► Interview with Jonathan Morgan of Los Alamos National Labs
► Liberty Rocketry’s maiden voyage at the world competition
► Simulating Genesis: Proving the validity of the Genesis flood
► Creationeering: Science, Engineering, and Entrepreneurship
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
Welcome to the inaugural issue of The Creationeer! In 2020, the former dean of Liberty University School of Engineering (LUSE), Dr. Mark Horstemeyer, coined the term Creationeer™. Since then, Liberty University has trademarked the term. What is Creationeering?
Creationeering is a new paradigm that combines science, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
► Science: Discovering the world the Creator has created.
► Engineering: Creating new products through the knowledge, inspiration, and revelation of the Creator.
► Entrepreneurship: Creating new businesses and endeavors using the examples of God as He created a new civilization and Jesus as He created the Church.
Through the integration of science, engineering, and entrepreneurship
in Creationeering, we can perceive, understand, and ultimately grow closer to our Creator.
But what makes a Creationeer different from an engineer? Historically, the term “engineer” first appeared in 1325 A.D., referring to those who built military machines such as catapults. These devices, originally termed “engines,” were pivotal in energy transfer technologies that led to innovations like Robert Fulton’s steam engine. Today, the term “engineer” is somewhat of a misnomer as fewer than 1% of engineers globally work on engines.
We are reminded in Scripture that God, the ultimate Creator, made us in His image. Isaiah 43:7 and Ephesians 2:10 encapsulate the divine mandate: “... everyone who is called by My name, whom I created for My glory, whom I formed and made.” “For we are His
workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works.” Our purpose to create for the benefit of humanity and the glory of God resonates deeply with the title of Creationeer, and it seems the most appropriate term to describe who we are and why we exist. Being fashioned by the Creator and in His likeness, we are rightfully called Creationeers.
In each edition of The Creationeer, you will discover inspiring stories of people using their God-given talents and abilities to create. May you be awed at the wonder of our Creator as He inspires and blesses us.
MESSAGE FROM DR. HORSTEMEYER
When I arrived at Liberty in January 2019, I had goals of developing the advanced research graduate program for Ph.D. students, creating job opportunities with respected corporations in the industrial sector, and developing a pipeline of students from high schools. In this issue, you will read stories of prayers that God has graciously answered.
God has been faithful over these five years to help develop what I call “Creationeers.” To exemplify the Creationeering® concept, our competition teams have reached new heights. Dr. Tate Fonville, director and faculty advisor for the competition teams, has done an outstanding job providing leadership and training. Nine out of our ten teams competed well against other academic institutions, and our rocketry team soared in their first competition.
I hope you enjoy this inaugural issue of The Creationeer.
PRAYERS & ANSWERS:
► New graduate program: Starting in January 2020, after garnering SACSOC accreditation, the Liberty University School of Engineering graduate program has grown to approximately 42 Ph.D. students and 114 M.S. students.
► Graduate student mentorship: We now have a dedicated group of professors who collaborate with students on research, positioning them as future leaders in their fields. One biblically related area has been the development of computer simulations which provide validation of the worldwide flood described in Genesis.
► Student internships and jobs: At the Engineering Career Fair in Fall 2023, we had over 57 companies attend, including Los Alamos National Laboratory, BWXT, Framatome, Newport News Shipbuilding, Hendrick Motorsports, and Hurt & Proffitt.
Dr. Mark Horstemeyer
Distinguished Professor Liberty University School of Engineering (Dean 2020-Spring 2024)
► Expanding the concept of Creationeering®: Creationeering® is a concept that integrates science, engineering, and entrepreneurship. Although we started this program in the undergraduate curriculum, we are working toward a complete K-Ph.D. program. We have created a 9th-grade Liberty University Online Academy (LUOA) Engineering/ Creationeering course. Last year, we introduced a new minor, technology entrepreneurship, for undergraduates. Next year, we will work toward filling out the K-12 Engineering/Creationeering curriculum and push forward some projects for graduate students.
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING SPOTLIGHT
FLUID/MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
Dr. Wayne Strasser, Mechanical Engineering Professor
Behind nearly every product you use and every food you eat are fascinating fluid dynamics phenomena. You might have found yourself wondering: Why do some birds fly in a V-pattern? Why do curveballs curve? What makes raindrops take on their shape? Why are eggs used in recipes? How does my heart work? How do water skeeters float?
