Alums Lead Future Engineers at Design Day

When University of Arizona engineering students enter this year’s Craig M. Berge Design Day, they will show off their projects to a panel of judges made up of industry experts and former Design Day participants. The judges offer their expertise and perspective and help determine final grades as well as nearly $50,000 in industry-sponsored awards.

Cindy Klingberg, a 1988 industrial engineering alum and member of the College of Engineering’s da Vinci Circle, says the judge’s role is a combination of patience and encouragement. Prior to Design Day, judges review project summaries and team composition and prepare questions for the students.

“I’m looking to know if the team can clearly identify the ‘burning platform,’ what is the problem they are trying to solve?” Klingberg said. “Past winners were able to articulate the problem, present different design solutions and select a design based on performance, cost, schedule, and meeting customer requirements.”

Honeywell engineer and 2019 Systems and Industrial Engineering Alumna of the Year Marla Peterson says she will be on the lookout for collaboration, team effectiveness and leadership skills.

“I love Design Day!  It’s come so far since its inception, but it is the best day ever to see our future,” Peterson said. “Our future in technology and our future in engineers who will make that technology a reality.”