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�� 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.

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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.

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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.

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�� . 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.

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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.

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

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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.

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

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B.S. Mechanical Engineering

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Inspiring Graduate: Zachary Morgan, B.S. Manufacturing Engineering

goersab — Tue, 23 Dec 2025 16:40:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Zachary Morgan, B.S. Manufacturing Engineeringgoersab December 23, 2025

Joining Andersen Windows & Doors’ Engineering Rotational Program to improve processes and empower people

Inspiring Graduate: Zachary Morgan (’25)

Hometown: Eau Claire
Degree: B.S. Manufacturing Engineering

After several years working in critical care nursing and later in a warehouse at Andersen Windows, Zachary Morgan realized he wanted to be on the side of improving systems, not just adapting to them.

Zachary Morgan earned his manufacturing engineering degree from �� on Dec. 20, 2025.

“�� . strong reputation for applied learning and industry partnerships is what ultimately drew me here to the manufacturing engineering program,” he said. “Years ago, I initially avoided Stout because I was intimidated by the math involved in engineering. I came back to school with a new perspective and a determination to learn.”

For excellence and achievements during his internships, Morgan, of Eau Claire, is a two-time recipient of the university ��. Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award and the singular 2024 nominee for the National Co-op Student Achievement Award.

“As an engineering intern at Andersen Windows & Doors for three consecutive summers across two different plants, my responsibilities evolved each year as my skills and experience grew. Stout offered the perfect balance of hands-on experience and real-world relevance, and it became the bridge that allowed me to transform my career path,” he said.

Morgan earned his manufacturing engineering degree and crossed the commencement stage on Dec. 20 as one of 527 �� graduates. He is joining Andersen Windows & Doors’ Engineering Rotational Program, which will allow him to continue growing with a company he deeply respects.

Engineering seniors recognized for intern contributions at Andersen Windows, Darley

Morgan, Taylor making continuous improvements to empower employees, build better industries

“The program is designed to expose engineers to multiple facets of the business, from process optimization to product design and operations leadership. I see it as an ideal next step to strengthen my technical and leadership skills while discovering where I can make the greatest impact long-term,” Morgan said.

“I hope my story inspires others, especially those navigating career changes or self-doubt, to take that step forward. Growth happens when we lean into discomfort and keep learning,” he added.

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

I hope to bring a human-centered perspective to engineering, designing systems that improve safety, reduce waste, and make daily work more manageable for the people who use them.

To me, meaningful engineering goes beyond solving technical problems; it ��. about empowering people.

I want to help create workplaces where efficiency and empathy coexist, where improvements benefit both productivity and the wellbeing of employees. Over time, I aim to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, one that values collaboration, curiosity, and purposeful innovation.

How has �� prepared you for your field?

�� has been instrumental in preparing me for my career in manufacturing engineering. The university ��. applied learning model allowed me to translate classroom theory into practical experience through labs, simulations and hands-on projects.

Zachary Morgan is joining Andersen Windows & Doors’ Engineering Rotational Program.

Courses in lean manufacturing, capstone and quality engineering closely mirrored the work I did during my internships at Andersen Windows. Professors encourage not just technical mastery, but also communication, teamwork and leadership, skills that are critical in real industrial environments.

Stout taught me how to think critically, approach challenges methodically, and lead with both data and empathy.

What was your internship experience like at Andersen Windows & Doors?

As an engineering intern at Andersen Windows & Doors, I began by conducting time studies and waste assessments, which gave me a strong foundation in process analysis and data-driven improvement. In my following internship, I focused on enhancing efficiency within the Value-Added Services (VAS) mulling area, a crucial part of the company ��. customization process. This included developing a new rack system, redesigning the layout, and implementing 5S standards to improve organization and workflow.

Most recently, I designed and built a Statistical Process Control (SPC) dashboard that presented real-time quality data in a clear, intuitive way, empowering operators to make faster, more informed decisions and improving overall plant quality.

Through these projects, I learned that small, thoughtful changes can produce meaningful, measurable results. Most importantly, the experience taught me that lasting improvement comes from observation, collaboration, and the courage to question and refine existing processes.

What stands out about your �� experience?

What stands out most about my experience at �� is the incredible culture of support and mentorship. Professors here don’t just teach; they genuinely invest in their students’ growth and take time to connect classroom lessons to real-world applications.

A perfect example of that is when Dr. Slupe spent an hour and a half out of his busy workday helping me to troubleshoot CNC programming for a capstone project. It wasn’t during office hours, and I wasn’t even in one of his classes at the time; he simply wanted to help me learn. That kind of dedication exemplifies what makes Stout special.

The combination of strong academics, approachable faculty, and opportunities like internships, capstone projects and industry collaborations truly sets this university apart.

I’ve found tremendous value in team-based projects that mirror professional settings; those experiences taught me as much about leadership, communication, and adaptability as they did about technical problem-solving and design.

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

I 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.

How did your involvement on and off campus impact your experience?

I was honored to be selected as one of �� . 2023 and 2024 Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award recipients, and later as the university ��. nominee for the National Cooperative Education Student Achievement Award. These recognitions mean a great deal to me because they reflect not only personal growth but also the value of Stout ��. hands-on, applied learning approach.

Beyond academics, I’ve been actively involved in Celebrate Recovery, where I help facilitate group sessions that support individuals in their personal healing and growth journeys. I also volunteer with Fierce Freedom, a nonprofit organization that raises awareness about human trafficking and advocates for victims. They recently launched a new resource called Intersections, which provides powerful educational tools and community connections to combat human exploitation. It ��. an extremely impactful platform that I highly recommend exploring.

These experiences outside the classroom have helped me grow as a leader and advocate, strengthening my empathy and sense of purpose. They’ve reminded me that meaningful impact often begins not with large gestures, but with service, compassion and a commitment to helping others.

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

Zachary Morgan, Co-op award winner.

Returning to school for a second degree while balancing work and life responsibilities was not easy. There were times when the coursework felt overwhelming, especially as I re-engaged with subjects like advanced math and physics after being away from academia for years.

What helped me push through was perseverance, mentorship and a mindset shift. I stopped striving for perfection and started focusing on progress. Support from professors, peers, and my family kept me grounded and motivated through every challenge.