In the Flow at Liberty University for Innovation and Design (F.L.U.I.D.) group, we answer these questions as we dive deeply into the Creator’s physics. While the word “fluid” may suggest only liquids — such as water or blood — the engineering meaning of the term is much broader. “Fluids” also include gases and even solid particles — liquid droplets and gas bubbles.
The F.L.U.I.D. group is made up of brilliant graduate students from all over the world, along with dozens of talented undergraduates (engineering and otherwise) from right here
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:
Emilie Hatton: Being part of the F.L.U.I.D. group equipped me with the resources needed to grow my computational modeling skills by exploring foundational fluid dynamic principles. F.L.U.I.D. research highlights the vast complexity of God’s creation and has encouraged me to use my intellect to further God’s Kingdom. My time learning computational fluid dynamics affirmed Psalm 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims His handiwork.”
Elijah Yoder: Being in the F.L.U.I.D. group has benefited me tremendously! It has allowed me to gain more research experience at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, as well as help me discover my passions in engineering. Most importantly, however, it has grown my reverence for God, as the intricacies and beauty of His creation have been further revealed to me through my research with this group.
Nathaniel Breed: Gaining experiences as an undergraduate student is invaluable. Being part of the F.L.U.I.D. group at Liberty has truly been a game changer for me. As a junior in
at Liberty. Over the past year, we have presented our work at international conferences, participated in internships, won awards, and published papers in leading fluid dynamics journals. In doing so, we have advanced humanity’s understanding of key fluids-related topics, such as how fuels break apart in rocket engines, how to prevent chemical reactor explosions, why small flaps on sharkskin help them maneuver, and how to design medical devices to help us breathe. We welcome applications to join our group, and more information can be found on our website, Fluidgroup. org, and our YouTube channel @fluidgroupresearch.
mechanical engineering, I’ve been reseaching how to scale high-explosive models to understand their acoustic effects. Additionally, I’ve gained access to incredible conferences, excellent mentors, and many other exciting opportunities. None of this would have been possible apart from F.L.U.I.D.
Robert Kacinski: Being a Ph.D. student of the F.L.U.I.D. group has provided me the opportunity to perform cuttingedge research relating to important real-world issues while simultaneously working to further my education. The group dynamics create an environment that allows you to take ownership of your research while also having a network of people who are there for advice and guidance when needed.
The F.L.U.I.D. group has truly been a blessing during my time at Liberty.
Dr. Wayne Strasser was awarded Associate Editor of the Year (2023) by the American Society of Mechanical Engineering Journal of Fluids Engineering. This award recognizes Dr. Strasser’s care and dedication to going above and beyond the call of duty to ensure quality research contributions are published for the community.
INDUSTRIAL & SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
Dr. Diana J. Schwerha, ISE Professor and Department Chair
As founding chair of the Industrial & Systems Engineering (ISE) department, I am delighted to share the accomplishments of our faculty and students. ISE was one of the first engineering departments at Liberty University. Our field is focused on integrating people, processes, products, and technology to improve productivity, safety, and user satisfaction. With coursework related to operations research, ergonomics, quality, data analytics, facilities, and logistics, our graduates are perfectly set to lead future businesses, capitalize on artificial intelligence, and succeed in Industry 5.0.
Our students work in exciting jobs in the fields of manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, energy, government, and the service industry. No day is ever the same for an industrial and systems engineer! We impact the quality of work, the happiness of employees, and the ease with which we engage in our datadriven world. We participate and contribute to the growth of the economy — both local and global. As engineers who enjoy working with others in a systems environment for the greater good, we bring God’s Kingdom and His goodness into the workplace.
ISE STUDENT TESTIMONIALS:
Amanuel Egata: I enjoy process improvement data analysis, queuing theory, data analysis, and digital simulations. Liberty University’s ISE department has enabled me to learn about emerging technology such as machine learning. I have also benefitted from professors who are experts at breaking down complex problems to solve them effectively. Most importantly, I have gained mentors and friends who share my passion for industrial engineering and a Christcentered education.
