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New discovery could make a risky heart failure treatment safer

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 12 Jun 2025 19:30:38 +0000

New discovery could make a risky heart failure treatment safer Alexander Jame… Thu, 06/12/2025 - 13:30

Left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) designed to improve blood flow throughout the body can aid nearly 26 million people globally struggling with heart failure. But these implantable devices come with risks. New research by Assistant Professor Debanjan Mukherjee suggests that studying patient blood flow patterns could help determine who’s at risk of dangerous side effects from LVADs and lead to improvements that could make them safer.

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Robots and chemistry isn’t just a fun combo. Bruns says it’s the future

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 06 Jun 2025 22:22:41 +0000

Robots and chemistry isn’t just a fun combo. Bruns says it’s the future Alexander Jame… Fri, 06/06/2025 - 16:22

Assistant Professor Carson Bruns is leading the charge on an NSF-funded project that he and his team like to call "robochemistry." Their goal is to create robotic sidekicks that can assist chemists with burdensome or unsafe tasks that they may routinely encounter in a wet lab. But that's not all: this unique blend of bots and beakers can also inspire youth interest in science.

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Tiny robot team could be a gamechanger for safety inspections

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 21 May 2025 20:09:10 +0000

Tiny robot team could be a gamechanger for safety inspections Alexander Jame… Wed, 05/21/2025 - 14:09

Assistant Professor Kaushik Jayaram, in collaboration with Laura Blumenschein, has received a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory to develop a tiny robot super team capable of navigating a complex maze of machinery and squeeze through the tightest of spaces—like the guts of a jet engine—to potentially perform non-destructive evaluation faster, cheaper and better than ever before.

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Ocean microbes offer clues to environmental resilience

Anonymous — Mon, 19 May 2025 18:46:43 +0000

Ocean microbes offer clues to environmental resilience Anonymous (not verified) Mon, 05/19/2025 - 12:46

The Jerome Fox (BME Faculty) research team at the University of Colorado Boulder and researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have developed a new way to identify genetic changes that help tiny oxygen-producing microbes survive in extreme environments. The findings outline a new experimental approach for learning how microbes and other types of cells, including human cells, respond and adapt to environmental stress.

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Engineer nabs prestigious grants to design insect-inspired, shapeshifting robots

Lisa Romero De Mendoza — Thu, 15 May 2025 18:31:25 +0000

Engineer nabs prestigious grants to design insect-inspired, shapeshifting robots Lisa Romero De… Thu, 05/15/2025 - 12:31

Kaushik Jayaram, BME faculty member, envisions a day when swarms of tiny robots, some weighing no more than a paperclip, will crawl through airplanes or into buildings after an earthquake—searching for survivors or repairing components that no human could ever reach. For his efforts, Jayaram, recently received a $650,000 NSF grant and a complimentary $1.4 million grant from the Air Force Research Laboratory, the research wing of the U.S. Air Force.

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BME Senior Design Projects - Engineering Expo 2025

Lisa Romero De Mendoza — Fri, 02 May 2025 19:03:36 +0000

BME Senior Design Projects - Engineering Expo 2025 Lisa Romero De… Fri, 05/02/2025 - 13:03

Team Boulder Sterilization Services - BME Senior Design Award Winner. Members include: Zoie Nuno, Cambria McNulla, Kosy Ogbonna-ukuku, Samuel Zanotti and Ariadnee Ziady.

This year, 14 Biomedical Engineering (BME) Program senior design teams joined the College of Engineering & Applied Science Senior Expo to showcase their projects, a culmination of work that spanned two semesters. Some of the industry sponsors for this year included: Boulder IQ, Medtronic, TissueForm and Cardiost.

The Biomedical Engineering Program’s senior design course gives students the opportunity to apply the engineering knowledge they have gained at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ to a real-world, open-ended design challenge. Industry sponsors propose a project that emulates the sort of challenges and problems students will encounter in an entry-level engineering position. Each project is then matched with a student team.

