SLU School of Science and Engineering

05/28/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Nan Chen, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, on her latest NSF award! 🎉

05/26/2026

In search of summer plans? Venture to the Saint Louis Science Center to learn how blue whales contribute to clean water systems! 🐋💧 Visit Dr. Jean Potvin — SLU physicist, whale enthusiast, and Scientist in Residence — at The Blue Whale Story exhibit every Monday & Friday from 12–3pm at the Saint Louis Science Center!
Learn more: https://loom.ly/o3vZBe4

05/20/2026

The semester may be over, but the memories aren't going anywhere. 💙 From milestones to moments that made us proud, here's to an incredible 2025–2026 year at SSE. Take a look back with us. ✨

05/18/2026

Late nights, big dreams, and even bigger achievements. Class of 2026, congratulations! Welcome to the SSE Alumni club. 🎓

05/15/2026

We are thrilled to celebrate our SSE graduates this morning! Watch the livestream of the SSE Precommencement Ceremony here: https://loom.ly/BU6Fl9Y

Congratulations, grads! 🎓

05/13/2026

It's graduation season! SSE Precommencement will be this Friday, May 15th at 8am in Chaifetz Arena (Graduates: remember to arrive by 7am for check in)! 🎓

Not able to join in person? The ceremony will stream live on YouTube as well: https://loom.ly/BU6Fl9Y

Congratulations, graduates!

05/12/2026

Proud of the success of alum Daniel Reczek (Aerospace Engineering 2018)!

ALUM SUCCESS STORY: Daniel Reczek, a 2018 SLU graduate, was recently promoted to Chief Training Officer at NASA. Daniel was also the lead SLS Booster Officer for the Artemis II mission, where he led a team of nine that developed the ConOps for the Booster Console and supported dynamic ascent and proximity operations from the Flight Control Room. Additionally, Daniel led the Orion Propulsion Training for the Artemis II Crew, developing and teaching the majority of propulsion content to the four astronauts. In his current role, he manages the overall ex*****on of training for human missions to space, maintains connections with nationwide partners involved with NASA’s Space Launch System and Interim Cryogenic Propulsion Stage.

During Daniel’s time at SLU, he majored in aerospace engineering, was part of the SLU Rocket Propulsion and Space Systems Research Labs, and was part of the athletics department event staff, where he experienced collaborating on a team in a fast-paced environment for the first time. He also joined Tau Beta Pi and The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Daniel’s time at SLU helped him develop necessary communication skills and aided in his understanding of what is needed to be successful in his role.

Daniel received assistance from Career Services during his time at SLU, and he specifically recalls receiving guidance from our Director, Floyd Welsh, who helped him understand what the day-to-day work of an engineer looks like. Daniel also helped lead the NASA tour for SLU students during our Spring 2025 Houston Career Trek, providing them with valuable insight into the agency.

Daniel’s advice to new SLU students is to “say yes to opportunities.” These could even be study abroad or group activities because his event staff role has proven to be such a crucial part of his journey. Daniel also explained that students should not “underestimate the importance of networking,” because there are many Billikens in the industry and there is room for more!

05/06/2026

We are proud to recognize William L. Smith Sr., Ph.D. (PC ’63) as this year's Alumni Merit Award honoree for the SSE!

Dr. Smith’s work has been fundamental to modern meteorology. In 1969, he developed the first operational atmospheric sounding retrieval system, which successfully turned satellite observations into a practical tool for weather forecasting.

In addition to his professional legacy, Dr. Smith remains committed to the future of the field. Through the William L. Smith Sr. Atmospheric and Aviation Sciences Scholarship established by him and his wife, he continues to support and mentor SLU students.

Congratulations to Dr. Smith on this well-deserved recognition!

05/05/2026

Graduating soon? Congratulations! Before you cross the stage, make sure to update your contact information to stay connected with your global alumni network. We also encourage you to join the Alumni Mentoring Network and complete the First-Destination Survey.

Finally, join us for the SSE Future-Alumni Expo from May 11 to 14 in the McDonnell Douglas Rotunda. You can stop by between 9:00 AM and 3:00 PM daily to collect your alumni swag, pick up Latin honors cords, and take photos.

For more detailed information and links, please refer to the graduation email sent to your SLU account.

05/04/2026

Huge congratulations to Dr. Jean Potvin, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering here at SLU!

Dr. Potvin has officially received the 2026 Theodor W. Knacke Aerodynamic Decelerator Systems Award from the AIAA. This award is a testament to his years of dedication to the science of aerodynamic deceleration and his commitment to engineering education.

We are honored to have such a distinguished researcher leading the way!

Read more at https://loom.ly/P7_Tu5Q