College of Science, Engineering and Technology

Ed Koeneman practices what he teaches in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. He and his father started a medical device company for stroke rehabilitation robots that were so innovative, a leading research-and-development magazine named them one of the 100 most innovative products for that year. His students also can relate to the conversion he’s working on for his Chevy S-10, and he has been known to dive into an interesting hobby.

It was a productive semester for students looking to attend graduate school as the Honors College wrapped up its Pre-Law and Pre-Health Professional, Academic and Career Programs. Both programs, one of which made its debut this semester, played a role in helping prepare students for what they can expect when it comes to graduate school. “From my point of view, it was very helpful and very informative,” said government student Madeline Landes, who attended all of the Pre-Law P.A.C. sessions this semester. “I would recommend this because I think it’s a very informative program.”

While pet harnesses are already available on the market, no standard exists to test them. So GCU students designed a canine crash test dummy to help make those pet harnesses safer. Another team developed their Smart Valet to help travelers traverse the airport with ease. And a third team developed a seating system for students with disabilities. They were just a few of the 30-plus projects presented at Monday’s virtual senior Engineering Capstone Showcase.

Uriel Serna has always been intrigued by big data and knew it could be used to save lives, so he created a portable nanny camera that uses machine learning to recognize children’s faces. He wanted to help parents better monitor their children to prevent tragedies, such as children drowning in their family’s swimming pools. Shelby Clow and Kolten Spencer created an app for first-time pet owners. And Deep Contractor and Michael Stauffer designed a virtual reality chatroom where people who don’t speak the same language can communicate, despite the language barrier. Those were just a few of the 40 or so projects computer science, computer programming and information technology/cybersecurity seniors created for the senior Technology Capstone Showcase, which was virtual this year.

Jevon Jackson, Program Chair/Program Lead for the Software Engineering Program in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, is extremely accomplished in music, not just engineering. Where he performed as a 10-year-old is amazing, as is his wide range of interests. His spirit comes through in every answer of what he submitted for Faculty Focus.

There were innovations aplenty as GCU dealt with the pandemic. But none of the required alterations were more visible than the cutouts in GCU Arena, where the basketball environment still was plenty loud enough to be noticed by visiting coaches. Reprinted from the February issue of GCU Magazine.

From natural deodorant to COVID-19 research, there was no shortage of impressive student presentations at this year’s CSET Research Symposium and Honors Showcase on Saturday. Honors finalists delivered in-person presentations while CSET finalists presented orally via Zoom. “It just goes to show how active and engaged our students were both inside and outside the classroom this year despite COVID-19 and limitations on what they could and couldn’t do,” Honors College Associate Dean Dr. Breanna Naegeli said.

Dr. Dwight Farris, who teaches information technology and cybersecurity in the College of Science, Engineering and Technology, spoke recently to KJZZ National Public Radio field correspondent Matthew Casey about the Department of Homeland Security’s steps to elevate cybersecurity across the government.

Students in GCU clubs related to STEM fields really wanted to hear from female experts in the field, so they launched a virtual “Women in STEM” panel discussion Wednesday that attracted five women at the top of their fields. The five pros gave advice for women navigating the male-dominated world of science, technology, engineering and math.

Dr. Sherlin Moses of the College Science, Engineering and Technology faculty has been at GCU for 11 years, which means she goes back to the days of the Tell Science Building — where the Roadrunner Apartments stand today. She fondly recalls the many alumni she has influenced, and she finds it interesting that she attended church services in Ethington Theatre before working at the University. “I guess God was paving the path for me,” she writes.