College of S.T.E.M. Student Spotlight: Calvin Hadley
Posted: September 20, 2026 | Author: Gabrielle Costello | Read Time: 2 minutes
From the small town of New Harmony, Utah, to the hands-on engineering labs at Southern Utah University (SUU), student Calvin Hadley has always had a knack for understanding how the world works. Calvin kicked off his SUU journey in January 2023 and has been building, testing, and innovating ever since.
Hands-On Innovation in the Engineering Lab
If you catch Calvin on campus these days, he's likely deep into one of two major engineering endeavors:
- Advanced Thermal Research: Collaborating with Mechanical Engineering Professor Dr. Ali Siahpush on an intricate 9-channel thermocouple system.
- Senior Capstone Project: Teaming up with fellow engineers to design, build, and run performance testing on a custom pump test stand.
For Calvin, this high-level, practical experience is what mechanical engineering is all about. "I've always had a curiosity about how things work and how they can be repaired or improved," Calvin said.
The Power of Small Classes and Meaningful Connections
Calvin says what makes SUU special is the tight-knit campus community. Thanks to SUU's small class sizes, he's been able to thrive in a collaborative environment where asking questions is encouraged and classmates become close friends.
Building real relationships with his professors has also made his time at SUU deeply personal, rewarding, and tailored to his goals with direct access to faculty.
Fostering multiple passions
Calvin's talents extend far beyond blueprints and data sets. He's also made a major mark on campus as a Writing Fellow for the challenging Strength of Materials course (ENGR 2140).
Through his work with the SUU Writing Center, he's found a welcoming community of peers, and some well-deserved recognition. Calvin was honored with the Scriblerian Award for a standout paper he wrote for his English 2040 class, proving that great engineers can have a wide variety of strengths.
Life Outside the Classroom
When he's not on campus, you can find Calvin tackling mechanical projects at home from wrenching on old vehicles to repairing equipment and building projects from scratch. He enjoys spending quality time with his wife and family and exploring the stunning outdoors around southern Utah.
Looking Ahead: Technology That Changes Lives
As he looks toward graduation, Calvin is setting his sights on the future. He's currently gaining valuable industry experience with Valar Atomics, where he's contributing to meaningful, cutting-edge technology.
His ultimate career goal is simple yet powerful: to be part of a team that builds innovative solutions to improve human life and leave a lasting, positive impact on the world.
We look forward to all that Calvin will continue to accomplish during his tenure at SUU and have no doubt he will achieve his dreams after graduation.
