Chico State Engineering Students Unveil Innovative Capstone Projects
Chico State University engineering students showcased their innovative capstone projects on December 12, 2025, during the College of Engineering Senior Capstone Expo held at Colusa Hall. Among the standout exhibits was a drone attachment designed by student Conor Daly and his team, intended to facilitate prescribed burns through the release of “dragon eggs,” small balls that ignite brush fires.
The project, originally aimed to incorporate a controversial ignition method, reflects a creative problem-solving approach. Daly noted with humor, “We initially talked about using napalm, but that’s against the Geneva Convention.” Instead, their design prioritizes both safety and effectiveness.
This year-long capstone initiative allows students to collaborate with industry partners, enhancing the real-world impact of their projects. Although Daly’s team was initially partnered with the Tehama County Resource Conservation District, which sought to implement a drone program, the collaboration ended when the district’s key employee left. Despite this setback, the team received funding from Chico State, enabling them to complete their project.
Engaging with Real-World Challenges
The capstone expo featured a variety of innovative projects, including a robot designed for household chores and a Vehicle Break Characterizer project presented by students Devin Lamoreaux and Jonathan Garcia. These projects exemplify the hands-on learning experience that is a cornerstone of the engineering program.
Chico State’s capstone projects are not only educational but also valuable in the job market. According to David Alexander, Dean of the College of Engineering, each student team is assigned a faculty adviser who helps establish industry connections and provides guidance throughout the project lifecycle. Alexander emphasized the importance of the iterative design process, stating, “It’s very much an iterative process.”
Students typically spend one semester designing their projects, collaborating closely with sponsors to refine their goals. The second semester is dedicated to bringing their designs to fruition. This structure provides students with critical experience in project management and engineering practices.
Future Opportunities and Industry Connections
Daly mentioned that a new company has expressed interest in collaborating with a future capstone team to further develop their drone technology. He highlighted the financial advantages of their project, noting that typical drones of this kind can cost around $40,000, whereas their prototype, including the drone provided by Chico State, was completed for less than $4,000.
The capstone program not only helps students build their resumes but often leads to job offers. Alexander, who has taught the capstone class, remarked on the transformation students undergo throughout the process. “What they go through — how they transform from a student to a young professional — is just amazing,” he said.
The College of Engineering Senior Capstone Expo serves as a platform for students to demonstrate their hard work and creativity while addressing pressing societal challenges. As these students prepare to enter the workforce, the skills and experiences gained through this program will undoubtedly shape their future careers.
