CRAIG M. BERGE
Welcome to 2025 Winter Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Day
Craig M. Berge Design Day is a story of remarkable student success and all the ways engineers help people.
Something for Everyone
As they looked toward engineering careers, the members of the class of 2025 collaborated in labs and workshops on aircraft designs, medical devices and diagnostics, communication networks and recycling methods.
Their designs showcase remarkable innovation across aerospace, healthcare, and sustainability. Teams advanced autonomous systems with a self-navigating garbage can for the elderly and a solar-powered go-kart for STEM education. They pushed space exploration with a heavy cargo lunar lander delivering over 100,000 kg payloads. Students created accessible medical solutions including rapid bilirubin testing for newborns and ergonomic dental instruments, while tackling sustainability through 3D printing waste reduction and autonomous solar panel cleaning drones.
Many of the seniors here will graduate this month with impressive job offers or graduate school plans. These accomplishments demonstrate why Engineering Wildcats quickly attain roles in which they can influence and build the systems, technologies and solutions humanity needs most.
I recommend you ask questions as you take in the dazzling displays of ingenuity. Students are thrilled to tell you about these fantastic projects they’ve worked on throughout the academic year. If you miss anything, you can learn about the projects in the students’ presentation videos.
Join us for the 3 p.m. Design Day Awards Ceremony, where standout teams will compete for prizes totaling $6,750 for their hard work.
Thank You for Your Support
Design Day and the Interdisciplinary Capstone Course are part of a lineup of competitions, maker fests, major-specific design classes, entrepreneurial and business mentorship, and industry and community projects in the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program. The program immerses undergraduates at all levels in real-world experiences that integrate design, manufacturing and commercialization.
We are especially grateful to the donors, program mentors, university and industry partners, sponsors, judges, faculty, staff and alumni who help make the design program and Design Day a highly successful enterprise.
I’d like to extend a special thank you to Nancy Berge and her family for their generosity, as well as Larry Head, director of the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program, for his commitment to an unparalleled experiential learning program and design curriculum in higher education.
Bear Down, and support our Wildcat engineers!
David W. Hahn Craig M. Berge Dean, College of Engineering
Sponsorship is a great way to get real engineering development work done and help projects come to fruition that may not otherwise have seen the light of day due to a lack of internal resources.”
STEMPLE, alum and Raytheon SPONSOR ADVISOR
AWARDS
CHRISTOPHER
Craig M. Berge Dean’s Award for MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECT
($2,500)
This award recognizes the project that embodies the best attributes of engineering design and the engineering profession. The winning project shall have an outstanding design approach and implementation, excellent system modeling and/or analysis that support the design, comprehensive system testing that verifies system requirements, and a superior presentation of results to Design Day judges. Team members of the winning project shall present themselves professionally and clearly demonstrate engineering knowledge of the design. The winning project shall clearly be the best project at Design Day.
RBC Sargent Aerospace & Defense VOLTAIRE DESIGN Award
($1,500)
The French philosopher Voltaire is credited with the saying “Le mieux est l’ennemi du bien,” which means “the best is the enemy of the good.” Similarly, Leonardo da Vinci is credited with the saying “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” This award recognizes the design team that best emulates these ideals and resists the temptation to overly complicate the design to yield a clean, simple, elegant, lowest-cost design that simply works well.
Sharon ONeal Award for BEST SYSTEM SOFTWARE DESIGN
($1,000)
Software has become an integral part of the operation, management and control of complex systems comprising mechanical, electrical, and optical elements. This award recognizes the best use of software in a system design to enable task automation, object recognition, system robustness, data collection, or other impressive features that would be difficult to achieve without software. Teams will be judged on the reliability, robustness, maintainability, reusability, originality and testability of software embedded in their designs.