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

I’m most proud of how far I’ve come in redefining my career and myself. I started this journey unsure if I could succeed in a demanding engineering program, and now I’m stepping into a profession that excites and challenges me daily. I’m proud not just of the technical skills I’ve gained, but of the resilience and confidence I’ve developed along the way.

I’m deeply grateful for ��, for Andersen Windows and for every mentor, professor and peer who encouraged me along the way. My journey has shown me that it ��. never too late to start over or to pursue something that feels out of reach.

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Joining Andersen Windows & Doors’ Engineering Rotational Program to improve processes and empower people Zachary Morgan, Fall Commencement 2025

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Cirrus Aircraft, Ashley Furniture benefit from �� seniors’ engineering solutions

giffeyt — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Cirrus Aircraft, Ashley Furniture benefit from �� seniors’ engineering solutionsgiffeyt June 18, 2025

Capstone projects tackle mechanical, manufacturing challenges

Tom Giffey

After collectively putting thousands of hours into their capstone projects, the moment of truth arrived in May for seniors in University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. manufacturing engineering and mechanical engineering programs when they presented their projects to industry leaders, faculty and their peers.

The projects weren’t merely classroom exercises: For seniors in these undergraduate majors, the capstone projects involved creating working prototypes that addressed real-world challenges posed by corporate sponsors that included Cirrus Aircraft, 3M, Ashley Furniture, Nordson EDI, Realityworks, Industrial Heat Transfer and others.

These firms partner with students in �� . Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering to address challenges as diverse as creating a system to pressure test heat exchangers to dispensing liquid silicon rubber into manufacturing equipment, and from safely stacking factory pallets to creating an automated system to chemically coat aluminum aircraft parts.

�� seniors discuss their capstone project on behalf of Cirrus Aircraft. The automated system behind them was designed to chemically coat machined aircraft parts.

Project called a ‘win-win’

That latter challenge, proposed by Duluth, Minnesota-based Cirrus Aircraft, was in the hard-working hands of a six-member team led in the spring semester by Gabrielle Winstead, a mechanical engineering major from Kennewick, Washington. The goal of the project was to create an automated system to chemically coat machined aircraft parts, which need to be dipped into – and removed from – nine successive tanks.

“It is super gratifying to know that what we worked on all year not only produced a successful working system but will possibly be implemented into a real company,” Winstead said.

Last fall, the student team visited the Cirrus facility to learn about the current manufacturing process, which involved an employee manually dipping the aircraft parts, a repetitive and time-consuming job.

Using the technical and communication skills they’ve gained throughout their �� careers, the capstone students got to work on a project that combined all three of the university ��. polytechnic tenets – applied learning and research, business and industry collaboration, and career-focused experiences. The team faced numerous challenges, from creating a machine that could properly move the parts up and down to procuring the right motors.

“We overcame the design challenges and procurement through a lot of brainstorming and prototyping,” said Winstead, who before graduation accepted a position as a field service engineer with Applied Materials in Boise, Idaho. “Additionally, seeking feedback from professors and other knowledgeable individuals was instrumental in refining our approach.”

In addition, size became an issue: There simply wasn’t enough space in the Manufacturing, Material Removal & Metal Forming Lab in Fryklund Hall to build an apparatus with nine full-sized tanks. Instead, the team created a prototype with just two tanks that demonstrated the process using automated, mechanical and pneumatic systems.

Metal parts are lifted from a tub of liquid in a demonstration of a machine developed by �� students in their engineering capstone course.

Antonio Meyer, a mechanical engineering major from Elk Mound who was team lead during the first semester, said consistent communication, real-time problem solving and adaptability were key to overcoming the problems the team encountered.

“I learned that strong teamwork relies on trust, clear communication and flexibility,” Meyer said. “Everyone has different working styles and strengths, and it ��. important to recognize and leverage those. I also learned the value of stepping up when the team needs direction but also stepping back and letting others take ownership of their parts.”

The students worked with Cirrus Manufacturing Engineering Manager Marc Wollak to provide project updates, ask questions and receive guidance.

Cirrus chose this engineering challenge because the current manual process required a technician ��. undivided attention, Wollak said. Automating the process would save a large amount of time for the operator.

“The final product was well done and provided a solid solution to our problem,” Wollak said. “There will always be modifications through continuous improvements, but the Cirrus team was very excited about the solution provided and the amount of detail that was captured for the process.”

Wollak added that working with �� was a valuable experience for both the students and Cirrus Aircraft. “Stout provides some amazing and talented students thorough their program and its win-win for both sides,” he said.

“The feedback from Cirrus was incredibly valuable,” agreed Meyer who is now a design engineer at Cretex Medical in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota. “They helped us stay grounded in real-world applications, offered insights we wouldn't have considered on our own, and kept our design aligned with their operational needs. It elevated the project from a student prototype to something with industrial relevance.”

The Cirrus capstone team also included mechanical engineering majors Tyler Geisenhoff of Chisago City, Minnesota; Nick Roller, of Antigo; and Carter Zaspel, of Gordon; and manufacturing engineering major Prena Rai of Nepal.

�� engineering students Luke Mertens, right, and Zachary Morgan demonstrate a wooden model of a machine they engineered for Ashley Furniture as part of their capstone course.

Students face a real-life heavy lift

During the spring semester, the Cirrus capstone group was just one of 14 teams composed of 80 students working on projects in various stages of developing in Fryklund Hall labs.

Among the first-semester capstone teams was one tackling a project on behalf of Arcadia-based Ashley Furniture. That team was tasked with designing a device that could lift and hold 6-foot-long, 100-pound pallets off the ground until a stack of 12 was collected. The biggest challenge was the requirement that they use electrical power, rather than pneumatics or hydraulics, to lift a heavy stack of pallets in one of the company ��. warehouses.

Luke Mertens, a double major in manufacturing and mechanical engineering from Easton, Minnesota, said his team overcame these challenges one at a time. “It all comes down to identifying what a functional need is of your design and then brainstorming potential design concepts that can satisfy that need,” he said. “This is a never-ending cycle. It is an unrelenting pursuit of solutions that are justifiable. A lot of it is mindset related. As a team, you must continuously tell yourselves there is a way to solve a given problem within the constraints you are operating in. Breakthroughs often come just after the moment you feel you’ve exhausted every option.”

