Innovation at NIU’s College of Engineering and Engineering Technology continues to turn ideas into impact—sometimes in ways that start in a classroom and quickly gain real-world traction.
Last week’s NIU Today feature, From simulator to sensation: Inside the Vespa mode journey at NIU, highlights the journey behind “Vespa Mode,” a student-driven concept that evolved from simulation to something far more tangible.
The creativity and grit of mechatronics engineering major Jerry Stamos, along with fellow engineering student Katherine Davenport, illustrates the hands-on, interdisciplinary work that’s at the heart of our philosophy of bridging theory with practice.
Their work demonstrates not only technical skill, but also the persistence and problem-solving mindset that employers and industry partners value.
Projects of this kind underscore how CEET students are gaining experience that extends beyond the classroom, preparing them to contribute immediately in fast-moving fields tied to mobility, design and emerging technologies.
Stamos and Davenport presented their research last week at the Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE).
They are just a part of the picture: CEET senior design teams have contributed to the physical platform over the past two years.
Stamos said that if nothing else, he wants fellow students to be inspired by the potential to gain outsized progress on a modest budget.
“You can use low-cost components and tools to quickly develop novel solutions to real problems,” he said.
Read the full story here: NIU Today | From simulator to sensation: Inside the Vespa mode journey at NIU
