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EDWARD F. CROSS SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING

WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY FALL 2025

DEAN’S MESSAGE

s I write this message, a team of six engineering students along with their sponsors are in Tanzania. Their mission is to increase reliable access to water for the community of Manda. Through our partnership with Engineers Without Borders (EWB), our students have a remarkable opportunity to practice excellence in thought. In their work, they overcome the significant challenges of creating a design uniquely tailored for the needs of a community. All of this is done within the context of offering generosity in service to others. These two core themes of our institution are key to the work of the Edward F. Cross School of Engineering in this and other areas. You can read more about the remarkable story of this EWB trip on page 4. Walla Walla University has eight decades of history training engineers. Our graduates recognize their profession is a God-ordained calling to design solutions that make the world a better place. This summer, Janice McKenzie travelled with our university team to represent our engineering service work at the General Conference session in St. Louis. Tens of thousands of attendees were at this important event. You can read more about that on page 8. This was a great opportunity for us to share what sets us apart. Let me offer one more example of what makes this place special. Each of our engineering graduates works on a capstone senior design project. To give our students the full design experience, each student or team chooses their own unique project. In other words, we don’t assign the same well formulated project to everybody as many schools do. Often these projects are chosen with a specific client in mind, either an external company, an individual from the student’s family or friends, or sometimes the school of engineering. Page 11 describes one such project which several teams of students have worked on for the last few years. They did a great job updating our wind tunnel equipment, and we are proud that they have made something that we will continue to use in our instruction for years to come. Walla Walla University engineering students and faculty have been up to some great things. I hope you enjoy reading all of the stories in the newsletter. We would love to hear your questions or comments about anything you read. Please reach out by emailing enigneering@wallawalla.edu. Or stop by for a visit anytime. We’re always happy to chat with alumni, future students, parents, or others who are interested in learning more about our program.

Sincerely,

Delvin Peterson

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Dean and professor of engineering

WWU SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING QUICK FACTS

111

WWU is the only Christian bioengineering program in the Pacific Northwest.

course activities evaluated for engineering learning objectives as part of our accreditation process

94%

of engineering graduates place in engineering careers or graduate schools within 12 months of graduation. (2023)

countries represented in the Fall 2024 Freshman class including 11 American states

90K+

100%

in engineering scholarships awarded to students each year.

of engineering faculty have a terminal degree

For more than 75 years, the Edward F. Cross School of Engineering has prepared graduates for cuttingedge industries including aeronautics and space, bioengineering research, civil works, computer systems, power generation, and more. We are proud to continue this tradition of excellence through robust academic programs that include personalized attention from faculty, strong partnerships with employers, and our flourishing humanitarian engineering opportunities.

ENGINEERS WITHOUT BORDERS WWU ENGINEERS BRING WATER ACCESS TO MANDA

his summer, Walla Walla University’s Engineers Without Borders chapter traveled to the village of Manda, Tanzania, to complete a project years in the making: bringing safe, reliable water to thousands of people. For generations, most residents of Manda have drawn their water from Lake Nyasa. The same water is used for drinking, bathing, washing clothes, and cleaning dishes—and it is often contaminated. Cholera and other waterborne illnesses remain a constant threat. While the village has a well at the base of a hill, the pump required electricity that was available only a few hours each week. Running a diesel generator was prohibitively expensive. That left families carrying heavy containers uphill to their homes or relying on unsafe lake water. EWB-WWU adopted the Manda project in 2020 and has worked with the community

ever since to identify the best long-term solution. Over several years, WWU students designed a solar-powered pump system that connects to the well. This summer, they traveled with several sponsors to build and implement the project. The system is expected to benefit more than 5,000 community members. The project reflects a core principle of EWB’s approach: collaboration. “EWB works closely with local communities to make sure the focus is on what the community needs and information exchange—not our students showing up and telling them what we think they need,” said Melodie Williams, professor of engineering and faculty sponsor for EWB. For WWU students, the trip provided an education that extended far beyond the classroom. “The students got experience in construction management and revising plans based on material availability,” Williams explained. “It gives them the chance to apply

4 INNOVO FALL 2025 • Service & faith

things they are learning in ways they often would not in college. They also learn working with communities as clients, leadership, and teamwork.” In Manda, that meant adapting to local conditions, working side by side with residents during installation, and training them to maintain the system for the future. For the community, the result is transformative. “The people will not have to carry water up the hill,” Williams said simply—a shift that speaks to both dignity and health. Engineers Without Borders at WWU continues to rely on broad support to make projects like this possible. To learn more, get involved, or support their work, visit ewb-wwu.org.