The Ashley team also includes manufacturing engineering major Zachary Morgan of Eau Claire and mechanical engineering majors Chase Rodewald of Lake City, Minnesota, and Riley Stiehl of Alma.

The challenges that are inherent in the capstone process provided students with opportunities to learn, grow and adapt, Mertens explained. Along the way, he said, the team has been aided by input from representatives from Ashley as well as others who attended an end-of-semester presentation, which featured computer schematics and a small-scale model of what they will build in the fall semester.

“This feedback will be used to diagnose aspects of our design we need to further investigate, improve and validate,” Mertens said, adding he looks forward to presenting Ashley with a functional solution by the end of the year.

�� senior Gabrielle Winstead presents her team's capstone project.

Ready to step into industrial roles

The engineering capstone classes are led by Assistant Professor Dan Bee; Assistant Professor Nathan Spike, B.S. mechanical engineering program director; Senior Lecturer Glenn Bushendorf; Lecturer Anwr Al-Baghdadi; and Instrumentation Coordinator-Instructor Paul Craig, B.S. and M.S. manufacturing program director.

Bee said the faculty view themselves as facilitators in an open-ended process where the seniors must undertake their own research and develop their own solutions.

“We’re trying to give a real experience in a safe environment and help them be ready to step into a role like that in industry,” Bee said.

Students use a project management methodology called a “stage gate process,” which includes built-in reviews at key points. Students prepare a report at the end of the first semester, which is updated during the second semester. At that time the sponsor – typically an outside business – purchases the materials the team needs to build its prototype. After their final presentations, students submit what they’ve built and the accompanying documents to the companies for potential integration into manufacturing operations or continued development.

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�� seniors discuss their capstone project on behalf of Cirrus Aircraft. �� seniors discuss their capstone project on behalf of Cirrus Aircraft.

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Engineering seniors recognized for intern contributions at Andersen Windows, Darley

goersab — Mon, 02 Jun 2025 14:27:16 +0000

Engineering seniors recognized for intern contributions at Andersen Windows, Darleygoersab June 2, 2025

Morgan, Taylor making continuous improvements to empower employees, build better industries

Abbey Goers

Twenty �� students received the university ��. Outstanding Cooperative Education and Internship Program Student of the Year Award for excellence and achievements in their positions, contributions to their employers and academic achievement.

Among them were manufacturing engineering seniors Zachary Morgan and Taylor Thompson, both from Eau Claire. Thompson was hired full-time before graduating in May as a manufacturing engineer at Darley, where she completed her internship. Darley provides the highest quality technology and equipment solutions to the nation ��. military and first responders.

Morgan is starting his third summer as an engineering intern with Andersen Windows & Doors. He is now a two-time CEIP Student of the Year award winner and was Career Services’ singular 2024 National Nominee for the National Co-op Student Award. Morgan will graduate this December and anticipates joining Andersen Windows and Doors’ engineering rotational program.

“This would allow me to continue growing with a company I deeply respect. The rotational program is an ideal next step. It will give me exposure to different areas of the business, strengthen my technical and leadership skills, and help me discover where I can make the most impact long term,” he said.

Taylor Thompson and Zachary Morgan were awarded for excellence in their Darley and Andersen Windows internships

Career success is a hallmark of an education at Wisconsin ��. ��, along with applied learning and industry collaboration. This past year, Career Services reported that 990 students participated in the Cooperative Education and Internship Program at more than 600 employers in 30 states and five countries. Graduates were employed at a near historic high of 99% soon after receiving their degree. Those who received graduate degrees had an annual starting salary of $74,000. The average starting salary for recipients of undergraduate degrees was $57,000.

The CEIP program received the 2024 Excellence & Innovation Stewards of Place award from the American Association of State Colleges and Universities “for its outstanding results and potential to influence and serve as a model for other institutions.”

‘Engineering that empowers people’

Before attending ��, Morgan was burned out from a previous career in critical care nursing and was working in a warehouse at Andersen Windows & Doors. He saw opportunities for improvement on the floor and wanted to be in a position to help make those changes, he said.

“Returning to school for a second degree was not an easy decision, but it ��. been one of the most rewarding choices I’ve ever made. The support from my professors, mentors, and peers has been invaluable, and I’ve grown not just as an engineer, but as a leader and problem-solver,” Morgan said. “I hope my journey encourages others, especially those making a career change or overcoming self-doubt, to pursue their goals with courage and persistence.”

As an engineering intern at Andersen Windows’ Menomonie Consolidation Center, Morgan focuses on improving the efficiency of the Value-Added Services mulling area, an essential part of the company ��. customization process. He leads efforts in time studies, waste assessment, and layout redesign, including developing a new rack system and implementing 5S standards.

“This experience deepened my understanding of how small, thoughtful changes can create a measurable impact,” he said. “I gained confidence in using Lean tools to drive real improvements and saw how engineering can directly support both people and performance. Most importantly, I learned that lasting change starts with observation, communication and a willingness to challenge the status quo.”

Zachary Morgan, center, programs a robotic arm in ��'s Robotics and Automation Lab

Morgan hopes to bring lasting change to the manufacturing engineering field by designing processes that are efficient and human-centered, and by building solutions that improve safety and reduce waste.

“I believe beneficial engineering doesn’t just solve problems; it empowers people,” he said. “Long-term, I want to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, where innovation is practical, data-driven and grounded in collaboration. Whether it ��. through optimizing layouts, improving ergonomics, or leading cross-functional projects, I aim to be a voice that connects technical solutions with real-world impact. In doing so, I hope to inspire others entering the field to see manufacturing not just as systems and machines, but as an opportunity to serve people and build better industries.”

Morgan thinks that �� has played a crucial role in preparing him for his field. Years ago, he initially shied away from �� and engineering, afraid of the math involved. But life showed him there are things scarier than equations, and he returned with a renewed mindset.

“My time at �� didn’t just prepare me academically; it taught me how to think critically, lead with resilience, and solve complex problems in real industrial environments,” he said. “If you’re curious, hardworking, and want to make a difference, Stout is a place to start.”

