learn More

Marcia Miller-Rodeberg

Teaching Interests: Biochemistry, General Chemistry

Research Interests: Transient Kinetic Studies of Azo Dye Oxidation Catalyzed by Horseradish Peroxidase Purification and Characterization of Bacteriocins Produced by Fermenting Bacteria

Professional Interests: Catalytic Mechanisms of Enzymes Bioinorganic Chemistry and Metalloenzymes Active Learning in Science Classes and Modern Teaching Methods

Full Name: Dr. Marcia Miller-Rodeberg

Job Title: Professor

Include in Directory: Yes

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

Department: Chemistry & Physics Department

Curriculum Vitae: Dr. Marcia Miller-Rodeberg (406.73 KB)

Education:

Degree: Ph.D. Biochemistry

University: University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Degree: B.A. Chemistry and Biology

University: University of Minnesota-Morris

CSTEMM

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Inspiring Graduate: Luke Mertens, B.S. Manufacturing Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

goersab — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:45:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Luke Mertens, B.S. Manufacturing Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineeringgoersab December 23, 2025

Hired before graduation as a controls engineer at SMC Ltd.

Inspiring Graduate: Luke Mertens (’25)

Hometown: Blue Earth, Minnesota
Degree: B.S. Manufacturing Engineering; B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Advanced Automation & Robotics

Luke Mertens chose �� for its polytechnic education and hands-on learning opportunities that would build his skillset through internships and industry-sponsored projects to make him career-ready before graduation.

Luke Mertens earned his manufacturing and mechanical engineering degrees from �� on Dec. 20, 2025.

Mertens earned a double major in manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 �� graduates. He was hired before graduation as a controls engineer at SMC Ltd., a medical device contract manufacturer in Somerset.

“My main responsibilities will include designing electrical schematics, wiring control panels, and specifying electrical components for machines that will be built by the in-house automation department,” he said.

“I hope to make an impact in my field by contributing to complex problem solving and challenging what is possible in the world of automation.”

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

�� has helped make me an industry-ready undergraduate by offering hands-on learning and teaching me how to identify, break down and solve problems.

Luke Mertens was hired before graduation as a controls engineer at SMC Ltd.

My favorite lab experiences were my Controls and Robotics labs, where I learned all about industrial automation. My favorite internship was at Midwest Manufacturing in Eau Claire, where I worked as a manufacturing engineer and spent my time programming and troubleshooting automation.

I also completed a two-semester, industry-sponsored capstone project with a team of engineering students to build a pallet-lifting machine for Ashley Furniture. The machine can lift and hold 6-foot-long, 100-pound pallets off the ground until a stack of 12 is collected.

All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

Student team builds functional nonstandard pallet stacker to be implemented, replicated in company ��. facilities

What stands out about your �� experience?

What stands out to me about the �� experience is how you are not just a number, but rather a person. I have thoroughly enjoyed many of my professors and the professional relationships I formed with them throughout my collegiate journey.

It was nice to take hands-on classes, where I always had resources available to help tailor my learning to what I needed and answer questions that I had.

The only thing that limits your growth at �� is your own individual willingness to learn. You will have all the resources you need to succeed.

Luke Mertens in the Material Removal Lab in Fryklund Hall.

How did your campus involvement impact your experience?

I was an offensive lineman with Blue Devils football for four years and was a part of football ��. FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) group for four years.

In the 2024 season, my fourth year, I was a team captain. I was also named to the second-team All-WIAC, with 11 of my teammates; and the National Football Foundation Hampshire Honor Society, with 15 of my teammates.

I have been a part of Stout ��. Society of Manufacturing Engineers student organization.

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

I am proud of my personal growth and my ability to adapt and overcome a variety of challenges, including my biggest: time management. Being as involved as I was in extracurricular activities made me prioritize how I spent my time.

Inspiring Graduates

All Inspiring Graduates News

Inspiring Graduates Share Their Stout Experiences

Celebrate our graduates as they cross the commencement stage and reflect on the journey that brought them here

December 23, 2025

Inspiring Graduate: Hanahh Eggum, M.S. Training & Talent Development

Supporting campus community through the Dean of Students Office

December 23, 2025

Inspiring Graduate: Zaid Abdullah, M.S. Operations & Supply Management

Automation Displays procurement engineer aims to deliver measurable value to organizations

December 23, 2025

Hired before graduation as a controls engineer at SMC Ltd. Luke Mertens, Fall Commencement 2025

University Marketing

B.S. Manufacturing Engineering

Our B.S. Manufacturing Engineering program trains you in engineering design, robotics, artificial intelligence, automation systems, and industrial management.

Learn More

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Our B.S. Mechanical Engineering program covers mechanics, kinematics, thermal/fluid sciences, materials sciences, and more.

