Chico State University showcased the ingenuity of its engineering students during the College of Engineering Senior Capstone Expo on December 12, 2025. Among the standout projects was a drone attachment designed to initiate prescribed burns, developed by a team led by student Conor Daly. Initially, the team considered using napalm for their project but quickly dismissed the idea due to its violation of the Geneva Convention.
Instead, Daly and his five teammates created a system that drops “dragon eggs,” small balls similar in size to Ping-Pong balls, which ignite brush fires. Their innovative solution aims to aid in wildfire management and demonstrate the practical applications of their engineering skills.
Collaboration with Industry Partners
Each capstone project at Chico State is a culmination of a year-long effort, where students collaborate with industry partners to create solutions with real-world significance. Although Daly’s team originally partnered with the Tehama County Resource Conservation District to implement their drone program, the collaboration faced challenges when the district’s representative left the organization. Despite this setback, the team received funding from Chico State, enabling them to complete their project independently.
Daly noted that drones of similar capabilities typically cost around $40,000, whereas their project, including the drone provided by the university, came in at under $4,000. This cost-effective approach highlights the students’ resourcefulness and engineering expertise.
Support and Guidance from Faculty
The role of faculty in the capstone program is crucial, as each team is assigned a faculty adviser to guide them through the process. David Alexander, Dean of the College of Engineering, emphasized the importance of faculty involvement in establishing industry connections that serve as sponsors for student projects. Before projects commence, faculty actively work to secure partnerships that can provide valuable resources and mentorship.
Teams spend a semester designing their projects in collaboration with their sponsors, refining their objectives through an iterative process. After finalizing the design, students dedicate an entire second semester to bringing their concepts to fruition. Alexander noted that this hands-on experience is invaluable for students as they transition into professional roles.
“The transformation from student to young professional is remarkable,” Alexander said. He pointed out that many students secure employment through the skills they demonstrate during their capstone projects, further emphasizing the importance of this educational experience.
The Senior Capstone Expo not only highlights the students’ achievements but also serves as a platform for future collaborations. Daly mentioned that a new company has expressed interest in working with upcoming capstone teams, indicating the ongoing potential for these student-led projects to evolve into impactful real-world applications.
As the event concluded, attendees, including students and faculty, engaged in discussions about the various projects displayed throughout Colusa Hall. This annual event underscores the innovative spirit of Chico State’s engineering program and its commitment to preparing students for successful careers in engineering and technology.
