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COLLEGE of ENGINEERING
2026
During the academic year, the 2026 Team will design and prepare for the construction of a suspended footbridge across the Río Loripongo in the community of Loripongo, located in the Puno region of Peru. The bridge will cross the Río Loripongo in the Andean mountain range, with the final span length determined during the design phase. For about four months each year, heavy rainfall and flooding make the river unsafe or impossible to cross, and temporary crossings are frequently washed away. The bridge will directly benefit approximately 100 community members and indirectly support about 800 residents and 3,000 visitors annually. It will provide year-round access to schools, medical care, government services, jobs, markets, and the Kollpa Apacheta hot springs, supporting tourism and long-term economic growth.
Location
Loripongo, Peru
Community Members Served
900
Bridge Span Length
TBD
Meet the Team
Maclean Lauber
Role: Project Manager
Major: Industrial Design and Education, Schooling, & Society (ESS)
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Graduation Year: 2027
Maclean Lauber is a junior studying Industrial Design and Education and will serve as Project Manager for the 2025-2026 NDSEED Team. After contributing as Assistant Construction Manager last year, he's excited to take on a larger role supporting his teammates throughout the project. Maclean is deeply passionate about NDSEED's mission of empowering communities through collaboration and expanding access to educational, livelihood, and social opportunities. He values the chance to work alongside teammates, alumni, local masons, and community members to build a bridge that stands as a pillar of partnership and ownership. To Maclean, NDSEED's bridges reach far beyond riverbanks; they connect worlds of understanding, empowerment, and shared humanity.
Major: Industrial Design and Education, Schooling, & Society (ESS)
Hometown: St. Paul, MN
Graduation Year: 2027
Maclean Lauber is a junior studying Industrial Design and Education and will serve as Project Manager for the 2025-2026 NDSEED Team. After contributing as Assistant Construction Manager last year, he's excited to take on a larger role supporting his teammates throughout the project. Maclean is deeply passionate about NDSEED's mission of empowering communities through collaboration and expanding access to educational, livelihood, and social opportunities. He values the chance to work alongside teammates, alumni, local masons, and community members to build a bridge that stands as a pillar of partnership and ownership. To Maclean, NDSEED's bridges reach far beyond riverbanks; they connect worlds of understanding, empowerment, and shared humanity.
Evan Johnston
Role: Design Manager
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Constitutional Studies
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Graduation Year: 2026
Evan is a senior majoring in Civil Engineering with a minor in Constitutional Studies and is the 2025-2026 NDSEED Bridge Designer. In his first year with NDSEED, he is excited to learn and grow alongside the team as they develop the bridge design for this year. He interned in transportation design with American Structurepoint and construction engineering with Panzica Construction Company, both in his hometown of Cleveland, OH. He is honored to have the opportunity to practice engineering in a more global context and in a capacity that serves geographically isolated communities, especially given his interest in deliberate community building. Outside of NDSEED, he can be found drumming in the ND Bagpipe Band or his on-campus garage band, The Mourning Doves.
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Constitutional Studies
Hometown: Cleveland, OH
Graduation Year: 2026
Evan is a senior majoring in Civil Engineering with a minor in Constitutional Studies and is the 2025-2026 NDSEED Bridge Designer. In his first year with NDSEED, he is excited to learn and grow alongside the team as they develop the bridge design for this year. He interned in transportation design with American Structurepoint and construction engineering with Panzica Construction Company, both in his hometown of Cleveland, OH. He is honored to have the opportunity to practice engineering in a more global context and in a capacity that serves geographically isolated communities, especially given his interest in deliberate community building. Outside of NDSEED, he can be found drumming in the ND Bagpipe Band or his on-campus garage band, The Mourning Doves.
Bridget Hannon
Role: Construction Manager
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Babylon, NY
Graduation Year: 2026
Bridget Hannon is a senior studying civil engineering and will serve as the Construction Manager for the NDSEED team during the 2025–2026 academic year. This is her first year on the team and she is eager to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the project. Bridget brings valuable experience from a construction management internship in New York City, where she gained hands-on insight into construction coordination. On campus, she has served as an admissions tour guide and worked at the Center for Student Support and Care. Beyond academics, Bridget enjoys traveling, having spent a semester abroad in Perth, Australia, and loves going to the beach, reading, and running. She looks forward to applying her engineering background to help complete the bridge and make a lasting impact on the community it will serve.
