2026 Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Day

CRAIG M. BERGE

ENGINEERING

DAY 2026

Welcome to 2026 Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Day

On their way to exciting careers, seniors are making their efforts count.

Craig M. Berge Design Day is a story of remarkable student success, and most importantly, a testament to all the ways engineers help people. With 88 projects, more than 150 industry judges and $53,500 in prizes, there is much to celebrate at this year’s premier college event.

Students are thrilled to tell you about their yearlong projects. The range of ingenuity is extraordinary. From lunar energy systems to ginseng extraction – there is something for everyone.

Below are a just few examples. But if you miss anything, you can still learn about all the projects featured in the students’ videos, available at b.link/DesignDay2026 after the awards ceremony.

Health care solutions abound

A wirelessly powered implantable pump restores blood flow for leg circulation problems. A bioreactor autonomously grows cartilage from stem cells, which could one day reduce knee replacements. In a holistic approach to care, an AI-powered exam room tracks patient gait, speech and facial expression to give physicians data-driven insights.

Resource stewardship resolve

Teams also explored conservation and reuse for earthly and otherworldly application. A mobile recycling system converts plastic waste into liquid fuel for disaster relief; a bio-inspired process recovers copper, nickel and cobalt from mining waste; and a water conservation method recaptures evaporative losses from industrial cooling towers. Students working with UA Biosphere 2 even built a sealed chamber to study water-soil interactions in simulated Martian conditions.

Robots, robots everywhere

One team partnered with Davis-Monthan Air Force Base to build a logistics robot that transports aircraft parts across a maintenance facility. Another designed a drone that relays emergency signals to Coast Guard stations after natural disasters. And in a nod to pure fun, one group built an autonomous cornhole robot with computer vision and a motor-driven conveyor that launches bags at regulation distances.

The bigger picture

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.

Thank you, thank you, thank you

None of this would be possible without all the hard work behind the scenes. We are grateful to the donors, program director and mentors, university and industry partners, sponsors, judges, faculty, staff and alumni who help make the program a highly successful enterprise.

A special thank you to Nancy Berge and her family for their support of the Craig M. Berge Engineering Design Program.

Bear Down, and support our Wildcat engineers!

David W. Hahn

Craig M. Berge Dean, College of Engineering

I’ve really pushed to expand how we partner with the Interdisciplinary Capstone program and strengthen those connections between industry and students. It’s a powerful collaboration and everyone involved gains something meaningful from the experience.”

LIA CROCKER, alum and Biosphere 2 SPONSOR ADVISOR

AWARDS

Craig M. Berge Dean’s Award for MOST OUTSTANDING PROJECT

($7,500)

This award recognizes the one Design Day project embodying the best attributes of engineering design and the profession. The winning project has an outstanding design approach and implementation, excellent system modeling and/or analysis supporting the design, comprehensive testing that verifies system requirements, and a superior presentation of results to Design Day judges. Team members of the winning project effectively demonstrate engineering knowledge of the design and present themselves professionally. The winning project clearly is the best at Design Day.

Raytheon Award for BEST OVERALL DESIGN

($5,000)

While several designs may meet the judging criteria, this award is given to the design that does so the most effectively. The project that receives this award excels in many ways. The design is thoughtful and its implementation is of high quality. It accomplishes all key design requirements and is supported by rigorous analysis and testing. Its poster and presentation are professional and easy to understand.

RBC Sargent Aerospace & Defense VOLTAIRE DESIGN Award

($3,500)

The French philosopher Voltaire warned that “the best is the enemy of the good.” This award recognizes the design team that understands the fundamental goal of a capstone project: the deliverable must work. Beyond that, it honors the discipline required to avoid unnecessary complexity and deliver a solution that is simple, efficient and cost effective.

Bly Family Award for INNOVATION IN ENERGY PRODUCTION, SUPPLY OR USE

(1st prize - $2,000; 2nd prize - $1,000)

This award recognizes the best project related to sustainable, cost-effective and environmentally friendly energy production, distribution or use. Focus areas for winning projects include developing new energy sources, reducing energy costs, improving efficiency or reducing cost of energy distribution, adapting existing energy distribution methods to better integrate new energy sources, and increasing efficiency of energy use.

BAE Systems Award for BEST SYSTEM SOFTWARE DESIGN

($2,500)

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 are judged on the reliability, robustness, maintainability, reusability, originality and testability of software embedded in their designs.

Acron Aviation Award for MOST ROBUST SYSTEMS ENGINEERING

($2,500)

The systems engineering perspective is based on systems thinking. When a system is considered as a combination of elements, systems thinking acknowledges the primacy of the whole and the interrelationships of the system elements to the whole. This award goes to the team that most robustly addresses all aspects of the project from the systems perspective.

Honeywell Award for EXCELLENCE IN AEROSPACE SYSTEM DESIGN

($2,000)

This award recognizes excellence in overall system design in a project with an aerospace emphasis. Verbal presentations for the winning project are well structured to effectively describe the overall system and the specifics of how the team implemented its design. A key feature of the presentation is representative data demonstrating thorough testing of the system. Answers to questions are direct and indicate a high level of team competency about the details of the project. The presentation shows how all team members contributed, exhibiting core values of teamwork and professionalism.

Attalon Award for BEST OPTICAL SYSTEMS DESIGN

($1,500)

This award recognizes the most innovative use of optoelectronics and optomechanics in a design. It is given to the team that demonstrates the most thorough approach to the design and engineering of its optical system. The winning team conveys complete understanding of the optical design, system requirements, tolerance analysis, and optical component usage. Important criteria are integration of optics into the overall system, novel use of optical components, creative use of commercial off-the-shelf items, verification of optical components, achievement of system requirements, use of standard optical design software, and manufacturability of optical design and components.

Rincon Research Award for BEST PRESENTATION

($1,500)

This award reflects the quality of the overall verbal and poster presentations. Verbal presentations are well structured to efficiently describe the overall problem being solved and the specifics of how the team accomplished its design. Answers to questions are direct and demonstrate mastery of the project. Each presenter speaks in a clear and easily audible voice, making good eye contact with the judges. The poster is visually interesting and graphically well organized to tell a standalone story of the project.

School of Mining and Mineral Resources Lowell Award for INTERDISCIPLINARY SOLUTIONS FOR MINING

($1,500)

The Lowell Award recognizes the best interdisciplinary solution that supports the mining industry, whether it is the improvements of optics and visibility for safety, reducing personnel exposure while working in the mine or mill, developing the next generation of highaltitude drones for mineral surveys, or a novel way of extracting minerals from space. This award requires the skills of all engineering disciplines. While expanding frontiers in resource development, the winning team demonstrates how its design makes quantifiable improvements to safety, the community and the environment.

School of Mining and Mineral Resources Lundin Award for INNOVATION IN MINING

($1,500)

The Lundin Award recognizes design innovation in the safe and economical extraction of mineral commodities. A key focus for this award is a written, well-documented mineral resource report, a well-developed mine plan, and an economic model to demonstrate the project’s viability. True innovation will illustrate the sustainability of the resource and its relationship with the environment and community. The written report and oral presentations for this project should demonstrate collaborations across the team members’ disciplines.

Roche Tissue Diagnostics Award for MOST INNOVATIVE ENGINEERING DESIGN

($1,500)

The recipient of this award demonstrates novel use of existing components or the creation of entirely new components to meet customer requirements. The most innovative design not only is a creative solution to a problem, but also the winning project is a well implemented, effective solution. This award recognizes the team that creates or makes use of components in the most innovative way or demonstrates excellence in the implementation of innovative design, or both.

Greg Lorton Award for PRACTICAL PROCESS DESIGN

($1,500)

Effective design of processes sets the stage for the success of chemical and environmental engineering projects. This award recognizes the best application of process design and economic principles to a chemical or environmental process. These principles include process synthesis through flow diagrams, material and energy balances, preliminary equipment sizing, and the determination of the economic viability of the project.

Frank Broyles Award for BEST UAS DESIGN

($1,250)

This award recognizes the UAS project with the highest quality of design and construction that succeeds in or makes a good attempt to achieve the sponsor objectives.

W.L. Gore and Associates Award for LIFELONG INNOVATION

($1,250)

This award honors a team demonstrating excellence and innovation in biomedical engineering design. It recognizes outside-the-box thinking that pushes boundaries and hands-on approaches to creative solutions. Projects are judged on the elegance and creativity of the technical solutions and their implementation. The winning team effectively communicates the design, expresses how the project will improve lives, describes the current environment or paradigm, and generally speaks toward the economic reality of a possible implementation.

Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies Award for BEST USE OF PROTOTYPING

($1,250)

This award goes to the team that best uses a physical prototype model to understand and study the fit, form and function of the device or system design. Teams are judged on the appropriateness of the prototyping technology, success in improving design, and effectiveness in communicating the need for prototyping. Prototypes can be made using rapid fabrication technology, traditional manufacturing or construction by hand.

Mark Brazier Award for BEST BIOMEDICAL SYSTEM DESIGN

($1,000)

Biomedical engineering advances knowledge in engineering, biology and medicine. It improves human health through multidisciplinary integration of the engineering sciences with biomedical sciences and clinical practice. This award recognizes a design demonstrating excellence and innovation in biomedical engineering. It rewards outside-the-box thinking that pushes boundaries and hands-on approaches to creative solutions. Projects are judged on the elegance and creativity of the technical solutions and their implementation. The winning team effectively showcases the project’s design and clearly communicates its processes for creativity.

Henry & Suzanne Morgen Award for BEST CONSIDERATION OF THE END USER

($1,000)

This award goes to the team that best considers the needs of the end user/client. The winning team demonstrates consideration of the end user’s needs throughout the design process. The team has a list of end user concerns and shows how they are addressed. Many times, a physical prototype is created to understand and study the fit, form and function of the device or system, and usability testing is conducted with a sample group of end users to validate or improve the design. Teams are judged on the appropriateness of the prototyping, effectiveness of prototyping to improve the design, and how well the needs of end users are considered. Prototypes are made using rapid fabrication technology, traditional manufacturing or construction by hand.

Technical Documentation Consultants of Arizona Award for BEST DESIGN DOCUMENTATION

($1,000)

Successful implementation of any innovative design requires that all members of the design and production team communicate effectively. Design intent must be communicated to the rest of the team using documentation, with a clear map for others to reproduce the design based on that documentation only. The mechanical portion of the design is evaluated on the use of drawings with geometric dimensioning and tolerancing, solid 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.

Ana Needham Award for BEST EXTERNAL COLLABORATION BY A SINGLE-DISCIPLINE TEAM

($1,000)

This award recognizes the single-discipline design team that best demonstrates external team collaboration. Like real-world problems, senior design projects require skills from multiple sources, and students should learn the value of leveraging the strength of a diverse team, as well as seeking out external guidance and support to succeed. These skills are foundational to a successful engineering career.

The Institute of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Tucson Section Award for BEST USE OF A SENSOR

($1,000)

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community through its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities.

Effective use of sensors is critical in applications from rockets to refrigerators, and all between. The scope of this Award is the effective selection and use of a sensor by considering its suitability, accuracy, precision, placement and processing, in addition to size, weight, power, cost and reliability in the application setting. Use of one to multiple sensors qualifies. The signal and data processing of a raw sensor are integral factors affecting judgement for the Award. There is no requirement that a sensor’s influence on the project’s ultimate functionality necessarily be networked in any way, although this is not prohibited either. In summary, this Award is focused on the sensor, its processing and ultimate contribution to the project goal.

Mensch Foundation Award for BEST USE OF EMBEDDED INTELLIGENCE

($1,000)

The Mensch Award recognizes the team that best integrates embedded intelligence into a potential product, building a smart connected prototype with commercial value. Embedded Intelligence is characterized as the ability of a product to sense, process, communicate and actuate based on information gained from an understanding of itself and others and for the benefit of many. Preference is given to designs with SPCA capabilities demonstrably surpassing human abilities to perform the same function.

Larry Head Award for BEST VIDEO CAPTURING THE PROJECT STORY

($1,000)

The winning video best captures the sponsor’s need, the process used to develop the solutions, final solution – including testing and evaluation – and how the project meets the sponsor’s needs.

The Newman Family Award for PERSEVERANCE & RECOVERY

($1,000)

Issues and roadblocks always occur during the engineering design process. Although they cause panic and distress, they also represent great opportunities to learn and often lead to designs that would otherwise be impossible to conceive. This award recognizes a team’s ability to learn and to overcome issues or roadblocks encountered during the design process. The award is judged based on the ingenuity of solutions to problems caused by issues or roadblocks and the features in the final design that contribute to recovery from them.

The Larimore Family Award for STUDENT’S CHOICE AWARD

($1,000)

The Student’s Choice Award recognizes a team that exemplifies the strongest qualities of engineering design. This honor is awarded to a team that demonstrates effective collaboration, maintains consistent and professional communication with sponsors and stakeholders, and delivers a design that fully satisfies project requirements. The winning team provides clear evidence of design maturity through appropriate verification methods, including test, analysis, demonstration, and inspection. In addition, they are able to communicate their design effectively in both written and oral formats, making complex technical concepts understandable to a broad audience.

What makes this award especially meaningful is that it is determined by the students themselves. A preliminary set of finalist teams is selected by their peers, and the final recipient is chosen through a student vote on Design Day.

Sharon ONeal Award for SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT WITH EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES

($1,000)

This award celebrates transformative projects that harness emerging technologies – artificial intelligence, machine learning, DevOps (or DevSecOps), augmented reality or virtual reality (AR/VR), and other forms of automation, for example. The winning team revolutionizes user experiences, optimizes business processes, or pushes the boundaries of what is possible in software engineering.

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Award for IMPACTFUL APPLICATION OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

($900)

This award recognizes a team that thinks big, applying science and technology to make a significant difference in the world – an enduring principle of Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory.

Attalon FISH OUT OF WATER Award

($750)

This awards honors students successfully accomplishing tasks outside their realm of expertise. Senior design projects draw on multiple disciplines, and sometimes students must learn new subjects in areas outside their majors to accomplish project objectives. A student acquiring knowledge and applying newfound skills to help a team thrive shows dedication and initiative, integral traits of successful engineers.

PeakView Solutions Award for BEST DESIGN FOR PRACTICAL MAINTENANCE & REPAIR

($600)

This award is presented to the team that took explicit action to include practical Maintenance and Repair (M&R) requirements during the design and construction of their project. Labor cost is a significant variable in the M&R lifecycle. A practical M&R process reduces expense and improves the quality of experience for both employees and customers. Teams are judged based on the quality of both documentation and functional design. For software, documentation must include how the code was architected for facilitating maintenance and future enhancements.

