The first kerosene liquid oxygen rocket to be static-test-fired in the state of Oregon, technology to control electronics devices with your mind, handbags made of locally caught fish, and a portable pickleball training machine are among the roughly 250 senior capstone projects that will be on display at the 2026 College of Engineering Expo.
More than 1,000 students will take part in the event, which is free and open to the public. An awards ceremony and reception will follow.
“The Engineering Expo showcases the really remarkable projects our talented students work on and the skills they acquire here at Oregon State,” said Forrest Masters, Kearney Dean of Engineering. “It’s truly inspiring to see what these students can do.”
Students share their work through models, demonstrations and posters at the expo, which is sponsored by Lam Research (Silver Sponsor) and Pacific Power (Bronze Sponsor). Select projects will be viewable online.
Individuals, companies, national laboratories and other government agencies sponsor the projects and provide mentorship to the students. Andrews Cooper, Boeing, Daimler, Hoffman Construction, HP, INTERA, Jacobs, Lam Research, Lonza, NuScale, Pacific Power and Portland General Electric also sponsor awards; representatives from the companies will act as judges and presenters.
Capstone projects
Capstone projects on display in person also include:
- Peanut protein and soy allergen tests for solid and liquid samples
- An exercise-based mobile game – Run For Your Life – where you expand your territory by completing running routes in your town
- A tool that helps Oregonians choose plants that support wild bee
- A hands-on digital logic game for 5th-grade students that teaches basic computer engineering through modular puzzle pieces, user inputs and LED feedback
- A power stabilization framework to integrate NuScale’s small modular reactor design with AI data center demand
- Improved fish passage technologies
In addition to the student capstone projects, a range of College of Engineering clubs and organizations, including Land Speed Racing, Human-Powered Submarine, the High-Altitude Liquid Engine rocket team, Global Formula One Racing, and Baja Racing will have displays at the event.
11 am to 4 pm, Friday, June 5 at CH2M HILL Alumni Center and The LaSells Stewart Center, 725-875 SW 26th St., Corvallis. To learn more and RSVP, click here.
By Steve Lundeberg
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