College of Science Engineering and Technology

Mechanical engineering junior Savannah Moffitt dreams of becoming an automotive engineer, though when she first started classes at GCU, she was wary of working in the engineering shops. But after gaining experience on various machines available to students in the hands-on Lopes Live Labs, she said she also has gained a lot of confidence. “I LOVE working in the shops,” said Moffitt, who led tours of the shops at an open house on Tuesday that also spotlighted various engineering clubs.

Dr. Pam Rowland studied economics. Dr. Brandy Harris’ bachelor’s degree is in music and theatre. But they followed opportunity after opportunity that led them to technology and to their new leadership roles in the Technology Department of the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. Rowland, who comes from Dakota State University, is the new Associate Dean and Harris, who was the department’s Program Director, steps into the role of Assistant Dean.

Wildland firefighters often traverse rigorous terrain, hike long distances, breathe in smoke, and don’t eat or sleep well, among other stresses. They also are at risk of heart attacks. One study found that the risk for acute myocardial infarction during active fire suppression increased anywhere from 12 to 136 fold. It’s why a group of researchers, including GCU’s Dr. Zach Zeigler and students-now-alumni Payton Greer and Laura Verduzco, conducted a study to look at the effects of wildland firefighting on cardiovascular health.

Dante DeSimone was never a stranger to taking on a challenge, and that’s what made him perfect for his new role as a project manager for Intel. After graduating in April with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, DeSimone has transitioned from an intern at the company to a full-time employee who strives to make a difference in the field. But he also has strived to take part in a lot of different activities and learn many new skills.

For some, it takes a life time for their wildest dreams to come true. For recent Honors college Graduate Quyen Phan, his dream of landing a job with SpaceX came to fruition straight out of college. As a new Associate Engineer Phan hopes to be a trail blazer for fellow engineers graduating from the College of Science, Engineering and Technology. “I want to do good so I can prove that a GCU student can provide this much impact on the company,” Phan said. “I’m hoping that other future GCU students can come on board with me as well.”

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.

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.

GCU wanted to go where the jobs were, which is why it opened the College of Science, Engineering and Technology in 2014. Today, the college is announcing that four of its programs have been accredited by ABET, including the bachelor’s degree program in Computer Science and the bachelor’s degree programs in Biomedical, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering. It’s a prestigious distinction that assures employers that GCU’s students are meeting a quality standard. “They know that these students are prepared for industry,” said Dr. Janet Brelin-Fornari, Associate Dean of Engineering. Fifth in a nine-part series spotlighting each GCU college as the fall semester begins.