Camila Vergara Uribe: Choosing to study ISE has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. It is broad and offers millions of opportunities, and your classmates/professors become family from day one!
Matthew Nenninger: Having the opportunity to be president of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) has allowed me to grow as a student, leader, professional, and
Our faculty have worked in industry and government. We conduct research and our students are actively engaged in the student chapters of the Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers and the American Society of Safety Professionals. We look forward to future generations of LUSE Industrial & Systems Engineers.
witness. Cultivating a chapter relationship with Virginia Tech IISE, attending two regional conference trips, and having the opportunity to hear about my peers’ experiences have been just some of the great opportunities God has gifted me through ISE.
Isabella John: As an ISE student, participating in the Liberty Analytical Support Initiative (LASI) has been one of the biggest highlights of my academic career here at the School of Engineering. Conducting independent policy research and briefing the FBI helped me fully understand how industrial and systems engineering concepts can be applied in nonengineering fields. This opportunity also showed me how much the Lord has allowed me to grow as a person and as an engineer since starting school at Liberty University.
MARIA LEE, PH.D. STUDENT SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT
Receiving the Simulating Genesis scholarship opened the door [for me] to pursue research in creation science. Growing up in a public education system where evolution and secular ideas were predominant, I found myself grappling with conflicting beliefs. Being exposed to secular theories, even though never scientifically proven, I felt a disconnect from the Bible’s teachings.
I held on to the belief that science also reveals God’s work, and I yearned to explore how science can speak about God. The Simulating Genesis project has felt like a response to my prayers.
THE SIMULATING GENESIS PROJECT: AN APOLOGETIC INITIATIVE
Dr. John Baumgardner, Professor Emeritus
My motivation for contributing my time, experience, expertise, and money to the Simulating Genesis project is to defend God’s Word against the attack it is enduring from today’s secular academic culture.
Two hundred years ago, the so-called Enlightenment banished the spiritual and supernatural — including God Himself — from the academic realm. At that time, the fledgling discipline of geology followed suit by adopting a methodology that guaranteed the greatest of all natural catastrophes in earth history, the Genesis Flood, would henceforth be rendered invisible and interpreted instead in the academic world as slow and gradual evolution over hundreds of millions of years.
Simulating Genesis involves scientific research resulting in computer simulations that prove the veracity of the global flood as described in the book of Genesis in the Bible.
Today at Liberty University, I rejoice at the opportunity to collaborate with other faculty and students in critical research issues pertaining to the worldwide Genesis Flood. These include physics at the atomic scale that allows mantle minerals to weaken dramatically and a runaway mantle overturn to occur. They also include simulating water flow on the earth’s surface driven by tens of thousands of giant tsunamis produced by sticking and slipping of the tectonic plates. Simulating Genesis, and specifically the Flood, is at the heart of this exciting scientific-oriented apologetics thrust. Discover the Genesis flood research of Dr. Baumgardner @ GlobalFlood.org.
Read the Champion story of Professor Emeritus Dr. John Baumgardner.
Read more about Simulating Genesis in the Liberty Journal.
LU GRADUATE ENGINEERING RESEARCH
CREATIONEERING SYMPOSIUM
Ted Allen, Liberty News
Liberty University’s School of Engineering held its second Graduate Student Creationeering Conference on June 20 at the Center for Engineering Research & Education (CERE), with Professor Emeritus Dr. John Baumgartner delivering the keynote speech.
After launching in 2020, LUSE’s graduate program continues its growth with 3 Ph.D. students and several master’s degree students graduating over the past 3 years and nearly 50 graduate students enrolling this fall. At the conference, 14 of those students presented research on topics such as computational fluid dynamics, predictive models for energy production and electric vehicles, and cybersecurity for small modular nuclear reactors.
The organizer of the Creationeering conference, Dr. Diana Schwerha, explained that the purpose of this annual conference is to give graduate students the opportunity to present their research and receive constructive feedback from their peers and faculty members. She stated, “Creationeering refers to the interface between business and engineering and is focused on design. We consider God the perfect engineer, and we look for inspiration for our research efforts from God’s creative processes all around us.”