During the year-long experience, each student assumes a leadership role and contributes to the technical aspects of the project. Teams meet with their industry sponsor to ensure appropriate progress is made on the project and present their proof-of-concept prototype in the spring.

All of the teams did a terrific job with their projects and presentations highlighting their knowledge and skills! Congratulations to all of them!

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Students shine at the 2nd Annual BME Bioinstrumentation Expo

Lisa Romero De Mendoza — Thu, 01 May 2025 16:00:00 +0000

Students shine at the 2nd Annual BME Bioinstrumentation Expo Lisa Romero De… Thu, 05/01/2025 - 10:00

Each spring, students in the BME Bioinstrumentation course work on a team to create a device with applications used in clinical medicine and/or biomedical research. BME students are tasked with developing the project idea based on research and clinical needs. This course lets students use their creativity while applying knowledge gained in class and previous coursework. Team projects must utilize systems for measuring biological signals that can include biopotentials (electrical signals generated in the body), strain, pressure, and temperature that are used to interpret data from living systems. Students also participate in ethical discussions and regulatory issues surrounding medical devices.

This year, we had 14 team projects that included a Smart Bandage that would help remind the user to change their bandage if it met certain conditions to prevent infection to the EverWomb, swaddling that emulates the womb environment of temperature and mother’s heartbeat for newborn babies.

One project, ExoStride, received top honors from judges. This assistive device allows users to use a modified knee brace for increased mobility. The idea came to the team as they reflected on those in their lives who live with chronic knee pain and injury with the goal of providing independence. Congratulations to team members Mallory Phillips, Kevin Leidig, Sudhiksha Sivakumar and Madison Seckman on their Outstanding Project Award.

BME alums - Caitlin Mascio, Viri Varela and Kayla Pacheco

While BME is still a relatively new Program, we were excited to welcome back three program alumni who helped judge this year’s Bioinstrumentation projects. Alumni from the first BME graduating cohort of 14 from Spring 2023 returned to campus to engage with current students. These alums could draw from their work experience in reviewing these projects while at the same time setting students at ease given, they were recently in their same shoes. Alumni included Kayla Pacheco, Viri Varela and Caitlin Mascio who had a chance to have a mini reunion while attending the expo. This was truly a full-circle moment for the BME Program.

Students in BME's Bioinstrumentation course shared their team projects at the 2nd Annual Bioinstrumentation Expo. This semester-long course helps students to design a device with clinical applications. It allows students to use their creativity and the skills gained throughout the course. For the judging, this year, we were joined by program alumni from the first BME graduating class. All of the students are to be congratulated!

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Six biomedical engineering students earn graduating student awards

Alexander James Servantez — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 20:02:03 +0000

Six biomedical engineering students earn graduating student awards Alexander Jame… Wed, 04/23/2025 - 14:02

Alexander Servantez

Six students from the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) have earned graduating student awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2025.

These awards honor seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions.

Each of the seven award winners will be recognized and celebrated at the department's Graduation Recognition Ceremony on Thursday, May 8.

Read below to learn more about these students and their amazing achievements.

Creighton Tisdale

Tisdale has received the Academic Engagement Award for his exemplary commitment to the college ecosystem. He has served as a course assistant for numerous classes, providing an enriching educational experience for his peers. In many cases, he even went above-and-beyond to learn new material in order to make sure he could assist effectively.

He's also excelled tremendously in the classroom and as an undergraduate researcher. Tisdale has maintained a 3.93 GPA and is a recipient of the Presidential Scholarship at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. In the lab, he has displayed the ability to quickly pick up complex concepts, even becoming a second author on a recently accepted research paper after working in the Shields Lab under Assistant Professor C. Wyatt Shields IV for only six months. Outside of academics, Tisdale coaches youth sports, focusing on making the game accessible and inclusive for anyone. His nominator says Tisdale is a competitive nominee for any awards offered this spring, but academic engagement is where he shines the most.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I came to ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ hoping I could find my way towards designing and improving surgical and medical devices—my undergraduate experience prepared me more than I would've ever imagined. I was lucky enough to work on a senior design project fully focused on electrosurgery and device design, as well as gaining experience with unorthodox diagnostic techniques in my research. CEAS and the BME program allowed me to find the career direction I was seeking from the start by giving me loads of hands-on academic and professional exposure.

