The School of Engineering Technology (SoET) recently wrapped up its second annual keychain design competition, building on a new tradition that started just last year.
What started last year as an idea from student ambassador Blaz Rodrigues has quickly grown into an annual opportunity for students to showcase their skills in a way that feels both creative and practical. This year, the competition drew 23 entries from students across Polytechnic locations.
Top honors went to Tuan Thai, a senior in Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET), whose design stood out among a strong group of submissions. The competition was created to give students a fun outlet for their talents while also providing something meaningful they can carry forward. For many, it's more than just a design-it's a portfolio piece and a strong addition to their résumé.
Entries were reviewed by a panel made up of faculty, the school head, and School of Engineering Technology ambassadors. Designs were evaluated based on how well they represented SoET and Purdue, overall creativity, complexity, market appeal, and how effectively they could be produced through 3D printing.
As part of the recognition, Thai receives a $300 prize, a certificate, and a place on the SoET recognition plaque in Knoy Hall. He will also receive 10 copies of his 3D-printed design. His keychain will be distributed throughout the next academic year to prospective students, industry visitors, and current students-giving his work a visible presence across campus and beyond.
With a second year now complete, the competition continues to build momentum as a simple but impactful way to celebrate student talent and connect design, creativity, and engineering in a tangible way.
About the School of Engineering Technology
The School of Engineering Technology at Purdue University Polytechnic Institute redefines engineering education by bridging engineering theory and real-world application. The school offers BS, MS, and PhD degrees across multiple engineering technology majors, serving 2,000+ students on 7 campuses in Indiana, and is known for its senior capstone course that generates new intellectual property and companies yearly. Graduates are recruited by Fortune 500 companies and startups worldwide due to their Industry Ready Day One education. The Purdue Polytechnic Institute is one of 10 colleges at Purdue University.