It’s National Engineers Week. It’s a week to celebrate how engineers make a difference in our world and increase awareness for the growing need for engineers. Engineers Week (February 22-28, 2026) is more than a celebration of a profession—it’s a movement to show young people that engineering is creative, collaborative, and most importantly, open to everyone.
Capstone projects are a rite of passage for many engineers. They’re challenging, creative, and often the first moment when classroom theory becomes hands‑on engineering.
Our Engineers Share Their Projects
Marty’s Story: A Switch, a Snowmobile, and a Simple Lesson
Marty remembers working on an amphibious vehicle powered by an old snowmobile engine. After hours of troubleshooting fuel lines, valves, and compression, nothing worked.
Then came the realization: the kill switch was flipped. With one simple click, the engine roared to life.
“We learned that sometimes the problem is simple—if you stop staring at what you think it is.”
Evelyn’s Capstone: Engineering for Real-World Challenges
Evelyn is designing a frangible nosecone for an autonomous underwater vehicle that deploys a net to safely slow watercraft for law‑enforcement use.
“Art Anderson is enhancing my education by giving me more context on marine operations and concepts.”
Andrew’s Project: Foundations in Familiar Places
Andrew designed foundations for a communications tower, choosing a site he knew well: the Port Gamble trail system.
“I got to research soil conditions and design real foundations for a place I run often.”
Capstone projects are more than school assignments—they’re launching points. They show students what they love, what they’re capable of, and where their future might lead.