Clubs and Organizations

ɫ��Ƶ VEX U Team Claims Top Honors at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship

rnorris — Wed, 18 Jun 2025 17:01:14 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ VEX U Team Claims Top Honors at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship

rnorris Wed, 06/18/2025 - 13:01

At ɫ��Ƶ, robotics isn’t just a competition — it’s a proving ground for innovation. ɫ��Ƶ’s VEX U team, KUdos, showcased their abilities at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship in Houston, where they brought home the prestigious Excellence Award and the Energy Award.

VEX AI is a step beyond the standard VEX U world competition, challenging teams to design robots that compete entirely autonomously. This year, KUdos rose to the challenge, and then some, achieving an undefeated record in all qualification matches and earning the No. 1 ranking among collegiate teams.

The VEX AI awards come on the heels of a top showing at the VEX Worlds competition in May, where the team brought home the Innovate Award. The award recognizes teams whose engineering approach challenges convention and advances the game.

“We Built the Complete Package”

“Winning the Excellence Award is the culmination of everything we’ve worked toward,” said Nathan Nguyen ’26, mechanical engineering major and team captain. “It’s not just about building a robot; it’s about engineering, strategy, documentation, and collaboration, the complete package that defines a championship team.”

The Excellence Award stands as one of the highest honors in VEX AI competitions, recognizing overall excellence across both judged categories and on-field performance. Criteria include a fully developed engineering notebook, demonstration of independent inquiry, strong interviews, student-centered ethos, and consistently ranking in the top 40% in Qualification Matches, Robot Skills, and Autonomous Coding Skills Challenges. KUdos’ dedication to thorough documentation, innovative engineering, and teamwork earned them this coveted distinction.

A Team That Powers the Event

Beyond technical achievements, KUdos brought unmatched enthusiasm and energy to the competition, earning the Energy Award. This award recognizes teams that maintain a high level of excitement throughout the event, enriching the experience for everyone involved.

“Everywhere we went, people wanted to talk about our robots,” said Connor O’Keefe ’25, computer science major and strategy lead for the team. “It wasn’t just about us. It was about inspiring others and sharing the passion we have for robotics.”

Nguyen added, “Our team has always been about bringing energy and positivity, whether we’re answering questions from younger competitors or cheering on other teams. Winning the Energy Award was a reminder that robotics is as much about community as it is about competition.”

Redefining the Game

This season, KUdos made history with a groundbreaking design: “Rafiki” and “Simba”, two robots operating as one throughout an entire match. “That idea came up early in the season,” Nguyen said. “No one’s done it in any VEX high school, university, or AI competition before, and it changed the way we approached the game.”

Their “strategy dictates design” philosophy shaped every decision. “We don’t innovate just to stand out,” O’Keefe explained. “Every idea is a deliberate choice to support our game plan and make sure we lead the competition.”

Engineering Excellence and Emotional Milestones

KUdos’ season included Innovate Awards at every competition they entered, culminating in another at Worlds. “One of our mentors called 'Rafiki' and 'Simba’ the definition of world-level Innovate robots months in advance,” Nguyen said. “Seeing that prediction come true was unforgettable.”

This championship also marked O’Keefe’s final season with KUdos. “When we received the Innovate Award at VEX U Worlds, I saw Connor cry tears of joy,” Nguyen recalled. “We’ve built this team together over three years, late nights, big ideas, even arguments turned into breakthroughs. I’m going to miss him dearly.”

Powered by ɫ��Ƶ’s Co-Op Advantage

KUdos’ success is a testament to ɫ��Ƶ’s hands-on, experiential learning. “My Co-Op in program management taught me how to lead cross-disciplinary teams,” O’Keefe, who has Co-opped with MAHLE in Troy, MI, said. “That experience was invaluable in building a winning robotics team.”

Nguyen agreed. “ɫ��Ƶ’s Co-Op program lets me work back home in California while continuing to innovate and compete on campus,” he said. “It’s hands-on, paid experience that gives us an edge.” Nguyen ‘26, a Cypress, CA native, made the decision to complete his Co-op assignment closer to home at RadiaBeam in Santa Monica, CA.

Other members of the team leverage a variety of Co-op experiences. Katee Callicutt ‘27, a mechanical engineering major, found Co-op work in her hometown of Greenville, SC, at Magna Seating on its BMW account. A.J. Martinek ‘28, a computer science major from Berrien Springs, also found Co-op work with Magna, but in the New Mobility division in Troy, MI. Andrew Bolthouse ‘27, an engineering major from Hudsonville, MI, has completed Co-op rotations at Bissell Homecare. Adreiana Lippolis ‘28, a computer science major from Linden, MI, has spent time working at Ford Motor Company. Chris Schutter ‘28, a mechanical engineering student from Jenison, MI, works for Bradford White Corporation in Middleville, MI, while Cameron Smith ‘28, a mechanical engineering student from Grass Lake, MI, works at Eaton Corp. in Jackson, MI.