Technical Documentation Consultants of Arizona Award for BEST DESIGN DOCUMENTATION
($500)
Successful implementation of any innovative design requires that all members of the design and production team communicate effectively. Design intent must be communicated from the design activity to the rest of the team using design documentation with a clear map for others to reproduce the design based on documentation only. The mechanical portion of the design is evaluated on the use of drawings with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, solids models, illustrations and presentations that can be used to manufacture and inspect design hardware. Software and other systems are evaluated on the use of documentation that clearly and fully describes the system and illustrates the approach to testing.
Larry Head Award for BEST VIDEO CAPTURING THE PROJECT STORY
($500)
This award recognizes the interdisciplinary team that creates the best video telling the project story. The video must capture the sponsor’s need, the process the team followed to develop the solutions, the final solution including test and evaluation, and how it meets the sponsor’s needs.
Doug May Award for EXCELLENCE IN STOCHASTIC METHODS FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN
($500)
This award recognizes the engineering student team that demonstrates exceptional application of stochastic methods or probabilistic approaches to solve complex design challenges. Teams will be judged on their sophisticated use of uncertainty quantification, statistical modeling, or randomness-based optimization techniques such as Monte Carlo simulation, Design of Experiments (DOE), or statistical optimization, to create robust, innovative engineering solutions.
AZ Technica Award for BEST USE AND IMPLEMENTATION OF ENGINEERING STANDARDS
($250)
This award recognizes the team that best shows the standards used in their project and how the use of those standards facilitated or improved their overall design and/or its performance outcome.
Having access to the tools and resources at the Engineering Design Center has made a huge difference, and it’s fulfilling to think that our final product might improve the very space and tools that helped us build it.”
PROJECTS
SHELBY JANSSEN, team member for 3D Printer Plastic Filament Verification System, sponsored by the EDC
Autonomous Garbage Can Cat Cannon
Racing the Sun - Autonomously
Design and Validation of a Lateral Flow Assay Device for Neonatal Bilirubin
Conceptual Design of a Heavy Cargo Lunar Lander
Ground Transport and Mission Support System for a Mobile
2-meter Cassegrain Telescope
3D Printing and Topological Optimization - The Holy Grail of Additive Manufacturing
3D Printer Plastic Filament Shredder
Solar Panel Cleaning Drone
Dental Instruments Design to Reduce Hand Fatigue
SEMILITHO: Semiconductor Lithography Tool Prototype
Rocket Motor Thrust Stand and Instrumentation
“
This project gives us the ability to go and do something not constrained by an assignment. It gives us the opportunity to be engineers and be creative.”
PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS
KERWIN DEWBERRY JR., student team leader for Automated Slide Transfer
Autonomous Garbage Can
Team 25501
supported by
Craig M. Berge Dean’s Fund
PROJECT GOAL
Design and manufacture an autonomous system capable of transporting a standard residential garbage can between its storage location and the curb.
Engineered to address challenges faced by elderly and disabled individuals, the final design is a robotic tug that attaches to a standard 95-gallon garbage can without drastically modifying its structure. The system integrates a Raspberry Pi 5 processor running ROS 2 to coordinate GPS, mmWave radar, and an AI camera for autonomous navigation. A linear actuator-based coupling mechanism securely attaches to the can, while a robust drive system allows stable operation onvaried surfaces and inclines up to 15 degrees.
Extensive testing confirmed that the system achieves a 90% success rate in attachment, obstacle avoidance within one second, and navigation accuracy of 1.5 meters or better across 400-foot round trips. The mobile/web application enables users to set pickup schedules, define paths via waypoints and receive real-time status alerts. The design preserves manual maneuverability and standard garbage truck compatibility, ensuring seamless integration with existing collection processes. The Autonomous Garbage Can provides a reliable, cost-effective solution that enhances accessibility and convenience for homeowners.
Cat Cannon
Team 25502
PROJECT GOAL
Create a safe, engaging, and fully automated launching system that distributes promotional foam balls throughout an arena.
The Cat Cannon is a multi-barrel launching system designed to enhance crowd engagement through safe and exciting promotional giveaways. Unlike traditional pneumatic launchers, it employs a unique electrically powered propulsion system to fire soft foam balls, each carrying prize redemption codes. An automated loading mechanism enables rapid-fire sequences or simultaneous volleys, with capacity to launch a minimum of 50 balls per event.
