A group of E-Week participants pose for a group photo

CWRU Engineers Week inspires future problem-solvers

March 12, 2026 | Story by: Editorial Staff

Students, faculty and alumni came together to celebrate innovation and community during Engineers Week (E-Week) at CWRU from Feb. 20–28. The annual event highlights the impact of engineering while inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers through hands-on activities, competitions and networking opportunities.

Throughout the week, students tested their creativity and technical skills in events such as the Build-a-Boat Challenge, the WISER Lightbulb Drop and a LEGO Bridge Building Competition. Friendly competition continued with plastic water bottle car races and STEM trivia at the Jolly Scholar, bringing together participants from across the campus community.

A highlight of the week was the Engineers Week Dean’s Networking Reception, hosted by Interim Dean Christian Zorman. The event welcomed students, alumni, faculty and industry partners for an evening of connection and professional development, featuring guest speaker and alumnus Milind Bhanoo, vice chairman and co-founder of LayerZero Power Systems. Together, the week’s events celebrated the creativity, collaboration and future impact of the engineering community.

Image of students drawing plans for the Build-a-Boat Challenge

The Build-a-Boat Challenge tasked participants to construct boats out of materials such as straws, popsicle sticks, cardboard, etc. 

Photo of students building a small boat out of styrofoam

Boats were judged based on creativity and speed. The event was hosted by Global Health Design Collaborative, Humanitarian Design Corps/Engineers without Borders, and the National Society of Black Engineers. 

Image of students with their materials for the Egg Drop

During WISER's annual Lightbulb Drop, students used simple household materials to construct devices to protect incandescent light bulbs that they dropped from the library's central staircase.

Image of a students creation to protect a lightbulb during E-Week's Lightbulb Drop

Similar to an egg drop, the light bulb that survives the highest drop is the winner.

Image of students about to drop their protected lightbulb

Teams dropped their lightbulb and structure onto a bed of rocks from increasingly towering heights, until only one team remained.

Photo of a student talking to faculty at E-Week's Dean's Networking Reception

Interim Dean Christian Zorman hosted the Engineers Week Dean’s Networking Reception to bring together engineering students, alumni, faculty and industry partners.

Image of Chris Zorman and Milind Bhanoo talking

The networking event featured guest speaker and alumnus Milind Bhanoo, Vice Chairman & Co-founder at LayerZero Power Systems, Inc.

Image of student talking during E-Week's Dean's Networking Reception

Attendees had the reception had the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations, expand their professional networks and explore career paths within the engineering field.

Image of students building a bridge out of legos

In the Lego Bridge Building Competition, students competed in a team of 3-7 people to build the strongest and most aesthetic Lego bridge to win prizes.

Image of a completed lego bridge

The Lego Bridge Building Competition was hosted by Case Engineers Council and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers.