SUNY Poly Students Showcase Innovation, Ethics and Collaboration in National Competition
Four SUNY Polytechnic Institute students, Jackson Beckmann, Noa Lolona Haro, Tanner Hill and Spencer Therrien, spent part of the spring semester tackling complex engineering and ethical challenges as part of Lockheed Martin’s Ethics in Engineering Case Competition, demonstrating how interdisciplinary learning, alumni mentorship and donor-supported opportunities prepare SUNY Poly students for success beyond the classroom.
Representing SUNY Poly in the national competition, the students worked for more than a month to develop solutions centered on command, communication and control (C3) systems and the ethical considerations surrounding defense-related decision making. Competing against students from some of the nation’s top universities, one SUNY Poly team advanced through the preliminary rounds to earn a top-eight national finish.
The experience required students to combine business, engineering and ethics while adapting to evolving scenarios under tight deadlines. Along the way, they collaborated with faculty mentor John Szwakob, alumni and industry professionals, gaining valuable insight from experts across multiple disciplines.
“Even if you’re not a business major, almost every field involves business to some degree,” said Noa Lolona Haro. “Getting involved in Department of Defense-related work showed us how organizations ensure compliance, maintain ethical standards and make critical decisions responsibly.”
The students also credited the NYSTEC Business Center of Excellence and donor-supported initiatives, including the Center’s AI and fintech learning spaces, with helping prepare them for the competition. These resources gave students opportunities to apply classroom concepts in practical settings while working with emerging technologies.
“The on-your-feet critical thinking and problem solving was one of the most valuable parts of the competition,” said Tanner Hill. “It was a great way to practice skills that apply across many sectors of business and industries.”
The competition reflects SUNY Poly’s commitment to experiential learning and the powerful role alumni, donors and industry partners play in helping students develop the knowledge, confidence and professional networks needed to succeed after graduation.