Morgan ��. courses in Lean manufacturing, process improvement and systems design directly aligned with his internships at Andersen Windows. And the university ��. emphasis on communication, teamwork and continuous improvement are skills that he thinks are just as vital as technical knowledge.

“Engaging with Stout ��. outstanding professors and hands-on learning environment proved transformative. The applied learning approach, combined with industry-relevant projects and labs, helped bridge the gap between theory and real-world application,” he added.

“What motivates me most is seeing real, measurable impact, knowing that something I’ve designed makes someone ��. job easier, safer or more efficient. I’m driven by challenges, but also by the people behind the processes. Manufacturing engineering allows me to combine hands-on problem-solving with purpose, and that ��. what keeps me going.”

Benefiting employees through continuous improvements

During her internship with Darley, Thompson became a confident problem-solver. She played a key role in improving the company ��. assembly process and supported major projects, from designing machinery to coordinating contractors.

Thompson ��. internship roles included writing detailed work instructions on how to assemble different configurations of water pumps, devising process improvements for areas of the shop and developing ways to ship gears safely for heat treating to prevent damage during shipping. She also helped the manufacturing team in automating the test room.

As a full-time manufacturing engineer, she will continue to improve and standardize processes for staff on the shop floor and within her department.

“The thing I am most looking forward to in my career at Darley is to continue the projects I have been working on, learning different processes, and making improvements to benefit the workers and the company,” Thompson said. “I’m very blessed to be chosen as a cooperative internship student of the year. I’m very excited to officially be an engineer and take on larger projects in my field.”

2025 CEIP Student of the Year award recipients

Additional CEIP Student of the Year winners, their majors, hometowns and employers are:

Elaina Blazei, real estate property management, St. Paul, Premier Housing Management
Addison Braun, applied mathematics and computer science, Rochester, Minnesota, Mayo Clinic
Kal Breeden, environmental science, Lakeville, Minnesota, Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks
Ben Gau, environmental science, Champlin, Minnesota, Rainbow Treecare
Meir Hetletvedt, construction management, Minneapolis, Kraus Anderson
Connor Jensen, business administration, supply chain management, Plainview, Minnesota, Walmart
Anna Karrow, psychology, St. Paul, Wisconsin State Public Defender
Madelyn King, hotel, restaurant and tourism management, real estate property management, Brownsville, Whistling Straits
Madalyn Klaja, packaging, Hudson, Nestle Health Science
Braden Lefeber, mechanical engineering, Kaukauna, Realityworks
Faith Leisgang, hotel, restaurant and tourism management, Black River Falls, The Iron Horse Hotel
Meghana Maske, M.S. food science and technology, Maharashtra, India, Bunge
Antonio Meyer, mechanical engineering, Elk Mound, Midwest Manufacturing
Austin Moua, business administration, La Crosse, Pest Badger
Gavin Soukkaserm, animation and digital media, Sun Prairie, Universal Phoenix Group
Samuel Tornow, construction management, Eau Claire, Tesla
Maya Van Hemert, manufacturing engineering, mechanical engineering, Waterford, General Motors
Jazmine Williams, arts administration and entrepreneurship, Roscoe, Illinois, Discovery Center Museum

Students were recognized at the annual Leadership Awards ceremony sponsored by the Involvement Center, Stout Student Association and Career Services. The ceremony also recognized 16 seniors who received the Samuel E. Wood Medallion, the university ��. highest nonacademic honor, for their outstanding leadership in student involvement at ��.

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Morgan, Taylor making continuous improvements to empower employees, build better industries Zachary Morgan, manufacturing engineering

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Ashley sponsors toolless bed connections engineering project

goersab — Tue, 27 May 2025 13:25:00 +0000

Ashley sponsors toolless bed connections engineering projectgoersab May 27, 2025

Product Development students build prototypes, propose solutions for global company

Abbey Goers

Students in a New Product Development course at �� recently completed a 3 1/2 week project developing toolless bed connections for Ashley Furniture Industries, LLC (Ashley), a global leader in furniture manufacturing.

The project kicked off on April 15, when Ashley Research and Development (R&D) team members presented the project virtually to the 18 students in Assistant Professor Kevin Dietsche ��. class.

Over the next few weeks, the students worked in eight cross-disciplinary groups to research market trends, ideate preliminary designs, test materials and build professional prototypes. They received mentorship along the way from Ashley product designers.

The class then traveled to Ashley in Arcadia on May 6, for a tour of the facility and to present their prototypes to the R&D team.

�� engineering students outside of Ashley's Automation and Robotics Lab

“This was an incredible experience – one that stood out for its real-world relevance and industry collaboration,” mechanical engineering major Alex Springer said. “Working directly with professionals from Ashley – one of the biggest companies in the furniture industry – gave us insight into the complete product development cycle, from initial design through manufacturing and packaging to mechanical and interior design to align functional and aesthetic goals.”

Ashley Furniture Industries is the world's largest furniture manufacturer with more than 35,000 employees worldwide, providing product to 20,000 storefronts in 155 countries, and operating over 1,100 Ashley retail stores in 70 countries.

Dietsche was awarded a sponsorship by Ashley to fund the project.

Preliminary research and feedback

Ultimately, each group wanted to create a unique product that was budget-friendly, sturdy and easy to assemble right out of the box – a main goal of the toolless bed connection concept.

Luke Janssen, Sam Petkovsek, Professor Kevin Dietsche, Alex Springer and Jered Clark in the Woods Lab

They began by conducting market research to view current Ashley products and prices, as well as those of competitors and DIY models online. They factored in pricing of materials, such as medium density fiberboard (MDF) and particleboard, to save on costs, looked at estimated labor, manufacturing, storage, shipping and more compared to selling cost.

Several groups conducted surveys to find where consumers prefer to buy their furniture, how much they are willing to spend on a bed frame and how much time they expect to spend on assembly.

When looking at styles of joinery in woodworking, groups based their initial digital designs on mortise and tenon joinery with locking pins, castle joints and Japanese wedge joints.

Some groups simulated tests on the strength of MDF board and particleboard, testing different thicknesses for weight allowances. Other groups “over-built” their designs according to the FEA – finite element analysis – factor of safety, to measure how well a design could withstand a load.

