Introduction

When you think about student engineering projects, what comes to mind? Welding, designing, problem-solving? At Clarkson University, the SPEED (Student Projects for Engineering Experience and Design) program goes far beyond the nuts and bolts. It is not just about building; it is about becoming. Whether you are a first-year student hoping to get hands-on experience or a senior leading a nationally competitive team, SPEED empowers you to grow as an engineer, a teammate, and a leader.

Clarkson students examine and adjust a yellow engine in the SPEED machine shop, surrounded by tools and equipment.
SPEED SAE Diesel Snowmobile Team working in the SPEED shop
A group of Clarkson SPEED team members collaborates in the shop, working together to assemble a snowmobile chassis.

Leadership in Action: From Teammates to Team Leads

One of the most exciting aspects of the SPEED program is the opportunity for personal growth. Many students begin with little to no hands-on experience and, over time, take on key leadership roles. This transformation often happens through mentorship, collaboration, and a passion for solving real-world problems.

Nicholas Foster, a mechanical engineering major with a manufacturing minor, described how joining SPEED changed his experience at Clarkson. After spotting a Clean Snowmobile sled on a campus tour, he was immediately interested in joining the team. Now he holds multiple leadership roles, including Sponsorship and Social Media Manager and Sub-Team Lead for Calibrations and Dyno.

“I wanted to learn more hands-on things that I wouldn’t learn in the classroom,” Nicholas explained. “Being on the Clean Snowmobile Team has taught me everything from wiring harnesses to engine calibration. Leading the calibrations team helped me learn how to work with the ECU system and control the entire engine.”

Members of Clarkson’s SPEED team gather around a fire pit in the snow, smiling and enjoying team bonding time outdoors.
Members of Clean Snowmobile

Mentorship That Powers Innovation

Mentorship is embedded in the SPEED culture. Upperclassmen take pride in teaching and guiding newer members. Whether they are introducing someone to CAD software, helping debug circuits, or giving presentation feedback, these peer-led moments drive the learning experience.

Mentorship within the SPEED program extends beyond individual teams. Students frequently share tools, skills, and advice across different projects, forming a collaborative environment that strengthens the entire community. For instance, members of Formula SAE often assist the Baja team by sharing welding techniques and fabrication tips. These exchanges allow students to broaden their technical knowledge while fostering a culture of support and shared success that stretches across the shop floor.

“There are so many teams on campus to choose from,” Nicholas said. “Go to meetings, explore your options, and try different things. You don’t have to pick right away. You’ll learn something from each one.”

Two Clarkson students prepare for a nighttime test ride, seated on snowmobiles with headlights glowing in the snow.

Interdisciplinary Teams and Real-World Experience

SPEED is not limited to mechanical engineering. Each team brings together students from a wide range of disciplines.

  • Civil engineering students shine on teams like Concrete Canoe and Steel Bridge.
  • Mechanical and aeronautical engineers lead technical systems on Formula SAE, Mini Baja, and Baja SAE.
  • Electrical and computer engineers take charge of wiring, embedded systems, and testing on Combat and Underwater Robotics.
  • Computer science and data analytics majors support data capture, simulation, and telemetry.
  • Business and communication students help with fundraising, sponsor outreach, and marketing.

The Clarkson SAE Clean Snowmobile, covered in sponsor logos, is parked outside the shop during winter testing.
Clean Snowmobile Vehicle built by Clarkson students

This variety makes SPEED the ultimate interdisciplinary experience. Students can apply what they are learning in the classroom while gaining real-world technical and communication skills.

Real World Experience and the Professional Edge

SPEED students are not just preparing for competitions. They are preparing for their careers. Whether they are managing a team budget, writing sponsor emails, or presenting their designs to judges, these experiences build valuable soft and hard skills.

Nicholas described how being the sponsorship lead pushed him to develop professionally.

“I’ve written emails, scheduled meetings, and spoken with professionals. It’s helped me get better at communicating and understanding how to represent the team in a business setting.”

Competitions are a major part of the SPEED experience. Teams travel across the country to compete, present their work, and troubleshoot under pressure. These moments often become resume-ready stories that students use during job interviews or internship applications.

“We only have one competition each year, so everything builds up to that moment,” Nicholas added. “The pressure is part of the fun. It all comes together when we’re in Eagle River, running our sled and meeting with professionals.”

Get Involved

Be sure to check out our SPEED Machine Shop Overview blog post for a behind-the-scenes look at the tools, facilities, and student workspaces that make hands-on innovation possible at Clarkson. Whether you’re fabricating your first project or machining custom components for competition, the shop is where ideas come to life.

SPEED offers something for everyone. Whether you want to design, fabricate, code, analyze, or lead, there is a place for you. You will build more than just technical skills. You will build confidence, friendships, and a foundation for your future.

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