The Academy of Engineering and Aerospace at Erie High School had a remarkable school year, marked by significant accomplishments in national and international competitions, including their participation in the NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC) and a state victory in the Real World Design Challenge, which was hosted by the U.S. Space & Rocket Center.

This year, 14 students from Erie, known as Team Expedition Erie, were selected to participate in the prestigious NASA HERC. Out of 72 global teams, Erie was one of 30 high schools invited to this hybrid high school/college competition. The challenge involved designing and building a human-powered rover capable of traversing various terrains and completing simulated lunar tasks, such as removing regolith or collecting samples.

The team designed a chassis using square steel tubing, aluminum wheels with 3D-printed treads, and a complete driving system featuring operational steering, suspension, and brakes. St. Vrain’s Career Elevation and Technology Center also collaborated on this project by manufacturing crucial parts, including the wishbone suspension and wheels.

“Our students put in countless hours designing and building the rover from scratch,” said Chris Schmitz, Academy of Engineering and Aerospace Teacher. “Their dedication and ingenuity are truly inspiring.”

In addition to their success with NASA HERC, the academy also triumphed in the Real World Design Challenge, winning the state competition. The challenge required creating a small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) to aid in wildfire prevention and mitigation. The team, consisting of five seniors, designed Vulcan, a hybrid quadcopter, which is an unmanned aerial vehicle that is equipped with sensors to collect real-time data on environmental conditions and fire dynamics. Marco Martinez and Sean-Patrick Schmitz focused on 3D modeling and simulation; Gael Valenzuela and Nathan White, worked on research; and Brayden Haan managed the business aspects of the project.

“This project showed how well we can all collaborate and innovate under pressure,” said Marco. “Everyone brought their expertise to the table, and the result was a comprehensive solution to a real-world problem.”

The academy’s curriculum, which emphasizes hands-on projects and real-world applications, has been pivotal in preparing students for these competitions. Students have the opportunity to engage in various projects throughout their four years, including balsa gliders, model rockets, and VEX Competitive Robotics, all which provide foundational knowledge and skills.

“Our program is designed to give students practical experience in engineering principles,” said Katlyn Spendlow, Academy of Engineering and Aerospace Teacher. “These hands-on experiences equip them to excel in competitions and in their future careers.”

The robotics teams also had a successful season, with three out of five teams qualifying for the Colorado State Championships. Two of these teams advanced to the World Championships, and one team successfully participated in the US Open Championship in Iowa.

The program’s success is reflected in the post-secondary achievements of its students. This year, 40% of the graduating class has been accepted into top engineering programs at the University of Colorado Boulder and the Colorado School of Mines. Overall, 75% of seniors plan to pursue engineering degrees after graduation.

Looking ahead, the academy is expanding its curriculum to include industry certifications and additional NASA challenges. By integrating the robotics program into the engineering pathway, more students will have opportunities to engage in advanced mechanical and electrical systems projects. “We are committed to providing our students with the skills and experiences they need to succeed in the ever-evolving field of engineering,” said Spendlow.