Carthage students compete in First Nations Launch National Rocket Competition

Iris Toney ’24, Juliana Alvarez ’26, Sydney Pelnar ’24, and Alex Kovalenko ’24 with their First Nations Launch rocket. On April 26-27, Carthage’s First Nations Launch team competed with collegiate teams from the United States and Canada at the Richard Bong State Recreation Area.

While the conditions were windy, teams launched successfully, demonstrating adaptability in challenging launch conditions. Carthage’s team comprised of engineering students Iris Toney ’24 and Juliana Alvarez ’26, physics student Sydney Pelnar ’24, and computer science and Chinese double major Alex Kovalenko ’24. They were advised by Professor Julie Dahlstrom, chair of the Physics and Astronomy Department.

The team was one of few to successfully recover their rocket in relaunchable condition.  

Sponsoring Department, Office, or Organization:

Engineering Department