Author: Jessie Neece

Enterprise Distinguished Service Awards: Brett Hamlin

In celebration of its 25 years at Michigan Technological University, the Enterprise Program has awarded eight inaugural Enterprise Distinguished Service Awards to recognize the dedication and exceptional contributions of advisors and champions who have played pivotal roles in shaping the program’s success. The recipients of the Enterprise Distinguished Service Award are Brett Hamlin, Glen Archer, Rick Berkey, Jason Blough, Brad King, Robert Pastel, Tony Rogers, and Christopher “Kit” Cischke. 

Each of the award winners has more than 15 years of service within Enterprise, dedicating their time and expertise to guide teams, ensure student success, and advance the program’s discovery-based learning mission. The eight advisors have also fostered industry collaborations and strengthened the bridge between academia and industry. 

This eight-part series highlights the contributions of each award recipient.


person standing outside looking at the camera in a tan jacket and pink shirt
Dr. Brett Hamlin – Teaching Professor, Engineering Fundamentals

Brett Hamlin has been with Enterprise since the beginning. The program officially launched during the 1999-2000 academic year with just three teams, one of which was the Baja SAE Enterprise, a student-led team that designs, builds, and tests a single-seat off-road vehicle to compete in a national competition. 

“The University was looking for ways to support multi-year project teams on campus, and Baja was one of the teams identified,” Hamlin explains. “I was already advising the team, and one of the things that students had to do was fundraising. This often took the students’ time and attention away from what they were working on. Creating the Enterprise umbrella was so important for many reasons, one of which is that it gave multi-year projects a centrally funded model, which allowed us to shift our focus back to education and the real-world experience.

Fifteen years later, Hamlin stepped away from Baja and began advising the General and Expedition Adventure Research (GEAR) Enterprise. GEAR focuses on goods and equipment used in recreational outdoor and commercial expedition endeavors, and has worked on soft and hard goods related to backpacking, camping, climbing, snowshoeing, kayaking, canoeing, mountaineering, and military applications.

“My best part of Enterprise for me as an advisor is watching students take on very open-ended challenges, not knowing if there is a way to do what they are being asked to do.”

Brett Hamlin

“GEAR has taken on some challenging projects. We worked with the Department of Defense to design devices intended for downed pilots in desert environments,” Hamlin says. “We were asked to design a device that can extract a liter of water per day from desert air, and the students were able to do it! They came up with a device that could do it. They also worked on an invisibility cloak that would help downed pilots stay hidden in desert environments.”

Hamlin notes that Enterprise also lets students bring their own passions on board. “They’re given enough room and time to try out their ideas. They’re successful in some and fail in others, but they’re always able to reflect on the learning experience. Being part of an Enterprise team also helps students become comfortable with ambiguity and take on a project that they don’t know the solution to when they start it.”

blizzard baja vehicle driving through the dirt
In June of 2010, the Blizzard Baja team earned itself a gold at the Baja SAE Rochester competition, held at the Rochester Institute of Technology. Hamlin’s team finished first in the design portion of the Society of Automotive Engineers competition.

One of the highlights of Hamlin’s time with Enterprise was starting the winter baja competition and hosting it at Michigan Tech. “Very few Baja SAE teams have to both organize a tremendously large event as well as design and fabricate a racecar. Most just work on the racecar. We did both, and seeing what students gain from doing these events has been wonderful.”

Another highlight for Hamlin was watching GEAR students design a steerable Nordic sit-ski for adaptive athletes. “Typically, a sit-ski has been a rigid chair bolted to cross-country skis. The skis stay flat and the athlete has to double pull. It’s really hard to turn — it calls on a lot of abdominal strength and it’s just hard to steer in general. The GEAR students worked with a bunch of skiers and interviewed adaptive athletes, and they were able to design a sit-ski that would steer the way alpine skis steer, which is more parallel, back and forth.”

When thinking back on his 25 years with Enterprise, Hamlin says he reflects on what made it possible. “What makes it possible is everyone who works behind the scenes: the people who identify resources and projects, then go out and solicit funds. The people who are willing to help write proposals and help us purchase equipment. The only reason I’ve achieved a modicum of success in this program is due to its leadership and support staff. I lean heavily on those who work in the background and are sometimes overlooked — all the people who help make it possible.”


About the Enterprise Program

Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program offers students a unique, hands-on learning experience that goes beyond the classroom. With more than 25+ Enterprise teams spanning disciplines such as engineering, business, computing, and science, students collaborate on real-world projects sponsored by industry and government partners. Enterprise students develop technical expertise, leadership skills, and teamwork experience—preparing them for success in their careers. Many teams work on cutting-edge innovations, from automotive and aerospace to sustainability and emerging technologies.

