Seniors chart their career course at Interdisciplinary Capstone Open House

For 422 College of Engineering seniors, choosing a capstone project at the 2026-2027 Interdisciplinary Capstone Open House. was about more than finding an interesting problem to solve; it was about finding their dream job. 

Students like optical sciences and engineering senior Lumi Hissataka met with 72 industry and university sponsors on Aug. 28.

“The project I choose has to be somewhat interesting to me and something I’m passionate about,” she said. “But also, I think a big part of it is the sponsors themselves and how involved they’re going to be, how supportive they are.”

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Students work directly with professional mentors over the course of a year – an experience that can provide insight into potential careers that a resume or interview cannot.

Hissataka was drawn to projects that combined experimental science and optics.

Much of her work experience has focused on testing and prototyping optical systems. She completed internships with Lightsense Technology Inc. in summer 2025 and Molex in summer 2026.

Now, “I’m more interested in the actual decisions that go into making a lens,” said Hissataka.

The open house gives students a chance to meet sponsors, ask questions and get a better sense of the projects before match day, the following Monday, when students accept sponsor invitations or submit their final project preferences.

Hissataka accepted an invitation from sponsor ASML U.S. Inc., a top project choice, to prototype a visible-range imaging system that improves field of view, image quality and magnification.

The capstone course – a graduation requirement for all engineering seniors – fast-tracks the transition from classroom to careers. 

Industry, student benefit

For first-time sponsor Teresa “TC” Mueller, founder of StickEcodes Inc., the Interdisciplinary Capstone program was an easy way to turn her concept into reality. She originally envisioned using QR codes to help families identify heirlooms, then saw an opportunity to apply the technology to health care.

Her capstone team will build a secure system that uses QR codes and location tracking to give authorized users temporary access to medical information in specific areas, such as a patient’s hospital room.

Mueller spent decades working in the automotive upholstery industry. She said students will bring the technical skills needed to develop the design. 

“They have great ideas and a willingness to look at the problem differently,” said Mueller.

She gains access to expertise, but the collaboration is mutually beneficial. 

“This will give them a good foot in the door because they’ll be able to go anywhere with their resume and say, ‘I worked on this cool industry project,’ and show what they accomplished,” she said.

Alum returns the favor

Caterpillar was a familiar face at the open house. The equipment manufacturer has long hired Wildcat engineers.

“We get to work with students on meaningful projects while building relationships with the people who will be stepping into the engineering workforce,” said Jennifer Hall, validation engineer at Caterpillar and 2024 biomedical engineering alum.

For Caterpillar employees who experienced the capstone program themselves, the partnership also offers a way to give back. 

“Design Day Open House is a talent source,” Hall said. “I think students also get a lot of experience that isn’t necessarily taught in classes, like working on a team, presenting and seeing a concept through from start to finish.”