Fishion Yohannes

Yohannes is being tapped as a recipient of the Community Engagement Award for her unwavering commitment to community service through her involvement in mentorship, student support programs and advocacy initiatives. As a Lattice Scholars mentor, she is constantly providing guidance and encouragement to ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ's first-generation scholars. She has also served as a lead mentor in the Engineering GoldShirt program, advocating for student success and cultivating an environment built on support, leadership and resilience. Her nominator says her impact is so profound, that many students have come back to become mentors themselves, "hoping to give back even a fraction of what she gave to them. The culture she has built will have a lasting legacy far beyond her time on campus."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

After graduation, I will be pursuing an industry role where I can apply all of the technical, collaborative, and problem-solving skills I’ve developed during my time at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. CEAS not only provided me with rigorous academic preparation, but also offered mentorship, resources, and opportunities that shaped my confidence and career direction. Without the support of ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ and CEAS, I truly don't know where I'd be today. I’ve found an irreplaceable community that made me feel supported, empowered, and seen as an engineer. This experience has not only prepared me for industry but has instilled a deep sense of purpose and belonging that I will carry with me into every future endeavor.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

My best advice for current students and future students has to be to know that you belong. Engineering is challenging, but you are not alone. Seek out mentors, seek community, and most importantly seek help. It’s OK not to know everything. Imposter syndrome is very real, but please remember that your perspective and contributions are beyond valuable. Your journey will have obstacles, but perseverance, resilience, and a strong support system will guide you. More than anything, never let self-doubt dictate your potential because you are capable, you are worthy, and you have the power to make a difference.

Cassidy Allen

Allen is receiving a Research Award from the college for her outstanding and impactful contributions to the biomedical industry. During her time at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ, she has helped create a more efficient method for treating Raynaud's Disease using an adaptive device. Currently, treatment for the disease is done using a broad approach where whole extremities (hands, feet, etc.) are treated using a glove or sock-like device. The device's power consumption and design limited the treatment's effectiveness.

But Allen had other ideas. She introduced sensor-targeted treatment that greatly increased effectiveness and reduced the device's power consumption by nearly 66%. Her novel thinking, as well as her collaboration with other entities in the BME program, have fueled her early research success, and positioned her for a future patent for her technology.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

Next, I will be joining the Cardiac Electrophysiology division at Abbott Laboratories as a software systems engineer in St. Paul, Minnesota. There, I’ll be contributing to the research and development of cutting-edge cardiac ablation systems to treat various arrhythmias with combined radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and pulsed field ablation (PFA) techniques. My experience at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ and CEAS prepared me incredibly well for this opportunity. Through hands-on research and course projects, I developed practical and problem-solving skills that I feel confident bringing into this next chapter.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Don’t be afraid to fail! Some of the most valuable experiences come from mistakes and unexpected outcomes. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, adapt, and grow, so embrace those moments and use them to become a better thinker and creator.

Shannon Blanco

Blanco is graduating with a dual major in mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering. She is receiving the Research Award for her work as a member of Neu Lab under Professor Corey Neu. Since joining this group in 2022, Blanco has contributed greatly to impact in the fields of biofabrication, 3D bioprinting, and the advancement of knowledge of osteoarthritis. Current solutions for younger patients with osteoarthritis who do not qualify for total knee replacements are primarily anti-inflammatory drugs that don’t restore the afflicted cartilage or bone tissue. There is a need for new treatment options, and her work will help bring these options to life.