What’s Next?

As KUdos looks ahead, their mission is clear: raise the bar again. “Every year, our mantra is: how do we go further?” Nguyen said. “At ɫ��Ƶ, we’re not just building robots. We’re building a mindset that drives innovation and redefines what’s possible. With the momentum of our first-year success in VEX AI, we’re more driven than ever to push the boundaries of innovation and explore what’s truly possible through this competition.”

ɫ��Ƶ Students Take on Global Challenges at Harvard National Model UN

rnorris — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 13:09:14 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Students Take on Global Challenges at Harvard National Model UN

Clubs and Organizations

Model United Nations

Student Life

rnorris Tue, 04/01/2025 - 09:09

Engineers aren’t always thought of as diplomats. But ɫ��Ƶ students are problem-solvers — they shine wherever they see a challenge.

In February, five ɫ��Ƶ students traveled to Boston to compete in the Harvard National Model United Nations (HNMUN) — one of the world’s oldest and most competitive international relations simulations. Ian Gibson ’26 (Electrical Engineering), Bassam Jehangir ’26 (Mechanical Engineering), Ryan Hociota ’26 (Electrical Engineering), Amanya Gonzales ’26 (Industrial Engineering), and Skylar Menzies ’26 (Chemical Engineering) represented ɫ��Ƶ at the competition.

At Model UN, students from around the globe take on the role of country delegates, debating and collaborating on some of the toughest global issues — from security and human rights to technology and sustainability. Over the course of a weekend, ɫ��Ƶ’s team joined students from Ivy League and international universities, proving that analytical minds and problem solvers belong at the table for world-changing conversations.

Four of the ɫ��Ƶ students represented Iceland for the duration of the HNMUN and were able to pass resolutions in each of their respective committees: United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), and Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN).

Ian Gibson participated in a special committee, The Boeing Board of Directors, where he represented board member John M. Richardson. That committee discussed how to increase the safety and quality of Boeing airplanes and how airlines can ensure their airplanes are safe.

“I had the opportunity to attend Harvard National Model United Nations alongside an incredible delegation of fellow ɫ��Ƶ students,” Gibson said after the event. “I am incredibly proud of how our team performed and grateful to have spent time learning and debating with talented students from across the globe.”

For ɫ��Ƶ students — known for their hands-on work in labs, Co-ops, and competitive teams — Model UN offered a new proving ground to sharpen critical skills in communication, leadership, and global thinking. The experience also underscored a core ɫ��Ƶ value: Solutions don’t stop at technical answers — they require the ability to work across boundaries, advocate for ideas, and lead through complexity.

At ɫ��Ƶ, students rise to that expectation, whether engineering next-gen EVs, managing Co-op projects, or debating global policy. Because when something needs to be built — whether it’s a better drivetrain or a better world — Bulldogs show up ready to lead.

ɫ��Ƶ Esports Expands Lineup with "Marvel Rivals"

rnorris — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 16:49:13 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Esports Expands Lineup with "Marvel Rivals"

Clubs and Organizations

Esports

Competition Teams

Esports

rnorris Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:49

ɫ��Ƶ Esports is adding firepower to its competitive lineup with the introduction of Marvel Rivals. After overwhelming student interest, the fast-paced, team-based title is now an official part of the program — launching with three full team rosters in its inaugural season.

The decision came after ɫ��Ƶ’s Overwatch 2 team explored its competitive direction for the Spring season. While Overwatch 2 remains available for players who want to compete, the majority of the team chose to focus on Marvel Rivals — a game that has quickly gained traction in the collegiate scene. The shift resulted in the largest Esports tryout in ɫ��Ƶ history, with 23 students participating. As a result, ɫ��Ƶ is now home to three Marvel Rivals teams, each ready to take on the growing collegiate competition.

Marvel Rivals is a fast-paced 6v6 team-based player versus player (PvP) shooter featuring iconic Marvel superheroes and villains. Players engage in dynamic battles across various Marvel multiverse locations, choosing from a growing roster of characters, including Spider-Man, Captain America, and Iron Man. The game also highlights some of Marvel’s more niche and fan-favorite characters, including Squirrel Girl and Jeff the Land Shark, giving players a wide range of play styles and personalities to choose from.