Explore the Enterprise Program experience and see how you can get involved! Follow Michigan Tech Enterprise on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn for the latest updates.

Why Join an Enterprise Team? Hear from Michigan Tech Students

The Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech is more than just a hands-on learning experience—it’s a game-changer for students looking to develop real-world skills, build strong industry connections, and gain a competitive edge in their careers. But don’t just take our word for it—hear from current Enterprise students about why they joined, what they’ve learned, and how the program has shaped their future.

Enterprise students embody innovation, collaboration, and Husky pride.

Join Early, Learn More

Many students emphasize the importance of joining Enterprise as soon as possible to get the most out of the experience. Ezra Crandell from the Aerospace Enterprise shared,
“The main piece of advice I wish I had been given as a young student is to join an Enterprise sooner rather than later. My first year was spent getting up to speed—if I had joined even one semester earlier, I would have had that much more time to contribute to my team.”

Real-World Skills & Career Boost

Enterprise teams provide opportunities to apply classroom knowledge to real engineering challenges. Students work on real projects, develop leadership skills, and gain experience that translates directly into job opportunities.

Sean Bennink, also from the Aerospace Enterprise, highlighted how the program helped him land a job in the space industry:
“I gained space systems engineering and leadership skills while learning how subsystems work together to create a satellite. This technical knowledge gave me a huge advantage when applying for jobs.”

Similarly, Emily Breton of Consumer Products Manufacturing (CPM) found the experience invaluable:
“I’ve gained leadership and project management skills that directly contributed to landing my co-op. Future members should embrace every opportunity to learn and collaborate—these experiences are gold.”

Hands-On Experience Unlike Any Other

Many students choose Enterprise for its hands-on, applied learning approach. Blizzard Baja’s Izzy Cloose describes it best:
“In what engineering class do you machine spare parts, design new components, and flip the car in a race all in a single week? Baja is special because it combines applied engineering and real, gritty racing.”

Phillip Phan from Formula SAE echoed this sentiment:
“Formula SAE gives students hands-on experience that applies directly to the automotive industry. Seeing the car running and driving is the most rewarding feeling.”

Enterprise students know how to work hard—and have fun doing it!

A Supportive Community

Enterprise teams foster strong friendships and professional networks that last far beyond graduation. Trenton Hoard from Supermileage Systems Enterprise reflected,
“Before I joined, I thought this would be a good way to get job experience, but now I’ve gotten close with the team and consider them some of my closest friends here at Tech.”

The Best Way to Prepare for the Future

Ultimately, Enterprise is about more than just projects—it’s about preparing for life after college. Whether it’s developing confidence in leadership roles, working on innovative designs, or networking with industry professionals, students walk away with skills and experiences that set them apart.

As Brendan Marshall from Wireless Communication Enterprise (WCE) puts it,
“Enterprise is the closest thing you can get to work experience during college, and it is the best way to learn and grow as a student.”

Ready to Join?

No matter your major or career goals, there’s an Enterprise team at Michigan Tech that can help you build real-world experience, gain valuable skills, and make lifelong connections. The sooner you get involved, the more you’ll gain—so don’t wait! Explore the different Enterprise teams today and take the first step toward an exciting and rewarding experience.

Celebrating 25 Years of the Enterprise Program at Michigan Tech

Since its inception, the Enterprise Program at Michigan Technological University has provided students with hands-on, interdisciplinary learning experiences, offering them the opportunity to work on real-world projects that have shaped their futures. Over the past 25 years, the program has seen tremendous growth and success, and its impact is undeniable.

The journey began in 1998 when a three-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant was awarded to support the pilot program. By 1999, the Enterprise Program was officially launched with just three teams, testing the innovative approach of combining academic learning with practical, industry-driven projects.

Formula SAE students working on a project in 2014
Formula SAE students work on their dyno, Fall 2014

In 2000, the program scaled up, welcoming more students and expanding the number of teams. Just a year later, the Formula SAE team achieved a significant milestone by placing 20th out of 123 universities in an international competition. This was only the beginning of many future competitive successes.

By 2002-2003, the program introduced a 20-credit Enterprise minor, further enriching students’ academic experience by allowing them to dive deeper into the intersection of theory and practice. During this period, the program worked to expand its team offerings to be interdisciplinary, providing a comprehensive platform for students to thrive.