ENGINEERING MISSIONARIES This year, six engineering students stepped beyond campus to serve as missionaries in places like Palau and Guam. Whether maintaining broadcasting equipment or navigating new cultures, they’re discovering how engineering and faith intersect— how their skills can meet real needs and their lives can reflect God’s love in practical ways.

FROM THE FIELD Jaden Michaelis—Palau Sophomore, civil engineering “Coming to Palau has completely changed my perspective. In just a short time, I’ve been immersed in a new culture and language, and I’m realizing how big and beautiful the world is outside of my American bubble. While I’m excited to experience life here—yes, including worldclass scuba diving—my real mission is to point people to Christ and show them how gracious and good God is.”

Stuart McPherson—Guam Senior, mechanical engineering “I always wanted to serve, but I didn’t see myself teaching or working in healthcare. Then I found this electrical engineering role with AWR that aligned with my major. Now I’m maintaining antennas, transmitters, and software systems. It’s real-world experience that’s stretching me professionally and spiritually. I’m learning not only what engineering looks like on the job, but also how I can use those skills to serve people with purpose.”

CHAD RHYNARD FROM TINKERER TO HYDROELECTRIC LEADER

s a teenager, Chad Rhynard was the kind of kid who took apart radios, TVs, and toys—rarely with the ability to put them back together. That curiosity, especially for electronics, quickly grew into something more. By the end of high school, he already knew what he wanted to do.

engineering license, led the electrical design section, managed intern programs, and eventually served on one of the national emergency power response teams. Keeping the lights on Today, Rhynard leads the Technical Support Branch for the USACE’s Walla Walla District. He serves as senior technical advisor to the Chief of Operations and oversees maintenance engineering, environmental compliance, and both intern and apprentice training. His branch also includes natural resource staff, such as park rangers and fish and wildlife biologists.

“I never had any doubts,” Rhynard says. “While a lot of people struggled with being ‘undecided,’ I knew I wanted to be an electrical engineer.” That clarity led him to Walla Walla University. Both of his parents had attended, and though he’d never visited, their stories made campus life feel familiar. After touring during the summer, he was hooked. “The School of Engineering had a great reputation,” he says. “And when I saw the new Chan Shun Pavilion under construction, my imagination ran wild thinking about what might happen in those labs and classrooms. I was sold.” From millivolts to megawatts Rhynard began his time at WWU with one clear goal: a career in microelectronics. But during his senior year, the post-9/11 economy collapsed, and a tentative job offer was rescinded. In what he calls a mix of prayer and desperation, he

applied to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, who happened to be hiring hydropower engineers at the time—despite the fact he knew almost nothing about hydropower. “I was used to working in millivolts,” he jokes. “Now I was stepping into a world of high-voltage systems, motors, and generators.” Thanks to the breadth of WWU’s curriculum, Rhynard adapted quickly. Hired as an intern in 2003, he rotated through several offices before landing in electrical design. He earned his professional

6 INNOVO FALL 2025 • Careers of Distinction

“Our district includes some of the largest hydroelectric facilities in the country,” he says. “We’re the fourth-largest producer of hydro in the U.S., and our locks move much of the country’s grain exports. The work we do helps power communities, prevent flooding, and support commerce.” For a decade, Rhynard also served as part of the Walla Walla District’s Emergency Power Planning and Response Team, helping deliver and install generators at critical sites after major disasters, including Hurricane Sandy and Hurricane Irma. “I tell my peers I have the best job in the Corps,” he says. “We keep the lights on.”

Engineering the next generation Rhynard is just as passionate about mentoring future engineers as he is about the work itself. For six years, he led the district’s intern program, recruiting students and mentoring young professionals. In 2011, his efforts earned him the U.S. Army CP-18 Journeyman of the Year award. “Helping students see the potential in public infrastructure—it’s not just about design; it’s about impact,” he says. A career powered by WWU Looking back, Rhynard credits WWU’s smaller class sizes and broad curriculum with giving him both versatility and community. “It taught me how to think, how to adapt,” he says. “Operations is where all the excitement is—and WWU helped prepare me for that.” One of his favorite memories? The time he and a lab partner accidentally built a rogue transmitter during electronics lab, briefly interfering with Positive Life Radio across the county. “What’s the statute of limitations for FCC violations again?” he laughs. Now a member of WWU’s School of Engineering Academic Advisory Board, Rhynard continues to give back to the place that launched his career. “For a kid who just wanted to tinker with electronics, I’ve had the opportunity to support communities, serve the public, and help develop the next generation of engineers,” he says. “I couldn’t ask for a better path.”

