Michigan State University is the nation’s premier land-grant university and one of the top research universities in the world. The College of Engineering is among the university’s founding disciplines and one of the largest academic units. Degrees granted by the college are sought-after and valued in the marketplace, with more than 6,800 students, 341 faculty, and collaborative partners in industry and government working together to deliver the technology talent and innovation needed to drive the economy of Michigan and beyond.
Michigan State University Professor Nelson Sepúlveda Alancastro has been named the chairperson of the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) effective April 1, 2026. He has served as interim chair since July 2024. Engineering Interim Dean John Papapolymerou said he is pleased Sepúlveda will continue to serve in a key leadership role.
That was the challenge on April 10 as doctoral student finalists took the stage at Michigan State University’s College of Engineering Three Minute Thesis competition, transforming complex engineering research into clear, compelling presentations for a broad audience.
Navya Bhardwaj will graduate on Sunday, May 3, 2026, with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and engineering and minors in data science, and computational mathematics, science and engineering. She is president of MSU Women in Computing and served as co-director of SpartaHack.
Two College of Engineering ventures were among 15 student startups that took the stage April 9 at Michigan State University’s Burgess New Venture Challenge, the university’s premier pitch competition for student entrepreneurs. Competing before an audience of more than 400 students, alumni, investors and community leaders, Spartan founders vied for $50,000 in non-dilutive grant funding, with two engineering-led ventures earning honors for ideas rooted in efficiency, automation and real-world problem-solving.