Individuals who pursue the path of mechanical engineering have passions for creation, change, and innovation. This could have been inspired during childhood by building LEGOs or experiencing a problem that needs a solution.
Aubrie Aagard is one of these driven individuals who is passionate about researching and will continue to positively impact her local community beyond her college journey.
Aubrie Aagard
Aubrie Aagard was born and raised in Utah, and despite her initial expectations of going out of state for college, she loved the U’s programs, research opportunities, and resources.
While at the U, Aubrie was actively engaged in several research projects focusing on finding solutions for the health industry. This passion was inspired by her close family members who have experienced struggles with their physical independence due to various health complications.
“I’ve spent much of my time in the community, frequently visiting the Natural Abilities Center since childhood, and I’ve developed a deep passion for creating positive change,” said Aubrie Aagard.
For Aubrie’s thesis, she collaborated with the rehab hospital at the U where she researched and learned about the different types of spinal cord injuries. “Depending on which vertebra you are missing [in your spinal cord] can significantly affect the muscles you can and cannot move. An example is C5 where you would not be able to move your wrists,” explained Aubrie. With this understanding, Aubrie worked on finding solutions to help restore the grip function with people with C5 spinal cord injuries.
Through her experiences researching and finding solutions, the most surprising thing that she learned is that the simplest solution is the best solution. “After you take these complex classes, you want to create the most intricate designs; however, in the grand scheme of things, the more complex a thing is, the less sustainable it will be,” said Aubrie.
Aubrie attributes the Honors College to assisting her with maintaining both her strong sense of community and balance. This is due to the coursework, small class sizes, and caring mentors that the Honors College offers students.
“I big heart the Honors College,” expressed Aubrie.
Join us in celebrating Aubrie’s incredible work at the upcoming Honors Student Showcase on April 16, 2025, from 4–7 PM at Kahlert Village. Aubrie will be presenting her thesis research, offering an inside look at the innovative and impactful solutions she has developed. This event is a fantastic opportunity to engage with Honors students, explore groundbreaking research, and see firsthand how students like Aubrie are making a real difference. Don’t miss this chance to support and be inspired by the next generation of changemakers!
Aspen Delis | Journalism Intern, University of Utah Honors College