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Scholarship & Grant Recipients
Daniel Kenney 2019: Department of Defense (DOD) Smart Fellowship
“As a Ph.D. student in Liberty’s early graduate program, I’ve seen God’s grace throughout my academic journey. In 2019, I graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. An opportunity as a research fellow at Liberty’s new School of Engineering graduate program was made available.
After three years in the program, I was awarded the DOD SMART Scholarship which will fund the remainder of the degree. This program partners me with a sponsoring research facility — in my case, the Army Corp of Engineers Research and Development Center (ERDC). As a part of this scholarship program, I’ve completed an internship and look forward to working at ERDC after graduating.
Graduate school has been both enjoyable and challenging. My research focuses on characterizing and modeling the effects of texture in magnesium. The first two years were difficult in trying to understand the field of material science. The hands-on experiments introduced unforeseen obstacles. But, throughout the process, I’ve developed the skills to be an engineering researcher.
An encouraging verse that has followed me through grad school is Psalm 127:2, “In vain you rise early and stay up late, toiling for food to eat — for while they sleep He provides for those He loves.” It challenges me to remember that my research is worship to God. Working with my own strength, toward my own goals, only leads to stress and worry.
Ryan Airesman: First Liberty engineering student to receive a National Science Foundation graduate research fellowship award.
To learn more about the Creationeering Research Symposium, scan here. Scan to learn more.
INTERVIEW JONATHAN MORGAN OF LANL
Los Alamos National Laboratory is probably the most famous federal government laboratory. Synonymous with both clandestine and well-known paradigm-shifting research, it is most recognized as serving as the birthplace of the atomic bomb.
AMERICAN PHYSICAL SOCIETY
LOS ALAMOS NATIONAL LABORATORY:
Los Alamos National Laboratory’s main responsibility is to ensure our nation’s security through nuclear deterrence — this includes stewardship of our nation’s nuclear weapons to assure our allies and deter our adversaries. The Laboratory applies the best scientific and engineering solutions to our national security mission and to many of the world’s most difficult challenges.
Today, different research programs at Los Alamos directly and indirectly support our basic mission: maintaining the safety, security, and reliability of the nation’s nuclear deterrent without the need to return to underground testing. With a national security focus, Los Alamos also works on nuclear nonproliferation and border security, energy and infrastructure security, and countermeasures to nuclear and biological terrorist threats. 70 years after the atomic bomb was created by J. Robert Oppenheimer at Los Alamos National Laboratory, another Los Alamos employee visited Liberty University to advise the School of Engineering and recruit Liberty engineering students.
“...
EVERYONE WHO IS CALLED BY MY NAME, WHOM I CREATED FOR MY GLORY, WHOM I FORMED AND MADE.”
Isaiah 43:7
INTERVIEW WITH JONATHAN MORGAN (JM) Board of Advisors | Liberty University School of Engineering
Integrated Weapons Experiments (J) Division Leader, Los Alamos National Laboratory Interviewer: Marc Jantomaso (MJ)
MJ: As the Oscar awarded Best Picture of 2023, how has the movie Oppenheimer influenced our country?
JM: The mission of Los Alamos is to provide national security — energy security, global security, and weapons/war and peace security. The Oppenheimer movie has put a spotlight on a critical area of our nation’s defense: the development of nuclear weapons.
MJ: Describe your role at Los Alamos National Lab.
JM: For the past 22 years, I have served in varied capacities at Los Alamos. Currently, I am the division leader of Integrated Weapons Experiments or “J” Division. In 1946, the U.S. resumed nuclear testing after the single nuclear test of the gadget at Trinity during WWII. The U.S. military and Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory joined forces and minds to conduct nuclear tests in the Pacific. This effort resulted in the formation of a Joint Task Force of Army, Navy, and laboratory personnel. Inside the laboratory, J-Division was established to direct the fielding and execution of the tests and coordinate activities with the military. The J represents the joint laboratory and military efforts of the Air Force, Army, and Navy.
MJ: How did the connections between Los Alamos National Lab and Liberty University’s engineering program come about?