Precise electronic control ensures consistent, high-arching trajectories that reach all seating levels while maintaining safety. Integrated LED displays transform the system into a moving promotional platform, synchronizing graphics and sponsor messages with launches. Proximity sensors and trajectory limits further protect bystanders, resulting in a reliable, innovative, and crowd-pleasing alternative to conventional t-shirt cannons.
TEAM MEMBERS
Daniel Dong, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Andrew Layton, Mechanical Engineering
Graham Nelles, Mechanical Engineering
Matthew Redondo, Software Engineering
Katie Shine, Electrical & Computer Engineering
AJ Flores, Systems Engineering
Max Nolledo, Electrical & Computer Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Steve Larimore
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Steve Larimore
TEAM MEMBERS
Jose Roberto Elizarraras, Electrical & Computer
Engineering
Jenin Maher Katbah, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Software Engineering
Axel Roman, Mechanical Engineering
Alireza Shariati, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Daniel Northcott, Systems Engineering
Andrew Rivas, Mechanical Engineering
Skyler Stokes, Mechanical Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Steve Larimore
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Seton Claggett
TEAM MEMBERS
Koby Butler, Software Engineering
Emil Aiden Fischer, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Connor Johnson, Software Engineering
Kyle David Letsinger, Mechanical Engineering
Eric Stewart, Mechanical Engineering
Alek Sepulveda, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Systems Engineering
Jacob Mooney, Mechanical Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Steve Larimore
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Larry Head
TEAM MEMBERS
Saleh R J M Alhasawi, Industrial Engineering
Michael Holt, Mechanical Engineering
Alyssa Ann Pedersen, Mechanical Engineering
Mikaela Sanchez, Biosystems Engineering
Eden Marina Geyer, Software Engineering
Francisco Xavier Garduno, Engineering Management
COLLEGE MENTOR
Steve Larimore
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Cynthia Maier
Racing the Sun - Autonomously
Team 25503
PROJECT GOAL
Develop a solar-powered autonomous racing go-kart to inspire and enable high-school students in their pursuit of advanced engineering studies.
Racing the Sun is a STEM event where regional high school teams convert gasoline-powered go-karts into solar-powered electric go-karts and then compete in an annual race event at Musselman Honda racetrack. The Racing the Sun Autonomously system aims to leverage this opportunity to showcase autonomous driving capabilities to motivate the students to pursue advanced engineering studies. Moreover, the project’s intention is to enable Racing the Sun participants to develop their own autonomous platform by releasing the software package as open-source software.
The team designed and manufactured a system that completed safe, repeatable autonomous laps at the Musselman Honda racetrack on a solar-electric kart and publish an open-source package for external use. The system uses a Raspberry Pi compute stack running Robot Operating System (ROS), a series of cameras as primary sensors, a servo motor for steering, and a touchscreen for setup and mode selection. During a run, the camera finds track edges and the software plans a smooth path with appropriate speeds. The system has three operational modes - manual, remote-controlled, and autonomous (with an emergency stop). The interface supports data logging, and easy parameter tuning. All components are packaged as ROS nodes with launch files and clear documentation, enabling teams to retrain or redevelop the vision model.
Design and Validation of a Lateral Flow Assay Device for Neonatal Bilirubin
Team 25504
PROJECT GOAL
Design a lateral flow test device that enables rapid, point-of-care measurement of neonatal bilirubin levels in regions with limited access to laboratory testing.
Jaundice is a common condition in newborns, caused by high levels of bilirubin in the blood. If untreated, it can lead to serious complications. Current methods of measuring bilirubin often require specialized equipment and trained staff, which are not always accessible. Our project introduces a simple, portable device that works at the bedside to give reliable results in just minutes.