EXPERT INSIGHT

Each year, distinguished alumni and guests enhance our program by sharing their career journeys through our colloquium series. Interested in presenting? Email us at engineering@wallawalla.edu.

Christian Welch United States Coast Guard How applying an engineering mindset enhances aviation operations in the Coast Guard, from aircraft maintenance to mission readiness.

Morgan Riley Ph.D. student at Boise State University Exploring the frontiers of neural engineering and brain stimulation, and how these technologies are reshaping the future of neuroscience.

Rob Frohne Walla Walla University An update on software-defined radio transceivers developed for Adventist World Radio’s global broadcast systems.

Stann Sheperd Hewlett Packard Enterprise Design beyond spreadsheets: blending emotion, collaboration, and creativity to craft technology that people remember.

Yucheng Yang Doctoral student at Notre Dame An introduction to atomic force microscopy and lateral force techniques, with a look at foundational silicon fabrication processes in modern materials research.

Curtis Genstler Retired Inside the engineering design process— exploring iteration, debugging, tradeoffs, and the lessons learned from both success and failure.

Leonard Bond Iowa State University Exploring cryogenic acoustic microscopy for chip QA, the DUNE neutrino project, and how IEEE fosters professional growth. Jodi Smith Applied Process Cooling Company A look into refrigeration engineering— highlighting the math and mechanics behind cooling systems in commercial applications.

Bob Turner Retired Reflecting on engineering ethics and the role of ASCE in shaping a meaningful career and supporting the next generation of professionals. Qin Ma Walla Walla University Simplifying complexity: how clear, focused ideas can tackle large-scale engineering challenges with surprising efficiency.

ENGINEERING INNOVATION ON DISPLAY AT GC

t this year’s General Conference Session, Walla Walla University created an engineering-focused space where curiosity and innovation took center stage. Five interactive displays offered visitors of all ages a glimpse into the creativity and problem-solving that define WWU’s engineering programs. At the heart of the booth, two robots worked in seamless coordination, demonstrating an advanced tissue engineering process. Designed and assembled by Ralph Stirling, contract instructor of engineering, the system used a method called “melt electrowriting” to extrude a biocompatible polymer into delicate scaffolds for tissue growth. One robot handled the extrusion while the other retrieved and replaced slides. The robots also inscribed “WWU” onto ping pong balls for guests to take home. For many visitors—especially younger ones who returned repeatedly—it was hard to tell where the fascination ended and the learning began.

8 INNOVO FALL 2025 • Excellent Learning

Nearby, a sleek, student-designed bioreactor gently pulsed with the rhythm of living muscle. Originally designed by Tawni Lloyd ’24 and later developed by Xander Andre ’25 and a team of bioengineering students, the device simulates the body’s environment to help grow muscle tissues. Its 3D-printed, autoclavable design includes a built-in nutrient delivery system that reflects the team’s thoughtful engineering and commitment to practical application. In another corner, visitors explored how audio signals can be optimized to use less power. An interactive app demonstrated a custom signal processing board developed by Rob Frohne, professor of engineering, and a student. The app allowed users to listen to several recordings and vote on which sounded best. For those curious to dig deeper, a touchscreen menu revealed the math behind each method. The civil engineering display explored how two students reimagined Maranatha’s One-Day Churches, creating a version with two additional

wings to triple capacity while preserving the sense of closeness between speaker and audience. Simple, scalable, and effective, the redesign offered a vision of growth that doesn’t come at the expense of connection. The final exhibit brought biology, computer science, and engineering together in a project designing biological research equipment. Visitors peered into a water tank outfitted with a sensor probe, controller, and user interface—all developed by WWU students and faculty in collaboration with Kirt Onthank, professor of biology. Their open-source system offers a costeffective way to study environmental change, with implications for species sensitive to shifts in ocean chemistry. The robot system aside, each display grew out of senior engineering projects—student-driven experiences that prioritize creativity, autonomy, and real-world impact. These hands-on projects are more than academic requirements; they’re springboards for innovation and purpose-driven learning. That spirit resonated throughout the WWU booth at GC. From engineering precision to engaging displays, the exhibit reflected a community deeply invested in both excellence and impact. Visitors came for the robots, stayed for the conversation, and left with a clearer sense of what makes WWU distinctive: not just the degrees it offers, but the way it equips students to serve, lead, and build a better world.