She is also being recognized as a key member of an interdisciplinary team. She has co-authored peer-reviewed publications and worked with multiple stakeholders throughout her time at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ, including doctors, surgeons and PhD-level scientists. Her nominator says her contributions have been "trusted by all members of the laboratory."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

After graduating this spring, I will be continuing at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ to pursue my master’s in mechanical engineering through the BAM program. In the future, I hope to work in medical device design or prosthetics. ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ has helped prepare me beyond an educational standpoint by providing opportunities to get involved outside of class and make valuable connections.

Now that you are graduating, what's your best advice for other students?

Take advantage of the opportunities CU has to offer, whether it's research, clubs, internships, or design projects. Explore different areas, even if you're unsure at first, and don't be afraid to ask for help.

Julia Keefe

Keefe's research ownership and tenacious attitude has earned her a Research Award this spring. During her time in the Rationally Designed Immunotherapeutics & Interfaces Research Group under Assistant Professor Kayla Sprenger, Keefe has evolved her learning and skills into novel thinking and questions. In fact, she even found a gap in literature, and her innovative work will one day provide mechanistic insight into the biomedical field.

Her project, funded by the Discovery Learning Apprenticeship Program (DLA), identifies protein-ligand conformations to propose druggable targets and aid future immunotherapeutic design. The diligent attention to detail and awareness will advance efforts toward immune regulation in inflammatory and immune-resolution disease states, improving translatability of rationally designed therapeutics that will directly benefit women’s health research. Keefe is also a former dancer. Her nominator says her research prowess is defined by her ability to "combine art and medicine, design and engineering." She presented her research at this year's DLA symposium and is currently working on submitting her research to a peer-reviewed journal.

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

After graduation, I am looking to continue working in the field of cancer research and technologies with a focus on women's health. CEAS helped me prepare by allowing me to explore so many different areas of engineering to truly find where my passions lie.

Hayden Tomazin

Tomazin is receiving a Research Award for his exceptional ability to complex scientific concepts and apply them to challenging research problems. His research primarily focuses on magnetically responsive microstructures. Using precise magnetic control to create lock-and-key microassemblies, Tomazin has been developing new fabrication techniques that can open doors for innovative applications in microsurgery and targeted drug delivery. His work could one day pave the way for a new class of noninvasive medical interventions.

Tomazin's contributions will also make their way into two publications out of the Shields Lab, led by Assistant Professor C. Wyatt Shields IV. He will be the second and third author in these publications, showcasing his outstanding dedication and curiosity to research. Beyond the lab, Tomazin has effectively shared his research and knowledge with a broader audience, presenting posters at conferences and through collaborations with other universities. His nominator says this level of undergraduate research achievement is rare, and that Tomazin is "one of the most capable undergraduate researchers I have mentored in my career."

What's next for you and how did CU Engineering help you prepare for the future?

I'm hoping to find a job where I can use my research experience to help make medical treatment more accessible and less invasive.

Seven students from the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) have earned graduating student awards from the College of Engineering and Applied Science in 2025. These awards honor seniors who are nominated by faculty, staff or fellow students for their outstanding contributions to the college and campus community.

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AI in synthetic biology? One PhD student says 'the opportunities are endless'

Alexander James Servantez — Fri, 18 Apr 2025 21:22:51 +0000

AI in synthetic biology? One PhD student says 'the opportunities are endless' Alexander Jame… Fri, 04/18/2025 - 15:22

Alexander Servantez

Carolus Vitalis grew up in a small town in Chile—a town so small it doesn’t appear on any maps.

Now he’s at the forefront of a large, impactful discussion: the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in the field of synthetic biology.

Vitalis performing lab work in the Genetic Logic Lab under Professor Chris Myers at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ. (Photo by Juan Hanel)

Vitalis, a PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ and National Science Foundation (NSF) fellow who has co-authored several book chapters in synthetic biology, was one of the headliners at this year’s TEDxCU event on April 5. The annual speaker series brings the local community together to engage in conversations exploring everything from science and business to education, arts and global issues.