Simpson Family Award for BEST SIMULATION AND MODELING

($500)

This award recognizes the project that makes the best use of computer-based simulation or modeling. The simulation may be the project itself or a tool used to model the performance of the design. Winning criteria include scope of the simulation, fidelity compared to real-world performance, and the engineering judgement exercised in determining the complexity of the model.

AZ Technica MANUFACTURING READINESS Award

($500)

This award is given to the team that designs and builds a system that goes beyond meeting sponsor requirements and best considers usability and manufacturing readiness.

Dragoon Technology Award for MOST UNINTUITIVE DESIGN DRIVEN BY PHYSICS

($500)

While some designs are intuitive, others apply basic physics without necessarily conveying an understanding of the underlying principles, at times resulting in a rejected, or even laughable, design. This award recognizes a design that only an engineer could love.

AZ Technica Award for SUSTAINABLE MANUFACTURING INNOVATION

($500)

This award goes to the team whose design best incorporates a manufacturing method to reduce carbon emissions. Projects can introduce manufacturing techniques or use existing methods to lower cost and improve the quality of a product while reducing carbon footprint.

Honeywell Award for TEAM LEADERSHIP

(two individuals at $250 each)

This award recognizes students who best exemplify teamwork. Winners work cooperatively with others to produce a highquality project; take initiative; give and receive feedback, supporting and respecting the opinions of team members; demonstrate effective leadership; keep their team focused; and elevate the work of team members. Teammates nominate potential winners.

The capstone experience challenged me to learn new skills, validate my data and stand confidently behind my work. It mirrors industry, where you’re constantly adapting and proving the reliability of what you do.”

PROJECTS

YOUSEF ALABIAD, team lead for Coral Reef Arks Hydrodynamics, sponsored by Biosphere 2

Spectral Person Characterization & Target Recognition (SPECTR) System

Remote Accelerometer Sensor for an Air Tanker Operational Load

Monitoring System

Pump for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

AI-Driven Surgical Oral Boards Simulator

Cornhole Robot

Cartilage Growth System Module in Sterile Environment

Passive Energy & Thermal-Airflow Linkage for Vertical Farms (PETAL-VF)

Lightweight Yield and Crop Optimizer: Tomato Interface (LYCO: TOMI)

Automated Coolant Monitoring and Refill System

Aircraft Camera Demonstrator System (ACDS)

Dynamically Scaled Flight and Wind Tunnel Model of a Modular UAV for Scientific Flight Experiments

Automated Guided Vehicle A.G.V.

Next-Generation TurboGenerator Lightweight Gearbox Design

Dust Suppressing Drone Simulator

Optimization of Hydrometallurgy in Mining through Automation

Automated Dispense Volume Calibrator

Pathology Lab Dispenser Disassembler

Pathology Lab Barcode Reader Test Bench

Automated Transportation & Logistics Assistance System (A.T.L.A.S.)

Coral Reef Arks Hydrodynamics

Human Factors Optimization for Wearable Sleeve Sensor Deployment

Hybrid Electric Drill Rig

Turbofan Smart Mount

Durability Test Apparatus for SynCardia’s Emperor Total Artificial Heart (ETAH)

Whisper Trim Critter Clippers

Composite/Metallic Stator for Turbofan Engine

Unmanned Aircraft Anomaly Scenario Playback Tool

Coanda-Directed Compressor Hub Cavity Injection

Plastic Recycling, Carbon Capture and Disaster Relief through Pyrolysis (Year 2)

The Exploration of Thermal Diode Effects of Nitinol-based Shape Memory

Alloys (Year 2)

LiDAR-Camera Fusion for Telecom Infrastructure Mapping and Inspection

Emergency Signal Relay Drone

Development of a Non-Balloon Internal Retention Mechanism for Gastrostomy

DENSITY MATTERS: Quantifying the Remelt and Sustainability Benefits of HighDensity Aluminum Scrap Bales

Lunar Application of Sodium Ion Battery

Autonomous 3D-Printed Leaf Chamber

Distributed Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) Development

Rodent Multiparametric Monitoring Surgical Platform

Multi-digit Assessment of Choice Response Output (MACRO) System

Automated On-Microscope Bioprinter for Live-Cell Culture and Imaging

Automated Weight Bearing Ultrasound Foot Scanner: Version 3

Hypersonic Materials Characterization Apparatus (HMCA)

Generative ATC/Pilot Conversations for NextGen Avionics Systems

MediBrick: Dissemination and Expansion

AI-Powered Hospital Supply Retrieval System

Unpowered, High Lift-to-Drag Hypersonics Projectile for Low Altitude Operations (Hyper-Shot)

Small UAV Doppler Navigation using Honeywell ATLAS Automotive Radar

Doctor AI - The Smart Patient Exam Room - AI Assisted History, Diagnostics and Patient Motion - New “Digital” Biomarkers for Improved Patient Care

WATER ANALYST POCKET PRO - Microplastic, Heavy Metal and Inorganics PORTABLE

Water Detection System for Kidney Health

Lunar Automated Regolith Processing (LARP) II

Tailings Dam Remediation

Sierrita Mine Expansion

2026 SME Metallic Design Competition

AQUABOT AeroPak - Advanced Air Deployable Aquatic Drone Swarms

Water Economy - A Water Sparing and Dialysate Recycling System Complimenting

Hemodialysis for End-Stage Kidney failure Patients

Flexible, Fast Beam Shaper

CAM-DAR is LIFE: Combination Camera Image + Radar Analysis System for Remote Status and Vital Signs Assessment to Save Lives

Engineering a High-Fidelity Environment Chamber for Planetary Landscape

Terraformation Research

Engineering a Self-Hosted Cloud Control Layer for a Hydroponic Farm Housed in a Shipping Container

RIGHT IS LIFE: Smart CPR Training System to Enhance CPR Trainee Efficacy and Success

Automotive Steer-by-Wire System

Vacuum-Compatible Imaging System with Variable Working Distances

UroSMART: An Integrated Quantitative Urodynamics and Catheter System for Enhanced Management of Patients with Renal and Urologic Disorders

Hypersonic Projectile

OPTIMA (Optical Position Tracking and Imaging for Microparticle Analysis)

Process for Manufacturing Custom-fitting, Sustainable, Communicationaccommodating, Respiratory PPE

Precision Automated Targeting System (PATS)

Autonomous Sky Tracking and Recon Apparatus (ASTRA)

Rubik’s Cube Solved

Li-Cor710 Team Database

Li-Cor710 Team Dashboard

Recovering Water from Cooling Towers

Industrial Scale Conversion of Spent Coffee Grounds to Biodiesel

Industrial Scale Pyrolysis of Plastic

Non-Alcoholic Beer Production Process for Dragoon Brewery

RO water system for Dragoon Brewery

Production of Vegan Leather from Kombucha

High Pressure Ginseng Extraction

Advanced Water Purification Facility

Bio-Inspired Mineral Recovery from Mining Waters

Helium Recovery from Natural Gas

Naphtha Methaforming Unit

Arsenic Detection Device Production Process

Bench-Scale Brewing System

Disinfection Optimization Through CO2 Injection

Biphasic Ionic-Liquid CO2 Capture System

Bench-Scale Beer Dealcoholization

Water quality improvements for cooling towers

Seniors learn how to step into a team of diverse individuals and solve a problem together and that makes them incredible future employees.”

JODIE ROBERTSON Freeport-McMoRan’s Sponsor Advisor

PROJECT DESCRIPTIONS

Spectral Person Characterization & Target Recognition

(SPECTR) System

Team 26001

PROJECT GOAL

Design and validate a multispectral imaging system capable of autonomous anomaly detection and target tracking across diverse environments.

Multispectral imaging allows users to differentiate between objects and backgrounds by exploiting the differences in their spectral signatures. The team developed a low-cost multispectral imager that captures overlapping images in five wavelength bands spanning the visible through the thermal infrared.

The system achieves person detection at distances of up to 60 meters across a 75-meter-wide field of regard under environmental conditions ranging from bright urban daylight to rural nighttime scenes. The team designed and integrated the optical assembly, spectral filtering architecture, detector interfaces and calibration procedures to ensure consistent spatial alignment and radiometric performance across all wavelength bands. A fully statistical anomaly detection pipeline processes the captured imagery in real time without relying on machine learning by using the target’s spectral distributions. It can also identify pixels that deviate from the expected background spectra. A graphical user interface displays the processed imagery, highlights detected anomalies and logs them in a database. This allows an operator to monitor their environment with confidence. The team’s experimental testing demonstrated autonomous detection of humans and other foreign objects across varied environments.

TEAM MEMBERS

Zane Qassim Al-Qattan, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Rayce Bacchus, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Andrew Black, Systems Engineering

Eli Jordan, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Denly W Lindeman, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Sutton Thomas, Optical Sciences & Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mike Nofziger

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Benjamin Cromey, Ian Carr

Remote Accelerometer Sensor for an Air Tanker Operational Load Monitoring System

Team 26002

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a remote accelerometer sensor unit for installation in an aerial firefighting tanker to improve system recording of flight parameters during operations.

For this project, the team designed and built a remote vertical accelerator for the Operational Load Monitoring System (OLMS), which is installed on Erickson Aero Tanker’s MD87 air tankers. The data generated by the device is used to produce an annual structural integrity monitoring report for the U.S. Forest Service (USFS). This report determines the impact of firefighting operations on the aircraft maintenance and inspection schedules.

The device needs to record several flight parameters, including normal acceleration (NZ) at the center of gravity (CG) of the aircraft. However, because the OLMS is mounted 56 feet away from the CG, the recorded NZ data is mathematically transposed from its location in the avionics bay to the CG. This introduces a degree of error. To overcome this issue, the team worked to develop a remote NZ sensor to be mounted at the CG and interfaces with the OLMS. Following DO-160G requirements, USFS guidelines, and FAA regulations, the team designed the electronics and enclosure to power the accelerometer and electrically interface it with the OLMS.

TEAM MEMBERS

Corbin Austin, Systems Engineering

Sehajdeep Bal, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Hailey Davis, Aerospace Engineering

Sam Mateni Hala’ufia, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Cymbeline Leith Hale, Mechanical Engineering

Garrett Reedy, Applied Physics

Jesus J Tamayo, Systems Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

James Sweetman

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Charles Simpson

TEAM MEMBERS

Griffen Dresbach-Hill, Biomedical Engineering

Lucas Jimenez, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Everett Moore, Mechanical Engineering

Adrian Parraga, Biomedical Engineering

Ian Storjohann, Biomedical Engineering

Ethan Zacharias, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Sardar R Mostofa

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Negin Behzadian, Peter Crapo

TEAM MEMBERS

Nick Jonathon Brown, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jonah Camacho, Software Engineering

Beckham Davis, Systems Engineering

Parker A Guss, Biomedical Engineering

Daryl Ijaola, Biomedical Engineering

Nicolas Littleman, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Maria Cecilia Lluria-Gossler

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Eric Petersen

Pump for Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)

Team 26003

PROJECT GOAL

Design, develop and verify the performance of a wirelessly powered implantable pump prototype system that restores venous blood flow in compromised femoral veins.

CVI is a common progressive vascular disorder caused by ballooning of valves in the veins of the leg that prevents the valve from closing properly. This allows blood in the vein to stagnate and recirculate, which leads to swelling, pain, skin changes, and in severe cases, the formation of deep vein thrombosis, which can be life-threatening. To overcome the symptoms of CVI, the team developed an implantable medical device designed to actively assist in blood flow and prevent stagnation.

This project aimed to create a scalable proof of concept that required the team to develop novel solutions to overcome size, physiological and power constraints. This project was comprised of two parts: creating a pump design capable of generating enough pressure and powering the device without breaking the skin barrier. The device uses an optimized impeller design to generate a sufficient pressure head to lift the fluid column to the next undamaged valve. The team iterated multiple designs, ranging from a hard-wired model with a pump that meets pressure head requirements, a wireless power transfer system that showcases current capabilities of wireless power, and a third magneticallydriven system.

AI-Driven Surgical Oral Boards Simulator

Team 26004

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a mock oral board simulator that delivers realistic examiner questioning, caseaccurate content and objective scoring for surgical resident board practice.

Practicing for medical boards is a stressful and time-consuming process. It is often difficult to get enough experience and examples to properly prepare. Therefore, the team built a hybrid oral board simulator composed of a React frontend, a TypeScript core backend, a PostgreSQL database, and a Python retrieval-augmented generation service. The application supports Mock Exam, Tutor, and Surgical Assistant modes, with case selection and a timed exam workflow that enforces a seven-minute scenario window and configurable warnings. The goal was to bind every user response to faculty-approved case data. The team implemented a multi-model cross-reference strategy to reduce hallucinations by verifying generated content before it is presented to the user.

The team engineered session logging so each run of the application records case ID, mode, transcripts, system outputs and grading artifacts. This allows users to review prior attempts and performance trends. The application integrates a dual-metric grading architecture with a critical-failure logic to map actions to examiner-defined thresholds and outcomes. Speech-to-text and text-to-speech options are also included to support both hands-free and text-only practice. The team’s system verification testing demonstrated real-time responsiveness and fast case retrieval while ensuring that the AI will not answer outside the approved medical dataset.

Cornhole Robot Team 26005

PROJECT GOAL

Create an automated system that can compete against a human in a regulation cornhole game.

Cornhole is a popular and simple game that involves tossing a beanbag into a hole on a board. This project aimed to determine whether recent developments in the capabilities of robotics systems means robots can mimic the depth perception, orientation adjustment, and launch strength of a human cornhole player.

The system consists of a camera, an azimuthal subsystem, and a motor-driven conveyor belt that launches the cornhole bag. The system uses the camera to determine the distance from the target board and sends information to the azimuth motors to face the system toward the target. Once aligned, a motor accelerates the belt to launch the cornhole bag at a velocity determined by the system’s distance from the target. A drive pulley accelerates the belt while several idler pulleys provide sufficient tension. A Raspberry Pi integrates the electronic hardware and runs Python programs to direct the camera, azimuth motors, and Odrive motor during launch. The system is housed in a rectangular aluminum extrusion casing and is supported at 45 degrees by additional aluminum extrusion supports. Two batteries in series supply power and the team included an emergency stop button to cut all system power if necessary. In testing, the cornhole robot was able to compete against a human in a regulation cornhole game.

