High-achieving students recognized at annual awards convocation

Mattson wore a lot of hats with the team. She ran social media while also serving as the team's aerodynamics and composites lead. In spring 2024, she was named the team's president, taking on a new leadership role as the team constructed its "LR25" car, which competed at an SAE event at the Michigan International Speedway.

While serving as team president, Mattson also began her co-op with Nissan Motor Corp. This series of internships saw Mattson work on materials engineering, powertrain performance and seat design.

Participating in her co-op on the east side of Michigan while serving as team president on the west side required Mattson to get creative. At times, she had to work with the SAE team while she was away.

"It was a fun challenge to manage a team remotely," she said.

Through the challenges and splitting her time on different sides of the state, Mattson said she is grateful to her professors, teammates and study group for supporting her and helping her find success.

Mattson said she would not be in a position to receive the Glenn A. Niemeyer Award, which is given to well-rounded students who demonstrate excellence in both the classroom and extra-curricular activities, without that support.

"It means a lot to me that all of that could end in a really prestigious award," she said. "It kind of feels more for my community that helped lift me up than just me."

After graduating, Mattson plans to attend Michigan Technological University to pursue a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering.

- Written by Thomas Chavez