Submit a speech topic
Madani-Gordaninejad Speech Competition

Faramarz Gordaninejad, a Regents and Foundation professor of the Mechanical Engineering Department, retired in 2017 after 33 years of service to the Βι¶ΉΣ³». He established the Madani-Gordaninejad Speech Competition in memory of his wife, Azita Madani Gordaninejad, in 2018. The goal of the speech competition is to improve those skills of engineering students.
Speech finalists announced
- Stephen Bard: "Advancing Roller Coasters with Adaptive Spike Motor Technology"
- Joshua Baughman: "Why Engineers Should Care Βι¶ΉΣ³» Linguistics"
- Paris Acosta: "A Mirror into the Human Psyche and the Bionic Smile"
- Henry Dalton: "The Risks of Artificial Intelligence and Methods for Mitigating Its Impact"
- Nathan Ly: "Glimpse of Genius: A look at Historical Great Minds and How Innovation is Born"
Watch the 2025 competition!
The competition is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. April 11 in DMS 102.
Rules and guidelines
- The subject of the presentation must be innovative and/or informative and can be technical or non-technical.
- Quality abstracts with logical and compelling discussions of a single topic will be selected for the final speech competition. Presentation coaching and feedback will be available for students selected to present.
- $2,500 in total cash prizes awarded to the best three presentations.
Eligibility
You must be a current undergraduate student in the College of Engineering at the Βι¶ΉΣ³».
Abstract
- Original submission by a single individual only.
- Maximum 200 words.
- MLA or another standard format is recommended.
- Must be submitted to website by 11:59 p.m. March 7.
Speech
- Must be 10 minutes.
- After 12 minutes, you will be asked to conclude.
- Visual aids are optional.
- Must arrive by 3:45 p.m.
- Drawing for speaking order will occur at 4 p.m. sharp.
- Wear professional attire.
- Professional behavior is required during all speeches.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Angelina Padilla, Ph.D.
Βι¶ΉΣ³»
Palmer Engineering 204B
775-784-6901
angelinapadilla@unr.edu