Chico State University engineering students showcased their innovative capstone projects during the College of Engineering Senior Capstone Expo on December 12, 2025. Among the highlights was a drone attachment designed by a team led by student Conor Daly, aimed at assisting in prescribed burns. The project features “dragon eggs,” small balls that ignite brush fires, circumventing the initial, albeit impractical, idea of using napalm due to international laws.
Over the course of a year, student teams collaborated with industry partners to create projects that address real-world challenges. Daly’s team initially partnered with the Tehama County Resource Conservation District, which sought to develop a drone program. Unfortunately, the collaboration faltered when the district’s representative left the organization. Despite this setback, the team, funded by Chico State, successfully completed their project.
The capstone expo, held in Colusa Hall, provided a platform for students to present their work. Student engineers Devin Lamoreaux and Jonathan Garcia discussed their “Vehicle Break Characterizer” project, which aims to enhance vehicle safety. The event attracted attention from faculty, students, and industry professionals, fostering an environment of collaboration and innovation.
Daly noted that while drones similar to their prototype typically cost around $40,000, their project, including the Chico State-provided drone, was completed for less than $4,000. This cost-effective solution could potentially benefit future projects through partnerships with interested companies.
Faculty involvement plays a crucial role in the capstone program. Each student team is assigned a faculty adviser, who helps facilitate connections with industry sponsors. According to David Alexander, Dean of the College of Engineering, faculty support begins long before the projects are initiated, ensuring that students have the resources they need to succeed.
Once partnered with sponsors, students spend one semester designing their projects, iterating on ideas to refine their objectives. The second semester focuses on bringing these designs to fruition, allowing students to gain practical experience in project development.
“It’s very much an iterative process,” Alexander explained. He emphasized the significance of the capstone experience in transforming students into young professionals, noting that many students secure job offers through their projects.
The capstone program not only equips students with valuable skills but also enhances their resumes. Alexander remarked on the profound growth he witnesses in students as they transition from academic settings to industry-ready professionals.
As the expo concluded, the potential for future collaboration remained evident, with new companies expressing interest in working with students on their projects. The blend of creativity, practicality, and industry engagement at Chico State continues to foster innovation in engineering education.
