Chico State University’s engineering students showcased their inventive capstone projects on December 12, 2025, during the College of Engineering Senior Capstone Expo. Among the highlights was a drone attachment designed to ignite prescribed burns, created by a team led by student Conor Daly. Initially, the team considered using napalm for their project, but they opted for a safer alternative: “dragon eggs,” small balls that can effectively start brush fires.
The capstone projects, which took a full year to develop, involved collaboration with industry partners. Daly’s team partnered with the Tehama County Resource Conservation District, which aimed to implement a drone program. The partnership faced challenges when a district employee left, causing the organization to withdraw. Despite this setback, the team received funding from Chico State, enabling them to complete their project successfully.
Innovative Solutions on Display
The expo featured a variety of projects, including a household chore robot and the “Vehicle Break Characterizer,” developed by students Devin Lamoreaux and Jonathan Garcia. The robot, which is designed to assist with everyday tasks, reflects the innovative spirit of the students involved in the capstone program. In total, the projects presented at Colusa Hall highlighted the practical applications of engineering principles.
Daly mentioned that drones similar to the one his team worked on typically cost around $40,000. In contrast, their prototype, which included the drone provided by the university, was completed for less than $4,000. This significant cost reduction demonstrates the potential for scalability and accessibility of their design.
Faculty Guidance and Industry Connections
The capstone program at Chico State emphasizes the importance of mentorship and real-world experience. Each student team is assigned a faculty adviser, as explained by David Alexander, Dean of the College of Engineering. Before projects begin, faculty members work diligently to establish industry connections that can support the students.
Once partnered with sponsors, students spend a semester refining their project designs. This iterative process involves continuous feedback and adjustments to ensure their projects are feasible and impactful. After finalizing their designs, students dedicate an entire semester to building their projects, culminating in the capstone expo.
Alexander, who formerly taught the capstone class, noted the transformative experience for students. The skills and knowledge gained during the program often lead to job opportunities, as students can showcase their work on resumes. “What they go through — how they transform from a student to a young professional — is just amazing,” he stated.
The Senior Capstone Expo not only highlights the innovative projects developed by Chico State engineering students but also serves as a platform for students to demonstrate their readiness to enter the professional world. The projects reflect a combination of creativity, technical skill, and collaboration, reinforcing the university’s commitment to providing a robust educational experience.