The system consists of a combination test strip and calibration card holder and a verified test strip. The combination test strip and calibration card holder was carefully designed to keep the strip in a fixed position, ensuring consistent images for analysis. The test strip selected proved to be able to quickly and effectively filter red blood cells and leave the plasma exposed. Through carefully curated lab protocols, colorimetric data was collected and a linear relationship between absorbance and bilirubin concentration was identified. Our team has delivered a test strip holder, a verified test strip and preliminary data findings that will be used in conjunction with the Picterus AS app to bring accessible neonatal jaundice diagnostics to third world countries.
Conceptual Design of a Heavy Cargo Lunar Lander
Team 25505
PROJECT GOAL
Develop a conceptual design for a heavy cargo lunar lander alongside a prototype demonstration for the reaction control software.
As humanity witnesses a historic rise in the total payload capability of launch vehicles, the possibility of maintaining a permanent industrial presence in space is becoming increasingly viable. UA Team 25505 and Paragon Space Development Corporation have collaborated to develop a conceptual design for an unmanned lunar lander with heavy payload delivery capabilities surpassing those of any spacecraft in history. The Paragon Lunar Unmanned Super Heavy (referred to as PLUSH), a one-time-use lunar lander, is designed to carry over 100,000 kg of payload to the lunar surface and form part of permanent infrastructure on the moon for years to come. PLUSH will enable customers to transport rovers, mining equipment, exploratory technologies, and more in just one trip, permanently expanding human presence into the stars with unprecedented magnitude.
In addition to this conceptual design, the team has also developed a Reaction Control System (RCS) algorithm, designed to emulate the control logic for the cold gas thrusters mounted on the spacecraft, ensuring
Ground Transport and Mission Support System for a Mobile 2-meter Cassegrain Telescope
Team 25506
PROJECT GOAL
Develop a trailer-based Mobile Transport and Mission Support System (MTS) capable of safely transporting, powering, and protecting a 1-meter observatory-class Cassegrain telescope for deployment in remote and underresourced locations.
Our project is a conceptual engineering study focused on developing a Mobile Transport and Mission Support System (MTS) for a 1-meter observatory-class Cassegrain telescope. Unlike a hardware build or test effort, this work emphasizes a feasibility-backed design that can guide future development and fabrication. The MTS will be a trailer-based system capable of safely transporting, powering, and protecting the telescope. By deploying to remote or under-resourced locations, unlike traditional observatories, which require permanent land use and dedicated infrastructure, the mobile system eliminates land acquisition barriers by operating entirely on a trailer platform, and allowing broader access to advanced astronomical instruments.
The team completed requirements definition, structural and vibration analysis, and the development of a full trailer-integrated concept tailored to telescope operations. Finite element simulations validated that the trailer frame met strength and stability targets while maintaining transportability within highway limits. Vibration modeling confirmed that optical alignment could be preserved during both transport and observation. The enclosure design provided environmental protection against wind and thermal effects while allowing rapid setup in the field. As a result, the final conceptual design demonstrates a practical and reliable solution for mobile telescope operations, ensuring readiness for research, education, and outreach applications.
TEAM MEMBERS
Rami Alkhudaidi, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Justin Duwe, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Nick King, Aerospace Engineering
Adrian Alejandro Torres, Mechanical Engineering
Humberto Rojas, Systems Engineering
Zach Leon-Guerrero, Systems Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Bert Schneider
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Thierry Carriere
TEAM MEMBERS
Jamie Cookson, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Chad Foss, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Andres Gardea, Engineering Management
Sylvan R Mitchell, Biosystems Engineering
Jackson Phelps, Mechanical Engineering
Anthony Nguyen Lewis, Mechanical Engineering
Nicholas Behr, Systems Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Bert Schneider
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Mike Slattery
Leading Edge Aviation Consulting
TEAM MEMBERS
Ashlyn Adakai, Systems Engineering
Ali Ibrahim A Alqahtani, Materials Science & Engineering
Khaled Alqahtani, Industrial Engineering
Ciaran Burckel, Industrial Engineering
Lance Oldham, Mechanical Engineering
Jarrod McKinley Land, Mechanical Engineering
Ryan Andrew Mccabe, Mechanical Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Steve Larimore
SPONSOR ADVISORS
Roger Bartlett, Matt Offolter
TEAM MEMBERS
Jake Lajos Ciasca, Mechanical Engineering
George Malone Davis, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Thomas Lersch, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Allyson Texley, Mechanical Engineering
Christian Pavlovich Monreal, Systems Engineering
Nicholas Petrov, Mechanical Engineering
Zackary Tileston, Mechanical Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Bert Schneider
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Matthew J Briggs
3D Printing and Topological Optimization - The Holy Grail of Additive Manufacturing
Team 25507
PROJECT GOAL
Validate and verify a methodology for analyzing the structural performance of 3D-printed polymers, specifically PETG using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) processing to support print performance and optimization of material usage.