Cartilage Growth System Module in Sterile Environment

Team 26006

PROJECT GOAL

Develop and build a sterile bioreactor that autonomously incubates, feeds, and applies custom mechanical loads onto cartilage grown from stem cells to optimize production and ultimately create a less-invasive option for osteoarthritis surgery.

Osteoarthritis is a common disease that results in approximately 790,000 knee replacements and 544,000 hip replacements each year in the U.S., with limited medical or surgical treatments available for youth and at-risk populations. Engineered replacement tissues exist, but they currently do not have the same histological or mechanical properties as native tissues.

The team sought to deliver a fully operational bioreactor capable of growing engineered cartilage in a sterile environment to study various growth conditions. Graduate students, scientists and surgeons can use the reactor to experiment with different mechanical loads, including walking patterns, to produce engineered cartilage that mimics the histological properties of native tissues for tissue-engineered grafts and full replacement. The ultimate goal is to eliminate the need for multiple knee surgeries.

The team’s bioreactor can operate for up to three weeks on a stand-alone, sterile, and self-feeding basis. It exposes cartilage (grown from stem cells) to precisely regulated axial and shear compressive forces while maintaining an optimal cell culture environment. The Dynamic Bioreactor for Engineered Cartilage autonomously exchanges old media (metabolic waste) with new media (nutrient-rich), enabling hands-off cartilage growth. The design also integrates a user-friendly graphical user interface with real-time data and control over experimental parameters.

TEAM MEMBERS

Andy Bian, Software Engineering

Colin Brown, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Samuel Benjamin Cohen, Engineering Management

Jack Krill, Mechanical Engineering

Joel Luna Perez, Mechanical Engineering

Josh R. Nau, Engineering Management

Clayton Perdreauville, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Jeff Scott Wolske

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Roger Esplin, John Oldham

TEAM MEMBERS

Francisco Zaeed Cano, Mechanical Engineering

Allison Chavez Gutierrez, Biomedical Engineering

Ethan Lin, Biomedical Engineering

Jenna Mas, Biosystems Engineering

Katie Sweet, Biosystems Engineering

Pedro Sebastian Urquia, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Don McDonald

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Don McDonald

Don and Sherry McDonald Biomedical Projects

TEAM MEMBERS

Ray Ball, Materials Science & Engineering

Petrea Houska, Biosystems Engineering

Antonet Juarez, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Ethan Kroner, Mechanical Engineering

Karina Marcoulier, Biosystems Engineering

Aiden Tsingine, Electrical & Computer Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Carey Jeannette Jones

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Tanner Conrad, Brian Little

TEAM MEMBERS

Estevan Avran Aragon, Mechanical Engineering

Walter Davenport, Mechanical Engineering

Roberto Enrique Diaz, Biosystems Engineering

Kayla Mellendorf, Biosystems Engineering

Tallen Monnett, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Ramon Partida, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Maria Cecilia Lluria-Gossler

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Tanner Conrad, Brian Little

Passive Energy & Thermal-Airflow Linkage for Vertical Farms (PETAL-VF)

Team 26007

PROJECT GOAL

Design, build, and test a solar thermal energy harvesting system that demonstrates an alternative renewable energy solution within the University of Arizona Vertical Farm.

Airflow plays a critical role in agriculture for regulating canopy temperature, reducing localized humidity, and preventing physiological disorders such as tip burn. The team designed the PETAL-VF to demonstrate the capability of powering a pair of low-voltage airflow fans within a vertical farm to control these conditions.

PETAL-VF evaluates the feasibility of using thermoelectric generators (TEGs) to convert a temperature differential into electrical power for controlled-environment agriculture. The team designed a custom solar-thermal collector panel that was black nickel electroplated to reduce emissivity and improve thermal absorption. The system uses a collector coupled with an array of TEGs that generate electrical power through the Seebeck effect. An attached heat sink on the cold side of each TEG enhances heat dissipation and maximizes the temperature differential across the devices. The generated electrical energy is conditioned and stored in a rechargeable lead-acid battery for later use.

The team’s testing confirmed that the harvested thermal energy was sufficient to power the fans under standard operating conditions. The project successfully demonstrated a proof-of-concept platform for renewable, supplemental power generation using solar-thermal energy. Results highlight the potential for integrating TEG-based energy harvesting into larger environmental control systems and other passive energy or backup power applications.

Lightweight Yield and Crop Optimizer: Tomato Interface (LYCO: TOMI)

Team 26008

PROJECT GOAL

Pollinate tomato crops and identify harmful pests with an autonomous robotic system within the University of Arizona Greenhouses.

Tomato crops need stimulation – vibrations, wind, or pollinating insects – to produce fruit. In controlled environments like a greenhouse, this process is carried out by shaking the crops or introducing bee hives into the space. This process is labor and allergy intensive. Therefore, the team created an autonomous robotic system that agitates plants as it travels and includes smart cameras that can detect and warn about pests.

The robot design has two major component systems: vertical lift and mobilization. The vertical system is an aluminum cascade elevator equipped with two DC axial fans. A TF02-i lidar, or light detection and ranging, sensor measures and adjusts its height. The mobilization system is comprised of a steel-welded frame with four 10-inch pneumatic wheels. The team engineered the robot to navigate within the greenhouse via a high-contrast line using an Oak-D-Lite camera and an interface to an Arduino Nano ESP32, which manages motor control.

Pests are also a problem in greenhouses; even a small number of insects can be harmful to a crop’s health. Detecting pests typically requires labor-intensive visual inspection. Therefore, the team included a pest-identification mobile device application that notifies users of the presence of harmful insects. It works by analyzing captured images and comparing them to a database of pests on the Raspberry Pi 5 computer.

Automated Coolant Monitoring and Refill System

Design and build an automated monitoring and refill prototype of an industrial-grade coolant management system for computer numerical control (CNC) machines.

Manually monitoring coolant levels in CNC machines is a time-consuming process that takes machine operators away from the important work they do. To combat this issue, the team designed a cost-effective and reliable prototype of an automated industrial-grade coolant management system that can continuously monitor the coolant level, concentration, and temperature and then notify the machine operator about out-of-range conditions and automatically refill the machine as needed.

The system consists of a programmable logic controller (PLC); level, temperature, and concentration sensors; and an interface monitor with Ignition Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) software. When the coolant level drops to a specified percentage level, the system starts a refill process to prevent the machine from running low on coolant. During refill, the system adds coolant that meets the correct concentration of water and concentrate. The system also continuously monitors the cutting fluid for the correct coolant vs. water solution, level, and temperature. The PLC automatically controls the pumps and valves to maintain the optimum system operation. A monitor displays system information using a custom graphical user interface to assist the machine operator.

Aircraft Camera Demonstrator System (ACDS)

Team 26011

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a portable, rapid deployable prototype for scalable aircraft camera technology that improves situational awareness with a real-time, 360-degree bird’s-eye view.

Aircraft operators often rely on multiple camera views for situational awareness. The team designed and built a miniaturized multi-camera system that replicates the layout of an aircraft’s mounted cameras and provides operators with a bird’s-eye view of the aircraft. This demonstrates camera technology that can simulate views for a variety of aircraft models. The team developed the technology based on an existing small-scale bird’s-eye-view system used with a mockup aircraft.

The ACDS integrates four distributed camera modules into a centralized image processing unit that performs real-time video stitching and visualization. Each module is equipped with onboard processing and wireless transmission. Engineering efforts focused on mechanical housing design, electrical power, and software algorithms for multi-camera synchronization, distortion correction and seamless image blending. Custom 3D-printed enclosures protect the electronics while meeting environmental, weight and transport constraints. The team implemented a wireless network architecture and validated it with link budget analysis and performance testing to ensure low-latency data transmission. Software development leveraged GPU-accelerated processing to achieve stitched video output at the required frame rates.

TEAM MEMBERS

Abdullah Mishari Alshumais, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Rolando Madrid Del Castillo, Mechanical Engineering

Derrick Filistin, Industrial Engineering

Brad Steven Koerner, Industrial Engineering

Abril Torres, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Isabel Wee, Industrial Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Pat Caldwell

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Justin Grady

TEAM MEMBERS

Justyn Gordon Arnold, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Carly Berglas, Mechanical Engineering

Jace Cascarini, Systems Engineering

Mark Grange, Aerospace Engineering

Grayson W Stovall, Aerospace Engineering

Ximena P Velasco, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

James Sweetman

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Tyler Gleesing, Justin Volmering

TEAM MEMBERS

Benedict Colombi, Aerospace Engineering

Kyle Fairbanks, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Diego Fernandez, Aerospace Engineering

Kedar Gulvady, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Arturo Lopez Jr., Aerospace Engineering

Jason Robert Voris, Aerospace Engineering

Zachary Marcus Yang, Aerospace Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Carey Jeannette Jones

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Tyler John Cook

TEAM MEMBERS

Aaron Bill, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Ryan Fong, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Kyler Kiefer, Mechanical Engineering

Alonso Ramirez, Mechanical Engineering

Carter Thiele, Mechanical Engineering

Brandon David Tong, Engineering Management

Ian Waugaman, Aerospace Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Michael Madjerec

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Nhattien Dinh, Nicholas Sivertson

Dynamically Scaled Flight and Wind Tunnel Model of a Modular UAV for Scientific Flight Experiments

Team 26012

PROJECT GOAL

Design, build, and test a dynamically scaled aircraft and wind tunnel model based on a pre-existing modular unmanned aerial vehicle.

Scaled aircraft models are important aerodynamic research tools. They can be used to determine the aerodynamic properties and stability of an aircraft for a fraction of the materials and cost of testing on a production-scale system. The team scaled down the geometry and dynamics of the modular UAV developed by Team 25059 to verify the feasibility of a low-cost, highly modular design.

The scaled-down aircraft features both a variable wing sweep and tail volume along with movable engine mounts and landing gear. The team used a hands-on manufacturing approach to construct custom lightweight composite structures that include carbon fiber stressed skins with a foam core, fiberglass cones and 3D-printed nylon-carbon fiber support structures. The scaled UAV costs $1,000 to produce, can withstand five times the force of gravity, and has a 10-minute flight time during which it can collect various flight data such as velocity, attitude and position. The result of the team’s efforts is a dynamically scaled and fiscally responsible aircraft that can collect data and is a crucial part of assessing the larger original aircraft.

Automated Guided Vehicle A.G.V.

Team 26013

PROJECT GOAL

Design, build and validate an automated guided vehicle capable of lifting and transporting loads up to 2 tons while also safely navigating an industrial environment.

In industrial manufacturing and warehouse environments, heavy equipment and materials are commonly transported using forklifts or cranes. These methods require trained operators, large maneuvering space, and introduce safety risks and operational variability.

This project reduces these challenges with an automated guided vehicle capable of transporting and lifting loads up to 2 tons in an industrial environment. The design integrates a welded steel frame, dual wheel electric drivetrain, hydraulic lifting mechanism, onboard battery power system and safety control architecture. The team performed finite element analysis to evaluate frame stress and displacement under full load conditions. Drivetrain torque and power requirements were based on total system mass and speed constraints. The team engineered the lifting assembly using hydraulic cylinder force calculations, pump sizing and pressure analysis to meet load capacity and stability requirements.

The team completed power output calculations to ensure proper electrical power distribution to each component and integrated all mechanical systems. IR line-following sensors provide repeatable path tracking, while MM-wave and lidar, or light detecting and ranging, sensors enable obstacle detection and protective braking. The completed prototype demonstrated stable motion, controlled lifting, and repeatable navigation under test conditions.

Next-Generation TurboGenerator Lightweight Gearbox Design

Team 26014

PROJECT GOAL

Design and test a lightweight aircraft gearbox and validate its performance using a full-scale prototype.

Lightweight gearboxes are a critical component in modern aircraft as the aerospace industry moves toward more electrified propulsion systems. Aircraft applications are extremely weight sensitive, with even small mass reductions improving efficiency, range and payload capacity. High-speed turbogenerators require compact gearboxes that can reliably transmit power while surviving thermal, structural and lubrication demands. Traditional gearbox designs, however, often prioritize strength over weight. This project presents a lightweight gearbox concept that meets aircraft performance requirements while reducing overall system mass.

The team designed and tested a compact gearbox capable of receiving a 32,000 rpm turbine input and delivering a generator output of approximately 8,000 rpm. The team defined all components and interfaces as CAD models and assembly drawings, then performed preliminary gear sizing and structural analyses to verify strength and durability under expected loading. Analysis included material selection and coating strategy evaluations to balance weight, corrosion resistance, and fire safety. A lubrication concept supported bearings and shafts during operation. The team built a full-scale prototype and functional testing confirmed speed ratios and system performance.

TEAM MEMBERS

Austin Burns, Engineering Management

Gabby Erin Church, Mechanical Engineering

Brian Duong, Mechanical Engineering

Jase Hoffmann, Systems Engineering

Austin Osterkorn, Mechanical Engineering

Lincoln Vivi’ileali’i Paogofie, Mechanical Engineering

Caleb M Wehmeir, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Pat Caldwell

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Jeff Guymon

Dust Suppressing Drone Simulator

Team 26016

PROJECT GOAL

Evaluate the use of agricultural drones for spraying magnesium chloride (MgCl) on tailings.

MgCl is a crucial substance that suppresses mine tailing silica dust from drifting into the nearby communities of Sahuarita and Green Valley. Freeport is evaluating whether large agricultural drones can support operations at the Sierrita Tailings Storage Facility by applying MgCl to dust-prone areas of the tailings dam. This project simulates an agricultural drone to determine if they are a viable solution for suppressing silica dust and the optimal parameters required to effectively control these areas.

The team’s design uses drone motors, propellers, and agricultural nozzles to simulate agricultural drones. These components are mounted to a manually adjustable aluminum frame to determine the ideal flight height for dispersing MgCl effectively while preventing excessive dust pickup caused by propeller thrust. Operators use a control panel to adjust the rotations per minute (RPM) of the propellers and the output pressure of the spray nozzles. The control panel includes a display screen that allows the user to monitor RPM, voltage, amperage and temperature of the motors in real time. Tailings are placed at the base of the system to evaluate the effects of simulated drone spraying.

