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Clarkson-made Collectible: Rocket LEGO
We're so glad you came to visit, and hope you had a memorable experience.
If you took home our Clarkson Rocket LEGO, you've come to the right place to learn more about this unique collectible in your possession.
Our LEGO rocket was designed by a team of students, Clarkson Rocketry, for the 2023 President's Challenge. It was designed to closely mimic the look of an actual rocket the team has built for competition, and the finished product led them to winning the Aerospace category during the challenge.
Team member Catherine Gehman '24 explains, "This project allowed me to combine my love for rocketry for my love for artistic expression. I really enjoyed contributing to the small version of our rocket, as it represented the Team’s first steps into competition-based rocketry. The model shows our first rocket, Workman 1, used for Battle of the Rockets. Workman 1 gave us the skills and experience necessary to build our newest rocket which we will be flying at Spaceport America Cup, the largest rocketry competition in the world. The LEGO model represents our beginnings, and amazing progression from the team."
The team had to think about materials selections, design, cost, and more throughout the process, and of course, work together as a team. Teammate Tyler Brooks '24 reflects, "My main lessons learned are time management, materials selections and working through unique challenges as a team. Overall, the team thought outside the box in terms of selection applying sustainability and simplicity of the collectible."
The team was supervised by faculty mentor Professor Ken Visser, from the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering. Ben Ellis '24 says, "It was really nice working with Professor Visser on our collectible, since he was so excited about all the aspects of the design and logistics of our piece." Teammate Spencer Wood '24 adds, "My key take away from the President's Challenge is to work effectively with a team, including faculty. Being able to complete this challenge required that all members of the team were required and the key to completing this was to communicate effectively. Communication allows the team to be more efficient and complete the project in a shorter span of time."
What will YOU make as a Clarkson student?
Meet the Team: Benjamin Ellis '24
Major:
Aerospace Engineering
Hometown:
Brewster, Massachusetts
Fun Facts:
I'm the president of the Clarkson Rocketry team and I work in Clarkson's Orthopedic Biomechanics Laboratory.
Meet the Team: Tyler Brooks '24
Major:
Aerospace Engineering
Hometown:
Poughkeepsie, New York
Fun Facts:
I'm the vice president of the Clarkson Rocketry team and I have a patent pending! I also was a New Shepard Avionics Hardware Engineer Intern at Blue Origin.
Meet the Team: Catherine Gehman '24
Major:
Mechanical Engineering
Hometown:
Buffalo, New York
Fun Facts:
I'm an Ignite Presidential Fellow, a Maker Mentor at the Makerspace and I was a Manufacturing Engineer Intern for GE Aerospace.
Meet the Team: Spencer Wood '24
Major:
Mechanical Engineering
Hometown:
Apalachin, New York
Fun Facts:
I'm a member of the Clarkson Rocketry SPEED team and I was a Process Engineer intern at Amphenol Aerospace.
- Dr. Ken Visser Associate Professor of Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering & Faculty MentorThe Aerospace Engineering rocket collectible not only highlights our Rocketry Club and our Aerospace major, but our students’ aspirations to reach for the stars in everything they do! Clarkson Aero engineers create solutions to some of the world’s most challenging problems in an effort to improve technology and the quality of life on our planet and beyond. It’s a classic example of the 'Technology Serving Humanity' Clarkson education."
ABOUT THE PRESIDENT'S CHALLENGE & CLARKSON IGNITE
Each fall semester, Clarkson Ignite hosts the President's Challenge. The challenge itself may change annually, but the "why" behind it remains the same: to bring together cross-functional teams who will address a real-world need using innovation, teamwork and creativity by devleoping a prototype or compelling conceptual design. In 2023, the President's Challenge was completed by over 100 teams and over 500 students, competing for incredible prizes and campus glory.
Learn more about Clarkson Ignite
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AT CLARKSON, THE SKY IS NOT THE LIMIT — IT’S THE STARTING POINT.
Embark on a soaring academic journey and immerse yourself in a dynamic curriculum at the forefront of aerospace innovation, blending science, technology and hands-on creativity. From designing cutting-edge aircraft to exploring space systems, Clarkson propels students into an expansive future of boundless possibilities. You’ll gain unparalleled insights and experiences with state-of-the-art facilities, industry partnerships and a dedicated faculty. Join a community that takes flight and shapes the next era of aerospace engineering. Unleash your potential at Clarkson – where dreams take off.