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FACULTY Delvin Peterson, Ph.D. Dean and professor of engineering Bryce Cole, Ph.D., P.E. Associate dean and professor of engineering Rob Frohne, Ph.D., P.E. Professor of engineering Natalie Smith-Gray, Ph.D. Professor of engineering Qin Ma, Ph.D. Professor of engineering Janice McKenzie, Ph.D. Professor of engineering Melodie Williams, Ed.D., P.E. Professor of engineering Doug Thomsen, Ph.D. Professor of engineering Louie Yaw, Ph.D., P.E., S.E. Professor of engineering

SHARING SCIENTIFIC WONDER ENGINEERING STUDENTS VISIT DAVIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TO TEACH ABOUT PAPER MICROSCOPES

his year’s Environmental Stewardship class—taught by Melodie Williams, professor of engineering—took students to Davis Elementary School to teach their third graders about Foldscopes. A Foldscope is a microscope made from cardboard and a tiny lens, designed to be inexpensive and easy to assemble. Williams’ students prepared a lesson plan beforehand and worked with multiple groups of children from Davis Elementary on the day to help them put together their own Foldscopes. After the visit, Williams asked her students to reflect on their work and its impact. One student said, “I’m really proud of how it went. The children were more engaged than I anticipated, and the activity allowed them to connect with nature in a way I hadn’t expected for third graders … It was a reminder that

children are naturally curious, and sometimes, all it takes is providing the right tools to help them see the world in a new way.” Williams said she also received positive feedback from the Davis Elementary teachers who even asked that they come back again. Another WWU student said, “One of the teachers told us at the end that it went well and that we had gotten engagement from kids who are not typically engaged.” The purpose of the Environmental Stewardship class is to help students understand the natural world from scientific, economic, and political viewpoints and to give them the skills in civil debate needed to work with others on resolving issues with the natural world. This project aided that mission by reminding students of the value of people and the natural world and by honing their communication skills.

TO NEW HEIGHTS ENGINEERING SENIOR PROJECT TEAM UPGRADES FLIGHT LAB EQUIPMENT FOR FUTURE CLASS USE

he Edward F. Cross School of Engineering Flight Lab supports students as they construct and experiment with model airplanes/ UAVs and quadcopters. This year, the lab’s wind tunnel received an impressive upgrade thanks to the work of five senior engineering students. For their senior project, three of the seniors worked on modifying the thrust and drag instrumentation of the wind tunnel to obtain more accurate and consistent thrust data for propellers of various sizes for variable motor power and wind speed. The others focused on designing a new, larger test section with secure and simpler mounting.

measurements. Other future applications include low-velocity testing of larger scale devices for class projects and senior capstone projects.” WWU’s wind tunnel has been the subject of many senior engineering projects and has received incredible support from local sponsors including Reiff Manufacturing—who made the nozzle section for a previous project—and Key Technology—who provided the mounting hardware for this year’s test section.

The Flight Lab is one of many WWU engineering laboratory facilities. All students— from freshmen to seniors—work in a variety of these labs, from machine assembly to robotics, fluid mechanics to structures. WWU recognizes the necessity of hands-on experience for students developing a working, masterful understanding of complex realities and strives to provide ample opportunity for them to put their classroom education into real-world practice.

These upgrades were completed by spring quarter 2025, just in time for propeller thrust and drag testing in Mechanics of Flight, where it will continue to be utilized. Future projects may even expand the wind tunnel’s scope to include fuselage and full airplane lift and drag measurements. Mechanics of Flight is taught by Doug Thomsen, professor of engineering, who said, “This system has already allowed for improved characterization of propeller performance and has the promise of supporting full-plane drag

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SENIOR TRIP: PORTLAND EDITION SENIORS CONTINUE LONG-RUNNING ENGINEERING TRIP TRADITION

Since 1959, the annual senior engineering trip has taken students beyond the classroom to connect with industry professionals. This year, from October 20–22, seniors and faculty traveled to Portland, Oregon, to continue the tradition. In a change from recent years, the group followed a single itinerary rather than splitting by discipline, giving everyone a shared look at the range of engineering and manufacturing across the region. The trip opened with a behind-the-scenes tour of ESCO, a global leader in producing massive digging equipment. The itinerary then moved from large-scale manufacturing to smaller, highly specialized operations at Roy Manufacturing and Profile Laser, both focused on precision work and custom fabrication. At Daimler Trucks, the group explored heavy vehicle design and production before wrapping up at Oregon Tool, where innovation powers

the development of advanced chainsaw technology. The visits bridged the gap between classroom learning and professional practice, showing how engineering concepts take shape in real-world settings. Experiencing both largescale operations and small, specialized shops underscored the breadth of career paths available in the field. Delvin Peterson, professor and dean of engineering, emphasized the importance of maintaining the senior trip tradition. “The senior trip allows our students to see engineers in their professional environments, to observe innovative design firsthand, and to make personal connections in the industry. It’s an essential part of preparing them for their careers.” With another successful trip completed, the School of Engineering added a new chapter to a tradition that has inspired and informed

12 INNOVO FALL 2025 • Excellent learning

graduating seniors for more than six decades. This year’s Portland itinerary—from global manufacturers to specialized shops—offered a shared experience that strengthened connections within the class while deepening their understanding of engineering in practice.