This year’s event had a theme: “anomaly”. Nine speakers from all across the Boulder area took the stage to redefine what it means to be normal. Whether it’s a local Olympic duo sharing their unorthodox training methods, or a ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ student discussing her rare neurocognitive condition, these thought-provoking talks challenged the community to think beyond convention and see their differences as strengths.

For Vitalis, the word “anomaly” is special. It represents a personal journey that takes him back home to his family.

Vitalis fell in love with science when he was just a little boy. But after his father died following a battle with cancer, he quickly realized that biology and engineering isn’t just a fascination. It was his purpose.

“My father wasn’t able to see me graduate from high school. He died right before I started college,” said Vitalis. “I always had a passion for science and synthetic biology, but when he passed everything shifted. At that moment, my curiosity turned into my purpose. I became determined to find out why my family’s genes were not functioning properly and how I could fix it.”

These early passions led Vitalis to the University of Chile, where he graduated with a professional degree in molecular biotechnology engineering. He says this early schooling helped create a strong foundation of knowledge, and fostered problem solving skills crucial to his vision.

Vitalis, a curious and experienced synthetic biologist, examining lab materials in the laboratory. (Photo by Juan Hanel)

Today, Vitalis designs novel DNA sequences under Professor Chris Myers in the Genetic Logic Lab using AI—a burgeoning tool taking the world by storm. It’s a unique intersection of biology and technology that he believes is more than necessary.

“Everything happening within a cell is so complex for a human to understand on their own,” Vitalis said. “If we ever want to develop more precise tools to address challenges in climate, health, agriculture and beyond, we will need the help of a computer to run these simulations and apply the right resources.”

It goes back to the term “anomaly,” the TEDxCU event’s central focus. For years, synthetic biologists have seen cell complexity and variation as an obstacle, limiting their ability to innovate new solutions.

Vitalis is urging the next crop of genetic engineers to embrace these biological anomalies with a team of man and machine that he believes can be revolutionary.

“The opportunities are endless,” said Vitalis. “Maybe one day we can engineer therapeutic bacteria that act as biosensors—detecting disease markers, processing that information and releasing treatment only at the site where it is needed. Or maybe we can modify plants that are tolerant to saline conditions or drought.

“Our field is about modifying biology, so we can potentially impact everywhere biology is involved.”

Vitalis understands the discussion surrounding this new-age collaboration isn’t as simple as it seems. There are some ethical questions and concerns that may arise that he would like to address, as well.

“A lot of people are going to hesitate and wonder if we are ‘playing god’ or messing with higher powers,” Vitalis said. "I want to remind people that humans have been modifying nature for thousands of years by selecting traits in crops and livestock that meet our needs. What is different now is that we can do it with much greater precision, speed and safety, guided by scientific knowledge. There are also strict protocols in place to ensure that these technologies are developed responsibly."

It’s not just about scientific advancements and ethical debates. Most importantly, Vitalis wants to inspire a new era of innovators to challenge the standards and look beyond their upbringing—just like he did on his way to Boulder.

“I hope that my work and my story can inspire people to work together and dream big,” said Vitalis.

Carolus Vitalis, a PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ and National Science Foundation (NSF) fellow who has co-authored several book chapters in synthetic biology, was one of the headliners at this year’s TEDxCU event on April 5. His talk discussed the pros and cons of artificial intelligence in the field of synthetic biology.

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Carolus Vitalis, a PhD student in the Biomedical Engineering Program (BME) at ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ and National Science Foundation (NSF) fellow who has co-authored several book chapters in synthetic biology, during his TEDxCU talk on April 5. (Photo by Juan Hanel)

BME seniors work to unlock electrotherapy's untapped potential

Alexander James Servantez — Thu, 17 Apr 2025 21:16:38 +0000

BME seniors work to unlock electrotherapy's untapped potential Alexander Jame… Thu, 04/17/2025 - 15:16

Alexander Servantez

��ý�Ļ��Ʒ alum Griffin Hale was listening to music one day while treating his pain with an electrotherapy device. Each pulsating, electric shock seemed to mesh so beautifully with the various rhythms and melodies—it was almost as if he could feel the music.