Alex Springer and Sam Petkovsek measure and cut bed posts in the Woods Lab

One group – Springer and fellow mechanical engineering major Jered Clark, and packaging majors Luke Janssen and Sam Petkovsek – drafted a Computer Numerical Control, or CNC, model for automated machining of sideboards, slots, pins and legs, based on mortise and tenon joinery. They estimated a run time of 12 minutes to complete a bedframe.

Another group – mechanical engineering major Owen Coon and engineering technology major Kadence Tinsley – designed 3D-printed interlocking brackets using SolidWorks software. They also wrote an AI prompt to generate images of bed frames for college-age consumers. They estimated their design would have a 50% profit margin.

Technology education major Annika Schlueter and engineering technology major Hunter Ouimette built a scaled model of an interlocking Japanese wood joint bedframe using CNC for manufacturing the larger parts because it is more efficient and cost-effective. They also implemented two different types of locks – a wedge and a 3D-printed ring – for different aesthetic looks.

Ashley product designers Angel Kraemer, Caleb Toft and Anna Lindner, all �� industrial and product design alums, provided feedback, including encouraging the groups to think about usability and flexibility for multiple looks depending on a consumer ��. individual style.

Sam Petkovsek and Luke Janssen cut bed slats in the Woods Lab

They asked the groups to understand the materials used and how different environments can impact MDF board versus particleboard, such as temperature and climate tolerance, as well as to consider how the different materials, such as MDF versus wood, handle tooling and manufacturing. A joint design in one material may be more difficult to produce in another.

Designing under a deadline

Dietsche uses the Design Build Process – a model for teaching projects with quick turnaround times. “When you give students such a fast deadline for large-scale projects, when you cram them with ideas, it forces creativity. There ��. this crash and burn and rebuild mentality. They’ll make mistakes and learn to quickly find solutions. It can be stressful, but it builds grit.”

Schlueter thinks one of the biggest benefits of this teaching/learning approach is the need to be creative and take advantage of the time given, with only four to five class periods to research, test, fully develop a model and be ready to present. “No team ��. design has stayed the exact same since we started the toolless bed connection project. Things go wrong, and things go right, and we had to develop accordingly,” she said.

Jered Clark printed models of 3D printed fasteners

Springer, Petkovsek, Janssen and Clark ��. group had to pivot away from their original design of mortise and tenon joinery when Ashley ��. designers recommended that they use fasteners to secure the frame to the legs instead of wood joints. This tested the group ��. adaptability, Springer said.

“Ashley sent us some ideas for fasteners, and they served as a model for ours. After researching, we bought one model of metal fasteners and designed two custom models of fasteners – a slot and lock; and a hook and clamp,” added Clark, who printed the group ��. models on his 3D printer at home.

The group designed multiple iterations of their fasteners. The first prototype failed to hold securely under tension. The second performed better but still slipped under stress. “Our final design addressed those weaknesses, significantly improving grip and structural stability. I think if we were able to continue the project, we would look into stronger plastics and possibly metal to enhance the durability of our clips,” Springer said.

Jered Clark, Alex Springer and Sam Petkovsek test their 3D-printed fasteners

In the Jarvis Hall Technology Wing Woods Lab, the group built and tested a full-scale queen-sized prototype using MDF and chipboard for the frame and 4X4s for the posts. Working with MDF introduced material-specific hurdles, such as expansion and contraction, which affected their product ��. fit tolerances.

They also developed a corrugated branded packaging solution using �� . Packaging Lab in the Applied Arts Building and designed an assembly booklet for customers. “It was an all-around lightbulb moment to see the mechanical engineering and packaging phases of our project come together,” Springer said.

Making an impact on manufacturing

Dietsche and the Product Development class traveled together by bus to Ashley on May 6. They were given a tour of the facilities, including a visit to the Advanced Technology Maker Center, the Automation and Robotics Laboratory, and the design and R&D departments.

�� engineering students tour Ashley's facilities and labs in Arcadia

The eight groups then gave PowerPoint presentations of their designs and discussed their physical prototypes with the R&D team.

Springer, Petkovsek, Janssen and Clark are proud of their final outcome. Along with their functional full-size bed frame, they also delivered a professional mini model to showcase during their presentation.

“Given the timeline and complexity, we’re delighted with what we accomplished. We were excited to get feedback on our project, especially the positive feedback from Ashley,” said Springer, noting that presenting to Ashley was a highlight of the semester.

“The project was an opportunity to make connections with different majors in the class, advance our CNC and manufacturing process skills and professionalism, and have fun while doing something that could be very impactful for a large company,” Schlueter added.

Kadence Tinsley and Owen Coon present their toolless bed connections

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

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

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Kevin Dietsche

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Advancing AI: $647,000 Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. grant will boost �� CAM-AI effort

giffeyt — Mon, 19 May 2025 14:50:24 +0000

Advancing AI: $647,000 Wisconsin Economic Development Corp. grant will boost �� CAM-AI effortgiffeyt May 19, 2025

University ��. Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence to provide support for small, medium manufacturers

Tom Giffey

A $647,000 grant from the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) will allow University of Wisconsin-Stout ��. Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence – CAM-AI – to provide advanced manufacturing and AI support to small- and medium-sized manufacturers.

The newly announced grant is the result of ongoing conversations and the preexisting relationship between the WEDC, the State of Wisconsin ��. lead economic development agency, and ��, Wisconsin ��. ��.

“The WEDC financial commitment will allow �� to fully build out the Center for Advanced Manufacturing and AI,” �� Chancellor Katherine Frank said. “This investment will enable �� to expand its delivery of cutting-edge, industry-focused support and services to small- and medium-sized businesses throughout the state.”

��'s Industrial Robotics & Machine Vision Lab, part of the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering, is one of the campus labs that will benefit from the WEDC investment.

“Wisconsin has long been a manufacturing powerhouse, especially in the field of precision manufacturing,” said Missy Hughes, secretary and CEO of WEDC. “For our state ��. small- and medium-sized manufacturers to remain competitive in the global marketplace, it ��. absolutely critical for them to be able to harness the power of AI in their daily operations. CAM-AI is in the spirit of the Wisconsin Idea – helping businesses and residents access the knowledge and resources of the Universities of Wisconsin to keep our state moving forward.”