“From the moment we started talking about Marvel Rivals, the energy was different,” said Dan Nowaczyk, ɫ��Ƶ’s Director of Esports. “Players were excited. They were engaged. It was clear that this was the game they wanted to compete in. Our program is built to give students that opportunity.”

ɫ��Ƶ’s Marvel Rivals teams will make their tournament debut this month, competing in an event hosted by the National Esports Collegiate Conference (NECC). With collegiate interest in Marvel Rivals rapidly growing since the game’s December 2024 launch, ɫ��Ƶ is stepping in as an early contender in the emerging space.

This isn’t the only expansion for ɫ��Ƶ Esports. The program is also adding Deadlock, a tactical third-person shooter with multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) elements, and preparing a World of Warcraft Mythic+ team to compete at the highest level of play.

Since its first competitive season in 2020, ɫ��Ƶ Esports has grown from three game titles and 20 players to 10 titles and nearly 100 competitors. More than just a competitive program, esports at ɫ��Ƶ brings together students across academic terms, forging friendships, leadership skills, and a strong sense of community.

“Winning is great, but for me, Esports is about something bigger,” Nowaczyk said. “It’s about teamwork, personal growth, and giving students something they can take pride in. That’s why we have a near 99% retention and graduation rate — this program is more than competition; it’s a support system.”

ɫ��Ƶ Esports is always looking for new talent. If you're ready to compete, build lifelong connections, and push your skills to the next level, visit ɫ��Ƶ Esports.

ɫ��Ƶ Inducts New Robot Society Members

rnorris — Fri, 20 Dec 2024 17:50:18 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ Inducts New Robot Society Members

Clubs and Organizations

Student Life

rnorris Fri, 12/20/2024 - 12:50

On December 10, 2024, ɫ��Ƶ proudly initiated three new members into the esteemed Robot Society, an honor that stands as the pinnacle of the University's recognition. Membership is awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional leadership, academic performance, and a commitment to community values.

Since the organization’s founding in 1927, approximately 1,200 individuals have been honored as Robots, selected from the top 1 percent of the student body. Each initiate is chosen for exemplifying the Society's core values: Leadership, which is Creative, Service that Transcends Self, and Citizenship, which Demonstrates Responsibility.

The official Robot attire, designed to distinguish members, includes:

White Gloves symbolizing purity
Red Bow Tie representing the bloodline of a leader
Cane topped with the letter "R" to signify membership
Black Spots on the Key, symbolizing the transformation into a Robot
Bells are worn to draw attention to the initiates

The initiation ceremony consists of certification, the recitation of the Robot pledge, and the signing of the Keys by all present honorary and active Robots. The Robot Pledge commits new members to uphold the Society's ideals and adhere to the Constitution and Bylaws.

The newest members of the Robot Society are:

Ian Gibson, Electrical Engineering

Jaydin Freeman, Computer Science

Meadow Loukmas, Mechanical Engineering

Becoming a Robot is a distinguished honor and offers recognition for going above and beyond as a student. Members have opportunities for scholarships, networking with alumni in C-level positions, and consideration for prestigious awards such as the President's Medal.

Congratulations to these outstanding students on their remarkable achievement! Your dedication and commitment to excellence inspire the entire ɫ��Ƶ community.

ɫ��Ƶ’s African American Alumni Network Honors Distinguished Members of the University Community

rnorris — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 15:11:27 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ’s African American Alumni Network Honors Distinguished Members of the University Community

Alumni

Campus Events

Clubs and Organizations

Faculty & Staff

Multicultural Student Affairs

rnorris Thu, 06/20/2024 - 11:11

ɫ��Ƶ’s African American Alumni Network members gathered Saturday, May 18, to celebrate the outstanding contributions of retired professor Dr. Petros “Pete” Gheresus and current faculty member Dr. K. Joel Berry.

Dr. Gheresus (also known affectionately as Professor Pete) is a native of Eritrea, East Africa. With an 8th-grade education, he emigrated to the United States, settling in Minnesota when he was 19. His determined spirit pushed him to earn a high school diploma and continue his journey into higher education - eventually earning a doctorate in Industrial Engineering from Iowa State University.

Dr. Gheresus joined General Motors Institute (GMI), now ɫ��Ƶ, in 1980. Over his tenure, he held several pivotal roles, including Director of the Industrial Engineering Program and the Director of the Computer Center. In 1984, he co-founded the Academically Interested Minds (AIM) program, which continues to provide high school students with a taste of the rigorous, hands-on ɫ��Ƶ experience by exposing them to college-level math, science, and business courses.

While Dr. Gheresus retired from ɫ��Ƶ in 2022 after more than 40 years of service, he continues to serve the University outside the classroom by promoting robotics education to Genesee County area teachers and students.