Additive manufacturing and topological optimization offer the potential for accurate and efficient production of high-performance parts, but gaps remain. This project addressed those gaps by combining CAD modeling, structural analysis (Finite Element Analysis or FEA), and physical testing to develop a reliable method for evaluating and optimizing 3D-printed polymer parts.
In aerospace, a high strength-to-weight ratio is critical because it maximizes structural performance while minimizing weight, improving fuel efficiency and overall aircraft performance. The team developed a series of tests to determine the optimal combination of infill patterns, densities, and wall thicknesses for the highest strength-to-weight ratio. We identified the most critical mechanical properties to measure and selected the most relevant tests to evaluate them, including Young’s modulus, shear and strain moduli, permeability, failure modes, and energy absorption. This process will enable engineers to predict the mechanical properties of 3D- printed aerospace parts for an efficient and reliable design.
3D Printer Plastic Filament Shredder
Team 25508
PROJECT GOAL
Design and prototype a compact desktop shredder specifically for PLA (Polylactic Acid), the most commonly used 3D printing material.
3D printing continues to grow in use for prototyping and design as the environmental and operational impacts of unmanaged plastic waste have become increasingly concerning. The University of Arizona’s academic makerspaces generate significant plastic waste from 3D printing.
This project aims to provide an accessible, safe, and replicable solution for plastic waste management in any makerspace. This system uses shredder blades as the point of contact for the PLA to be shredded. A dual hex shaft system is used to orient the blades and connect them to the gearmotor. The system includes a 3-toggle switch that will allow an operator to easily set the motor into forward, reverse, or standby. The shredder utilizes a variable frequency drive (VFD) to convert from a standard 120 V line voltage into a 3 phase 240 V supply. Our shredder also incorporates necessary safety features, such as an emergency stop button. The shredder will have the ability to shred automatically and will output the shredded plastic into a removable bin. The shredder will contribute to a campus wide goal of reducing the volume of 3D printing waste by at least 50%, supporting more sustainable innovation.
Solar Panel Cleaning Drone
Team 25509
PROJECT GOAL
Clean solar panels in residential areas using an autonomous softwarepiloted drone.
The SPUD (Solar Panel Unmanned Decontaminator) is an autonomous drone engineered to detect and clean solar panels using pressurized water on a residential scale. Existing autonomous drones are used on an industrial scale, which is inefficient for residential areas. These drones remove dust, dirt, and other foreign debris that collects on solar panels over time, recovering the photovoltaic efficiency loss and saves the customer money. SPUD is designed to perform well on small-scale projects with ease of modification for future upgrades and improvements.
At the time of deployment, SPUD will be transported to location with a 75-gallon water tank in a truck or similar vehicle. The technician will power on the drone, ensuring it is connected to the ground control system, and place the drone facing the residence. The drone will take off and view the building from above, locating all solar panels relative to the boundaries of the house using LiDAR. The data sent back allows the ground control software to highlight and display each solar panel on the map.
Dental Instruments Design to Reduce Hand Fatigue
Team 25510
PROJECT GOAL
Design and fabricate dental instruments to be more ergonomic by minimizing hand strain and fatigue to help dental industry professionals
Dental professionals frequently experience hand and wrist fatigue from repetitive motions and instruments lacking ergonomic design. These strainful motions place significant stress on ligaments and tendons within the hand, with nearly one in three professionals developing musculoskeletal disorders such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome over the course of their careers. This project presents redesigned dental instruments as an engineering solution to reduce fatigue and improve ergonomics.