JM: The former dean of Liberty Engineering, Dr. Horstemeyer, met my brother, Nathaniel Morgan, at Mississippi State University. Together they worked on advanced computational methods used in hydrodynamic codes. Through my brother, I was introduced to Dr. Horstemeyer and the students at Liberty University. Today we work with Liberty to develop a pipeline of engineering students for the purpose of internships and careers at Los Alamos. The generation of baby boomers is retiring, and we’re looking to fill those vacancies with new scientists and engineers.
MJ: Why do you desire to hire Liberty students?
JM: Liberty students typically have values that are congruent with those of Los Alamos National Lab, including: Integrity Trust Honesty Hard work ethic
For the past 12 years, I have recruited students from the top engineering schools in the country. I have had thousands of conversations with engineering students. I have seen the spectrum of the academic talent pool that is out there. Without hesitation, I assert that Liberty students are among
the best in the country, the brightest minds. I would put Liberty Engineering students up against the best students from any of the other top engineering schools.
MJ: Have you hired Liberty students for internships or jobs?
JM: Yes, we have hired three interns and one full-time employee. The Liberty engineering interns we have hired are Nate Breed, Cooper Guillaume, and Christa Collins. Each of these students has excellently performed their work.
Cooper helped with a high-level project related to the DualAxis Radiographic Hydrodynamic Test (DARHT) facility. DARHT is a facility at the Lab that is part of the Department of Energy’s stockpile stewardship program. It uses two large linear induction accelerators to produce high-energy X-rays that record the complex hydrodynamic motion inside mock nuclear weapons.
How DARHT works — the world’s most powerful X-ray machine
Our full-time employee hire is former Liberty Engineering student Braydon Jones.
MJ: Is there an exchange of faculty or experts between the two institutions for lectures, workshops, or research?
JM: We are exploring the opportunity of collaborating with Liberty to establish an electrical engineering pulsed power laboratory at Liberty’s research center [CERE] because there is a nationwide shortage of electrical engineers and an acute need for them in J-Division.
MJ: How can we help you recruit more Liberty engineering students?
JM: Please let your students know that Los Alamos is actively seeking to hire people of all disciplines who are committed to our national security and keeping the country safe in an increasingly hostile world.
MJ: Thank you for serving our country in this way and serving our students by providing internships and job opportunities.
LIBERTY ENGINEERING ROCKETRY TEAM LAUNCHES
COLE DEROSETT
Mechanical Engineering 2024
Founder & Chief Engineer of Liberty Rocketry Team – Genesis Rocket
I wasn’t a Christian until I was seventeen. This was a confusing time for me, realizing I had a lot of life decisions to make. My original plan was to study marketing and join the Air Force to be a pilot. Then I attended a worship service where God began to plant seeds of space exploration.
When I arrived at Liberty University, I realized there were no aerospace teams or clubs. I felt defeated and discouraged. I would not be able to experience the very thing I believed God wanted me to explore. I heard God whisper, “Trust My leadership in the wilderness and start a rocket team.”
I saw God move in beautiful and unique ways.
GOD ALWAYS PROVIDED:
He blessed us with dedicated and talented students, at the exact moment they were needed. He blessed us with incredible mentors who patiently shared their wisdom and gently guided us to build one of the best collegiate rockets in the world.
He blessed us with strong Christian students, faculty, staff, and mentors.
GOD TAUGHT ME MAJOR LESSONS:
Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.
God is in charge of every little detail of my life and our rocket team.
God is always faithful, even when I can’t see how it will all work out.
God is more intimately known in the valleys.
God’s glory was seen when we wanted to give up and go home.
God’s glory was seen when hope in Him is what got us over the obstacles.
Being the founder and chief creationeer for the Rocketry team has been an honor and blessing of a lifetime. I will forever be grateful to the students and staff in the School of Engineering who believed in me. Beat Tech.
NOTE: In the first competition in the history of Liberty Rocketry, out of 158 teams from around the world, Liberty Rocketry placed 49th (BTW — Virginia Tech placed 78th).
I saw God turn a dream He had given me before going to college into a reality.
I saw God test our faith many times:
o When we had no guarantee of funding.
o When a new workspace was provided just before we needed it the most.
o When we weren’t sure we would have any committed members.
o When things went wrong during the competition.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BEING A PART OF LIBERTY ROCKETRY?
