Systems Engineering Connect & Mini Conference
Theme 2026: Engineering Transformations
Welcome to the 2026 CSU Systems Connect & Mini Conference!
This two-day on-campus event brings together students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners to share research, network, and advance systems thinking.
Date: April 22–23, 2026
Registration deadline: March 15, 2026
Objectives
- Connect Systems Engineering students, alumni, and industry to CSU’s campus community of engaged scholarship
- Share research topics and learnings among our community
- Be inspired by systems thought leaders and systems engineering successes
About the Theme
Systems often require optimization, integration, and revival – but more than ever, they need renewal. This year’s theme highlights how systems engineering transforms ideas into real-world impact across technical, social, and environmental domains:
Engineering Transformations!
Abstract Info
It is optional to submit an abstract for a poster and/or presentation. All CSU Systems Engineering graduate students are encouraged to submit.
There are 30 slots for posters. Oral paper presentations are also available. Please indicate in your submission.
Deadline for submission: March 15, 2026.
Posters will be 24 X 36 in. Here is a template:
Systems Engineering Branded Academic Poster (24in X 36in)
Awards
We have two awards! One to earn and one to give. The best project submitted to Systems Connect will receive an award.
Attendees of Systems Connect will be invited to view and vote on the undergraduate E-Days project that best represents Systems Thinking Excellence.
Graduate students: Best Project.
Undergraduate: Systems Thinking Excellence.
For questions email us:
Kevin.Fleming@colostate.edu
DAY 1 (Powerhouse)
430 N College Ave #425, Fort Collins, CO 80524.
(If you opt to drive, park in the lot just south and slightly east of the building, not the one directly outside the front doors)
All times MDT. Locations subject to change.
More details will be filled in as the event approaches.
8:45 AM – 9 AM
Arrival and Coffee
Location: Powerhouse, Lobby & Room 104
Guests are encouraged to arrive early, get settled, and enjoy refreshments before the program begins.
9 AM – 9:15 AM
Welcome by the Department Chair
Location: Powerhouse, Room 104
Kick off the event with a brief overview of the agenda and objectives.
9:15 AM – 10:20 AM
Keynote Address: Dr. Ronald M. Sega
Location: Powerhouse, Room 104
A keynote presentation from Dr. Ronald M. Sega, former U.S. astronaut and professor, on recent developments and future trends in Systems Engineering.
10:20 AM – 10:30 AM
Break (10 mins)
10:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Alumni Panel Session
Location: Powerhouse, Room 104
A moderated panel featuring Systems Engineering alumni discussing their career paths, interests, and perspectives on the field.
11:30 AM – 11:35 AM
Break (5 mins)
11:35 AM – 12:30 PM
Systems Engineering Body of Knowledge (SEBoK) Working Sessions
Location: Powerhouse, Room 104 Lobby; 3rd Floor Vinnie’s Lab Room; Board Room 342
Collaborative working sessions focused on ideas and contributions to add to SEBoK.
12:30 PM – 1:30 PM
Networking Lunch
Location: Powerhouse, Room 104 Lobby
A lunch with time to mingle and network informally.
After Lunch — Choose your own adventure!
1:40 PM – 5:00 PM
Choose Your Adventure: Campus and Community Tours
Location: Various locations
Guided tours highlighting key facilities, laboratories, and research centers relevant to Systems Engineering. Optional community outings may include Old Town and the Foothills.
5 PM – 8 PM
Networking Reception and Dinner
Location: Powerhouse, Room 104 & Lobby
A relaxed evening reception with dinner for faculty, students, alumni, and industry partners.
DAY 2 (Main Campus)
1101 Center Avenue Mall Fort Collins, CO 80521
(Parking on campus can be a challenge, but there are paid spots at the lot near the bus transit center at the LSC)
8:45 AM – 9 AM
Arrival
Location: Lory Student Center (LSC) University Ballroom
9 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcome and Overview of the Day
Location: LSC University Ballroom
A brief welcome and introduction to the day’s activities.
9:30 AM – 9:40 AM
Break
9:40 AM – 11:00 AM
Senior Student Presentations
Location: Room 390
Presentations from senior students showcasing their projects and work.
11:00 AM – 11:10 AM
Break
11:10 AM – 11:50 AM
Poster Session Green
Location: LSC Room 322 and 324
An opportunity to view posters, engage with presenters, and support research and project work.
11:50 AM – Noon
Break
Noon– 1 PM
Networking Lunch
Location: LSC University Ballroom
A lunch focused on connection and conversation among graduate students, faculty, and guests.
12:30 PM
Lunch Keynote Speaker: Terry Ruhl, a globally recognized leader in civil and transportation infrastructure
After Lunch
1:10 PM – 2 PM
Poster Session Gold
Location: Rooms 322 and 324
A second poster session highlighting additional student work and research.
2 PM – 3 PM
E-Days Integration
Location: LSC
Review E-Days project displays and engage with the community. SE graduate students will select the most systems E-Days project!
3 PM – 3:50 PM
Discussion and Voting
Location: University Ballroom
A time to connect, discuss, and participate in voting.
3:50 PM – 4 PM
Break
4 PM – 6:20 PM
Optional Evening Social Event
Location: TBD
An informal gathering at a local venue for those who would like to continue networking in a casual setting.
6:30 PM – 8 PM
E-Days Awards Ceremony
Location: LSC
A Systems Engineering representative will present the award for the most systems-relevant senior design project.