TEAM MEMBERS

Michael Jerome Bass, Mining Engineering

Quentin Hamp, Aerospace Engineering

Skylar Claudia Imbat, Systems Engineering

Chayse Inniss, Systems Engineering

Emma Truscott, Aerospace Engineering

Jaymz Wallen, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Michael Madjerec

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Graham Cooper, Ryan Campbell

TEAM MEMBERS

Xavier Jose Carrasco, Mechanical Engineering

Everett Cota, Systems Engineering

Rajy A Elkanany, Industrial Engineering

Jonah Fergusson, Mining Engineering

Daniel Gallardo, Software Engineering

James Arjun Singh Moore, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jack Tews, Industrial Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Michael Madjerec

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Jodie Robertson, Ryan Campbell

TEAM MEMBERS

Tatum Abbruscato, Biomedical Engineering

Leo D Dickinson, Software Engineering

Ian Gold, Biomedical Engineering

Colton Crook Hackenyos, Mechanical Engineering

Adiba Haque, Biomedical Engineering

Michael Jones, Systems Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Sardar R Mostofa

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Eric Barr, Owe Rasmussen

Optimization of Hydrometallurgy in Mining through Automation

Team 26017

PROJECT GOAL

Optimize and automate an existing hydrometallurgical system with sensors and valves.

Raffinate is an acidic byproduct from mining sites that extract copper from ore. In a laboratory setting, chemists deliver raffinate to a small amount of ore at regular intervals, where it collects copper ions. They can then collect and analyze the copper-containing solution over the course of several months. This is a labor-intensive process. The team’s design drastically reduces user intervention needed during the testing cycle.

This project includes an integrated system of sensors, a pinch valve, and a flowmeter to tightly control the raffinate delivered and collect data on several key parameters throughout the testing cycle. It replaces the existing pump-based system with a gravity-fed one, eliminating the need for technicians to manually calibrate pumps. A variety of sensors record key data points with high accuracy. An Arduino microcontroller controls the pinch valve, reads and records output data from the flowmeter, the temperature and humidity within the testing column, and the pH and oxidation-reduction potential of the copper-containing solution. Once one of the three dosing rates is selected, users only need to monitor the system for errors.

Automated Dispense Volume Calibrator

Team 26018

PROJECT GOAL

Design and build an automated system for calibrating dispense volumes in the Ventana HE 600 to reduce manual labor by technicians and minimize human errors associated with manual calibration procedures.

The Ventana HE 600 system is an automated hematoxylin and eosin (HE) stainer that produces diagnostically viable tissue slides for detecting cancer and other conditions. It is effective, but instrument technicians must manually calibrate dispense volumes by measuring seven individual reagents across three stainer modules and update each calibration parameter independently. This process can require the labor of two technicians over two full days and the manual measurements and data entry introduce variability.

To alleviate these issues, the team designed and delivered a non-intrusive, capacitance-based fluid volume measurement system that automates the calibration workflow without modifying the instrument’s fluidics or standard operation. For the HE 600 implementation, the team integrated the sensing element into a modular weighboat insert with up to 2 mL collection capacity. The underlying sensing architecture supports a broad operating range of nearly 16 mL while maintaining high resolution in the tens to hundreds of microliter range.

The system transmits the measured volumes via Bluetooth and a custom graphical user interface to a host computer where calibration parameters can be automatically updated within the HE 600 system. This design provides a modular, scalable and cost-aware approach while maintaining a slim vertical form factor that integrates seamlessly with the existing HE 600 system. The resulting solution can also be adapted to future applications that require precision measurement of larger volumes.

Pathology Lab Dispenser Disassembler

Team 26019

PROJECT GOAL

Design an automated system capable of disassembling single-use immunohistochemistry reagent dispensers into recyclable material streams.

Pathology laboratories rely on single-use polypropylene dispensers to deliver chemical reagents for diagnostic analysis. Currently, these dispensers are treated as unavoidable waste and sent to landfills despite being made of recyclable materials. This project reframes the dispenser not as laboratory trash, but as a recoverable component within an automated recycling workflow.

To support sustainability goals, the team developed a cost-effective, tabletop Automated Dispenser Disassembler System (ADDS). At the point of disposal, the system scans barcodes on each dispenser to identify the reagent contained in it and determine whether the dispenser is recyclable or not. Once identified, a modular mechanical disassembly sorts recyclable dispensers into material components like metal, plastic, and rubber and place them in their own bins. The ADDS can process up to twelve dispensers at a time.

The team intentionally minimized human interaction so lab attendants simply load batches of dispensers and replace bins when signaled. Technicians can also check for system errors and instrument status. The resulting ADDS prototype demonstrates that modular automation can successfully transform routine clinical waste into scalable recycling opportunities.

TEAM MEMBERS

Luis Camacho, Systems Engineering

Jaiden Ditto-Piccolo, Mechanical Engineering

Carolina Ferreira Silva, Biomedical Engineering

Somto Brian Ike, Biomedical Engineering

Liliana Suarez, Software Engineering

Adnan Yousef, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Pat Caldwell

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Matt Mette

Pathology Lab Barcode Reader Test Bench

Team 26020

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a benchtop verification and validation test stand that can be used within Roche and its suppliers to ensure barcode reader performance meets design and quality requirements across the supply chain.

The BenchMark Ultra is an automated system for immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization slide staining. After meticulous preparation, histotechnologists press a patient’s sample onto a slide and label it with a barcode for classification and tracking. The machine’s barcode reader then deciphers and tracks the sample’s information. This slide area is one of the most difficult – and most critical – environments on the BenchMark Ultra platform. Because Roche instruments are used worldwide, barcode types vary greatly, so readers must perform accurately across five types, including in hot, humid conditions.

If a barcode reader fails, all the work to prepare the patient’s sample may be wasted – a setback to for patients and customers alike. Therefore, the team designed a custom verification and validation test stand that integrates directly with Roche instruments and its suppliers. This benchtop solution ensures every unit meets the barcode design and quality requirements.

TEAM MEMBERS

Colin Eufemio Benites, Biomedical Engineering

Cienna Charron, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Naomy Da Silva, Mechanical Engineering

Turhan Kerem Gonul, Mechanical Engineering

Paulina Lujan, Software Engineering

Lainey Wait, Biomedical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Sardar R Mostofa

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Laura Brubaker, Andres Galvan, Chris Miller

TEAM MEMBERS

Ashley Ferrell, Systems Engineering

Chase Hughes, Software Engineering

Jerald Ocaya, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jaxon T Unger, Mechanical Engineering

Bill William Zhao, Optical Sciences & Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

James Sweetman

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Bobby Stapleton

TEAM MEMBERS

Yousef Alabiad, Mechanical Engineering

Elliott Core, Aerospace Engineering

Zachary Gregory Dubney, Mechanical Engineering

Sammy Moore, Mechanical Engineering

Tony Pluta, Aerospace Engineering

Ellora L Tannahill, Biosystems Engineering

Kaden Thomas, Biosystems Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Carey Jeannette Jones

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Aaron Bugaj, Lia Crocker, Diane M Thompson

Automated Transportation & Logistics Assistance System (A.T.L.A.S.)

Team 26021

PROJECT GOAL

Design and develop an autonomous robot capable of safely and efficiently transporting aircraft parts and tools from mothballed aircraft to a central hub at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Aircraft maintenance operations at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base require technicians to frequently transport tools and parts across large distances, increasing task time and reliance on manned utility vehicles. These transport methods are labor-intensive and divert skilled personnel from maintenance work. To cut travel time, the team designed and built ATLAS: an autonomous, ground-based logistics support vehicle. ATLAS delivers tools and equipment to technicians in the field and returns aircraft components to a central location after use, reducing time spent on transport and maximizing time spent on aircraft.

The design employs an autonomous robotic platform capable of navigating uneven terrain while carrying up to 100 lb of cargo in a secure 3 ft3 payload bay. ATLAS integrates onboard sensing, obstacle avoidance and autonomous navigation to operate without direct human control. A companion app lets technicians request deliveries on demand, while onboard computing coordinates navigation and task execution. By reducing manual transport requirements, ATLAS improves maintenance efficiency, enhances operational safety and offers a scalable alternative to manned vehicles.

Coral Reef Arks Hydrodynamics

Team 26022

PROJECT GOAL

Design and validate coral reef ark geometries that maximize coral growth while maintaining hydrodynamic stability under variable midwater flow conditions.

Coral reef Arks are suspended geodesic structures that support coral panels and monitoring systems to grow coral. Midwater deployment shows coral survival rates exceeding 80%, compared to approximately 42% in traditional seafloor restoration. The design centers on a PVC frame with attached coral panels that house the coral ecosystem. The Ark is suspended with a mooring system and uses floats to remain positively buoyant when deployed. The Arks host several autonomous reef monitoring structures (ARMS) equipped with sensors and a modular strain gauge.

In Phase I, the team evaluated coral panel placement configurations to balance coral settlement area, structural feasibility and hydrodynamic efficiency. In Phase II, the team analyzed three Ark geometries against baseline 1V and 2V designs using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing. The team defined optimal geometry as a design that minimizes drag while achieving 40-70% internal flow reduction, maintains structural stability with less than 15° tilt and satisfies manufacturability and reproducibility constraints. The team tested how well each geometry withstood variable water flow from 1 to 2 knots while maintaining favorable internal turbulence for coral health. Based on this testing, the team determined that a truncated octahedron is the optimal design for its balanced hydrodynamic performance, lowest lateral force loading and best structural accessibility for coral panel and ARMS integration.

Human Factors Optimization for Wearable Sleeve Sensor Deployment

Team 26023

PROJECT GOAL

Design and develop a wearable physiological monitoring device that enables rapid clinical installation, secure fit, sensor stability and consistent skin contact across diverse patient arm sizes.

Continuous physiological monitoring is critical for improving patient outcomes and proactive clinical intervention. Current wearable sensing systems, however, often require repeated manual application and adjustment, increasing nurse workload and reducing operational efficiency. To address this, the team created a long-term wearable monitoring device designed for single application and extended inpatient and outpatient use. The device includes a mechanically compliant attachment mechanism for rapid installation by clinical staff while maintaining secure placement for continuous monitoring. The design prioritizes biocompatibility, patient comfort and mechanical durability to support extended wear.

The system integrates injection-molded buttons with a silicone-based mesh that provides flexibility and conforms to the skin. Embedded within the flexible backbone is a photoplethysmography sensor that monitors heart rate by measuring blood volume through the skin, a temperature sensor for continuous thermal measurement and an accelerometer for motion and fall detection. Used together, the three sensors can also determine a patient’s respiratory rate. The team determined optimal sensor placement through iterative testing across diverse patients. The device transmits data wirelessly via an integrated antenna and draws power from a wirelessly rechargeable battery.

Hybrid Electric Drill Rig Team 26024

PROJECT GOAL

Replace the internal combustion engine of a CME-75 drill rig with an electric powertrain while maintaining drilling and hydraulic performance.

Diesel engines are the traditional power source for drilling rigs, valued for their high torque output and reliability in demanding field conditions. However, they require significant maintenance and produce high levels of noise and emissions. This project presents an electric retrofit as an alternative power solution that preserves the original functionality of the drill rig.

The team designed a dual-motor electric architecture powered by a shared battery system that independently supports drill rotation and hydraulic functions. A NetGain HyPer9 electric motor delivers torque to the drill head through the original five-speed transmission, maintaining the existing mechanical drivetrain. A second electric motor, directly coupled to the hydraulic pump, provides system pressure for hydraulic operations. The team developed a modular integration strategy compatible with the CME-75 mechanical framework and existing subsystems. A digital interface provides real-time monitoring of motor speed, torque, hydraulic pressure and battery charge state. The team also incorporated safety features, including IP65-rated enclosures and an emergency stop system to protect equipment and operators during operation.

TEAM MEMBERS

William Lancaster, Biomedical Engineering

Sam Landy, Systems Engineering

Lucas Cree Mellinger, Biomedical Engineering

Charles N Subong, Biomedical Engineering

Kyle Tucker, Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering

Julia Wozniak, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Sardar R Mostofa

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Philipp Gutruf, Mike Haldane

TEAM MEMBERS

Carson Brofft, Mechanical Engineering

Logan Timothy Brown, Mechanical Engineering

Cody Mitchell Chun, Mechanical Engineering

Matthew M Minear, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Dominic Morlock, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Josue Valenzuela, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Pat Caldwell

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Steve Bradshaw, James Villarreal

TEAM MEMBERS

Thamer Alahmadi, Aerospace Engineering

Callie Anest, Aerospace Engineering

Mitch Marker, Mechanical Engineering

Jose Miguel Portillo Paredes, Mechanical Engineering

Nichlas Spallas, Mechanical Engineering

Jake Stone Troutman, Mechanical Engineering

Andres Velazco, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Raymond Moszee

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Shawn Alstad, Justin Mickelsen

TEAM MEMBERS

Liam Bray, Biomedical Engineering

Andrew Carlson, Biomedical Engineering

Dillon Fischer, Mechanical Engineering

Cooper Meyers, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Ethan Pham, Biomedical Engineering

Isaiah Zacharias, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Don McDonald

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Duffy Elmer

Turbofan Smart Mount

Team 26026

PROJECT GOAL

Develop and validate a proof-of-concept adaptive engine mount that reduces aircraft cabin vibrations for next-generation business jet applications.

The team designed and validated a piston-driven adaptive damping device that reduces aircraft engine vibrations under varying loads by dynamically adjusting damping in response to flight conditions. Unlike traditional mounts with fixed damping, the system uses an internal fluid channel integrated with the piston to regulate vibration response during compression and rebound. The geometry of the internal flow path and its resulting fluid resistance govern the damping profile.

The team performed extensive analysis and iterative prototyping to refine internal channel geometry, spring selection, sealing interfaces and component tolerances. Assembly testing optimized clearances, improved manufacturability and eliminated leakage using O-rings and gaskets. Once the design was finalized, the team applied controlled loads and measured system displacement to evaluate performance. The resulting force-versus-displacement curves quantified stiffness and damping, and the system demonstrated predictable load response and effective vibration attenuation – validating the adaptive damping concept.

Durability Test Apparatus for SynCardia’s Emperor Total Artificial Heart (ETAH)

Team 26027

PROJECT GOAL

Design, build and qualify a modular durability test apparatus that can simultaneously test multiple artificial hearts under varying physiological conditions to support long-term reliability verification.

SynCardia developed the ETAH with significant improvements in portability, efficiency, noise, heat, and reliability by upgrading the drive mechanism from pneumatic to mechanically actuated. This upgrade requires verification to demonstrate system reliability. To support this, the team built a scalable test apparatus that holds up to 11 artificial heart test units.