Rahel Medhanie ‘16, M’21 shared her thoughts on how Dr. Gheresus embodies the ɫ��Ƶ spirit, “Pete exemplifies what it means to be a great person, teacher, and engineer and continues to be a staple in fostering engineering and technology education in his local community, as well as in his home country.”

Dr. K. Joel Berry is a current ɫ��Ƶ faculty member and an alumnus. Dr. Berry earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1979 from GMI. Since joining the faculty in 1987, he has inspired more than 4,000 young minds. Ella Reevers ‘80, counts Dr. Berry as a constant positive influence in her life, “He is focused on the prize and is very much like the mascot of our alma mater, the Bulldog,” she said. “Once he commits to a plan, he sees it through. Something he encourages others to do as well.”

Dr. Berry was the first person of color to join ɫ��Ƶ’s Mechanical Engineering faculty and became the longest-serving Head of an Engineering Department in the history of the University. Dr. Berry is also the founder and Director of the ɫ��Ƶ Center for Fuel Cell Systems Integration. He lists his priorities as God, family, academics, and basketball -- in that order.

Ricky Brown, Director of Multicultural Student Affairs, said both Dr. Berry and Dr. Gheresus have made a huge impact on ɫ��Ƶ, “They have taught thousands of students in the fields of engineering and computer programming. Through their dedication and passion, they have educated and touched the lives of so many successful professionals worldwide. Drs. Berry and Gheresus have been a positive force for ɫ��Ƶ's students of color. They have gone over and beyond their call of duty to mentor the students. ɫ��Ƶ is one of the top-ranked universities in the country when it comes to retention for students of color in engineering, and these two gentlemen are part of that legacy of success.”

About ɫ��Ƶ’s African American Alumni Network

The AAAN was founded in 2019 by 35 of ɫ��Ƶ’s African American alums who wanted to make a difference. The ɫ��Ƶ African American Alumni Scholarship Endowment was born through donations from those original members. While providing financial assistance through scholarships is the mission of the Network, mentoring remains a top priority. The hope is that all who are touched by the African American Alumni Network and Scholarship Endowment will follow their mentors’ lead and continue the tradition of support.

Aerial Drone Competition Inspires Students and Staff Alike at ɫ��Ƶ

eoboyle — Tue, 13 Feb 2024 14:21:45 +0000

Aerial Drone Competition Inspires Students and Staff Alike at ɫ��Ƶ

Recreation Center

Clubs and Organizations

“The collaborative energy of the event was infectious.“

Dr. Patrick Atkinson

eoboyle Tue, 02/13/2024 - 09:21

High school students from the Great Lakes region met at ɫ��Ƶ’s Robotics Community Center on Jan. 28 and 29 to compete in the Robotics Education and Competition (REC) Foundation’s 2024 Aerial Drone Competition, Eclipse.

In the Eclipse mission, two drone teams work together as an alliance in 90-second matches. They collaborate to score points by clearing balls from chambers, moving them into goals, removing balls off of pillars and landing their drone.

During the last 30 seconds of the match, the Eclipse begins. In this phase, teams must complete a complex five-phase flight maneuver called a “Total Eclipse” to earn additional points.

“The Aerial Drone Competition is one of the REC Foundation's fastest-growing programs. The number of teams has doubled since last year," said Kim Shumaker, Robotics Community Center and Robotics Outreach Director at ɫ��Ƶ. “This program creates a new segment of students who develop programming, problem-solving, and communication skills as they complete autonomous challenges, communicate flight plans and train pilots.”

Although only high school students competed in Eclipse, a volunteer team of ɫ��Ƶ students, alumni and a faculty member could be found in the arena and venue throughout the weekend. The volunteers completed a range of tasks to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Faculty member Dr. Patrick Atkinson faced a challenge of his own. Between each round of competition, he had 60 seconds to reset the field and ensure all obstacles complied with strict rules.

“I live and breathe all things mechanical engineering as well as ɫ��Ƶ, so it was awesome to actively help in the arena,” he said. “The collaborative energy of the event was infectious—some students even jumped in to help me reset the field a little faster.”

Atkinson ’91 found inspiration in the collaborative spirit of the teams of young drone operators.

“Something amazing is rarely done by a single person; it requires a team of people who set aside their differences and rally around a central focus,” said Atkinson, a 25-year member of the Mechanical Engineering department. “That necessary teamwork was on full display every round of the Eclipse event.”

Susan LaFeldt, an academic advisor and success coach in the Academic Success Center, served as a que helper, ensuring every team was ready before each round.

