Satellite project helps student strengthen skills for engineering

“I originally came to Messiah because I planned on being part of the university’s swim team, but I also wanted to pursue a degree in mechanical engineering,” he said. “More than being a student-athlete, it was important for me to find a good engineering school and Messiah was the best option for me.”

Lacayo wanted to pursue his interests in design and learning how things work. Mechanical engineering allowed him to engage with and develop these skills.

“I have always had a curiosity to see how things work internally and what makes pieces move, but throughout the

years I have developed a passion for design. Not only does mechanical engineering teach a lot about these things, but it also is a great major to become a versatile engineer, which I very much want to be. I like knowing a little bit about everything,” he said.

As a first-generation student, Lacayo never felt particularly different from his peers; rather, it was teaching himself how to get through college that was a point of growth.

“The first experience was that I had to figure out all the financial aspects of going to a higher education institution. From FAFSA to understanding financial aid, and even applying for loans. I did not have many people to really help me or teach me about these things so I just had to learn on my own,” he said. “Another thing I had to understand was the importance of a good GPA. I never really had to worry about my GPA until I was receiving scholarships and it was then that I learned the hard way about the importance of maintaining a good GPA.”

Lacayo also took on an engineering internship in Colorado during his time at Messiah.

“During my internship in Colorado, I was part of a team of interns and we developed a radio frequency testbed to establish remote communication between our own ground station and a small satellite also known as a CubeSat. We also designed and manufactured our own three-axis structure for the CubeSat allowing it to have better rotation,” he said. “My team and I were able to be part of the top 5 finalists for our Summer Games Internship. This internship was very important for me because it allowed me to gain experience which has now allowed me to be more confident in my skills and knowledge as an engineer.”

After graduation, Lacayo wishes to continue his career in mechanical engineering, particularly in the aerospace and naval/maritime fields.

“I wish to be part of a team that is responsible for the design and testing of these structures,” he said.

— Samantha Neal ’24