Learn More

Polaris, School of Education directors encourage grads to be proud as they ‘improve our world’

Students share messages of community, kindness, belonging with graduates at Dec. 20 ceremony

Inspiring Graduate Q&As

Is content a Story?: Yes

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

Inspiring Graduate: Isaac Harnack, B.S. Plastics Engineering

goersab — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:30:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Isaac Harnack, B.S. Plastics Engineeringgoersab December 23, 2025

Hired before graduation as a GaMra Composites engineer

Inspiring Graduate: Isaac Harnack (’25)

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

In high school, Isaac Harnack, of Crystal, Minnesota, wanted to follow in his grandfather ��. footsteps and be a mechanic for tractors and large farm equipment. “I have always had a mechanically inclined mind, and machines just make sense to me,” he said.

However, after looking at different career prospects, Harnack ��. mom encouraged him to apply to ��, as one of her friend ��. sons had graduated from the packaging program.

“I took one look at the School of Engineering majors and stumbled upon the plastics engineering program. After seeing an injection molding machine for the first time, I knew that this was the path forward. I had never seen anything like it before and wanted to know its every function.

Isaac Harnack earned his plastics engineering degree from �� on Dec. 20, 2025.

“On top of this, Stout ��. polytechnic spirit drew me closer to the school, as every class is hands-on constantly, you aren’t just learning theory. Here, using industry-standard equipment is just another Tuesday. The fact that making mistakes is encouraged as a point of learning is what kept me here,” he said.

Harnack completed two internships: one at Graco, in Rogers, Minnesota, and one at RTP Company, in Winona, Minnesota. He earned his plastics engineering degree and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 �� graduates. He is starting a new position as an engineer at GaMra Composites.

Harnack is fascinated by injection molding, which really boils down to two subcategories: making and designing the tools that run in the machines or processing the tools that run in the machines, he explained.

“I want to be a processing engineer, as the ‘thinking on your feet’ aspect is where I thrive. This would mean taking a tool and setting up machine parameters to run parts for my company or dealing with processing issues as they occur,” he said.

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

Plastic is often given a bad rap, as most people only think about plastic as waste. However, it is a good alternative for making things cheaper and better for consumers if it is properly executed. If I can apply the skills I’ve learned in waste-saving measures to my company, it could have a global impact on our no-waste initiatives.

Because I am environmentally conscious, most of the projects that I undertook during my internships were about reducing waste in the injection molding or post-consumer recycling aspect of the process. This was achieved by putting waste product back into the injection molding cycle, which allowed the parts to be made more cheaply and with greater environmental consciousness.

Isaac Harnack in the Plastics Engineering Lab.

Most people may not realize that plastic isn’t infinitely recyclable like aluminum, and it will break down over periods of time, so another project I got to work on was sourcing new additives to restore plastic ��. strength in the post-consumer recycling business. The main goal was to revitalize old plastic and help cut down on waste with new additives to restore chemical bonds.

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

Stout helped make my internships possible by having job fairs with applicable job sites for my major. The Midwest is a plastic manufacturing hub, and companies are constantly looking for students with plastic engineering experience under their belts. I was lucky enough to have two internship experiences.

Not all schools require an internship experience to graduate, which makes Stout students and graduates that much more desirable to companies.

For my Graco internship, the hands-on machining classes, the understanding of plastic polymers, and how the injection molding machines work really helped highlight my knowledge of these processes to my boss and fellow interns. However, because this was not a plastic-focused internship, I did a lot more manufacturing-style tasks, which opened my eyes to the other side of the engineering world and helped me better understand how that industry works. Instead of working on the processes, I was making tools to automatically remove parts from the machines and cut back on labor. This experience allowed me to understand what I can do to help other engineers have an easier time collaborating on projects with me. I have been in their position, and I know what I want to hear to solve the problem at hand.

Isaac Harnack interned at RTP Company at Winona, Minnesota. / Isaac Harnack

At RTP, the global compounder, I showed my technical knowledge and skills that I gained at Stout. Out of the five interns at the company, I had the most hands-on knowledge of the processing aspects of plastic. This was highlighted by my ability to run extruders and injection molding machines with little to no training besides the mandatory safe operating training.

This really showed Stout ��. education compared to other schools’ education in terms of the hands-on knowledge that I brought to the table.

Because of my background, training time was shortened and allowed me to be more autonomous more quickly than other interns, to the benefit of my supervisors. I was the intern to five engineers, while the other interns only had one. Getting on my feet quickly and showing that I could handle a large number of tasks and complete them all within their deadlines really showed my skills effectively. Most plastic-related companies use RTP ��. custom-engineered polymer products. The fact that I had an internship with them has opened a lot more doors.

What stands out about your �� experience?

The biggest thing that stands out is the plastics engineering professors: Alex Jordan, Wei Zheng and Adam Kramschuster. They are all extremely knowledgeable and have different backgrounds in testing and analysis in plastic processing techniques.

