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Front row (left to right): Sebastian Martinez, Calvin Cook, Leodan Morales, Hannah Stevenson, Owen Gentz, Aaron Gunn, Christopher Mahoney, Maria Uribe, Leah Schisler, Megan Neely, Tommy Currie. Back row (left to right): Zach Sanders, Becca Saad, Dakota Frazelle, Ashtin Schisler, Ryan Vance, Mitchell Kittleson, Connor Ware, Alex Welch.
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Lab Revampt Team
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M.A.R.S (Modular Autonomous Robot System) Team
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H.A.L.O. (Hoist Analytics & Lifecycle Operations) Team
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WIU–QC Engineering Students Celebrate Success of Senior Projects

May 11, 2026

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*An individual team photo of the Coastal Cleaner Team is not pictured with their project.


MACOMB/MOLINE, IL - -The WIU–QC Engineering Senior Projects showcase the culmination of years of learning, collaboration and hands-on problem solving. Each project represents the creativity, persistence and technical skill of our graduating seniors as they apply their knowledge to real-world engineering challenges. We are proud to highlight the work of multiple student teams whose efforts reflect both strong technical achievement and professional growth.

While enrolled in the Engineering programs, students are trained to conduct research, analyze complex problems and develop effective solutions in technical fields. The curriculum also strengthens communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills. By graduation, students are expected to achieve the following learning outcomes:


  • Apply the principles of engineering, science and mathematics to solve complex engineering problems

  • Produce solutions that address public health, safety and welfare

  • Practice effective communication

  • Recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in engineering situations

  • Function effectively on a team

  • Conduct experimentation, analyze and interpret data and draw conclusions

  • Acquire new knowledge


The Senior Project serves as the culminating experience where students demonstrate these competencies through applied, team-based work. This year's projects, sponsored by the School of Engineering and Technology, span innovative work in the rapidly growing field of autonomous technology.

Team Members:
H.A.L.O (Hoist Analytics & Lifecycle Operations) Team:
Calvin Cook — Grant Park, IL
Maria Uribe — Rock Falls, IL
Ryan Vance — LeClaire, IA
Tyler Rutledge — Bettendorf, IA

M.A.R.S (Modular Autonomous Robot System) Team:
Aaron Gunn — Vermillion, SD
Hannah Stevenson — Ipava, IL
Owen Gentz — Long Grove, IA
Leodan Morales — East Moline, IL
Sebastian Martinez — Victoria de Cortázar, Gto, México
Christopher Mahoney — Ontario, CA
Josh (not pictured) — Byelands, Saint Andrew, Grenada
Becca Saad — Jdeidet Marjeyoun, Lebanon
Dakota Frazelle — East Moline, IL

Coastal Cleaner Team
Leigha Schisler — Galesburg, IL
Megan Neely — Port Byron, IL
Tommy Currie — Galesburg, IL
Zach Sanders — Port Byron, IL
Ashtin Schisler — Galesburg, IL
Mitchell Kittleson — Geneseo, IL

Lab Revampt Team
Connor Ware — Walcott, IA
Alex Welch — Stark County, IL
Alexandra Hildebrant - Moline, IL
Sophie Nortman - Kewanee, IL
Brooke Kilburg - Eldridge, IA

"We worked nearly every day Monday - Friday doing constant research, revisions and designs on our project. Were it not for guidance from our mentors / professors Dr. Shin & Dr. Zbeeb, our project would be half of what it is. They pushed us to succeed in ways we did not think were possible: from providing us books, being open to optional meetings, and criticism when needed. All projects in this course are not possible without consistent dedication, applied efforts from our experience here at Western Illinois University, and all of our prior knowledge attained. We're all proud of what we achieved and are looking forward to representing this institution's success moving forward into our careers and further education," Frazelle said.

Each team was responsible for designing and developing autonomous features for a vehicle system, integrating sensors, electrical control systems, power distribution and management, programming and ROS (Robot Operating System) for autonomous navigation.

Across all projects, students collaborated to solve complex engineering challenges, strengthen system design and refine functionality through iterative testing and development. These experiences also fostered strong teamwork and morale as students supported one another through a rigorous two-semester process.

Throughout the year, teams produced regular progress reports, delivered presentations and completed final reports and presentations showcasing their designs, testing and outcomes.

"Over the past two semesters, I have been truly impressed by the perseverance demonstrated by our seniors as they worked on their senior projects. The way they have transformed challenges, obstacles, and setbacks into meaningful learning opportunities has earned my deep respect. Their curiosity and strong commitment to problem-solving will undoubtedly serve them well in the future. Congratulations on all that you have accomplished," WIU Electrical Engineering Professor and Senior Projects Advisor Il-Seop Shin said.

We are proud of the dedication, professionalism and achievement demonstrated by all of these students. Their projects reflect not only strong engineering capability but also their readiness to contribute meaningfully to the future of technology and innovation.

For more information on WIU's Engineering programs, visit wiu.edu/SET.

Posted By: Lexi Dittmar (aj-dittmar@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing