Where were we in summer 2025?
Kayla Magruder – Vice President
This summer I conducted research at Leland Stanford Junior University through the 2025 SURF REU program. Throughout this experience I worked on developing the “Gecko Lasso”, a device using gecko inspired adhesive to securely grasp objects in space to help reduce the 30 million pounds of space debris currently circulating Low Earth Orbit (LEO). Check out my summer blog documenting my 10 week journey here: Kayla’s Summer 2025 Blog.
Caly Ferguson – President
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Promoting Research Opportunities in Engineering Labs (PROPEL) program at The Johns Hopkins University. As part of the program, I worked on designing a motorized elbow exoskeleton that can render different stiffness levels aroundthe elbow joint, enabling novel haptic perception experiments. This was a hands-on engineering project that aligned deeply with my passion for building devices.
Nathan Bolima – Membership Chair
This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to engage in research through the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Summer Research Program (MSRP), where I worked as a research intern in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering. In the Wallin Group, my project focused on enhancing the functionality of soft robotics by optimizing the creation of stretchable conductors, whose conductivity can be manipulated through light exposure.
Glory Ndubuisi Olavu – Finance Chair
I spent 12 weeks interning with Leidos. The experience was enriching—I had the opportunity to strengthen my technical skills, contribute to meaningful projects, and learn from a team of supportive and talented professionals. I am especially grateful for the mentorship and guidance I received, which helped me grow both personally and professionally.
Sarah Ward – Programs Chair
This summer I engaged in aresearch internship under the Research Intensive Summer Experience (R.I.S.E.) Program at Rutgers University. I conducted my research project in Dr. Vazquez and Dr. Tutwiler’s lab where I explored, “The Impact of Microplastics in Vision Loss in Diabetic Retinopathy.” This summer featured hands-on research, informative seminars and cultivated not only the development of undergraduate researchers but resulted in the formation of a supportive community among them.