Students from Marymount University’s Engineering program represented the institution on the national stage at the 2026 Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Case Competition, held late last month at the Lockheed Martin Center for Leadership Excellence in Bethesda, Md.
The annual competition brings together undergraduate engineering teams from across the country to tackle complex fictional scenarios involving ethical, business and technical challenges. Each participating institution sends a two-student team accompanied by a faculty advisor. Through presentations and interactive discussions, students analyze the case and propose solutions that reflect sound engineering judgment and strong ethical decision-making.
Representing Marymount were junior Engineering majors Michael Schneider and Gracie Quinonez, mentored by Dr. Harish Aryal, Assistant Professor of Engineering. In a national competition featuring teams from 72 universities nationwide, the Marymount team placed 18th overall—finishing in the top quartile of participants and advancing through multiple rounds.
“We were very close to reaching the quarterfinals, which makes this achievement even more meaningful,” Dr. Aryal said. “I’m incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and teamwork, and am already looking forward to next year’s competition and building on this momentum.”
He noted that the competition provided an opportunity to showcase Marymount’s Engineering program while also strengthening connections between academia and industry. Experiences during the event—including facility tours, industry feedback and applied problem solving—gave students valuable insight into the realities of engineering careers.
“Our advisory engagement and interaction with Lockheed Martin opened exciting opportunities for future capstone collaborations, student pipelines and real-world engineering exposure,” Dr. Aryal said. “From a faculty perspective, the event also created opportunities to connect with peers from other universities, explore collaborative research possibilities and expand networking for grants and partnerships.”
During the competition, the team worked through a case focused on the ethical considerations surrounding the integration of artificial intelligence into defense technologies. Schneider says the experience helped him think deeply about how engineers must balance innovation with responsibility.
“As we researched technical data to better understand the two sides of AI integration into defense practices, I was really immersed in how to approach the issue as a seasoned engineer to make sure the end product met the ethical standards required for safety,” he explained. “I will hold this experience with me as I continue following my journey as an aspiring engineer. I have heard from not only other universities but Lockheed Martin employees themselves that AI is the way of the future, and it’s paramount that we learn as much about it as we can and ‘conquer’ it. That way, we can allow AI to accompany and aid us in innovation and evolution.”
The format of the competition required teams to present a five-minute pitch outlining their recommendation, followed by a 15-minute discussion with judges aimed at reaching a shared decision grounded in ethical principles.
“The 15-minute portion was my favorite part because it showed me what I was capable of when under pressure, and I pleasantly surprised myself,” Quinonez reflected. “Overall, it’s a great learning experience and a glimpse into the industry we are all working toward.”
The event also reflects a broader connection between Marymount and Lockheed Martin. James Byrne, who serves as vice president of ethics and business conduct at Lockheed Martin, is a member of Marymount’s Engineering Advisory Committee, further strengthening the relationship between the University and the global aerospace and defense company.
“Lockheed Martin was impressed by the Marymount team’s thorough analysis, clear articulation of stakeholder considerations and collaborative approach to solving the case challenges. Their ability to integrate technical rigor with an ethical framework exemplifies the competencies we seek in the next generation of engineers,” Byrne explained. “Engaging students in competitions like this creates a vital bridge between academic learning and real‑world engineering practice. It not only cultivates critical thinking and integrity but also inspires participants to carry these principles forward into their professional careers, strengthening the engineering talent pipeline that both industry and society rely on.”