Seth Hudson, �� . executive director for Corporate Relations and Economic Engagement, said the funding will allow the university to invest in state-of-the-art equipment to expand and enhance the services of CAM-AI. “This investment will allow us to further contribute to the growth of our industry partners through advanced manufacturing techniques and AI-driven solutions,” he said.

Next gen manufacturing: New CAM-AI will leverage resources to support industry in Wisconsin

Small and midsize manufacturers in Wisconsin and Minnesota have a new resource — and ally — in their quest for growth and success.

David Ding, director of the Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering and an associate dean in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics & Management, said the grant will allow �� to fully build out an Automated Demonstration line, enabling the university to showcase to its industry partners the applications of automation, robotics, vision inspection and AI-aided manufacturing. “The demonstration system will showcase the new technologies that CAM-AI can help manufacturers implement in their own processes,” Ding said.

CAM-AI was created in 2024 to leverage the broad array of university expertise for solving technical issues and conducting research to support private industry. The center works in partnership with the �� Manufacturing Outreach Center, one of two centers in Wisconsin affiliated with the National Institute of Standards and Technology/Manufacturing Extension Partnership national network. The Manufacturing Outreach Center, which also receives support from the WEDC, delivers comprehensive, proven solutions through consulting, training and workforce development.

Once fully operational, the WEDC investment will allow CAM-AI to serve approximately 20 companies and 100-plus students each year.

A �� manufacturing engineering student works on a program to control a machine in the university's robotics lab.

The goals of �� . CAM-AI include:

Partnering with the Manufacturing Outreach Center to provide timely academic applied research expertise.
Providing direct assistance in solving time-sensitive industry focused problems.
Providing services, such as additive manufacturing and testing.
Engaging with regional and statewide initiatives that support advanced manufacturing and AI.

“By leveraging the expertise of our faculty, students and advanced technologies as the state ��. polytechnic university, we are able deliver timely and impactful solutions to meet the evolving needs of industry partners,” Hudson said.

Manufacturing is one of the largest components of Wisconsin ��. economy: With more than 9,000 manufacturing companies employing 480,000 workers statewide, the sector is responsible for $66 billion in economic activity annually, according to the most recent annual report from the Wisconsin Center for Manufacturing & Productivity.

University ��. Center for Advanced Manufacturing and Artificial Intelligence to provide support for small, medium manufacturers An engineering student looks at a computer screen.

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Seth Hudson

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

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

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

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Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metals

goersab — Thu, 15 May 2025 12:30:00 +0000

Real-world research: Engineering team designs South African trolley system; science students investigate heavy metalsgoersab May 15, 2025

Cross-disciplinary teams present prototypes at Research Day, Engineers Without Borders' design challenge addressed by nearly 90 students

Abbey Goers

More than 300 undergraduate and graduate students and faculty presented their research across realms during �� . annual Research Day on May 6, with individuals and cross-disciplinary teams representing more than 30 degree fields.

Research ranged from heavy metals present in everyday products to regional topics, like housing and water quality in the Chippewa Valley, to health and wellbeing interests of the nation ��. citizens, to developing global solutions through an Engineers Without Borders’ international design challenge.

Nearly 90 students in 23 teams addressed the EWB challenge. One group focused on engineering a safer, more accessible transportation system in South Africa ��. suburbs. Revitalizing Makers Valley: Future-Ready Roads for Safety, Efficiency, and Growth was presented by:

Gabriel Morken, manufacturing engineering, Eau Claire
Ann Moss, computer and electrical engineering, Johnsburg, Illinois
Christian Bretey, mechanical engineering, Eau Claire
Christian Klein, mechanical engineering, St. Paul

Gabriel Morken, Ann Moss, Christian Bretey and Christian Klein at Research Day

Two biochemistry and molecular biology and chemistry students focused on heavy metals. Some products, such as chocolate, have trace amounts occurring in them naturally through the farming process, and some products are manufactured to contain heavy metals. The researchers were:

Natalie Chartrand, of St. Croix Falls: An Analysis of Heavy Metals in Chocolate
Riley Strobush, of St. Paul: Trace Metals in Various Nicotine Salts Brands

Research Day invites industry professionals and the campus and surrounding communities to engage with students and faculty and discuss their research and creative works through posters, prototypes, exhibits and collaborative faculty-student oral panel presentations.

Engineering a safer transportation system in South Africa

The Impacts of Engineering course introduces students to the engineering design process from initiation to completion and broadens their awareness of the social, environmental and economic implications of engineering.

Engineers Without Borders’ international Engineering for People Design Challenge brings together more than 12,000 engineering students from more than 40 universities in the U.S., United Kingdom, Ireland and South Africa.

This year ��. challenge was organized by Engineers Without Borders UK and South Africa, in collaboration with the nonprofit Makers Valley Partnership.

Lecturer Mark Dolan talks with engineering students as they build prototypes for the EWB challenge

Students developed sustainable engineering solutions centered around the needs of the 46,000 residents of Makers Valley, a suburb of Johannesburg, South Africa. The area experienced urban decay and high unemployment, but in recent years has seen a wave of regeneration driven by social and creative enterprises.

Solutions students addressed included the general built environment, food security, reliable access to energy, waste reduction and recycling, safe drinking water, sanitation and transport infrastructure.

“The design challenge reinforces the goal of Stout ��. applied learning concept. Student teams work together, use applied math in their engineering calculations, write a professional-quality paper suitable for the EWB competition and build a functioning prototype of their proposed solution,” said engineering Lecturer Mark Dolan.

Morken, Moss, Bretey and Klein researched the current road conditions of Makers Valley and the city ��. most popular modes of transportation.

They found that Makers Valley does not regularly maintain its paved roads, which are pitted with numerous large potholes and litter; and biking and walking are most common, as many people can’t afford cars, Morken said.

“With the rough roads and concerns for the safety of bikers and pedestrians, even with sidewalks, Makers Valley is looking for safe and inexpensive updates to its transportation system,” Bretey said.

Gabriel Morken, Ann Moss, Christian Bretey and Christian Klein's trolley prototype

There is also a lack of trust in public transportation, Klein added. Feuds between taxi companies cause fear through intimidation tactics used on drivers and customers. And while school buses provide transportation for children to and from school, there are fees for the service, Moss explained.