The team redesigned three commonly used dental instruments to feature enlarged grip diameters, fabrication with lighter polymer materials, and engraved textures to improve grip. CAD modeling and finite element analysis guided the design process, while 3D printing enabled prototyping and iteration. Prototypes were tested during simulated procedures using electromyography and data analysis to assess grip force and muscle activity. Results showed reductions in pinch force, hand strain, and overall muscle activation compared to traditional dental instruments, demonstrating the potential of engineering design to extend the careers of dental professionals.
TEAM MEMBERS
Safwan Al Hawsawi, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Ethan Orion Eshbaugh-soha, Aerospace Engineering
Carmen V Timmer, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Kat Wheeler, Software Engineering
Bridger Robert Sanborn, Aerospace Engineering
Freddy Andres Vidal, Systems Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Bert Schneider
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Vijayan Chomatil
TEAM MEMBERS
Diego Delgado, Biosystems Engineering
Tanna Lee McLeod, Mechanical Engineering
Warri Nagberi, Mechanical Engineering
Katie Thai, Materials Science & Engineering
Tiffany Marie Hudgins, Industrial Engineering
Kayla B Griffith, Systems Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Bert Schneider
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Jeanne Anne Krizman
Kanab Solar
TEAM MEMBERS
Abdullah Ali Al Sahli, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Maryah Almajnouni, Materials Science & Engineering
Max Henderson, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Travis Reyna, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Nataly Islas, Systems Engineering
JD Rash, Mechanical Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Steve Larimore
SPONSOR ADVISOR
Zafer Mutlu
TEAM MEMBERS
Jaymison Anderson, Mechanical Engineering
Matthew Calderon, Systems Engineering
Alan Roberto Lopez, Mechanical Engineering
Sean P Young, Aerospace Engineering
Sean Reilly, Aerospace Engineering
Kinzee Erin Anderson, Aerospace Engineering
COLLEGE MENTOR
Bert Schneider
SPONSOR ADVISOR
James Villarreal
SEMILITHO: Semiconductor Lithography Tool Prototype Team 25511
PROJECT GOAL
UA ADVANCED NANOELECTRONICS & NANOSTRUCTURES LABORATORY (ANNLAB)
Develop a compact, portable photolithography tool prototype for micron-scale wafer patterning, serving as an educational resource at the University of Arizona.
Photolithography is fundamental in the semiconductor industry, however, due to its high cost and large footprint, educational institutions lack information and tools to spread knowledge regarding semiconductors fabrication. To address this, we have developed a compact, portable photolithography prototype tool that emphasizes accessibility and affordability enabling educational outreach.
The design uses a Digital Light Processor (DLP) which includes a Digital Micromirror Device and a Digital Micromirror Device controller that allows the system to create an image on the wafer. The image passes from the DLP through a lens and beam splitter module and then lastly through the objective lens to ensure the image is in micron scale. The design includes an alignment camera that ensures the image is aligned with the wafer. Additionally, our team designed the system enclosure to be made of a UV-protective, transparent material so that viewers can safely observe the photolithography process. We designed the X, Y, and Z stage along with the code for the motor controllers that are responsible for the automated stage movement. The system itself is controlled by the user via a laptop through a graphical user interface that our team developed. This is how the images are sent to the SEMILITHO. The SEMILITHO has successfully produced a patterned wafer that features the project name, university, team members, PI, sponsor, and date all in micron-scale.
Rocket Motor Thrust Stand and Instrumentation
Team 25512
PROJECT GOAL
supported by Craig M. Berge Dean’s Fund
Design, build, and test an effortlessly movable rocket motor stand capable of withstanding 5,000 lbs of horizontal thrust.