The best friends in my life are those whose first desire is God’s glory.
None of my efforts are mine alone; they are of God’s strength and wisdom only.
JOHN BAILEY
Mechanical Engineering 2025 / Aerodynamics team
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN GOD WORK IN LIBERTY ROCKETRY?
I saw God at work through the leadership team, even from my first visit to an interest meeting. They were intentional about praying and giving glory to God through the whole process and stayed consistent in that passion throughout the competition.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BEING A PART OF LIBERTY ROCKETRY?
How to work on a team.
How to be independent and creative in solving problems.
How to meet deadlines.
The importance of developing relationships where you work. The impact community has on productivity.
JARED HOLLAND
Mechanical Engineer 2024 / Aerodynamics Team Lead
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN GOD WORK IN LIBERTY ROCKETRY?
God’s hand was in every step of the Genesis rocket.
On launch test day, He did not let the parachute deploy. This forced us to redesign the recovery system, creating a superior system.
God provided a competing team to transport our rocket to the competition in New Mexico. (Shout out to Washington and Lee University!)
When we forgot to bring a payload bay on launch day, God provided.
These are just a few examples of the miraculous work God did for the team.
WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM BEING A PART OF LIBERTY ROCKETRY?
Liberty Rocketry was my first opportunity to experience what it meant to be an engineer and not just a student.
We had to set our own deadlines and research areas of study we had never heard of.
It was an experience I would not trade for anything because no class provides such a wide scope of the engineering process, apart from the senior capstone class.
KYE GONINO
Mechanical Engineering 2023-24 / Liberty Rocketry Chief Engineer
HOW HAVE YOU SEEN GOD WORK IN LIBERTY ROCKETRY?
Since the first meeting, God has always been the center of the Liberty University Rocketry Team. Every team meeting and major team decision has been rooted in prayer and thanksgiving.
The team has faced several situations in which there seemed to be no way out, but God always revealed a solution right when we needed it.
We’ve learned to trust God because His timing is always the best timing.
The rocket is a passion project. The students are working on it because they want to, not because they have to get a grade for it. From walking into my first meeting as a nervous and confused freshman to now being the leader of the team, I’ve learned countless lessons in teamwork, perseverance, leadership, planning, and the design process. Most importantly, I’ve learned to trust God.
CREATE FEST $10,000 PITCH COMPETITION
Create Fest 2023 was held for the first time in the Spring 2023 semester. The impetus for Create Fest grew out of the ENGR 102: Introduction to Engineering class, where the final project is to discover a new product idea and then present the new product idea at a poster presentation. A few students, led by Nate Breed, proposed the idea of morphing the poster presentation into a pitch competition, and the Create Fest $10,000 pitch competition was born.
“Reflecting on Create Fest 2023, I realize how blessed I was to be a part of it. Through it, I not only learned huge lessons that will stick with me for years to come, but I also got to see my God at work. My biggest takeaway: when God calls you to do something, He will make a way (1 Thessalonians 5:24). In the beginning, He was the one who inspired our team with the idea that led to Create Fest. Along the way, He brought the right people with the right skills at the right time. He brought the ideas, He brought the judges, He brought the money, and so on. On the night of the event, He brought everything together in a way that amazed everyone. We serve an amazing God!” — Nate Breed/ Mechanical Engineering student
Five product ideas advanced to the final round from more than 50 entries. Held during CFAW, more than 500 people attended the event in the School of Business auditorium. Two engineering students won the top prizes. Collin Partington, winner of $4,000, is currently working to license his product. Sophie Batchelor is working on design iterations of her product.
The second annual Create Fest $10,000 pitch competition was held in the spring of 2024 and was sponsored by United Bank.
“ HAVE YOU NOT KNOWN? HAVE YOU NOT HEARD? THE LORD IS THE EVERLASTING GOD, THE CREATOR OF THE ENDS OF THE EARTH.”