Over the years, Enterprise teams have tackled everything from environmental challenges to space exploration. The Aerospace Enterprise stood out by winning the prestigious University Nanosat 6 competition, and in 2019, they successfully launched the Oculus-ASR satellite into orbit, marking a monumental achievement for the university. And that is just a tiny sample of the dynamic history of the Enterprise Program.

Key Milestones in the 25-Year History of the Enterprise Program

Date Milestone
October 1, 1998 Three-year National Science Foundation (NSF) grant EEC-9872533 (submitted under the Action Agenda for Systemic Engineering Education Reform) for $749,976 awarded to Michigan Tech. The proposal was titled “Redesigning Engineering Education with Active Learning and Integration Through the Engineering Enterprise (REEALITEE).”
1999 The Pilot Year – 3 teams are created to test the Enterprise concept. The first teams are Program in Integrated Sustainable Manufacturing (PrISM), Resource Engineering Associates (REA), and Wireless Communication Enterprise (WCE)—which is still operating today!
2000 Official Enterprise Program launch and scale-up from the successful pilot year—200 enrolled Enterprise students, 11 Enterprise teams, and 19 majors represented
2000 Blizzard Baja joins the Enterprise Program
2000 Clean Snowmobile, Consumer Product Manufacturing, Formula SAE, and ITOxygen are formed
2001 Robotics Systems Enterprise and Automotive Systems Enterprise (later renamed Supermileage Systems Enterprise in 2008) are formed
2001 Formula SAE places 20th (out of 123 universities) and is runner-up for the Mechanical Dynamics Functional Digital Car Award and 3rd Plade in the TRC Safety and Crash Worthiness Award
2002 Aerospace Enterprise is formed
2002 – 2003 New 20-credit Enterprise minor is offered. The Enterprise Program grows to 17 Enterprises, 400 students, and 19 disciplines—76% of teams supported by industries
2004 Blue Marble Security Enterprise forms as a Wireless Communications spinoff to engage students in homeland security innovations
2004 International Business Ventures is formed—revisioned into the Innovative Global Solutions Enterprise in 2015
2005 Husky Game Development and STC Arts Enterprise (later rebranded as CinOptic Enterprise) are formed
2006 The new Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies expands Enterprise accessibility to students from all majors—Institute Associate Director Mary Raber, critical to Enterprise growth since its inception, serves as the program’s director
2006 BoardSport Technologies Enterprise is formed
2009 Advanced Metalworks Enterprise is formed with the merger of ICE and PrISM, and Green Campus Enterprise and Velovations are formed
2011 Humane Interface Design Enterprise is formed
2011 Husky Game Development launches Arcane Brawlers on Xbox Live
2012 The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) included Enterprise as one of only 29 programs selected nationally in their publication “Infusing Real World Experiences into Engineering Education”
2012 Nanotechnology Innovation Enterprise wins patent disclosure competitions sponsored by MTU’s Institute for Leadership and Innovation
2012 Open Source Hardware Enterprise is formed
2013 Alternative Energy Enterprise is formed
2014 Enterprise program expands to include graduate students in the program
2015 General and Expedition Adventure Research (GEAR) is formed
2015 Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) is formed (originally named the Mining Innovation Enterprise)
2016 The Enterprise Manufacturing Initiative, sponsored by the GM Foundation is started—It is a cross Enterprise, collaborative group of students interested in learning more about manufacturing while enhancing the manufacturability of a project within their Enterprise team
2016 Strategic Education through Naval Systems Experiences (SENSE) is formed
2017 Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program was selected by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) Engineering Education Awards Committee for the Donald N. Zwiep Innovation in Education Award
2017 Supermileage Systems wins a technical innovation award at Shell Eco-Marathon Americas
2018 Robotic Systems Enterprise wins 2nd place Concept Design Event in the SAE Auto Drive Challenge competition
2019 Built World Enterprise (BWE) is formed
2019 The first satellite built by Aerospace Enterprise is launched by SpaceX at Cape Canaveral as part of the Department of Defense STP-2 mission
2019 Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) decided to form a team to participate in the NASA Lunabotics Competition
2019 H-STEM Enterprise is formed
2020 HotForest Solutions Enterprise is formed—rebranded into Circular Solutions Enterprise in 2024
2020 Clean Snowmobile Challenge celebrates 20 years; it’s one of five Enterprise teams involved in the SAE International Collegiate Design Program that impacts more than 10,000 students annually
2020 Blizzard Baja hosts the 40th annual Winter Baja event at Michigan Tech
2020 Robotic Systems Enterprise wins 2nd place in the overall SAE Auto Drive Challenge competition. It also wins 2nd place in Social Responsibility Event, 23rd place in Concept Design Event
2020 BWE participates in the ACRP Student Design Competition and receives First Place for “Runway Intersection Marking” in the Runway Safety/Runway Incursions/Runway Excursions Challenge
2021 Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) competes virtually in the NASA Lunabotics Competition
2022 Blizzard Baja sweeps the competition at the Backwoods Baja event at UW Stout
2022 Innovative Global Solutions (IGS) makes historic trip to Kenya (Africa) to improve the aquaponics system
2023 Robotic Systems Enterprise wins 2nd place Concept Design Event in the SAE Auto Drive Challenge competition
2023 BWE’s Timber Strong Team participates in its first competition and wins 3rd place at the Indiana-Kentucky Symposium, setting an ASCE build time record of around 39 minutes
2023 Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) team’s ARES robot wins the judge’s innovation award as well as the 6th place Caterpillar Autonomy Award in NASA Lunabotics Competition
2024 The Multiplanetary Innovation Enterprise (MINE) team’s STELLAR robot qualified to go to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Center for the finals, where it excavated and deposited the third-largest berm
2024 BWE’s Timber Strong Team participates in 2nd competition at Akron, Ohio, and places 1st overall. The team reset the ASCE national build time record with a time of just over 14 minutes