I feel this is best highlighted in our capstone projects, which are the final experience as a Stout student. Plastics engineering typically has the best-researched and executed capstone projects, whose subjects range from a heavy testing and analysis focus to a processing focus. Each project is unique, and with it comes unique challenges and questions that, as a student, seem impossible for anyone to know anything about. Every time I talked with my professors about any issues I was having with my project, they would have the answers for me, or, once researched, show me how to properly execute the information I found. Their input on my project has been crucial to furthering my understanding of even the most niche topics.

Another standout experience is the community developed by professors and students, as having such a small and specialized major means that from freshman to senior year, all the people you graduate with are there with you every step of the way.

In terms of my favorite lab experiences, I really enjoyed our Injection Molding II class, where we got to work with manufacturing engineering students to design and machine our own injection molds. My partner and I engineered a golf tee for a simulator, and we had great success with molding our parts. Not many students get to have an experience like this, which really makes you stand out to potential employers.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

As the program ambassador for the plastics engineering program, I am the lead lab assistant. My main goal is to keep the lab running and help with advanced research tasks put forth by the professors or help with lab improvements.

Isaac Harnack served as the plastics engineering program student ambassador. / Isaac Harnack

Just recently, we got the green light for four new 3D printers, which I had a major hand in helping acquire.

This was extremely beneficial to experience firsthand, as most companies have a lengthy process for equipment purchasing, and this experience was no different. Research, planning and ensuring we have enough space and resources available to support new equipment are all factors that play a part, and I had to prove that we could handle them.

I have received scholarships from regional plastic processing companies, which helped relieve some of the financial strain that college puts on a person. There are many internal and third-party scholarships available to plastics engineering students, even as freshmen. We are associated with the Society of Plastic Engineers (SPE), which has hundreds of national student scholarships available to any student who applies and meets the requirements.

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

One of the hardest decisions I had to make was to take University Physics 2 over the summer because it did not fit into my class schedule. This is typically a five-credit class, and over a two-month period, you were expected to complete 40 hours a week of homework. On top of this large amount of homework, I was also working full-time, so for two months straight, I would come home from my eight-hour shift and open up homework for another four to six hours.

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

I am most proud of the fact that, in terms of my immediate family, I am the only one to have ever gone to an engineering school. On top of this, I have been able to maintain a consistent 3.7 grade-point average and have been placed on the Dean ��. List every semester.

Earning my plastics engineering degree is undoubtedly one of the hardest things that I have done in my life and seeing it through is what makes this whole journey worth it. It gives me great pride that I stuck with this path and saw it through.

Inspiring Graduates

All Inspiring Graduates News

Hired before graduation as a GaMra Composites engineer Isaac Harnack, Fall Commencement 2025

University Marketing

B.S. Plastics Engineering

Our B.S. Plastics Engineering program will prepare you for a career leading innovation in medical, automotive, and other industries.

Learn More

Polaris, School of Education directors encourage grads to be proud as they ‘improve our world’

Students share messages of community, kindness, belonging with graduates at Dec. 20 ceremony

Inspiring Graduate Q&As

Is content a Story?: Yes

Include in Directory: Off

Exclude from Internal Site Search: No

News

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

The sustainable future

The invisible architecture

From the lab to your closet

Testing the limits

Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering

�������� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Report

Stout Online furthers students’ careers

M.S. Manufacturing Engineering Online

M.S. Education

B.S. Management & Leadership

Stout Online

Royal Credit Union internship gives �������� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

Student ��������. work makes business data visual

Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems for Royal Credit Union

Expanding machine learning applications

M.S. Applied Computer Science

Students from three Universities of Wisconsin campuses use machine learning to solve problems for Royal Credit Union

Leveraging students’ talents

AI reshaping industry: Advanced Machine Learning students develop impactful, competitive models

Learning workforce skills

AI reshaping industry: Advanced Machine Learning students develop impactful, competitive models

The Stout Bulletin RAG

Othello AI project

B.S. Applied Mathematics & Computer Science

B.S. Computer Science

AI reshaping industry: �������� professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology

When everyday chatbots dispense advice

Access to better information on human health

Biology Department

All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

Reverse-engineering to build a better product

Electrical and welding breakthroughs

B.S. Manufacturing Engineering

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

PHOTO ESSAY: Understanding the World at a Deeper Level

B.S. Chemistry

Inspiring Graduate: Luke Mertens, B.S. Manufacturing Engineering, B.S. Mechanical Engineering

All stacked up: Ashley Furniture-sponsored project results in ‘better product’ developed by engineering seniors

B.S. Manufacturing Engineering

B.S. Mechanical Engineering

Polaris, School of Education directors encourage grads to be proud as they ‘improve our world’

Inspiring Graduate: Isaac Harnack, B.S. Plastics Engineering

B.S. Plastics Engineering

Polaris, School of Education directors encourage grads to be proud as they ‘improve our world’

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

�� Online engineering, education, management programs ranked among best by U.S. News & World Report

Royal Credit Union internship gives �� grad student opportunity to apply skills in data science, machine learning

Student ��. work makes business data visual

AI reshaping industry: �� professor develops unique approach to chatbot use in pharmacology, human biology