Create Fest 2023 video highlights, prayer, and vision
Create Fest 2023 Champion news article – $10,000 awarded to innovative students
Create Fest 2024 Liberty News article
The Create Fest 2024 judging panel (left to right): Stephanie Reed – Lynchburg Mayor Matt Ousdahl – Lead Pastor, Arundel Christian Church
A $5,000 grand prize was awarded to the team of Austin Demoreta-Braza and Andrew Farquhar, who presented their invention Wize Park,
DAVID
& JASON BENHAM
LU Alumni, Create Fest $10,000 sponsors, & Kingdom builder/investors
During our years at Liberty in the ’90s, we continuously heard Jerry Falwell Sr. talk about becoming Champions for Christ in every area of life, including the workplace. He often said, “If it’s Christian, it ought to be better” — and we took that seriously as we graduated and built our first business in Charlotte, N.C. Seeing the impact for the Kingdom that entrepreneurship has had on our families and our community has led us to want to give back to the next generation, so they can have the same inspiration we had directly from Dr. Falwell. It was our honor to sponsor Create Fest 2023.
“BY HIM ALL THINGS WERE CREATED, IN HEAVEN AND ON EARTH VISIBLE AND INVISIBLE, WHETHER THRONES OR DOMINIONS OR RULERS OR AUTHORITIES — ALL THINGS WERE CREATED THROUGH HIM AND FOR HIM.”
Colossians 1:16
CREATE FEST 2023 SPONSORS
David & Jason, twin brothers known as “The Benham Brothers,” graduated from Liberty University in 1998. Upon graduation, they both played professional baseball. After a short stint with HGTV and getting fired for their faith, they began launching numerous successful businesses. With a desire to give back to Liberty, they created an entrepreneurial online course for young people.
Expert Ownership: Early Years
The brothers have made this course available to Liberty students for FREE.
Peter Shaddock – Patent Attorney Mike Morrison – Vice President, Resolute Private Wealth
Waterfront Engineer/ Oceaneering Aerospace and Defense Technologies
Liberty University’s creationeering process helped me create a business that brought my product idea to reality. The coursework provided a solid foundation, equipping me with the essential problem-solving, decisionmaking, and technical skills crucial for launching a startup. The main benefit was the amount of information available to me through the professors who have real-world experience with product development, research, and testing. The School of Engineering also offered an atmosphere of entrepreneurship that made us want to use our specific skills and ideas to create something that could be a success. Lastly, the School of Engineering helped us understand the importance of business within engineering and how both play a role in bringing a product to market.
Learn more about John’s patented easy-loading gun mag.
ELIZABETH WIESE
Industrial & Systems Engineer 2023
Manufacturing Engineer | Boeing Defense, Space, and Security
Q:
A: What things did you learn at Liberty that were helpful to you?
People matter, and God wants to be with me in everything. There are lots of good things to do, but what are the God things that He has called me to do? God taught me my limits and the importance of relying on His guidance in both my actions and my identity.
Q: A: How did LUSE best prepare you to enter the workplace?
Liberty provided me with an excellent engineering education and a critical relationship with God and others.
Q: A: Why would you recommend prospective students to consider LUSE?
People. Adventures. Experiences. Family. Lynchburg will always feel like home to me because of the people who poured into me, the adventures I had, the experiences that challenged me, and the Christlike family I joined.
Q: A: Most memorable experiences from your time at LUSE?
• Senior year project manager of HPVC (now NASA HERC).
• Learning SolidWorks (CAD program) and practicing in the computer lab with friends.
• Meeting with professors during their office hours to learn from their experience, their relationship with Jesus, and their expertise.
Join the Liberty Engineering Alumni Family.
LIBERTY ENGINEERING BOARD OF ADVISORS
Tim Barney BWX Technologies/ Director of Engineering
Colon
Motorsports/ Director, Technical Partnerships
DONATIONS
PLEASE CONSIDER DONATING TO LIBERTY ENGINEERING Invest in Engineering Champions for Christ:
THANK YOU to Hurt & Proffitt (civil engineering firm) for their generous $50,000 donation to Liberty Engineering!
Jason Greene Delta Star/ President & CEO
Jonathan Morgan Los Alamos National Laboratory/ Integrated Weapons Experiments J-Division Leader
Alba
Hendrick
Stephen Jacobsen Azure Summit Technology/ Senior Systems Engineer/ LUSE 2015
Katelyn Sowards Lockheed Martin/ Senior Systems Engineer/ LUSE 2017