CLUB FUN A RECAP OF THIS YEAR’S ENGINEERING CLUB ACTIVITIES

hroughout the year, Walla Walla University’s engineering clubs provide numerous opportunities for students to experience community and strengthen their skills through healthy competition and hands-on instruction. The annual Junk Wars and Egg Drop competitions stimulate creative thinking and collaboration. Junk Wars challenges students to build sculptures from a mixture of scrap materials, and Egg Drop competitors create unique devices to protect their egg from a rooftop fall.

where students learned about the history, design, and analysis of concrete beams by building—and later crushing—their own. Beyond campus activities, students get to tour the facilities of prominent engineering organizations like the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory, the new Pacific Northwest National Laboratory grid storage launchpad, and more. No matter the concentration, there is a club for everyone. Find out about more club activities by following the School of Engineering’s Instagram @wallawallaengineering.

Another annual tradition, the Toy Hack Workshop, bolstered students’ electronic engineering skills as they built an accessible toy table for the Providence Physical Therapy waiting room. New to this year was the cardboard canoe building contest. Participants built boats out of cardboard, duct tape, and garbage bags and raced their creations in the university’s pool— practicing important engineering problemsolving and construction skills. Clubs also host a variety of instructional opportunities, like the concrete workshop,

No matter your concentration, there is a club for future engineers like you. Find the club that fits your interests by visiting wallawalla.edu/clubs.

ENGINEERING WITH ETERNAL IMPACT

n WWU’s School of Engineering, spiritual formation is woven into the fabric of technical education. Professors and students alike see engineering not only as a profession, but as a calling—one that reflects the wisdom, order, and creativity of the Creator. “Our faith reminds us that God is the source of all wisdom, knowledge, and understanding,” says Janice McKenzie, professor of engineering. “When we study the natural world, we’re not just exploring random systems. We’re uncovering God’s intentional design.” That perspective shapes how students learn to solve problems—with curiosity, creativity, and an awareness of God’s designs. WWU engineers study God’s creation as a source of insight, whether they’re working with biomaterials that mimic natural tissues or developing bioreactors designed to replicate the body’s conditions for optimal cell and tissue growth. The goal, in every case, is to draw from God’s own designs to solve realworld challenges.

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Spiritual integration shows up not just in ideas but in daily rhythms. Some professors begin class with prayer and perhaps a short devotional, encouraging students to invite God into both their studies and their future careers. During advising, conversations often touch on health, habits, and spiritual growth, helping students stay grounded in who they are, not just what they’re learning.

by faculty. The group organizes vespers, prayer gatherings, and weekly Bible studies that bring students together outside of class. Last year, students spent Sabbath afternoons studying the book of Joshua. “It was amazing to see these hardworking students choose to spend time in the Bible instead of taking a nap or checking their phones,” says McKenzie.

The culture of care and connection has led to the formation of Spiritual Foundations of Engineering, a student-led group supported

Scripture also shapes how faculty talk about engineering. Professors may point to Bezalel and Oholiab, craftsmen empowered by

God to build the wilderness sanctuary, as reminders that technical skill and spiritual calling belong together. “They’re not just learning formulas,” says McKenzie. “They’re being prepared to serve with purpose.” Sometimes that sense of purpose leads to transformation. Marissa Rosales, a former softball player and engineering student, wasn’t looking for faith when she arrived at WWU. But after graduation, a connection through the chaplain’s office introduced her to Dustin Serns, a pastor in Port Orchard, Washington. Over time, through conversation and mentorship, she made the decision to be baptized into the Seventh-day Adventist Church. “Our greatest hope,” McKenzie reflects, “is that students leave WWU ready to design with integrity and to live lives that reflect Christ. That’s engineering with eternal impact.”

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(800) 541-8900 (509) 527-2765 204 S. College Avenue College Place, WA 99324 engineering.wallawalla.edu

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SUPPORT WWU ENGINEERING. Alumni contribute to our program in many amazing ways. If you would like to support our students and their success here at WWU, email us at engineering@wallawalla.edu. We are currently accepting applications for advisory board member positions. Alumni enrich our curriculum through classroom presentations and we also accept donations for student scholarships and lab equipment. Your job and internship opportunities contribute to the professional growth of our students. We welcome your partnership as we prepare students for careers of distinction and a lifestyle of service.