“Many of the taxi drivers jack up their prices so they can afford to live. What shocked me about this was that I never stopped to consider just how many aspects of life poverty can affect,” Morken said. “We tried to figure out a way to get cars off the road, while simultaneously trying to figure out a way to have accessible transportation for anybody. We thought that a trolley system would solve both of those problems.”

The team landed on the idea of engineering a trolley system because it ��. a permanent network and can be designed as hybrid, running mainly on electricity. “But since the electrical grid is not always reliable in Makers Valley, the trollies could also run on fuel as a backup,” Bretey said.

“If we used an electric bus, that vehicle would have to stop and take breaks to regain a charge and be out of service during that time,” Moss added. “A trolley receives power through its connection to the track and would only need fuel when the power grid is down. This means that a trolley can be in commission longer than a bus could.”

The initial infrastructure cost of a trolley system is higher than a bussing system because of the need to install tracks, Morken said. “However, we thought that a trolley would be better in the long term because usually they can carry more passengers, have lower operating costs (some don’t need a driver) and they can be powered by electricity,” he added.

The team ��. design also incorporated safety features for pedestrians and bikers, with marked and lighted crosswalks and a separate lane for bicycles, with reflective posts between the car and bike lanes, Bretey added.

Moss hopes the team ��. research can help ensure the safety of Makers Valley commuters. “Even if only a part of our design were implemented, it could make a positive difference in the city. I believe that our design can work for other places as well that struggle with pedestrian safety and unreliable transportation systems,” she said.

Student projects submitted to the EWB challenge may be picked up by a company, nongovernmental or other organization and become a real solution for people.

The Impact of Engineering course is part of Stout Core, foundational general education classes where students gain global perspective and ethical reasoning to understand social responsibility, so they graduate ready to do more on day one.

Heavy metals in consumer products

Heavy metals can build up in the human body over time and lead to severe health issues.

Lead is known to cause neurological damage and cognitive impairments, particularly in young adults. It can also lead to developmental issues, memory loss, insomnia and muscle weakness.

While iron, manganese, and zinc are essential micronutrients, excessive amounts can cause organ damage and oxidative stress; can affect the nervous system; and can cause nausea, vomiting and weaken the immune system, Strobush explained.

Cadmium and nickel in long-term exposure are known to cause kidney failure and increased risks for cancer, anemia and cardiovascular diseases, added Chartrand, who conducted an analysis of four of her favorite chocolate brands.

Chemistry student Natalie Chartrand tests heavy metals in chocolates

“Heavy metal exposure should be kept to a minimum, especially in foods, which is why the FDA and other health organizations regulate it. While the FDA has strict guidelines on heavy metals, it ��. impossible to completely eradicate all heavy metal exposure in our daily lives,” she said.

Chartrand knew chocolate contains heavy metals, usually found in trace amounts in chocolates that are less processed, like dark and semi-sweet chocolates.

“Both lead and cadmium are common environmental pollutants found in modern farming practices; these metals can be absorbed into the cacao beans we use to make chocolate,” she said. “Nickel is used in the manufacturing process of chocolate, though it shouldn’t end up in the product itself.”

Because of this, she wasn’t surprised to find detectable lead levels in three of her chocolate samples.

“Lead is naturally found in cacao beans and is retained through the manufacturing process, at levels so low they’re not considered toxic, but are detectable on our instrument, nonetheless. I found no cadmium in any of my samples, and only very trace amounts of nickel,” she said. “Just because studies have found small amounts in chocolates doesn't mean that the highly processed chocolates we eat regularly will contain the same levels.”

Chemistry Professor Jonathan Frisch, Riley Strobush and Natalie Chartrand

During Strobush ��. initial research, she found numerous studies on heavy metals in vape pods and cartridges, but relatively few on nicotine salts. She conducted her research on four brands of nicotine salts.

“Although there are traces of metals in the liquid, the liquid is heated into a vapor through a metal coil, introducing more metals into the aerosol that is consumed by the user when using their e-cigarette,” she said. “Lead was the most frequently detected heavy metal in my samples, contrary to my initial expectation of a more balanced distribution of heavy metal elements.”

She was also intrigued by the marketing of the products. “Each of them has colorful, appealing designs and flavors that you would see on candy or soda. It hides the harsh potential health impacts caused by consuming the liquids,” she said.

Strobush hopes her research raises awareness about the dangers of these products and encourages more rigorous testing, especially in the aerosol form. “This could lead to improved regulations and safer product formulations, ultimately protecting public health,” she said.

Strobush noted that she is not a user of nicotine salts or similar substances. She and Chartrand took the necessary precautions during their studies to ensure their peers’ and their own safety.

Biochemistry and molecular biology student Riley Strobush presents at Research Day

Chemistry and physics Associate Professor Jonathan Frisch served as Strobush ��. and Chartrand ��. research mentor. In Frisch ��. College Chemistry I course, students learn the chemistry and physics behind several types of chemical instrumentation and gain practical experience using those instruments to investigate samples of their choice.

“The students are allowed to ask any questions they want, at which time they design and carry out experiments to answer those questions. Every semester, I am surprised by some of the results. There are contaminants in and on all sorts of things I would have never expected or even thought about analyzing,” he said.

Outstanding researchers recognized at Research Day

After the poster and exhibit session, where Chartrand, Strobush and the engineering students shared their work, an award ceremony recognized outstanding researchers – both faculty and students.

Since 1987, �� has awarded faculty for their outstanding research, nominated by a review committee of their peers.

The Outstanding Researcher honors for leadership and significant contributions to research and scholarly activities are awarded by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs, on behalf of the Provost's Office and the committee. This year ��. recipients are:

Julie Watts: Senior Outstanding Researcher
Nicole Hayes: Emerging Outstanding Researcher
Pranabendu Mitra: Outstanding Research Mentor.

Outstanding student researcher awardees are:

Valacia Casper: CAHS, undergraduate
Elaina Blazei: CSTEMM, undergraduate
Bex Cermin: CAHS, graduate student
Cortney Dean: CSTEMM, graduate student
Nikolaus Nelson (CAHS) and Theodore Welch (CSTEMM): Honorable Mentions.