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Babylon, NY
Graduation Year: 2026
Bridget Hannon is a senior studying civil engineering and will serve as the Construction Manager for the NDSEED team during the 2025–2026 academic year. This is her first year on the team and she is eager to contribute her skills and enthusiasm to the project. Bridget brings valuable experience from a construction management internship in New York City, where she gained hands-on insight into construction coordination. On campus, she has served as an admissions tour guide and worked at the Center for Student Support and Care. Beyond academics, Bridget enjoys traveling, having spent a semester abroad in Perth, Australia, and loves going to the beach, reading, and running. She looks forward to applying her engineering background to help complete the bridge and make a lasting impact on the community it will serve.
Mara Morales
Role: Safety Manager
Major: Environmental Engineering
Minor: Sustainability
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Graduation Year: 2027
Mara Morales-Arnao is a junior Environmental Engineering student with a minor in Sustainability. She is serving as the Safety Manager this year, and primarily worked as an assistant under the Safety Manager last year. Mara chose to be a part of NDSEED because she loves how this project allows her to apply the knowledge she gains in the classroom and be able to help a community in need at the same time. Last summer, she worked as a visiting research assistant for the Coastal Engineering Lab at the University of Southern California and contributed to the design and manufacturing of a wave energy capture device. Through this experience and her academic studies, Mara is extremely excited to apply the skills she has learned from last year and help keep everyone safe!
Major: Environmental Engineering
Minor: Sustainability
Hometown: Huntington Beach, CA
Graduation Year: 2027
Mara Morales-Arnao is a junior Environmental Engineering student with a minor in Sustainability. She is serving as the Safety Manager this year, and primarily worked as an assistant under the Safety Manager last year. Mara chose to be a part of NDSEED because she loves how this project allows her to apply the knowledge she gains in the classroom and be able to help a community in need at the same time. Last summer, she worked as a visiting research assistant for the Coastal Engineering Lab at the University of Southern California and contributed to the design and manufacturing of a wave energy capture device. Through this experience and her academic studies, Mara is extremely excited to apply the skills she has learned from last year and help keep everyone safe!
Gracelyn Combs
Role: Quality Control Manager
Major: Environmental Engineering
Minor: Energy Studies
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
Graduation Year: 2026
Grace Combs is a senior studying Environmental Engineering with a minor in Energy Studies. It is Grace’s first year being a part of the NDSEED Team and she will serve as the Quality Control Manager for the 2026 Team. The past two summers, Grace has participated in internships as a Project Engineer with Newmont Mining Corporation and as a Civil Engineer with Kimley-Horn, learning invaluable skills and growing her network. Last spring, Grace studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland and had the opportunity to travel around the world and learn about what engineering looks like in Ireland as well as in other parts of Europe. At Notre Dame, Grace conducts research in the Doudrick lab studying PFAS contamination and removal, serves as the president for the Environmental Engineering Society, and is the Head of Communications for Music and Medicine. In her free time, Grace loves to play music, be with friends and family, play lacrosse, read, and spend time outside! She is grateful for this opportunity to use her skills to make a difference for a community, and is incredibly excited to work with a team of great people!
Major: Environmental Engineering
Minor: Energy Studies
Hometown: Lakewood, Colorado
Graduation Year: 2026
Grace Combs is a senior studying Environmental Engineering with a minor in Energy Studies. It is Grace’s first year being a part of the NDSEED Team and she will serve as the Quality Control Manager for the 2026 Team. The past two summers, Grace has participated in internships as a Project Engineer with Newmont Mining Corporation and as a Civil Engineer with Kimley-Horn, learning invaluable skills and growing her network. Last spring, Grace studied abroad in Dublin, Ireland and had the opportunity to travel around the world and learn about what engineering looks like in Ireland as well as in other parts of Europe. At Notre Dame, Grace conducts research in the Doudrick lab studying PFAS contamination and removal, serves as the president for the Environmental Engineering Society, and is the Head of Communications for Music and Medicine. In her free time, Grace loves to play music, be with friends and family, play lacrosse, read, and spend time outside! She is grateful for this opportunity to use her skills to make a difference for a community, and is incredibly excited to work with a team of great people!
