By Katherine Hollen
On April 24th, the 2026 Engineering Project Showcase took place at Texas A&M University, highlighting 345 innovative capstone projects presented by over 1,000 senior engineering students. These projects, created in collaboration with industry partners such as Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), aimed to address real-world issues.
Students gathered at the Zachary Engineering Education Complex to present their project posters and prototypes to more than 200 industry judges. These professionals not only evaluated the projects for awards but also engaged with students, providing valuable feedback and meaningful opportunities to discuss their processes.
Beyond strengthening industry connections, the event celebrates student innovation, allowing participants to shine a light on their creativity, determination, and ability to overcome various challenges. Additionally, it offers inspiration for first- and second-year engineering students by showcasing significant research and the benefits of pursuing an engineering career.
Out of the many projects presented, only 40 awards were available, and among those, five capstone projects sponsored by LANL received outstanding recognition at the 2026 Engineering Project Showcase Awards.
Piezoelectric Sensor Attachment for Orphan Wells – 1st place in Mechanical Engineering
This innovative project developed a system that uses piezoelectric sensors to monitor orphan oil and gas wells that are abandoned and no longer in use. The sensors continuously collect data using very little power, helping to identify potential problems such as leaks or structural issues in remote or harsh locations.
Visual Defect Detection on Metal Surfaces – 2nd place in Computer Science and Engineering
This project used an AI learning model, specifically Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), to identify defects in detonators, improving their safety and performance. The ultimate goal is to create a user-friendly application that anyone can use, even without specialized expertise, thereby reducing the need for extensive manpower.
X-ray Transmissibility Measurements in a Scanning Electron Microscope – 3rd place in Materials Science and Engineering
This project developed a more affordable way to measure how X-rays pass through different materials, using a Scanning Electron Microscope rather than expensive specialized facilities. The project involved designing a sample mount, developing procedures for data collection, and using aluminum foils to validate the results.
Structure-Property Relationships Governing Thermal Embrittlement of Mo-alloys – 1st place in Materials Science and Engineering
This project studied how molybdenum alloys become brittle at high temperatures due to grain growth and impurities. It aims to improve testing methods by linking manufacturing history and heat exposure to changes in material structure and properties, thereby helping identify embrittlement limits for safer, more reliable component design.
HADES: High-temperature Automated Deformation Evaluation System – 1st place Overall
This project developed an automated system for reliable tensile testing at temperatures up to 600 °C. Designed for aerospace and national security applications, it provides a cost-effective way to obtain accurate mechanical data, improving testing efficiency and reducing the workload for operators.
By collaborating with students on various projects, LANL provided A&M students with opportunities to tackle complex scientific challenges. LANL offered invaluable hands-on experience, helping students better understand industry needs while developing their team-building and problem-solving skills. This partnership not only enhanced students’ educational experiences but also enabled LANL to benefit from fresh ideas and perspectives, further reinforcing its commitment to excellence and technological advancement.
Overall, the 2026 Engineering Project Showcase demonstrated the importance of sponsored capstone opportunities and served as a model for industry collaboration. Through this experience, both students and industry partners contributed to advancing innovation, driving progress, and shaping the future workforce.