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Hero Caption: Biochemistry and molecular biology student Riley Strobush tests heavy metals in nicotine salts. She presented her findings at Research Day on May 6.

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Degree: M.S. Mechanical Engineering - Polymer Science

University: University of Wisconsin-Madison

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University: University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN

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Degree: B.S. Chemical Engineering

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Inspiring Graduate: Brandon Dick, M.S. Manufacturing Engineering

giffeyt — Tue, 13 May 2025 20:23:00 +0000

Inspiring Graduate: Brandon Dick, M.S. Manufacturing Engineering giffeyt May 13, 2025

‘The biggest thing that stood out to me at Stout is how much the professors care.’

Inspiring Graduate: Brandon Dick (’25)

Hometown: Whitehall
Degree: M.S. Manufacturing Engineering

Even though he was a track and field athlete at ��, Brandon Dick decided he didn’t want to sprint through his time at the university.

Partway through his �� undergraduate experience, Dick decided to stay at the university an additional year to pursue an accelerated master ��. degree in manufacturing engineering. It didn’t hurt that he had an extra year of athletic eligibility because of the pandemic and that he was already a lab tech for Paul Craig, program director for both the B.S. and M.S. in manufacturing engineering.

“Around my junior year I realized I would have the rest of my life to work, and that I was enjoying what I was doing at Stout between school, sports and being a lab tech,” said Dick, a native of Whitehall. He was among 1,174 graduates who took part in the spring commencement ceremonies on May 10 at �� . Johnson Fieldhouse.

Brandon Dick receives his graduate degree at ��'s May 10 commencement.

After graduation, Dick won’t be going anywhere: He will become a full-time lecturer at ��. During his time as a lab technician, he discovered that he had a knack for explaining lab concepts to fellow students.

He found similar peer support as both an indoor and outdoor track and field competitor, where his achievements included being named a U.S. Track & Field and Cross Country Coaches Association Second-Team All-American in the decathlon last year. “It didn’t matter if it was a home conference meet or a nationals meet in the middle of Ohio, there would always be a group of Stout track athletes to cheer on those competing,” he said.

What brought you to ��?

The outstanding laboratory facilities were a major factor in my decision to attend Stout for my undergraduate education. While working as a manufacturing engineering youth apprentice in high school, I quickly learned that effective design requires a fundamental understanding of how a product will be built. The best way to gain that understanding is through hands-on experience.

As a polytechnic university, Stout embraces this philosophy, emphasizing not only the theoretical aspects of engineering but also the practical application of sound engineering principles. The availability of dual-credit options made continuing into the manufacturing engineering M.S. program an affordable and logical choice, allowing me to further strengthen both my academic and practical skills.

Brandon Dick works with a programmable robotic arm in a �� lab.

How has your �� experience changed you?

When I first arrived at Stout, my intention was simply to complete my four years, earn my degree, and move on. However, by my junior year, I began to realize that I would have the rest of my life to work, and that I was genuinely enjoying my time at Stout whether through academics, athletics, or my role as a laboratory technician. With an additional year of track eligibility due to COVID-19 and the opportunity to pursue an accelerated master ��. degree in manufacturing engineering, I decided to remain for a fifth year to earn my graduate degree.

During this period, I discovered a passion for helping fellow students in the lab and received encouraging feedback about my ability to explain complex control systems in accessible ways. This experience inspired me to consider a career path I had never previously imagined: becoming a lecturer. Ironically, although I had been voted “Most Likely to Become a College Professor” in eighth grade, it was only through my time at Stout that I recognized how much I would enjoy and value such a role.

How well has �� prepared you to work in your field and why? Did you have a favorite lab or internship experience?

My favorite lab had to be the glass-making lab in Chemistry of Materials. It was fun seeing how sand gets processed into glass, and how the pigments used in glass aren’t what would be expected. Like how iron makes green glass. Dr. Matthew Ray also always made the long lectures fun with his nerdy science humor.

As for my internship, I started working at Ashley Furniture as a youth apprentice during my senior year of high school, and I continued to work there every summer and winter break throughout college.

Brandon Dick competed as a member of the �� track and field team.

What stands out about your �� experience?

The biggest thing that stood out to me while being at Stout is how much the professors care about the students learning the material. As long as you’re putting in effort in the class, they will take the time to make sure that you don’t just get the right answer but that you understand why it ��. the right answer. They genuinely want to share the years of knowledge they have with every student who comes through. One of the most impactful aspects of my experience at Stout has been the genuine dedication of the professors to their students’ learning.

How did your involvement on campus impact your experience?

I competed in track and field throughout all five years of my time at Stout as a multi-event athlete, participating in the heptathlon during the indoor season and the decathlon during the outdoor season. Being part of the team was an invaluable experience. Surrounded by teammates who were constantly jumping farther, throwing farther, and running faster, I was consistently motivated to push myself to improve. The coaches and my teammates helped transform me from an uncoordinated freshman who could scarcely clear a hurdle into a national qualifier in the decathlon. This spirit of friendly competition extended beyond athletics and into academics, where we challenged one another to excel in the classroom as well.

Brandon Dick clears a hurdle in competition as a member of ��'s track and field team.

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

I am proud of the personal and academic growth I have experienced during my time at Stout. The challenges I faced and the relationships I built pushed me to develop not only as a student and athlete but also as a person. In my first semester, I had a 3.3 GPA and was 800 points shy of qualifying for nationals in the decathlon. Through perseverance and a commitment to continuous improvement, I now maintain a 4.0 GPA in graduate school and qualified for nationals in the decathlon, where I achieved a respectable mid-field finish. However, the most meaningful growth has come from the values I have cultivated and the way I approach relationships and personal integrity. As the Montgomery Gentry song goes, "That ��. something to be proud of."

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‘The biggest thing that stood out to me at Stout is how much the professors care.’ Brandon Dick receives his graduate degree at ��'s May 10 commencement.

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Inspiring Graduate: Brandon Dick (’25)

M.S. Manufacturing Engineering

Kraus-Anderson vice president, regional education leaders credit �������� with shaping them

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Cirrus Aircraft, Ashley Furniture benefit from �� seniors’ engineering solutions

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Kraus-Anderson vice president, regional education leaders credit �� with shaping them