Static fire rocket stands are vital for test rocket motors prior to flight and provide valuable data regarding long term rocket performance. Current stands used by the project sponsor integrate the solid rocket motor into the stand while exposed in the outside environment. This project aims to provide an ergonomic horizontal test stand that allows for motor integration in an enclosed space with fast and easy transportation of the stand outside for the static fire.
This design implements the use of welded square steel tube to provide durability and is modeled to withstand a rocket with up to 5,000 lbf of thrust. Finite element analysis was used to verify the stand’s structural rigidity at a safety factor of two. The test stand is intended to roll from an enclosed hardware assembly area to a testing area where it will be secured in a stationary configuration for ignition. The rocket is contained in a sponsor provided clamp mechanism to ensure proper thrust direction. A command center designed for customer meetings and test demonstrations is integrated into the test site. This command center will be used for data acquisition and processing. This project will improve efficiency, reliability, and comfort with the integration of the test stand and command center.
NANCY BERGE
Dear students,
Thank you to everyone who has participated in this wonderful event, the Craig M. Berge Design Day which bears our family name. My family and I are delighted to see and learn about your design projects. They are truly outstanding.
Much of my husband’s life and engineering career was all about designing. As a student, he built and designed his dragster. Later in life, as a mechanical engineer, he worked for a company that paid for his education. The company loaned him to the U.S. Navy to design the starter for a jet airplane named the Intruder. That plane is on aircraft carriers to this day. Knowing that the Navy is still using something he created is truly remarkable.
My husband would expect remarkable things from each of you, too. He would be so proud of your creativity and all you have accomplished.
In my husband’s memory, I am honored to support the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program and these student experiences that move you toward the next chapters in your lives and careers.
All the Best,
Nancy Berge
Interdisciplinary Capstone Course and Senior Design Projects
YEAR AT A GLANCE
ENGINEERING DESIGN OPEN HOUSE
REQUIREMENTS
SUMMER BREAK
After students are assigned to projects, teams work with their sponsors to generate structured lists of system requirements and metrics for evaluating nal designs and prototypes.
Following approval of the Systems Requirements Memo, teams conduct research and brainstorm to produce preliminary or conceptual designs.
Based on feedback from sponsors and mentors at the Preliminary Design Review, teams modify their preliminary designs and create detailed manufacturable designs to create prototypes for Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Day.
SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS MEMO
In this structured document, against which all designs, tests and prototypes are gauged, students de ne requirements for completed projects in consultation with sponsors.
PRELIMINARY DESIGN REVIEW
In this formal review, sponsors and mentors critique conceptual designs –for which sponsor approval is required – challenge assumptions and help teams re ne their plans.
CRITICAL DESIGN REVIEW
At this milestone, sponsors and mentors ensure their teams are meeting all requirements and have feasible plans to manufacture and test prototypes within budget.
Following the Critical Design Review and approval of the Critical Design Report, teams begin purchasing parts and manufacturing custom components to produce their prototypes.
During the last phase of the program, teams collaborate closely with sponsors to assemble and test their prototypes. They also prepare their presentations and demonstrations for Craig M. Berge Design Day.
FINAL DESIGN PRESENTATION
In this formal exchange, sponsors and mentors provide project feedback as teams address any last-minute changes.
CRAIG M. BERGE DESIGN DAY
17 ENGINEERING DEGREE PROGRAMS
AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
ARCHITECTURAL ENGINEERING
BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING
BIOSYSTEMS ENGINEERING
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
CIVIL ENGINEERING
COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
ELECTRICAL & COMPUTER ENGINEERING
ENGINEERING MANAGEMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING
INDUSTRIAL ENGINEERING
MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
MINING ENGINEERING
OPTICAL SCIENCES & ENGINEERING
SOFTWARE ENGINEERING
SYSTEMS ENGINEERING
CRAIG M. BERGE DESIGN DAY
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
STUDENTS
Capstone projects are the culmination of a year’s worth of work. Students have applied knowledge from the breadth of their undergraduate education, exercised out-of-the-box thinking and spent hundreds of hours producing the best solutions for their sponsors. We applaud your dedication and professionalism and congratulate you on your achievements.