The system maintains temperature, pressure, and flow while fully submerging test units in water for extended durations. Testers can adjust the PVC tubing and water depth to match pathophysiological conditions including hypertensive, hypervolemic, hypotensive and normotensive pressures. An enclosed design with a slidable lid allows efficient serviceability without interrupting adjacent test units. Sensors throughout the tank measure aortic output rate and pressure at each heart chamber. A LabJackT7 interfaces with these sensors and transmits the collected data to a host computer for processing, logging and monitoring.

This apparatus allows SynCardia to conduct fast-paced durability testing for IQ/OQ validation and immediately begin reliability testing. Results from this setup will form a significant part of the FDA approval application for the ETAH.

Whisper Trim Critter Clippers

Team 26028

PROJECT GOAL

Create an engaging nail clipper for children with sensory processing disorders (SPD) such as autism.

Individuals with SPD often struggle with routine grooming tasks, such as clipping fingernails. The loud sound and harsh feel of clipping can lead to sensory overload and significantly increase the time it takes to cut their nails. This discomfort may ultimately lead to fear of nail clipping and poor hygiene. The team developed a quieter, less forceful alternative to traditional nail clippers that focuses on user engagement and a sensory-friendly cutting mechanism.

The device incorporates electronics like multi-colored LED lights, soundboards and speakers to improve the nail-cutting experience. A central design feature is the friendly “critter” outer shell that houses these electronics, as well as the switches, power system, and a smooth, quiet motorized cutting mechanism. This makes the device welcoming and encourages the user to engage with it. The key to the cutting system is a mechanism that translates rotational motion to linear motion to drive a progressive shear to cut the nail. The resulting prototype shows promise as a device that encourages nail grooming without sensory overload.

TEAM MEMBERS

Abdullah E A E Y Albalool, Industrial Engineering

Mahdi Ashkanani, Industrial Engineering

Owen Leahy, Engineering Management

Mengyang Lei, Industrial Engineering

Tristan Palma, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Bashar Luai Shalabi, Industrial Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Jeff Scott Wolske

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Kristen Ann Cozzi

Composite/Metallic Stator for Turbofan Engine

Team 26029

PROJECT GOAL

Design and evaluate a lightweight hybrid composite stator vane that maintains structural integrity, foreign object damage resistance, and aerodynamic performance for application within Honeywell’s HTF7000 turbofan engine.

The team replicated and further developed a carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) airfoil used as an outlet guide vane (OGV) – a type of stator – within the HTF7000 engine. To preserve the erosion and impact protection of a traditional metallic airfoil, the team incorporated a metallic leading edge into the design. The team modeled the airfoil geometry in CAD and analyzed it using ANSYS modal, finite element analysis (FEA) and computational fluid dynamics (CFD) tools to evaluate natural frequencies, stress response, deformation and pressure distribution under worst-case operating conditions. The team also machined compression molds to manufacture both prepreg and chopped-tow CFRP bodies, documenting and evaluating each step of the process.

The hybrid design achieved meaningful mass reduction while meeting all structural and aerodynamic requirements. Modal analysis confirmed that natural frequencies avoided bladepass frequency crossings across throttle ranges from 90% to 105%. CFD and FEA confirmed the required safety margin under aerodynamic loading. The stator vane withstood a 1,002 J foreign object damage (FOD) impact without complete fracture and with no more than 5% permanent spanwise deformation. Manufacturing studies showed the leading edge a ±0.020 in tolerance and a repeatable hybrid process. Overall, this project validated the feasibility of a lightweight hybrid stator suitable for turbofan applications.

TEAM MEMBERS

Jacob Agcaoili, Aerospace Engineering

Jack Fernandez, Aerospace Engineering

Esteban Figueroa, Mechanical Engineering

Ian Keith, Mechanical Engineering

Vignesh Maharaja Kannan, Aerospace Engineering

Michael Ries, Industrial Engineering

Jose Luis Rodriguez Vargas, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Carey Jeannette Jones

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Seth Mazza

WHISPER WILD

TEAM MEMBERS

Logan George, Software Engineering

Valerie Moran, Software Engineering

Alison Rimolde, Aerospace Engineering

Harrison Rex Scholten, Aerospace Engineering

Junxiang Wei, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Andreas Yubeta, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Raymond Moszee

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Jay Crossman, Henry Hom

TEAM MEMBERS

Jasmine Garnett, Aerospace Engineering

Parker Stephen Haynes, Aerospace Engineering

Subhana Snigdha, Aerospace Engineering

Santiago Soto, Mechanical Engineering

Edward George Vanica, Aerospace Engineering

Mahee Vibhu, Aerospace Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Raymond Moszee

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Nick Nolcheff

Unmanned Aircraft Anomaly Scenario Playback Tool

Team 26030

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a three-dimensional playback and visualization tool that enables clear postflight analysis of Airborne Collision Avoidance System (ACAS) Xu encounter data and collision avoidance behavior.

Collision avoidance tools for unmanned aerial vehicles that can play back incidents and provide post-flight analysis are critical for improving the safety of aircraft operations. Traditional 2D playback methods often fail to show spatial altitude conflicts and complex trajectory intersections. The team’s Unmanned Aircraft Anomaly Scenario Playback Tool uses Python to parse raw JSON and CSV datasets and automatically generate animation keyframes, which are then used to render the flight encounters in a smooth, open-source 3D rendering tool.

The system provides interactive cockpit display of traffic information features, allowing users to navigate the 3D environment or lock the camera onto specific aircraft. To improve situational awareness, the tool uses dynamic color-coding and renders 3D objects to visualize Remain Well Clear safety boundaries and Resolution Advisories. An integrated data panel allows users to inspect aircraft flight parameters in real time, and visibility toggles keep the scene clear from visual clutter. By converting complex data files into 3D video, the tool gives engineers a way to evaluate their existing Airborne Collision Avoidance System Xu (ACAS Xu) software.

Coanda-Directed Compressor Hub Cavity Injection

Team 26032

PROJECT GOAL

Design and experimentally validate Coanda-directed injections to improve downstream pressure distribution in a gas turbine engine compressor hub cavity.

Turbofan compressors are not perfectly efficient. Pressurizing high-speed flow often results in air that leaks between compressor components. In a Honeywell Aerospace turbofan engine, this leakage flow is redirected into a hub cavity between two stator blade arrays. The current design injects the air perpendicular to the main flow path, which creates irregular pressure gradients downstream, reducing the effective stall margin and increasing fuel consumption.

The team investigated the feasibility of alternative injection methods and their effect on the downstream pressure gradient. The team designed a wind tunnel experiment to replicate the flow behavior in the Honeywell compressor, then ran the experiment with various injector designs that introduce air via the Coanda effect – the phenomenon where a fluid jet remains attached to a curved surface. The team analyzed downstream pressure data mapped by an adjustable pitot rake, a pitot-static probe between the injector and stator, and flow visualization. Testing also included comparisons of measured flow fields to pre-test simulations and models.

Plastic Recycling, Carbon Capture and Disaster Relief through Pyrolysis (Year 2)

Team 26033

PROJECT GOAL

Design and validate a mobile plastic pyrolysis system that can convert plastic waste into liquid fuel for use in off-grid environments and disaster relief areas.

Managing plastic and other hydrocarbon waste is one of civilization’s most pressing issues. These materials pollute air, water and soil as they break down. Access to clean drinking water, electricity and fuel is also a critical issue, especially in underdeveloped regions and areas recently affected by natural disasters. To address both issues, the team developed a mobile pyrolysis and oil refining plant that uses plastic and other waste to produce biofuel for power generators that run water pumps, filters and other emergency equipment.

The team redesigned a previous prototype from the ground up to create a batch-operated plastic pyrolysis system that thermally decomposes plastic in an oxygen-free environment to produce liquid fuel. Improvements focused on reliability, thermal stability, safety and transportability. The reactor operates between 400° and 600°C under a nitrogen purge to eliminate oxygen and prevent combustion. All subsystems are integrated into a framed structure weighing under 204 lbs. to meet a four-person transport requirement. A water-cooled condenser converts hydrocarbon vapors into liquid crude pyrolysis oil, and an embedded control interface monitors temperature and system status while managing heating elements and emergency shutdown protocols. System validation demonstrated controlled thermal ramping, verified oxygen exclusion prior to operation and repeatable pyrolysis processing under defined operating conditions.

The Exploration of Thermal Diode Effects of Nitinol-based Shape

Memory Alloys (Year 2)

Team 26034

PROJECT GOAL

Design and build a test rig to assess the feasibility of implementing a Nitinol-Aluminum thermal diode-based multilayer skin to better protect interior electronics from overheating.

Overheating is a major problem for electronics in aerospace applications, resulting in poor performance and long-term damage. A thermal diode – a device that allows heat to flow preferentially in one direction – can remove that heat and protect sensitive components. Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy with temperature-dependent properties, is a strong candidate material for a thermal diode.

Diode performance is measured by its rectification ratio, which compares heat flow in the forward direction to heat flow in the reverse direction. Building on last year’s system, the team improved performance in three ways: reducing heat leakage, better enforcing one-dimensional heat flow to improve data accuracy, and building two test rigs to evaluate nitinol’s capabilities in transient and constant-temperature applications. Using CAD and thermal simulation tools, the team redesigned both the test rig and the configuration of a multilayer nitinol diode. After completing a series of tests, the team measured the rectification ratio and validated a comprehensive model from the data. The team then used that model to assess potential improvements, including changes to diode geometry. Results helped determine the feasibility of using nitinol-based multilayer configurations as an alternative to aircraft skins.

TEAM MEMBERS

Max Mason Banach, Biosystems Engineering

Anthony Castillo, Industrial Engineering

Carlos Correa, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Don Kleine, Biosystems Engineering

Alexis Munguia, Mechanical Engineering

Aurora Rivera, Biosystems Engineering

Zack Schiffler, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Carey Jeannette Jones

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Raphael Lepercq, Manny Miera

TEAM MEMBERS

Zach Anderson, Materials Science & Engineering

Matias Contreras-Prieto, Mechanical Engineering

Liam Ellersick, Materials Science & Engineering

Alberto Leon, Engineering Management

Justin Nguyen, Engineering Management

Connor Pasarnikar, Engineering Management

COLLEGE MENTOR

Jeff Scott Wolske

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Dave Staggers

TEAM MEMBERS

Jacob Greene, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jacob Thomas Grudinschi, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Leif T Hilding, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Richard Peng, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Lukas Vaiciunas, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Nathan H Vance, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Michael Madjerec

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Raphael Lepercq, Manny Miera

TEAM MEMBERS

Cole Colton Cartier, Aerospace Engineering

Wyatt Dougherty, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Dara Franklin, Mechanical Engineering

Alexia Segarra, Aerospace Engineering

Ana Tuba, Aerospace Engineering

Konray Yuan, Electrical & Computer Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Carey Jeannette Jones

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Jason Landoll

LiDAR-Camera Fusion for Telecom Infrastructure Mapping and

Inspection

Team 26035

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a proof-of-concept system capable of reliable, non-contact measurement and identification of telecommunications infrastructure.

Telecommunication infrastructure must comply with regulations governing line sag, ground clearance and equipment condition. Current auditing methods rely heavily on manual field measurements and in-person inspection, requiring significant time and labor. The team addressed the need for a more efficient, repeatable method of verifying infrastructure compliance through automated sensing and data processing.

The team designed and delivered a functional prototype that accurately assesses telecommunication infrastructure for regulatory compliance. The system integrates 3D reconstructions based on lidar –Light Detection and Ranging – with camera-based image recognition to perform spatial measurement extraction and equipment classification. The team developed a post-processing software pipeline to manage sensor data ingestion, processing, metadata tagging and storage. Using data fusion techniques, the system associates geometric measurements derived from lidar with image-based detections and GPS data to produce labeled, geo-located point cloud models. The electrical and embedded subsystems support extended continuous operation and coordinated control through firmware running on a Raspberry Pi 4. The prototype operates as a self-contained data collection platform with removable storage for offline post-processing and analysis.

Emergency Signal Relay Drone

Team 26036

PROJECT GOAL

Design, build and demonstrate an autonomous drone that deploys without a runway and is equipped with a payload that can support disaster recovery communication.

Coastal communication towers are often damaged or disabled by natural disasters, creating a public safety concern when responders such as the United States Coast Guard (USCG) lose reliable access to distress and communication signals. The team created the Emergency Signal Relay Drone to serve as a temporary replacement for a disabled tower, restoring the missing link in the communication network until permanent infrastructure can be repaired.

The system uses a software-defined radio to act as a communications relay. It can receive emergency VHF transmissions on the International Maritime Distress Channel from up to 20 miles away and simultaneously retransmit them on USCG channels to reach 500-foot communications towers located 50 miles away. The payload is carried by a fixed-wing, modular, 3D-printed drone that can be deployed using a bungee launch system. Once airborne, the drone can navigate autonomously to a commanded waypoint, loiter and hold altitude for over 1 hour on a single battery charge.

Development of a Non-Balloon Internal Retention Mechanism for Gastrostomy Tubes

Team 26037

PROJECT GOAL

Design and prototype non-inflatable internal retention mechanism for a gastrostomy tube that provides reliable anchoring while minimizing the risk of accidental dislodgement and device failure.

A gastrostomy tube is a medical device inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach to deliver nutrition, fluids and medications to patients who cannot eat or swallow safely. The most common gastrostomy tube uses a balloon-based mechanism to anchor the device in the stomach; the balloon is inflated with sterile water to prevent dislodgment. However, this retention system can degrade or rupture, leading to unplanned replacements and patient distress.

The team designed a gastronomy tube that includes a collapsible anchor bonded to the existing balloon material. During insertion or removal, a surgeon uses an insertion rod to collapse the outer diameter of the anchor through the stoma by applying force to the distal end. Once in place, the anchor expands to its relaxed state to form a tight seal between the gastrostomy tube and the inner lining of the stomach.

To mimic the material properties of silicone molding while reducing cost, the team fabricated prototypes using 3D resin printing. Through flow rate, retention, tensile, and morphological analyses and testing, the team developed multiple design iterations that led to a final functional prototype. The team validated that the device passes current gastrostomy tube standards and reduces dislodgement rates.

DENSITY MATTERS: Quantifying the Remelt and Sustainability

Benefits of High-Density Aluminum Scrap Bales

Team 26038

LOGEMANN BROTHERS COMPANY

PROJECT GOAL

Enhance efficiency during remelting by optimizing the density of aluminum scrap bales.

Aluminum bale density is a key metric for recycling. It affects yield, dross formation, energy consumption, carbon output and transportation efficiency. In DENSITY MATTERS, the team analyzed and optimized aluminum bale density for remelt efficiency, studied how scrap bale density affects remelt performance and supply chain efficiency. The project included lab-scale baler development, analysis of remelt metrics like energy use and recovery yield, and close collaboration with industry.