He began to wonder: how can music and electric stimulation combine to create a new electrotherapy device that delivers a more immersive and accessible therapeutic experience than ever before?

Nearly a decade's worth of iterating and design has gone into this vision. But a group of seniors in the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) are helping Hale and his team take the next step on their journey during their senior capstone design course.

The project, sponsored by startup company Full Body Sound, aims to gather biological data by analyzing the relationship between electrotherapy and skin conductance. This term refers to the electrical conductivity of the skin and is a key parameter that the team is looking to explore in order to help Hale and his group realize some of their product’s untapped potential.

A histogram representing the various levels of change the group found in skin conductance during electrotherapy.

“We wanted to know if there was any correlation between perceived sensation of electric stimulation and skin conductance. If so, maybe we can use that indicator to create a feedback loop that guides the electrotherapy device to offer varying levels of electrical stimulation tailored to the individual,” said logistics manager Rachel Haug. “We also wanted to analyze the device’s effect on skin conductance. Since skin conductance is often used as an indicator of stress levels, maybe we can take that data and use it to prove the effectiveness of the device.”

To do this, the group purchased an off-the-shelf testing device equipped with sensors to measure skin conductance. They measured 50 different individuals before and after being hooked up to Full Body Sound’s FBS-01 electrotherapy prototype device.

After comparing the data, the team noticed that almost every test subject’s skin conductivity had undergone a noticeable change. But despite that trend, the group concluded that there was no statistical significance or correlation between electrical sensation and skin conductance.

“Most of the data sits within the range of a 25% increase or decrease in skin conductance. There were some outliers below or beyond that, but for the most part our data resembles that stereotypical ‘bell curve’ that you see in engineering so often,” Haug said. “We anticipated from the beginning that this could be a possibility, but it’s still very useful and interesting data for the future.”

A histogram showing the group's pre-test skin conductance levels compared to post-test levels.

While the systems and test engineers were performing tests and gathering data, the other team members were working on the design element. Using their engineering knowledge and experience with the testing device, they were challenged to design their own sensor that can measure skin conductance just as effectively as the one they had purchased previously.

Not only did the team’s sensor perform just as accurately as the purchased device, they were able to build it at a fraction of the price. It even features an intuitive user interface that is easily accessible for both customers and clients—a stretch goal that the group says took a lot of extra work.

“I completely learned a new technical skill in this program and an entirely new coding language in various softwares to help finish our project,” said quality assurance manager Clare Keeler. “If we were selling this product, we wouldn’t want customers to just see a block of code. A big part of my efforts was just transferring some of the analog data we received from the sensor to a digital output value that everybody can understand.”

With the highly anticipated Engineering Expo event right around the corner, the group is working hard to make sure they have the data and their working sensor ready for everyone to see. But they will also have a surprise.

“Of course, we’re going to showcase our sensor. We’ll have visual representations of our research,” said project manager Chloe Knape. “But we’ll also have an electrotherapy device available so that attendees can have fun and try it for themselves.”

This year’s Engineering Expo is on Friday, April 25 at the ��ý�Ļ��Ʒ Indoor Practice Facility from 2-5 p.m. Make sure to drop by and check out all the exciting projects in action!

A group of seniors in the Biomedical Engineering program (BME) are designing their own sensor that can monitor skin conductance during electrotherapy. The sensor was developed during the group's senior capstone design course, and will be showcased at this year's Engineering Expo on Friday, April 25.

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From left to right: Chloe Knape, Anna Mellizo Kroll, Clare Keeler and Rachel Haug