“These competitions are all about working together,” she said. “The drone teams were comprised of two students from two different schools who had to work together to determine who would be the driver, the spotter/director and which obstacles they would complete in the arena. Communication was key, and many students rose to the occasion.”

ɫ��Ƶ will host regional aerial drone championships May 17-18 in the Connie and Jim John Recreation Center. For more information about Robotics at ɫ��Ƶ, click here.

College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

ɫ��Ƶ AutoDrive Team Earns Third Place in Mobility Innovation at AutoDrive II Challenge

eoboyle — Wed, 21 Jun 2023 18:15:44 +0000

ɫ��Ƶ AutoDrive Team Earns Third Place in Mobility Innovation at AutoDrive II Challenge

Clubs and Organizations

Competition Teams

Autodrive

Mechanical Engineering

eoboyle Wed, 06/21/2023 - 14:15

The ɫ��Ƶ AutoDrive team, Bulldog Bolt, wrapped up its second year of competition this month, finishing third in Mobility Innovation.

The team and its Chevy Bolt EV competed June 4-10 at MCity in Ann Arbor. The four-year competition, sponsored by SAE International and General Motors, tasks 10 teams with developing and demonstrating a completely autonomous-driving passenger vehicle. Each year, the competition builds on the next by adding more challenges.

The Mobility Innovation Award is based on two items the team submitted. The first is a report on the 0-0-0 Challenge, in which students needed to build on last year’s work by validating the power consumption of the vehicle’s sensors.

“This is important because the power consumption of sensors impacts the vehicle range, which is a major concern to consumers,” said Dr. Diane Peters, the team’s faculty advisor.

The Mobility Innovation Award also is based on a video the team produced that focused on finding issues with an autonomous vehicle future and how to sell solutions to lobbyists.

Although it’s the second year of the competition, it’s the first year teams worked with an actual car. During the challenge's first year, the team outfitted a large metal cart with sensors to collect data.

“Transitioning from the cart to the car presented some challenges,” Peters said. “The perception algorithms developed on the cart could be carried over, but interfacing with the car was a significant challenge as it involved propulsion and steering, which weren’t a factor in the stationary cart. And, of course, safety was critical since we needed to ensure students were always working in a safe environment where the car wouldn’t do anything unexpected.”

Team Captain Kevin Patterson (’24, EE) agreed transitioning from the cart to the car was challenging but is pleased with the team’s results.

“Even though the ɫ��Ƶ AutoDrive team had a tough year, it was impressive how the team performed and how much it faced,” he said. “The biggest takeaway of the year is to keep pushing forward.”

Participating in AutoDrive helps students gain experience and network with others in various industries.

“There is plenty of work to be done, whether it’s designing different mounts for cameras and sensors, real-time project management skills for business majors, and electrical engineering to help design and develop the harness and various electrical components,” Patterson said.

During the competition, he also met with representatives from sponsoring companies.

“I spoke with multiple companies that are very interested in not only ɫ��Ƶ students but AutoDrive ɫ��Ƶ students with the experience to do what their companies do,” Patterson said.

The rules for the Year 3 challenge will be released in late summer or early fall. Until then, Peters said students are making a list of things it needs to improve on from this year so they’ll be prepared and ready to get to work.

College of Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Clubs and Organizations

ɫ����Ƶ VEX U Team Claims Top Honors at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship

“We Built the Complete Package”

A Team That Powers the Event

Redefining the Game

Engineering Excellence and Emotional Milestones

Powered by ɫ����Ƶ’s Co-Op Advantage

What’s Next?

ɫ����Ƶ Students Take on Global Challenges at Harvard National Model UN

ɫ����Ƶ Esports Expands Lineup with "Marvel Rivals"

ɫ����Ƶ Inducts New Robot Society Members

ɫ����Ƶ’s African American Alumni Network Honors Distinguished Members of the University Community

Aerial Drone Competition Inspires Students and Staff Alike at ɫ����Ƶ

ɫ����Ƶ AutoDrive Team Earns Third Place in Mobility Innovation at AutoDrive II Challenge

ɫ��Ƶ VEX U Team Claims Top Honors at the 2025 VEX AI Robotics Competition Championship

Powered by ɫ��Ƶ’s Co-Op Advantage

ɫ��Ƶ Students Take on Global Challenges at Harvard National Model UN

ɫ��Ƶ Esports Expands Lineup with "Marvel Rivals"

ɫ��Ƶ Inducts New Robot Society Members

ɫ��Ƶ’s African American Alumni Network Honors Distinguished Members of the University Community

Aerial Drone Competition Inspires Students and Staff Alike at ɫ��Ƶ

ɫ��Ƶ AutoDrive Team Earns Third Place in Mobility Innovation at AutoDrive II Challenge