A key focus was a mechanical review and design modification of existing Logemann balers to produce the highest-density and highest-throughput aluminum bales possible. The team evaluated structural and hydraulic parameters to improve compaction force and material flow, recommending design changes for Logemann’s baling machinery so it can reliably produce denser aluminum bales -- advancing sustainability and supporting circular manufacturing objectives.

Based on the results of this project, the team will offer recommendations for a possible density standard, baler design updates and sustainability insights. The team will present these findings at the 2027 International Aluminum Extrusion Technical Seminar & Exposition and share them with the Aluminum Extruders Council.

TEAM MEMBERS

Dan Ellsworth-Babilonia, Biomedical Engineering

Ashton Lambert, Biomedical Engineering

Luke Mandal, Materials Science & Engineering

Jesse Riemenschneider, Biomedical Engineering

Ethan Taylor, Biomedical Engineering

Karly Rianna Zamora, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Sardar R Mostofa

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Jordan McEldowney, Hector Flores

TEAM MEMBERS

Dhari Al Ali, Industrial Engineering

Yazeed Dajani, Mechanical Engineering

Max William Harvey, Engineering Management

Richard Holloway, Materials Science & Engineering

Riley Mayes, Aerospace Engineering

Spence R Mraz, Mechanical Engineering

Jose Navarrete, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mitchell Moffet

SPONSOR ADVISOR

John Lee

TEAM MEMBERS

Keannu Gison, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Lindsey Hiett, Industrial Engineering

Nathan James Pocock, Industrial Engineering

Necia Poulson, Electrical & Computer Engineering

David Tashchyan, Materials Science & Engineering

Charles Williams, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Pat Caldwell

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Dominic Weinstock

TEAM MEMBERS

Molly Auer, Mechanical Engineering

Naomi Kolodisner, Biosystems Engineering

Dominic Madrigal, Mechanical Engineering

Alec Mischke, Biosystems Engineering

Noah Michael Patchin, Materials Science & Engineering

Ben J Tung, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Michael Madjerec

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Jason De Leeuw, Joost Van Haren

Lunar Application of Sodium Ion Battery

Team 26039

PROJECT GOAL

Create a system to house, measure, and maintain the optimal temperature for eight Prussian Blue sodium-ion cells in a simulated lunar environment.

Renewable energy and space technologies are defining industries for future global economies, particularly as long-term space exploration becomes more feasible. Sodium-ion batteries offer a more sustainable alternative to lithium-based systems due to the widespread availability of sodium and reduced reliance on critical minerals. However, sodium-ion cells must be maintained within a specific temperature range to function properly. Exposure to extreme thermal conditions – such as those present in a lunar environment – can significantly reduce performance, lifespan and overall system reliability.

This team designed and developed an enclosure system for sodium-ion battery cells for simulated lunar deployment. The enclosure houses eight sodium-ion cells and all required electrical components for thermal regulation. The system uses active sensing and closed-loop feedback control to continuously monitor internal conditions and adjust heating as needed to maintain the optimal battery operating temperature. The enclosure is lined with aerogel insulation on all sides and sealed with an O-ring gasket to retain internally generated heat and maintain one atmosphere of internal pressure during simulated lunar testing. Testing showed the enclosure successfully maintains sodium-ion cell operating temperature within simulated lunar conditions, representing a meaningful step toward safe, sustainable and data-driven energy systems for both space and terrestrial applications.

Autonomous 3D-Printed Leaf Chamber

Team 26040

PROJECT GOAL

Design, build, and verify a fully autonomous 3D-printed leaf cuvette system that can measure leaf gas exchange under realistic rainforest environmental conditions.

Accurate measurement of leaf-level gas exchange is critical for understanding plant physiology and global carbon and water cycles. Researchers currently use leaf cuvettes and branch bags, but these require extensive manual labor and create artificial microenvironments that can compromise data quality. The team created an autonomous cuvette that allows for continuous gas exchange measurements while maintaining natural leaf conditions.

The team integrated a lightweight 3D-printed chamber, a magnetic clamping mechanism, environmental sensors and control electronics. An autonomous sealing mechanism alternates between an open mode – with minimal ambient air change – and a closed mode that creates an airtight seal for accurate gas exchange measurements. Throughout operation cycles, environmental sensors measure leaf and ambient conditions, and a LI-COR 7810 analyzer measures carbon dioxide, water and methane levels. The control interface manages chamber actuation, timing and data logging. The team validated the prototype on cacao leaves and tested it in the rainforest ecosystem of Biosphere 2. The design also supports deployment of multiple chambers on a variety of plant species.

Distributed Counter Uncrewed Aircraft System (CUAS) Development

Team 26041

PROJECT GOAL

Design and implement an autonomous system capable of detecting and localizing uncrewed aircraft.

Uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, are used more frequently than ever by civilians and military personnel around the world. The rise of these UAS presents security personnel with the challenge of identifying these devices in unauthorized areas. Existing solutions are not cost-effective for civilians and do not offer dynamic deployment for dismounted soldiers.

The team’s counter-UAS (CUAS) solves these problems using advanced optical detection hardware integrated with embedded processing and machine-learning-based object detection to continuously scan for uncrewed aircraft in real time. A camera system streams an image feed into a Raspberry Pi running the YOLOv8 Convolutional Neural Network, accelerated by dedicated AI hardware to enable real-time inference.

Once built, the team deployed two independent CUAS nodes with a fixed separation distance to improve detection confidence and enable triangulation through wireless telemetry exchange. The system operated continuously over a 24-hour duty cycle, with design focused on minimizing downtime through rapid power-supply swapping and intuitive dynamic deployment. Testing demonstrated reliable detection of uncrewed aircraft and successful communication between nodes. The final CUAS configuration achieved continuous operation with improved detection accuracy and robustness compared to a single-node setup.

Rodent Multiparametric Monitoring Surgical Platform

Team 26042

PROJECT GOAL

Design and develop a low-cost wireless system that monitors vital physiological parameters of anesthetized rodents in real time during surgical and experimental procedures.

Measuring bio-signals in small lab animals is inherently challenging due to high-frequency, lowamplitude signals and the electrical noise and motion artifacts introduced in a surgical setting. This makes reliable monitoring systems especially valuable for research and veterinary applications. The Rodent Multiparametric Monitoring Surgical Platform is a compact biomedical device that improves animal safety and reliability in these environments. It continuously measures core temperature, heart rate, respiration rate and blood oxygen saturation, and displays them on a mobile app with real-time, threshold-based visual alerts.

The device uses clinical-grade analog front-end electronics to capture and process small, highfrequency electrocardiogram and SpO2 bio-signals. A heated aluminum plate with an embedded piezoelectric sensor and AgCl electrodes monitors heart and respiration rates of anesthetized mice. High-precision thermistors and heaters monitor and control temperature through the surgical plate, ensuring tightly regulated body temperature – a vital requirement for rodents who cannot self-regulate body temperature under anesthesia and would otherwise experience hypothermia. An Arduino Nano integrates the signals and transmits data via Bluetooth to a mobile app for display and storage. The system adheres to animal surgical monitoring protocols and provides valuable physiological data at a fraction of the cost of commercial monitoring systems.

TEAM MEMBERS

Matthew Arcarese, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Andrew Avalos, Aerospace Engineering

Colin Core-Altamirano, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jared Mageau, Mechanical Engineering

Ian Ornelas Jensen, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Anthony Edward Wilson, Electrical & Computer Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Raymond Moszee

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Brian Redman

TEAM MEMBERS

Annie Asher, Software Engineering

Brayden Burgess, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Nizhone Hickman, Biomedical Engineering

Joanna Christine Ketcham, Biomedical Engineering

Collin Kruger, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Liam Finn Muldowney, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Jeff Scott Wolske

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Diego Celdran-Bonafonte, Urs Utzinger

TEAM MEMBERS

Alvaro Cruz Perez, Biomedical Engineering

Jason Johnson Datta, Biomedical Engineering

Zoe H Huestis, Biomedical Engineering

Christian Alexander Minear, Industrial Engineering

Valencia Rivera-Quevedo, Industrial Engineering

Jordan Yaffe, Industrial Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Maria Cecilia Lluria-Gossler

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Trevour Greene

TEAM MEMBERS

Mackenna Kropatsch, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Eric Martinez, Biomedical Engineering

Ryan McDermott, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Kayleigh Moran, Mechanical Engineering

Drake Austin Russ, Mechanical Engineering

Johnny Taylor III, Biomedical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Don McDonald

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Alexander McGhee

Multi-digit Assessment of Choice Response Output (MACRO) System

Team 26043

PROJECT GOAL

Design and develop a sensorimotor assessment system capable of delivering randomized tactile stimulation to individual digits and measure user response time and applied force.

Sensorimotor response time and digit-specific coordination are important indicators of neuromotor function. The team developed a non-invasive system for standardized training and measurement of digit-specific response tasks. The system consists of two ergonomic hand blocks for natural hand placement and adjustable finger supports for different users. Each finger support is equipped with a force-sensitive resistor for response detection and tactile vibration for stimulation.

During assessment, a microcontroller housed in the electronics box initiates a three-phase trial cycle with randomized stimulation timing. In assessment mode, it randomly selects a combination of digits as potential targets, then stimulates one digit at a time using the tactile vibrator. In training mode, it selects one out of the 10 digits at random. The user responds by pressing down on the finger support with the stimulated finger. In assessment mode, the system records the user’s digit response, response time – measured in milliseconds from stimulation onset to force threshold detection – and applied force, displaying the results on a Python-based graphical user interface. Results are saved in local files. Orthopedic researchers can extract performance metrics and incorporate them into future clinical studies on hand dexterity.

Automated On-Microscope Bioprinter for Live-Cell Culture and Imaging

Team 26044

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a system to automatically incubate and feed cells for live-cell experiments that may be monitored with a base station or inverted microscope stage without opening the chamber.

A bioprinter is a precision device that deposits controlled volumes of biological materials at defined locations to support cell culture and experimentation. The team developed an automated onmicroscope bioprinter to incubate, feed and monitor live-cell cultures without removing samples from a multi-well plate. The bioprinter integrates automated fluid handling and environmental control to maintain and image live-cell cultures.

The system maintains sterile environmental conditions while enabling automated media exchange and continuous imaging. It integrates a precision XYZ gantry for controlled fluid delivery to standard multiwell plates and a sealed incubation chamber with an O-ring interface to preserve sterility.

Active feedback control loops regulate the chamber to 37°C, 5% carbon dioxide, and 95% relative humidity for optimal cell growth. A microcontroller and 3D printer board-based system coordinate motion control, environmental regulation and programmed feeding schedules. Validation testing confirmed accurate media dispensing, stable environmental parameters within defined tolerances and sustained cell viability during extended experiments. Cell cultures were successfully maintained for up to one week and achieved confluency under fully automated incubation conditions.

Automated Weight Bearing Ultrasound Foot Scanner: Version 3

Team 26045

PROJECT GOAL

Design and validate an automated weight-bearing ultrasound system that can reconstruct volumetric images of the plantar foot for quantitative assessment of archsupporting structures.

Progressive Collapsing Foot Deformity (PCFD) occurs when weakening of the tendon that connects the calf muscle to the bones of the midfoot and stretching of the connective tissue between the heel and the forefoot lead to arch collapse under load. Current diagnostic tools, such as X-ray, CT, and conventional ultrasound do not provide automated, repeatable imaging, especially under full weight-bearing conditions. The team designed and developed a system that integrates mechanical loading with synchronized ultrasound retrieval to capture data representative of physiological standing conditions.

The device consists of four primary subsystems: mechanical, ultrasound, power and software. On a load-bearing platform, a motorized rotating linear actuator moves an ultrasound probe beneath the foot while maintaining consistent acoustic coupling. The team created a graphical user interface (GUI) to automate probe motion, image capture and data processing. The GUI then processes ultrasound data to generate 3D volumetric reconstructions of plantar tissues and stiffness maps. The completed prototype successfully demonstrated automated step spacing, repeatable weight-bearing scans, tissue stiffness mapping and exportable data for quantitative analysis.

Hypersonic Materials Characterization Apparatus (HMCA)

Team 26046

PROJECT GOAL

Determine material tensile properties of 330 Stainless Steel after rapidly heating to 2000°F in 10 seconds.

Vehicles face extreme heat during hypersonic flight. Surface temperatures can exceed 2000°F and change by thousands of degrees in seconds. This threatens material performance and structural integrity. Existing material property data mainly characterizes material at low temperatures over long durations, and current test methods that mimic the conditions of hypersonic flight are too costly and inaccurate for repeated testing. The team developed a system for obtaining short-duration, hightemperature material properties to assess material capability for hypersonic applications and inform design improvements.

The HMCA is a desktop tensile test instrument that mimics the thermal stress that hypersonic aircraft experience during flight. It can rapidly heat a metallic dog-bone sample to 2000°F in ten seconds and measure its strength via a tensile test. In the final stages of the project, the team used the HMCA to examine how material strength changes under rapid heat-up conditions by observing the resulting stress-strain curves.

TEAM MEMBERS

Emma Louise Deskin, Biomedical Engineering

Ariana Gibbs, Biomedical Engineering

Shea Mackenzie Ivey, Biomedical Engineering

Justin Lee, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Ruth Salazar, Biomedical Engineering

Tanisha Taariq, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Maria Cecilia Lluria-Gossler

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Dan Latt, Russell Witte

TEAM MEMBERS

Chase Dunlap, Mechanical Engineering

Samuel Andrew Morrison, Mechanical Engineering

Brandon Nguyen, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Chris Samuel, Materials Science & Engineering

Esther Alice Sneath, Aerospace Engineering

William Young, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mitchell Moffet

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Cameron Crowley, Konnor Raskin

TEAM MEMBERS

Man M Doan, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Chris Kruep, Aerospace Engineering

Ronan Sacolick, Aerospace Engineering

Seti Valencia, Software Engineering

Nomar Ivan Vazquez, Software Engineering

Jason Michael White, Electrical & Computer Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Jeff Scott Wolske

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Tom Smith

TEAM MEMBERS

Mohammed T Altekreeti, Biomedical Engineering

Brady McKinnis Bell, Biomedical Engineering

Shafayet Ahmed Khan, Mechanical Engineering

Sebastian Pojman-Malo, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jiahe Xu, Applied Physics

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mitchell Moffet

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Urs Utzinger

Generative ATC/Pilot Conversations for NextGen Avionics Systems

Team 26047

PROJECT GOAL

Generate realistic-sounding audio conversations between Air Traffic Control and pilots using AI text-to-speech models.

