Aggie Engineers Push Boundaries in Research, Leadership and Innovation
Meet the Aggie engineers taking their ambitions to new heights through cutting-edge research, community leadership and a drive to create meaningful impact.
Alyssa Smith
Alyssa Smith.
Alyssa Smith, a mechanical engineering major with an aerospace emphasis and minors in anticipatory intelligence and mathematics, was one of just 18 students nationwide selected for the prestigious NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates program. She spent her summer at the University of Central Florida developing code for a machine learning model to improve spacecraft re-entry guidance. This experience gave her new perspective on problem-solving and the importance of seeking opportunities beyond the classroom.
At Utah State, Alyssa continues her research with Dr. Som Dutta, exploring how complex fluid behaviors impact real-world challenges in engineering, energy, and the environment.
Madalyn Pullins
Madalyn Pullins.
Madalyn Pullins, a mechanical engineering major with an aerospace emphasis and a mathematics minor, spent the summer at the University of Central Florida as one of just 18 students selected for the competitive NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program. Working alongside Dr. Subith Vasu, she researched advanced, nontoxic propellants for future space missions.
At Utah State, Madalyn continues her research with Dr. Tony Whitmore in the Propulsion Research Laboratory. She has been actively involved in the College of Engineering's Society of Women Engineers and will serve this year as vice president of outreach for the newly renamed We Engineer club. Passionate about sharing STEM with the Logan community, she encourages students to get involved beyond the classroom, stay persistent, and take chances on opportunities.
Boston John
Boston John. (Photography credit – SDL/Allison Bills)
Boston John was named Utah's only recipient of this year's Astronaut Scholarship from the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. A senior in mechanical engineering with an aerospace emphasis and a minor in unmanned aircraft systems, John has pursued his passion for flight since piloting his first plane at age 13. Since his freshman year, he has worked at the Space Dynamics Laboratory, where he designs, builds and tests unmanned aircraft.
This past summer, he interned at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, contributing to the trim algorithm for Chopper, a hexacopter drone designed to fly on Mars and collect scientific data.
Ammon Wallace
Ammon Wallace.
As President of the College of Engineering Ambassadors and the recruiter's assistant, civil engineering undergraduate Ammon Wallace dedicates his time outside of the classroom to help shape the future of Aggie engineers. A consistent Dean's List honoree, he balances academic excellence with leadership, whether leading tours, organizing community events or training ambassadors to confidently represent the college.
Wallace draws on his own experience to inspire others, encouraging both prospective and current students to get involved in clubs and embrace the close-knit community that has been a highlight of his time in the College of Engineering. Looking ahead, Wallace plans to pursue a master's degree in structural engineering at USU to further his passion for building resilient infrastructure.
Samiul Alam
Samiul Alam.
Samiul Alam, a concurrent MS/PhD student in the Mechanical and Aerospace Department, earned 2nd place in the M.S. category of the 2025 SAMPE University Research Symposium. Alam's, "Analysis of Thrust Performance and Noise Generation of UAM Composite Propellers Fabricated Using Composite-Based Additive Manufacturing," explores innovative applications of composite additive manufacturing for future mobility solutions. This research aims to demonstrate a time-efficient, scalable approach for producing the next generation of propellers for urban air mobility.
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Writer: Madeline Buskirk, madeline.buskirk@usu.edu, 435-797-7512