The event brought together a full contingent of entering freshmen from across the colleges, enthusiastic upperclass coaches, seasoned faculty/ industry facilitators, and guest speakers. Students competed in a design competition to launch ping pong balls at a target with varying results - designs included catapults, ramps, elevated slingshots and a trebuchet. The keynote address was given by Dyan Gibbens, founder and CEO of Trumbull Unmanned. Keith Cooper opened the event (talked about Rice alumni and aspiring to change the world), while Ned Thomas gave closing remarks (three ships and the School of Engineering). Participants enjoyed dinner from Breakfast Klub. See student and facilitator images from the event by checking out #riceliftoff15.
Liftoff Design Competition
First Place:
Robin Kim - EE
Tara Martin - MECH
Jordan Wheeler - CEVE
Aravind Sundaramraj - BioE
Coach: Christina Petlowany MECH
Thank you to Dyan Gibbens of Trumbull Unmanned for being the Keynote Address Speaker!
Door Prize Winner
Congratulations to Michael Xiao (Undecided Engineering), our door prize winner! This year's door door prize was a Microsoft Surface 3 with keyboard screen cover, donated by Microsoft.