Every year in the U.S., more than 1,700 runway incursions occur when aircraft enter a runway unsafely, affecting hundreds of thousands of passengers. Our sponsor, Universal Avionics plans to address this with their software called Taxi Assist, which listens to radio communications and extracts and visually displays important information such as aircraft taxi directions, clearances to cross or enter runways and the activities of other aircraft in the area. Taxi Assist reduces runway incursions caused by pilot miscommunication by providing them with all information received over the radio. Because safety is the top priority in aviation, thorough testing under a wide range of conditions is essential.

The team created a diverse set of software-generated test scenarios to check whether our sponsor’s Taxi Assist can reliably improve aviation safety. Using generative AI, the project software generates audio conversations between air traffic control and pilots, complete with background noise and voice accents, tones and speeds selected by the tester. The resulting audio produced by our project team tests how Taxi Assist responds to novel audio situations and conversations with pilots.

MediBrick: Dissemination and Expansion

Team 26048

PROJECT GOAL

Develop spirometer brick and heater/cooler brick and improve system integration, documentation and dissemination.

MediBrick is a modular, open-source biomedical instrumentation platform developed at the University of Arizona to measure physiological signals in a classroom setting. It supports education, prototyping and rapid development of medical sensing technologies. The system consists of interchangeable hardware “bricks,” each of which implements a specific biomedical function.

This project sought to add two more devices to the MediBrick family: a spirometer MediBrick and a Peltier device.

For the spirometer, the team chose a flow sensor with high accuracy and I2C communication for easy interaction between the sensor and microcontroller. After extensive testing, the team designed a printed circuit board (PCB) and housed the spirometer within a standard MediBrick shell. Battery and accuracy tests confirmed that the spirometer MediBrick met high accuracy standards.

The team also developed a Peltier temperature control system. This device lacked the consistency required for a MediBrick but still met the sponsor’s requirements for a dual-channel Peltier system. Because of the high power required, the team designed and tested the device in simulation before creating PCBs and building the final system. Testing confirmed the device can heat and cool two Peltier plates independently via a control system on an attached touchscreen.

AI-Powered Hospital Supply Retrieval System

Team 26050

PROJECT GOAL

Design and evaluate an automated system for reducing time spent locating hospital supplies during clinical tasks by providing rapid, hands-free retrieval guidance.

Delays in locating medical supplies contribute to inefficiency and increased cognitive load in clinical care, especially during time-sensitive events. Traditional medical supply organization relies on fixed layouts and staff familiarity, but these vary across units and personnel and are not reliable ways to ensure staff can easily retrieve supplies. The team developed a retrieval-guidance system that integrates motion sensing, wake-word activation, local voice recognition, a structured item-location database and modular LED indicators mounted to existing supply racks.

The system activates when a clinician enters the room or speaks a predefined wake word, signaling readiness for input. Clinicians can request individual supplies or predefined groupings – such as “rapid response” – using natural speech. Within 800 ms, the system locally processes the voice commands and activates LEDs to illuminate a path to the corresponding item location. Validation testing in a simulated clinical environment demonstrated average retrieval times of less than 10 seconds. The team evaluated voice recognition performance under ambient noise and found accuracy approaching the project target of 90%.

TEAM MEMBERS

Aryan Bora, Systems Engineering

Ava George, Systems Engineering

Kenna Taylor Harrington, Biomedical Engineering

Yona Leib Kleinerman, Biomedical Engineering

Kyle Conrad Odden, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Megan Zupancic, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Maria Cecilia Lluria-Gossler

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Robert Schmid

Unpowered, High Lift-to-Drag Hypersonics Projectile for Low Altitude Operations (Hyper-Shot)

Design a low-cost, unpowered, low-altitude hypersonic vehicle that achieves extended range while sustaining high-g maneuvers and maintaining safe internal temperatures.

The Hyper-Shot project is a low-cost hypersonic projectile developed for the University Consortium for Applied Hypersonics Undergraduate Flight Design Competition. The team designed the vehicle to maximize range while prioritizing manufacturability and affordability. It is compatible with sea- and land-based powder-gun launch systems operating between Mach 5 and Mach 8. The configuration features an ogive nose cone, cylindrical mid-body and stabilizing fins. It also has a boattail to maintain aerodynamic stability, maneuverability and safe internal temperatures in the demanding hypersonic environment.

An effective vehicle must withstand extreme launch loads and aerothermal heating. The team addressed this with a segmented architecture using interrupted-thread interfaces, which also reduces mechanical risk and fabrication cost. Deployable actuating pins combined with fixed fins provide control authority, eliminating the need for large articulated fin mechanisms. CFD, CBAERO and ICLOCS2 analyses demonstrate long-range capability while maintaining stability, control authority and aerodynamic efficiency. The team further characterized aerodynamic performance with wind tunnel testing in the Mach 5 Ludwig Tube, providing experimental data for comparison with computational predictions.

TEAM MEMBERS

Edgar Aguirre Millan, Mechanical Engineering

Sydney Charlotte Bayliff, Aerospace Engineering

David Conners, Aerospace Engineering

Daniel Fraijo, Mechanical Engineering

Finn Gerber, Systems Engineering

Jenna Gray, Materials Science & Engineering

Ahmad Sabir Qureshi, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Kaden Steiner, Aerospace Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mitchell Moffet

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Mike Henson

TEAM MEMBERS

Razak Adamu, Aerospace Engineering

Carlos Daniel Cervantes, Mechanical Engineering

Marshall C Gwillim, Systems Engineering

Christos Magoulas, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Pranav Nair, Aerospace Engineering

Annie Thiel, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

James Sweetman

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Chris Driscoll, Scott Sacks

TEAM MEMBERS

Elizabeth Victoria Abraham Achom, Software Engineering

Leili Asgharzadeh Falbinan, Biomedical Engineering

Avyesh Bhatnagar, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Dani Fluette, Biomedical Engineering

Carson Daniel Keegan, Software Engineering

Sean Rice, Electrical & Computer Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Don McDonald

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Marvin J Slepian

Small UAV Doppler Navigation using Honeywell ATLAS

Automotive

Team 26054

Radar

PROJECT GOAL

Accurately measure the velocity and altitude of a drone in GPS-denied areas using a Doppler radar.

The growing of use drones for commercial and military applications over the last 20 years has revolutionized the unmanned aircraft field. However, this growth brings new challenges, such as navigating in areas where position and speed cannot be tracked by GPS. By equipping a UAV with an ATLAS Doppler radar, the team created a way to accurately monitor drone flight metrics without a GPS module.

For this project, the team used a hexacopter with six propellers along with an attachable mount housing the ATLAS radar for navigation. As the drone flies, the ATLAS radar sends radio frequency waves toward the ground, which bounce back to the radar hundreds of times a second. Each returned wave logs a detection point and an estimate of the device’s velocity. The team created software that works backwards from this estimate to determine the drone’s velocity. A microcomputer housed on the drone performs these calculations.

Doctor AI - The Smart Patient Exam Room - AI Assisted History, Diagnostics and Patient Motion - New “Digital” Biomarkers for Improved Patient

Team 26055

KIDNEY ADVANCE

PROJECT

PROJECT GOAL

Care

supported by

Create a portable system for equipping a patient examination room with AI-enhanced sensors to automatically collect diagnosis-relevant patient data that can be tracked and analyzed serially and displayed to a medical provider in real time.

Early disease detection and clinical decision-making depend heavily on physician observations during patient encounters. However, increasing patient loads have reduced visit times and physicians’ ability to capture and analyze behavioral and verbal diagnostic indicators. The team designed Doctor AI, a smart patient exam room that transforms unstructured patient interactions into quantifiable digital biomarkers through multimodal sensing and AI.

Doctor AI analyzes live video of a patient’s gait using machine learning to measure posture, stability, symmetry and sit-to-stand time. Microphones record and transcribe the patient’s language to check for diagnosis-relevant terms and analyze vocal sentiment. A neural network analyzes the patient’s face to determine emotional state in real-time. After the interaction, integrated software interfaces with a large language model to analyze the data and provide a summary report to the medical provider.

By transforming observational cues into measurable digital biomarkers, Doctor AI allows caregivers to track diagnosis-relevant features that are often lost in a typical clinical setting. Variations in gait symmetry and sit-to-stand can correlate with mobility decline or fall risk, relevant keywords can inform clinical diagnosis, and shifts in facial expressivity or vocal sentiment may be correlated with neurological or mood changes. Presenting this information in real time enhances physician observation with objective data, supporting earlier recognition of clinical deterioration and more informed, data-driven decision-making.

Craig M. Berge Dean’s Fund

WATER

ANALYST POCKET

PRO - Microplastic, Heavy Metal and Inorganics PORTABLE Water Detection System for Kidney Health

Team 26056

KIDNEY ADVANCE PROJECT

PROJECT GOAL

Create a highly portable system to analyze water for contaminants using optical and biochemical methods.

The presence of contaminants like microplastics, heavy metals, phosphates and nitrates in drinking water is a growing problem in the U.S. and around the world. The team designed, built and implemented an integrated sensing and testing platform for household and laboratory water analysis.

The device uses several detection methods. A 632 nm excitation laser and Raman spectroscopy with a 785 nm long-pass filter characterize microplastics by isolating Raman-shifted signals. The resulting frequency shifts identify material type, and peak amplitude correlates with concentration. Anodic stripping voltammetry with a bismuth-modified screen-printed electrode and a custom potentiostat detects heavy metals, producing characteristic peaks for cadmium (-0.75 V) and lead (-0.50 V). Colorimetric analysis with a Raspberry Pi camera and calibration curves quantifies nitrates and phosphates.

The completed system successfully identified target contaminants and demonstrated quantitative measurement capability. It wirelessly displays results on a phone application and stores data so users can track contaminant concentrations over time.

Lunar Automated Regolith Processing (LARP) II

Team 26057

PROJECT GOAL

Design and test a semi-autonomous excavation and hauling system for lunar regolith simulant stockpiling.

Using the LARP I Excavation Unit as a base, the team built a prototype lunar regolith rover to maneuver the layer of fragmented dust on the Moon’s surface. The vehicle was tested under Earth-like conditions.

They designed and integrated custom excavation mechanisms, a material transport system and control architecture for semi-autonomous navigation and operation. Hardware changes supported load handling and environmental needs for early prototype validation. The rover’s control algorithms and sensors enabled repeatable, semi-autonomous material placement at a defined location. The prototype helped validate key mechanical and control concepts – including energy usage analysis, footprint calculations, and position-tracking features – and provided valuable data for future LARP development.

TEAM MEMBERS

Iftekhar Ahmed Choudhury, Biomedical Engineering

Jake Cortez, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Hunter Guan, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Nick Martin Kotas, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Kai Smith, Biomedical Engineering

Sophia Temyanko, Biomedical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Don McDonald

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Marvin J Slepian, Bijin Thajudeen

TEAM MEMBERS

Emily Aguilar, Aerospace Engineering

Adrian Braileanu, Aerospace Engineering

Tristan Britt, Systems Engineering

Holden Navarro, Mining Engineering

Omar Perez, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Gabriel Salazar Mata, Aerospace Engineering

Bivab Jung Shah, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mitchell Moffet

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Edward Clifton Wellman

TEAM MEMBERS

Alexa Chavez, Mining Engineering

Jessica Davis, Mining Engineering

Jake Fischer, Mining Engineering

Cesar Ramses Garcia, Mining Engineering

Xander Mateo Hernandez, Mining Engineering

Robert Michel Vloemans, Mining Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Edward Clifton Wellman

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Chris Sonntag

TEAM MEMBERS

Nathan James Ball, Mining Engineering

Max Hasbrouck Bevier, Mining Engineering

Wyatt Busby, Mining Engineering

Euan Presley Greenwood, Mining Engineering

Alex Michael Ignat, Mining Engineering

Jorge L Ochoa, Mining Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Edward Clifton Wellman

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Jose Triana

Tailings Dam Remediation

Team 26058

PROJECT GOAL

Design a comprehensive remediation plan for the Solitude Tailings Facility that enhances stability, promotes public safety and is compliant with industry and local standards.

Legacy tailings storage facilities have historically posed significant geotechnical and environmental risks due to limited monitoring, insufficient maintenance and outdated design practices. Past impoundments have often failed due to insufficient slope stability, unaccounted-for pore pressures and overall inadequate geotechnical designs. This team worked to prevent these problems and promote longterm stability at the Solitude Tailings Facility by conducting geotechnical assessments and developing remediation plans.

The team reviewed, interpreted and modeled the geotechnical data provided by BHP Copper, the facility owner. Stability modeling drew on pore pressure, lithology and other site-specific data to assess the current design. From this analysis, the team identified the most viable solution to the stability issues: a reinforcement buttress.

The team designed a buttress extending across the face of the facility, accounting for modern standards, cost efficiency and constructability. The buttress uses multiple layers of materials selected and optimized to meet required stability factors of safety while maintaining economic feasibility. Final modeling confirmed the design’s effectiveness, and the team developed a construction schedule to guide implementation.

Sierrita Mine Expansion

Team 26059

PROJECT GOAL

Increase the net present value (NPV) of the Freeport McMoRan Sierrita mine in southern Arizona by relocating their current crusher to an in-pit crushing/conveying system.

The Freeport McMoRan Sierrita Mine is an open pit copper mine that has been in operation since 1959. Freeport obtained operational ownership in 2007. The mine has recently depleted its oxide ore grades used in leaching operations and the company is seeking methods to increase the site’s value. To support this goal, the team analyzed several methods to increase the mine’s NPV.

Through this analysis, the team concluded that installing a former surface crusher as an in-pit crush convey (IPCC) system is the most effective option for increasing NPV. This approach reduces operational costs – primarily haulage costs – by bringing the IPCC closer to the operation site and decreasing cycle times. The IPCC system will be installed in the Sierrita Mine’s east pit, where active operations are performed daily. The system requires a stable, long-term foundation within a reachable and productive area of the pit, as well as a conveying system to transport mined ore out of the pit to processing facilities.

2026 SME Metallic Design Competition

Team 26060

PROJECT GOAL

Complete and submit a scoping study for a gold mine in Colombia and present a summary at the SME MINEXCHANGE conference.

