From bioethics to drone racing, five new student organizations have joined the Styslinger College of Engineering this academic year, giving students new ways to explore emerging fields, gain hands-on experience and develop leadership skills. These clubs reflect a growing interest among students in interdisciplinary learning and community engagement.
Biotech and Bioethics Association
The Biotech and Bioethics Association offers students a forum to explore the intersection of biotechnology and ethics. President Alex Kim said he founded the club “after coming onto campus with a strong interest in medicine, technology and philosophy” and realizing there wasn’t a student group focused on those conversations. “Our mission is to bring people together to learn more about various biotech topics and talk about the bioethical implications in an engaging environment,” Kim said. Meetings feature short student-led presentations followed by open discussions designed to encourage critical thinking and collaboration across disciplines. Kim said the most rewarding part is “how engaging and fun the discussions have been, as well as how much we’ve grown in just a little over a semester.”
Girls Who Code College Loop
The Girls Who Code College Loop at The University of Alabama brings an international movement to campus, inspiring middle and high school students to pursue computing careers and leadership roles in technology. Alex Jorns, president of the organization, said she was inspired to start the club “after hearing from other Girls Who Code [alumnae] about their experiences expanding the organization into college.” The Bama Loop focuses on mentorship and outreach, helping sixth- through 12th-grade students build confidence and coding skills through workshops and collaborative projects. “I’m especially excited to work with young students and help them realize their potential in coding,” Jorns said. The club will host several community events, including a hackathon at the Tuscaloosa Public Library.
Ripping Tide Drone Racing Team
The Ripping Tide Drone Racing Team gives students hands-on experience with drone engineering, piloting and competitive racing. President Joseph Mire, a longtime drone enthusiast, started the organization to build “a community of people who had similar interests and would help [him] and other members to challenge each other to become great.” Open to all experience levels, the club provides training, practice sessions and opportunities to compete in the national Collegiate Drone Racing Championship. Mire said he hopes Ripping Tide will “inspire fellow engineers to pursue and excel in their technical hobbies and provide a community for students
with a passion for drones.” Members also have opportunities to connect with employers in technical and aviation fields through the club’s growing professional network.
Alabama Engineering Initiative
The Alabama Engineering Initiative focuses on applying engineering skills to create sustainable, service-based solutions that make a real-world impact. Founded to fill the gap for humanitarian-focused engineering organizations on campus, AEI gives students the opportunity to combine technical knowledge with empathy and social awareness. Colin Duckworth, president of AEI, said, “Our mission is to help students grow as engineers while making a tangible difference in the world.” Looking ahead, Duckworth said he’s most excited to see the club’s culture of service continue to grow, empowering students to approach engineering as a means of improving lives both locally and globally.
Engineering Leadership Development Society
The Engineering Leadership Development Society equips students with the technical and leadership skills needed to manage Styslinger College of Engineering organizations effectively. President Daniel Freeman said he founded the club “after noticing a void in the teaching of technical and leadership skills outside of student design teams,” aiming to create a space where students can learn, network and find their community. Through workshops, discussions and project analysis, ELDS members strengthen abilities in resource management, sponsorship outreach, budgeting and team motivation. “The most exciting part of leading this organization is meeting new people and seeing the levels of personal growth that happen when someone is provided the opportunity to try new things,” he said. ELDS also partners with design team leaders to host hands-on workshops that connect members with mentorship and networking opportunities across the College.
These new organizations represent the College’s commitment to fostering innovation and community among its students. By providing platforms for interdisciplinary exploration, professional growth and mentorship, the clubs are poised to expand opportunities and enrich student life on campus.