Michigan State University (MSU) College of Engineering students competed in the eighth annual Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Case Competition. Sixty-six teams from universities across the country, consisting of two students and one advisor each, were challenged to develop innovative solutions to complex business, engineering, and ethics issues by demonstrating their problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration skills.
This year's challenge focused on firefighting intelligence, where students developed a joint firefighting intelligence solution that balanced human input and technology during critical moments. The goal was to help enable first responders to prioritize limited resources, reduce the loss of life and property, and remain open to technological advancements in the future.
For the third year in a row, two teams from MSU competed. Sophia Sutter, a senior studying electrical engineering, Sai Shruthi Rajaraman, a junior studying mechanical engineering, and their advisor Rachel Mangiavellano, specialist – advisor in the College of Engineering, were the green team. Ethan Weisblatt, a senior studying mechanical engineering, Suchit Thummalappally, a junior studying computer science, and their advisor Bernadette Friedrich, director of student advancement in The Center for Spartan Engineering, were the white team.
“I was told by a lot of people to apply for this competition, so I went for it, and it's been eye-opening,” Sutter said. “You learn something you didn't know before and meet with people from different parts of the country that care about the same thing you do.”
“I think that the case competition helps with your public speaking, presentation skills, and collaboration abilities, which will help with whatever career path you go down,” said Thummalapally.
Outside the competition, students had the opportunity to participate in workshops, engage with Lockheed Martin engineers, and explore issues in Artificial Intelligence. They were able to experiment with Lockheed Martin simulators, compete in a paper airplane competition, and tour notable facilities on Lockheed Martin’s campus.
Perhaps the most unforgettable moment of the event came from a surprise guest: Astronaut Sunita Williams, who joined live from the International Space Station.
“My dream ever since I was 10 was to become an astronaut,” Rajaraman said. “Being able to speak to Sunita Williams and ask her questions about how I can become an astronaut was amazing.”
Friedrich said that this competition helps students learn to evaluate ethical considerations and prepare for challenges they might face in their careers. “It gives them the opportunity to see that sometimes the simplest things are actually ethical decisions and really helps them understand why.”
Written by Maggie Dillion, a student writer in the Marketing Communications office of the College of Engineering.
MSU College of Engineering Media and Public Relations page