MENTORS
Project mentors apply hundreds of years of collective engineering experience to guide students in the completion of their projects. They ensure the implementation of industry standards in the design process. Their expertise in devising solutions to challenging problems adds a critical dimension to students’ engineering knowledge. Thank you for your hard work, your commitment to excellence in engineering design and your role in the education of our students.
SPONSORS
Sponsors provide students with real-world questions and allocate funds to the program. They designate technical staff and mentors to steer students through the intricacies and requirements of their projects. Sponsors are a big part of what makes the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program (which encompasses Interdisciplinary Capstone and other capstone courses) what it is today: one of the largest and best-quality programs of its kind in the nation. Thank you immensely for your continued support.
JUDGES
The external judges who participate in Craig M. Berge Design Day supply independent professional assessments of the quality of students’ work. They help maintain the accreditation of undergraduate University of Arizona Engineering degree programs by providing insight and suggestions for improving the Engineering Design Program. Thank you for volunteering your time and applying your knowledge to evaluate students’ capstone projects.
STAFF
Dedicated professionals in the College of Engineering ensure the program’s smooth operation. They spend thousands of hours each year organizing events, communicating with sponsors, operating manufacturing areas, generating marketing materials and news, maintaining budgets and purchasing records, and performing a myriad of other tasks. Thank you all for your invaluable contributions and the excellence you bring to the program.
CORPORATE & PRIVATE
AZ Technica
BATYL Industries
Cummings Aerospace
Larry Head
Kanab Solar
Leading Edge Aviation Consulting
Doug May
Nobel
Sharon ONeal
Paragon Space Development Corp.
Picterus AS
RBC Sargent Aerospace & Defense
Tucson Biological Dentistry
Technical Documentation Consultants of Arizona
THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA
Craig M. Berge Dean’s Fund
Engineering Design Center
UA Advanced Nanoelectronics & Nanostructures Group
UA Dept. of Materials Science & Engineering
UA Dept. of Systems & Industrial Engineering
THANK YOU, MENTORS & STAFF
STAFF
Larry Head, Craig M Berge Engineering Design Program Director
Debbie Claggett, Engineering Design Capstone Coordinator
Matthew Briggs, Engineering Design Center Director
Nikki Heath, Business Administration
Peyton Kerley, Administrative Assistant
Neda Alihemati, Purchasing Office
Urs Utzinger, Design Faculty
Alexa Armstrong, Engineering Design Center
Diego Adair Camacho, Engineering Design Center
Cienna Charron, Engineering Design Center
Carolina Ferreira Silva, Engineering Design Center
Seven Gilbert, Engineering Design Center
Julian J Lopez, Engineering Design Center
Brody Manas, Engineering Design Center
Caroline McCarthy, Engineering Design Center
Axel Oros, Engineering Design Center
Josiah Rash, Engineering Design Center
Eryc Rodriguez, Engineering Design Center
Ruth Lisbeth Salazar, Engineering Design Center
Elias Thomas, Engineering Design Center
Ilana Valenzuela, Engineering Design Center
MENTORS
Roger Bartlett
Matthew J Briggs
Thierry Carriere
Vijayan Chomatil
Seton Claggett
Larry Head
Jeanne Anne Krizman
Steve Larimore
Cynthia Maier Zafer Mutlu
Matt Offolter
Bert Schneider
Mike Slattery
James Villarreal
JOIN THE TEAM TODAY!
SPONSOR A CAPSTONE PROJECT
From startups to Fortune 500 companies, a varied group of sponsors benefits from this outstanding interdisciplinary academic program each year.
Try out potential employees
Explore new technologies
Move products to market
Support engineering education
Boost company profile on campus
TRANSFERRING SKILLS TO THE WORKFORCE
Teams of five to seven seniors, mentored by industry liaisons and University of Arizona Engineering faculty, spend an entire academic year taking your design projects – many of which become patented technologies and commercial projects – from start to finish.