Julia Meitner
Role: Media and Documentation Manager
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Energy Studies
Hometown: Hays, KS
Graduation Year: 2026
Julia is a senior studying civil engineering with a minor in energy studies. This year, she is serving as the Media and Documentation Manager for the NDSEED team, where she’s eager to apply her skills to a project that will directly benefit a rural community. Beyond NDSEED, Julia is the President of Engineers Without Borders, active in Campus Ministry, and works part-time at the ND Romance Languages and Literatures Department. Her passion for engineering, combined with her love of travel, has inspired her to focus on projects that promote change, particularly in underdeveloped areas. Julia spent two summers interning with the Defense Intelligence Agency, where she improved her analytical, organizational, and project management skills. She hopes to continue using her engineering skills to develop sustainable infrastructure solutions that improve quality of life for underserved communities.
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Energy Studies
Hometown: Hays, KS
Graduation Year: 2026
Julia is a senior studying civil engineering with a minor in energy studies. This year, she is serving as the Media and Documentation Manager for the NDSEED team, where she’s eager to apply her skills to a project that will directly benefit a rural community. Beyond NDSEED, Julia is the President of Engineers Without Borders, active in Campus Ministry, and works part-time at the ND Romance Languages and Literatures Department. Her passion for engineering, combined with her love of travel, has inspired her to focus on projects that promote change, particularly in underdeveloped areas. Julia spent two summers interning with the Defense Intelligence Agency, where she improved her analytical, organizational, and project management skills. She hopes to continue using her engineering skills to develop sustainable infrastructure solutions that improve quality of life for underserved communities.
Madeline Mitchell
Role: Business Manager
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Edgewood, KY
Graduation Year: 2028
Madeline Mitchell is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering and serves as the Business Manager for the 2025–2026 NDSEED team. With a strong background in organization, fundraising, and resource management, she is eager to apply her logistical skills to critical project areas such as international travel and fundraising. Madeline values NDSEED’s team-oriented environment and looks forward to drawing on her leadership and teamwork experience to support a positive group dynamic. She is excited and honored to contribute to NDSEED’s mission of service, collaboration, and meaningful impact in underserved communities. Outside of NDSEED, Madeline is the Social Media Manager for the Engineering Leadership Council, a Hall Clerk in Johnson Family Hall, and a student worker at the Sara Bea Center. She enjoys cooking, baking, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Hometown: Edgewood, KY
Graduation Year: 2028
Madeline Mitchell is a sophomore studying Mechanical Engineering and serves as the Business Manager for the 2025–2026 NDSEED team. With a strong background in organization, fundraising, and resource management, she is eager to apply her logistical skills to critical project areas such as international travel and fundraising. Madeline values NDSEED’s team-oriented environment and looks forward to drawing on her leadership and teamwork experience to support a positive group dynamic. She is excited and honored to contribute to NDSEED’s mission of service, collaboration, and meaningful impact in underserved communities. Outside of NDSEED, Madeline is the Social Media Manager for the Engineering Leadership Council, a Hall Clerk in Johnson Family Hall, and a student worker at the Sara Bea Center. She enjoys cooking, baking, being outdoors, and spending time with friends and family.
Katherin Arriaza-Gamino
Role: Cultural Relations Manager
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Energy Studies
Hometown: Bastrop, TX
Graduation Year: 2028
Katherin Arriaza-Gamiño is a sophomore studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Energy Studies. This year, she’s serving as NDSEED’s Cultural Relations Manager, helping her team build connections with partner communities and making sure cultural perspectives are part of their work. She’s also a member of the design team, where she applies what she learns in her engineering classes—sometimes in two languages—to real projects. Outside of NDSEED, Katy enjoys playing volleyball, which keeps her active and highlights her love of teamwork. She also likes relaxing with friends, especially when it involves watching movies together.
Major: Civil Engineering
Minor: Energy Studies
Hometown: Bastrop, TX
Graduation Year: 2028
Katherin Arriaza-Gamiño is a sophomore studying Civil Engineering with a minor in Energy Studies. This year, she’s serving as NDSEED’s Cultural Relations Manager, helping her team build connections with partner communities and making sure cultural perspectives are part of their work. She’s also a member of the design team, where she applies what she learns in her engineering classes—sometimes in two languages—to real projects. Outside of NDSEED, Katy enjoys playing volleyball, which keeps her active and highlights her love of teamwork. She also likes relaxing with friends, especially when it involves watching movies together.
