Published: May 8, 2020

Luke Pagni with his dog
Outstanding Undergraduate for Academic Achievement Luke Pagni

Luke Pagni is a mechanical engineering student participating in the CU-CMU partnership program. He is being awarded an Outstanding Undergraduate for Academic Achievement Award from the College of Engineering and Applied Science. Learn more about him and his accomplishments in the Q&A below. 

Share about your background and what led you to study engineering.

My older brother was studying mechanical engineering, and it seemed like a good major. It worked out really well, and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. 

What does the award you are receiving mean to you?

This award validates my belief that hard work doesn’t go unnoticed. It represents thousands of hours of diligent effort.

Share an accomplishment from your time at CU Boulder that you are most proud of.

I am most proud of my senior design project. I made significant contributions to a product that will be available for purchase this summer.

How have you gotten involved throughout your college career? 

I have been a structural engineering intern with West Star Aviation for the past two years designing components for private aircraft. I was also a resident assistant on campus, worked as a student research assistant at the Colorado Mesa University Human Performance Lab and was the president of the Colorado Mesa University Trap and Skeet Team.

If you could relive any moment from your college career, what would it be?

I would relive the entire experience. I enjoyed my time as a college student and would do it all again the same way.

What do you plan to pursue post-graduation? 

I plan to start a career in an engineering profession. I also have plans to pursue a master’s degree. 

What is the impact you hope to have on the world?

I hope to provide a service that benefits the rural mountain community in Glenwood Springs, Colorado where I plan to live and work. 

Any closing remarks?

I would like to thank my family for their continuous support, my brother, Gunnar, also a mechanical engineering graduate from CU Boulder, for being my role model, and my fiancé for her unwavering encouragement in my academic pursuits.