Eight engineering students at the University of North Georgia's (UNG) Gainesville Campus conducted research and innovation on an unmanned ground vehicle this spring.

Mariam Rezai, a junior from Hoschton, Georgia, pursuing degrees in physics and engineering through the Regents Engineering Transfer Program (RETP), served as project leader. Isaac Erausquin, a sophomore from Oakwood, Georgia, pursuing an associate degree in engineering, was the project co-leader.

Rezai, president of the Engineering Student Guild, said the group previously took part in competitions, but this work was different.

"We're doing real research. We have not been able to offer that for engineering students until now," Rezai said. "We hope it's a steppingstone for future research projects."

Janelviz Tejada, a sophomore from Buford, Georgia, pursuing degrees in physics and engineering through the RETP, said the group members learned from each other. A First-Generation college student, Tejada is also a member of UNG's Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Scholars (STEMS) Program funded by the National Science Foundation. STEMS provides up to $10,000 per student per academic year.

In addition to the research project, Tejada also appreciated the club offering workshops for other students.

"We're all hoping for each other's success," Tejada said.

Sebastian Lampe, a freshman from Valencia, Venezuela, pursuing degrees in chemistry and engineering through RETP, was glad to gain hands-on experience through the project.

"This allows us to create something from scratch and gain engineering experience. Teamwork was the most important part. We couldn't have done this without each other," Lampe said. "You have to be really organized if you want to be an engineer. You have to put everything together and plan ahead."

Cooper Leetch, a sophomore from Flowery Branch, Georgia, pursuing an associate degree in engineering, said he transferred to UNG on a whim. After originally being interested in welding, he is now more certain of his new career path.

"This project solidified that I wanted to be an engineer," Leetch said. "It was stressful, but it made me want to pursue engineering even more."

He appreciates how student-focused UNG is.

"Students get to take initiative and learn how to do things and create things," Leetch said. "It's a very welcoming space."

Erausquin has experience in the engineering field. His goal with helping lead this project was to empower his fellow students realize they don't have to wait until they graduate to find meaningful work.

"You can start learning these things now," Erausquin said. "Taking on this project made the impossible seem possible."

Rezai also published an article with UNG faculty member Dr. Redahegn Sileshi and another author from the University of Georgia with the title "Design Concepts for Pre-Engineering Students — Endurance Vessel Boat and Bridge Building Projects." It discussed the importance of how the Engineering Student Guild advances pre-engineering education at UNG through design competition. 

Rezai served as lead author on the article, which was published as part of the 2025 American Society for Engineering Education Southeastern Section Conference held March 9-11 at Mississippi State University.