Auburn rocketry club brings hands-on fun to young patients at Children’s of Alabama

Play-Doh, plastic straws and construction paper made for an afternoon of heartwarming smiles and lifelong memories for Auburn Engineering students on March 18.

Returning to Children's of Alabama in Birmingham for the third consecutive year, the Auburn University Rocketry Association (AURA) arrived in their signature orange, blue and white floral-patterned shirts for a more interactive event with patients at the hospital.

“I wanted this event to be much more hands-on while still related to rocketry,” said Suzie Feist, AURA’s outreach coordinator.

Patients launched their handmade rockets into the air with help from AURA members, using a device powered by a spring and compressed air. They also attempted to construct the perfect landing vehicle with a paper cup, ping-pong balls and a notecard.

“We really wanted them to have fun while engaging in rocketry-related activities,” said Neer Patel, president of AURA.

Delaney Haase, community development coordinator at the Children’s of Alabama, said the hospital’s relationship with AURA has grown into a cherished annual tradition.

“We appreciate anyone who comes from the community into ours to bring a little more joy to the children’s lives,” Haase said. “Many of these kids are going through a difficult time, but when groups like AURA visit, they get to have fun, be kids and play with rockets.”

For AURA members, the event was a brief stop before traveling to Argonia, Kansas, for the Argonia Cup March 29-30 — one of two major competitions for the rocketry club. The other is the NASA Student Launch in Huntsville, scheduled for April 30 to May 4.

Despite looming competitions, AURA members always mark the Children’s event as a priority.

“This is my favorite outreach event of the year. It’s always so much fun because it’s more laid-back than our other outreach events,” Feist said. “You get more one-on-one interaction with the kids, and they all have such amazing personalities.”

Feist said the event is more than just spending time with kids — it’s about inspiring the next generation to explore aerospace engineering.

“As a kid, I attended outreach events like this, where we did STEM-related crafts, and that’s what inspired me to be where I am today,” she said. “Not only do I want to be an aerospace engineer, but I also want to be right here, leading outreach events and engaging with younger children.”