DeKALB | Last weekend, four students from the NIU College of Engineering showed the nation they know how to roll.

On April 27 and 28, the team placed first at the seventh annual Basic Utility Vehicle Competition, a nationwide competition to develop a simple, low-cost utility vehicle that can be used in low-income rural areas of developing countries.

The competition consisted of tests such as a hill climb and endurance tests, said Dr. Andrew Otieno, faculty advisor for the team. The competition also counted for a senior design project class.

Several parts for the vehicle were donated from a junk yard, while a grant of $2,500 helped pay for registration and additional materials. The team also received money from the college of engineering for hotel expenses and transportation, Otieno said.

The team received a trophy award for the vehicle, which is currently in Still Gym. Otieno said the future of the vehicle is unsure, but it may be used as transportation for the department.

Josh Malmassri, team leader and senior manufacturing and engineering technology major, said his interest in the competition came from his background.

“Off-road vehicles interest me,” Malmassri said. “It just came naturally.”

John White, senior manufacturing and engineering technology major, said he was interested in the humanitarian aspect of the project and for the experience.

“I did it as a practical demonstration of things I’ve learned with my major,” White said.

Doug Meenan, senior manufacturing and engineering technology major, said his interest in the project rose after it was assigned.

“I’ve never really won anything like this before,” Meenan said. “Seeing it from start to finish was quite exciting.”

Dan Donovan, senior manufacturing and engineering technology major, hopes that future NIU students can repeat the same achievement.

“Hopefully NIU will enter next year,” he said.