And that is just a sample of the dynamic history that makes up the past 25 years of the Enterprise Program!

Alternative Energy Enterprise showcases their work at Design Expo, 2015
Alternative Energy Enterprise showcases their work at Design Expo, 2015

As we move forward, the Enterprise Program continues to grow, evolve, and offer invaluable opportunities for students to apply their knowledge, develop teamwork and leadership skills, and prepare for successful careers in a variety of industries. This unique program remains a cornerstone of Michigan Tech’s commitment to experiential learning, and its legacy will undoubtedly inspire future generations of students to dream big and make an impact on the world.

As we celebrate 25 years of the Enterprise Program, it’s essential to acknowledge the remarkable experiences it has provided to thousands of students. Are you an Enterprise Program alumni? We would love to hear your story!

Join Us for Enterprise Day 2024

This year, the Michigan Tech Enterprise Program is kicking off an exciting milestone—25 years of hands-on innovation and learning! What better way to celebrate than by attending Enterprise Day on October 1, from 6-8 p.m. at the Rozsa Center? Whether you’re new to Michigan Tech or looking to take the next step in your academic and professional journey by joining an Enterprise Team, this is an event you won’t want to miss.

For the past 25 years, the Enterprise Program has empowered students from all majors to solve real-world problems, collaborate with industry partners, and develop innovative solutions. Enterprise Day 2024 is your chance to explore over 20 Enterprise teams, talk to current students, and discover the amazing projects happening right here on campus.

Why Attend Enterprise Day?

  • Explore Your Options: Meet teams working in fields ranging from aerospace and robotics to sustainable energy and product design.
  • Meet the Teams: Hear directly from students about their work and learn what it’s like to be part of an Enterprise team.
  • Find Your Passion: Whether you’re a first-year student or ready to jump into a leadership role, there’s an Enterprise team that’s right for you!

As we celebrate 25 years of the Enterprise Program, we’re reflecting on the countless innovations, friendships, and career-launching experiences made possible through this unique hands-on learning opportunity. Enterprise Day is the perfect chance to get involved—whether you’re looking for a creative outlet, a technical challenge, or a leadership experience, the Enterprise Program offers it all.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the teams you can connect with:

  • Blizzard Baja: Design and build off-road vehicles that compete nationwide.
  • Blue Marble Security: Work on cybersecurity and defense projects with real-world impact.
  • Formula SAE: Compete internationally by designing, building, and racing high-performance race cars.
  • Husky Game Development: Create innovative video games and explore the gaming industry.
  • Clean Snowmobile Challenge: Build cleaner, quieter snowmobiles and compete with schools nationwide.
  • And more: See the full list of teams.

Kick Off 25 Years of Innovation! As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Enterprise Program, we’re looking forward to welcoming a new generation of students who will carry on the legacy of creativity, collaboration, and cutting-edge innovation. Whether you’re an engineer, artist, business major, or anything in between, you’ll find a home in one of our many Enterprise Teams.

No registration is required, and all students are welcome. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of something bigger and make your mark in the next 25 years of Enterprise!

For more information about the teams, visit our Enterprise Day website.

Questions? Contact us at enterprise@mtu.edu. We look forward to seeing you at Enterprise Day and celebrating 25 incredible years of innovation together!