Colin Campbell
Role: Assistant Project Manager
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Park City, Utah
Graduation Year: 2028
Colin is a sophomore studying civil engineering who will serve as the Assistant Project Manager for the 2025-26 NDSEED Team. Colin is excited to apply his passion for project management and interest in civil engineering to improving quality of life in a developing community. Colin honed his project management skills last summer as an Intern Analyst at Cruachan Capital, a commercial real-estate private equity firm with a focus on ground-up construction of apartment buildings. Outside of his academic studies and professional experience, Colin also serves as the assistant service commissioner for Stanford Hall, his place of residence, underscoring his commitment to serving the less fortunate around Notre Dame and beyond. NDSEED is allowing Colin to combine this commitment with real-world applications for his studies. Colin is grateful to be a part of NDSEED and enthusiastic about managing a project with a high degree of tangible positive impacts.
Major: Civil Engineering
Hometown: Park City, Utah
Graduation Year: 2028
Colin is a sophomore studying civil engineering who will serve as the Assistant Project Manager for the 2025-26 NDSEED Team. Colin is excited to apply his passion for project management and interest in civil engineering to improving quality of life in a developing community. Colin honed his project management skills last summer as an Intern Analyst at Cruachan Capital, a commercial real-estate private equity firm with a focus on ground-up construction of apartment buildings. Outside of his academic studies and professional experience, Colin also serves as the assistant service commissioner for Stanford Hall, his place of residence, underscoring his commitment to serving the less fortunate around Notre Dame and beyond. NDSEED is allowing Colin to combine this commitment with real-world applications for his studies. Colin is grateful to be a part of NDSEED and enthusiastic about managing a project with a high degree of tangible positive impacts.
Morgan Smith
Role: Assistant Quality Control Manager
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Energy Studies
Hometown: New Hope, MN
Graduation Year: 2028
Morgan is a sophomore studying electrical engineering with a minor in energy studies. This year, she is serving as the Assistant Non-traveling Quality Control Manager for the NDSEED team, where she’s eager to apply her technical and analytical skills to a project that will directly benefit an underprivileged rural community. Outside of NDSEED, Morgan also serves on the Construction Committee for Notre Dame’s Habitat for Humanity club and will work on the leadership team for a fall break service trip October 2025. She is passionate about the environment and about helping others and looks forward to someday serving on NDSEED’s traveling team.
Major: Electrical Engineering
Minor: Energy Studies
Hometown: New Hope, MN
Graduation Year: 2028
Morgan is a sophomore studying electrical engineering with a minor in energy studies. This year, she is serving as the Assistant Non-traveling Quality Control Manager for the NDSEED team, where she’s eager to apply her technical and analytical skills to a project that will directly benefit an underprivileged rural community. Outside of NDSEED, Morgan also serves on the Construction Committee for Notre Dame’s Habitat for Humanity club and will work on the leadership team for a fall break service trip October 2025. She is passionate about the environment and about helping others and looks forward to someday serving on NDSEED’s traveling team.
Jack Schillinger
Role: Assistant Design Manager
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Engineering Corporate Practice
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Graduation Year: 2027
Jack is a junior Mechanical Engineering major who will serve as the Assistant Bridge Designer for the 2025 NDSEED Team. He looks forward to using his engineering abilities in service to a project focused on improving the quality of life in a remote community. Service and engineering have long been central to Jack’s life. For many years, he volunteered with Boys Team Charity, supporting local communities and coordinating philanthropic efforts for underprivileged groups. He has also developed his engineering skills through various projects and internships, all driven by a desire to design a better future. NDSEED gives Jack the opportunity to merge his passion for service with his engineering knowledge. He is eager to learn and contribute to a complex design process alongside talented teammates, motivated not only by personal growth but also by a commitment to creating meaningful engineering solutions that support underserved communities in Latin America.
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Minor: Engineering Corporate Practice
Hometown: Scottsdale, Arizona
Graduation Year: 2027
Jack is a junior Mechanical Engineering major who will serve as the Assistant Bridge Designer for the 2025 NDSEED Team. He looks forward to using his engineering abilities in service to a project focused on improving the quality of life in a remote community. Service and engineering have long been central to Jack’s life. For many years, he volunteered with Boys Team Charity, supporting local communities and coordinating philanthropic efforts for underprivileged groups. He has also developed his engineering skills through various projects and internships, all driven by a desire to design a better future. NDSEED gives Jack the opportunity to merge his passion for service with his engineering knowledge. He is eager to learn and contribute to a complex design process alongside talented teammates, motivated not only by personal growth but also by a commitment to creating meaningful engineering solutions that support underserved communities in Latin America.
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