Italian Minor, Sarah Peterson, Earns First Place in College of Engineering's Capstone Competition

Sarah Peterson, Italian minor and B.S. Mechanical Engineering '25, recently won first prize in the College of Engineering’s “Medical Device or Biological Process Design” capstone competition. She and her team invented a portable device that provides accurate, repeatable measurements of both linear and rotational traction for multiple simulated limb weights across various surfaces, thereby making it easier to evaluate injury prevention, especially regarding falls, joint strain, and long-term musculoskeletal issues in working dogs. Sarah clearly articulated for the general public the complexities of the scientific research that went into this invention; and she also used the art of “inventio” (an aspect of rhetoric used to “invent” effective arguments to support a claim or thesis) to make a compelling case for the production and marketing of this device. In so doing, Sarah masterfully combined the arts with the sciences.

I will be graduating in May with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, cum laude, and a minor in Italian. Upon graduation, I’m excited to join Newcomb & Boyd, an MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) firm in Atlanta, where I’ve had the opportunity to work as a co-op over the past three years. My role as an HVAC Associate will involve designing air conditioning systems, primarily for higher education buildings. I’ll be responsible for several calculations—pressure, temperature, and humidity—to ensure that the air moves through the buildings in a way that keeps occupants safe and comfortable.

As someone who's always enjoyed learning languages and exploring different cultures, I highly encourage other students to do the same. Not only does it allow you to communicate with more people, but it also opens up new perspectives and opportunities. My parents introduced me to language learning early on, starting with Spanish when I was four. That experience helped me see patterns in language and shaped my understanding of how languages work, even in English. As a STEM major, having a break from all the calculus- and physics-based classes was wonderful because it gave me an opportunity to use a completely different side of my brain, and I have really improved my writing and communication skills as a result. I recommend that any students who are interested in learning a language and culture more deeply consider pursuing a minor.