The team, On the Rocks Consulting, prepared a scoping study regarding the design and feasibility of an open-pit gold mine project in Colombia as part of the 2026 SME Metallic Design Competition. The report addressed the conceptual mine plan, process flowsheet, infrastructure requirements, environmental considerations and preliminary economic evaluation for the proposed operation.

Following submission of Phase I, the team advanced to Phase II of the competition, which was held in Salt Lake City, Utah. The team revised several aspects of the project due to higher-thanexpected gold prices. This included updates to the mine plan, modifications to the process plant design and revisions to the environmental and permitting sections of the technical report. The team incorporated these updates into the presentation and delivered it to the competition judging panel. The On the Rocks Consulting team placed first in the U.S. and second overall in the 2026 SME Metallic Design Competition.

TEAM MEMBERS

Marc Dakota Armenta, Mining Engineering

Tyler Bettencourt, Mining Engineering

Robyn Kathleen Bufano, Mining Engineering

Jack Arthur Kieley, Mining Engineering

Michael Anthony Moya, Mining Engineering

Brock Keaweamahi Rossetti, Mining Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Edward Clifton Wellman

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Edward Clifton Wellman

AQUABOT AeroPak - Advanced Air Deployable Aquatic Drone Swarms

Team 26061

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a system of aquatic drones to remotely collect critical environmental data in marine and coastal environments.

The team created a flexible, quick alternative to traditional ocean monitoring, enabling rapid response and real-time data collection in areas that are difficult to access. When deployed, the drones orient in one minute before moving along a path set by operators in a remote ground station. Once there, the main drone streams live video while secondary drones transmit and display data in a GEO-overlay for spatial monitoring.

The hull of the main drone is self-righting, waterproof and impact resistant. A Starlink antenna beneath the fiberglass lid maintains satellite communication with the ground station. An onboard Jetson Nano computer controls motors, servos, and live video, while an ESP32 microcontroller collects GPS, time, altitude, temperature, pH and conductivity data. The drones send this information to the ground station, where a user controls when and where the mission ends.

The project builds on the work of previous engineering teams who developed modular components such as control systems, communication and hull design. The current team integrated and optimized these elements into a functional demonstration system: an AeroPak capable of both physical and simulated swarm operation. The resulting device addresses pressing concerns about ocean health, pollution, and infrastructure monitoring, while also providing a platform for innovation in aerospace, mechanical, electrical and software engineering disciplines.

TEAM MEMBERS

Kama Kopa Henriques, Mechanical Engineering

Alex Matthew Jameson Imrich, Aerospace Engineering

Jamie Ledbetter, Biosystems Engineering

John Lopez, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Mayra Alejandra Mendoza, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Robert Henry Wilkie, Aerospace Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

James Sweetman

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Joellen L Russell, Marvin J Slepian, Eddy Stocker

TEAM MEMBERS

Lily Sarah Greenberger, Biosystems Engineering

Sebastian Kristopher Mares, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Abigail McDermott, Biosystems Engineering

Boston McGarrahan, Biomedical Engineering

Bella Raguse, Biosystems Engineering

Conner Smith, Biomedical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Don McDonald

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Marvin J Slepian, Bijin Thajudeen

TEAM MEMBERS

Mason Cipollini, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Andrew Epp, Mechanical Engineering

Julia Hernandez, Engineering Management

Calvin Holmes, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jerry Myers, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jesus Serratos, Optical Sciences & Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mike Nofziger

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Amira Ahsan

Water Economy - A Water Sparing and Dialysate Recycling System

Complimenting Hemodialysis for End-Stage Kidney failure Patients Team 26062

KIDNEY ADVANCE PROJECT

PROJECT GOAL

Develop and build a system that recycles dialysis effluent and returns it to dialysis treatment to create a closed-loop water system suitable for both clinical and home settings.

Hemodialysis is the primary treatment for patients with end-stage kidney disease. In the U.S., current dialysis systems consume approximately 18 billion liters of water annually, and discard used water after each treatment session. To address this issue and conserve water, the team designed and built Water Economy, a system that treats spent dialysate and enables direct reuse in subsequent dialysis sessions while selectively retaining and restoring electrolytes.

Water Economy treats wastewater with a sequence of three custom filter cartridges: activated carbon and urease for urea, creatinine and uric acid removal; zirconium hydrogen phosphate and zirconium hydroxide for ammonium and phosphate removal; and deionizing resin for ion removal. Additional purification stages include UV sterilization to inactivate bacteria and a reverse osmosis filter to remove residual toxins. The system includes real-time monitoring of flow rate, pH, conductivity, humidity, temperature and total dissolved solids. Water Economy displays all these outputs on a graphical user interface. The whole device is housed in a portable, medical-grade enclosure so it can be used in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.

Flexible, Fast Beam Shaper

Team 26063

PROJECT GOAL

Design and produce a usable prototype supported by a comprehensive literature review.

ASML’s tools help chipmakers achieve performance and precision in high-volume chip manufacturing. Their metrology tools currently use a rotatory wheel – Illumination Mode Selector (IMS) – to switch between apertures that define the pupil shape. The IMS has a switch time of about 12 ms, which is fine for current activities, but will become a bottleneck in future sensor throughput. ASML is interested in alternative cost-effective solutions that will enable fast switching between apertures with high photon efficiency.

The team built and tested two comprehensive light shaper prototypes that could operate under ASML’s exacting specifications. One used a Digital Micromirror Device and the other used a Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal on Silicon device to function as an aperture and produce a set of geometries for metrology machines. Verification tests were performed to compare the two technologies’ switching times, photon efficiencies, contrast, and wavelength performance. The results were then analyzed to help determine which prototype best met ASML’s system requirements.

CAM-DAR is LIFE: Combination Camera Image + Radar Analysis System for Remote Status and Vital Signs Assessment to Save Lives Team 26064

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a non-contact, autonomous combination camera and radar system to remotely assess the overall stability, status and vital signs of an individual within a crowd.

People at-risk of heart attacks and strokes often go unnoticed outside of high acuity patient care centers. Continuously assessing body posture with a combination camera and radar system can catch vital sign changes early and contact appropriate personnel. This can significantly decrease delays in time-critical treatment.

The team’s monitoring system consists of two tripods: one for the millimeter wave radar and its corresponding Raspberry Pi, an additional Raspberry Pi, and one Pi camera; and the other for a second Raspberry Pi and a second Pi camera. The team developed an autonomous Pi Mount that uses stepper motors to spin 360º and continuously surveil a room with the Pi camera. To analyze the information, the team trained a computer vision model (MEDUSA) to detect body posture using pose estimation. MEDUSA refers to its training images and indicates whether the body posture is abnormal or not. Once it has detected abnormal body posture, MEDUSA points the radar at the individual to obtain heart rate and breathing rate. Then, if vital signs are unusual, the system notifies appropriate personnel to help the individual. The system is 70% accurate at detecting at-risk individuals and is capable of classification within 5 seconds.

Engineering a High-Fidelity Environment Chamber for Planetary

Landscape Terraformation Research

Team 26065

PROJECT GOAL

Design and construct a controlled environment chamber that can simulate Martian atmospheric and soil conditions.

Testing environmental processes under simulated Martian conditions is a critical part of studying Mars. As part of Biosphere 2’s Office of Research and Partnership’s Big Idea Challenge 2025 award, the team engineered a sealed acrylic chamber that can house five soil columns to study water-soil interactions under Mars-like conditions. The team integrated atmospheric gas control, thermoelectric temperature regulation, humidity control, programmable irrigation and full-spectrum lighting within the system’s 64 ft3 enclosure. A distributed sensor network measures chamber gas composition, temperature, relative humidity, soil moisture, water potential, drainage flow and column mass. Custom control software polls the sensors at fixed intervals, logs time-stamped data, and automatically adjusts environmental actuators to maintain setpoints within specified tolerances. Safety systems include gas concentration alarms and automatic temperature shutdown protection.

The irrigation and drainage subsystem allows researchers to collect perchlorate-contaminated effluent under sterile conditions without disturbing chamber conditions. Verification testing demonstrated compliance with atmospheric stability, temperature regulation, humidity control and data logging requirements. The completed system provides a repeatable, instrumented platform for planetary soil experimentation and environment simulation.

TEAM MEMBERS

Will Lloyd Michael Bornmann, Systems Engineering

Lucas Canty, Biomedical Engineering

Andy Evan Giles Jones, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Ryan Mayhall, Biomedical Engineering

Lorenzo Antonio Rocha, Biosystems Engineering

Cieran Wong, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mike Nofziger

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Marvin J Slepian

TEAM MEMBERS

Frank D’Urso, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Justin Eckert, Biosystems Engineering

Will Gillespie, Engineering Management

Mark He, Mechanical Engineering

Raul Hernandez, Mechanical Engineering

Isabelle Scott, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Pat Caldwell

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Aaron Bugaj, Wei-Ren Ng, Scott R Saleska

TEAM MEMBERS

Salomon Armenta, Engineering Management

Kyle Carlsen, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Ben Feuerborn, Software Engineering

Lily Rene Gorrell, Biosystems Engineering

Katelyn Trinity Miller, Systems Engineering

Elias Vazquez, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Michael Madjerec

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Jason De Leeuw, Wei-Ren Ng

TEAM MEMBERS

Devon Garrett Conway, Mechanical Engineering

Olivia Rose Gorden, Biomedical Engineering

Mike Joseph Hasenfus, Mechanical Engineering

Isaac Lee, Mechanical Engineering

Derrick Lyons, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Tahy Warren Sprague, Biomedical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Maria Cecilia Lluria-Gossler

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Marvin J Slepian

Engineering a Self-Hosted Cloud Control Layer for a Hydroponic Farm Housed in a Shipping Container

Team 26066

PROJECT GOAL

Design a cloud-based monitoring and control platform that integrates with the existing local hardware of a remote hydroponic farm.

This project introduces a versatile UAV testbed designed to support on-demand analysis of various flight configurations with a single aircraft with the goal of enhancing flight research capabilities at the University of Arizona

Biosphere 2 operates a hydroponic Freight Farms shipping container for controlled environment crop production. The farm relies on automated environmental controls to maintain optimal growing conditions. Remote monitoring and control were originally provided through proprietary cloud software, but this created an operational risk when long-term service availability became uncertain. The team addressed that risk by developing an independent replacement system to restore remote access without modifying existing farm hardware or disrupting ongoing production.

To accomplish this, the team designed and implemented full-stack software that integrates directly with the existing farm hardware. The team first analyzed network traffic from the local Farm Hub to identify device modules, sensors and control channels. This informed development of a relational database and backend services for real-time monitoring and control. A Raspberry Pi gateway installed inside the container enables secure communication between on-site systems and cloud infrastructure hosted on Amazon Web Services. The team developed a corresponding web-based graphical user interface to visualize environmental data, execute control actions and support remote farm management. The completed system successfully re-established reliable remote monitoring and control through an independent, scalable platform.

RIGHT IS LIFE: Smart CPR Training System to Enhance CPR Trainee Efficacy and Success

Team 26067

PROJECT GOAL

supported by Craig M. Berge Dean’s Fund

Develop a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) training system that streamlines and improves the efficiency of CPR education with real-time quantitative and visual feedback, realistic chest mechanics, performance tracking and reporting, and blood flow simulation.

Over 400,000 cases of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA) occur each year in the U.S. Nearly 90% of these events take place outside of clinical settings. Receiving effective CPR can determine whether the outcome is life or death. Unfortunately, only about 40% of these victims receive effective CPR. To improve CPA patient care, the team developed a smart CPR training device that will boost the quality and efficacy of this life-saving intervention.

Effective CPR is determined by compression rate, compression depth, compression force and proper hand placement. The team’s smart CPR training system not only measures these factors, but also provides continuous, real-time feedback to the trainee. The system combines quantitative performance data with visual cues to guide users toward more accurate and effective compressions. A key feature of the device is its ability to visualize simulated blood flow. This reinforces the physiological purpose of CPR and incorporates realistic chest mechanics so trainees are prepared to give effective CPR in realworld scenarios.

Automotive Steer-by-Wire System

Team 26068

Michael W Marcellin

Regents Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering

PROJECT GOAL

Design, build and test a steer-by-wire system for an off-road buggy.

Steer-by-wire is a form of steering that replaces the mechanical linkages of a traditionally steered vehicle with an electronically actuated steering rack driven by a set of motors. This system is used on aircraft and utility vehicles like forklifts but is just now starting to enter the production car market. Automotive manufacturers are increasingly interested in their use in autonomous systems because it enables adjustable steering position and improves vehicle control, driver comfort, and off-road capability even in vehicles with challenging packaging requirements.

To demonstrate the capabilities of automotive steer-by-wire, the team set out to design, build and test a system built into a former Baja SAE club car. The device elegantly combines electronic, mechanical, software and control systems. Sensors on board gathered data to compare ergonomics, driver control and capability, and vehicle maneuverability. The team emphasized overall system safety and a clear understanding of potential failure modes throughout all stages of design.

TEAM MEMBERS

Henry Calkins, Mechanical Engineering

Jesus Alberto Canez, Industrial Engineering

David Cavalluzzi, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Llia Gountis, Mechanical Engineering

Cayden Hearne, Mechanical Engineering

Haley Joseph Riesenweber, Mechanical Engineering

Wolfgang Roettiger, Electrical & Computer Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mitchell Moffet

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Michael W Marcellin

Vacuum-Compatible Imaging System with Variable Working Distances

Team 26069

PROJECT GOAL

Design and experimentally validate a cost-effective imaging and illumination system for semiconductor metrology that is capable of diffraction-limited performance across multiple working distances in vacuum.

Quality assurance in the semiconductor industry is essential to ensure that chips meet precise specifications with minimal errors. As lithography systems advance, semiconductor producers require corresponding improvements in imaging-based quality assurance to detect errors and prevent bottlenecks in both speed and reliability. Achieving accurate results requires highly precise optical metrology systems.

The team developed an on-paper vacuum-compatible design and a proof-of-concept physical prototype. The solution provides cost-effective, configurable, and vacuum-compatible illumination and imaging tailored for precision metrology in semiconductor environments. It also supports diffractionlimited imaging at variable working distances and operates at wavelengths from 800 to 875 nm, an NA of 0.032 and a full field of view of 0.85 mm.

The team’s optical design uses voltage-driven liquid lenses to achieve diffraction-limited imaging at two discrete working distances without the need for mechanically moving components. An off-axis LED illumination spotlights targets while a series of mirrors folds the optical path to confine the entire system within a volume smaller than a tissue box. Experimental testing of the prototype demonstrated stable imaging performance and repeatable working-distance switching. This validated the feasibility of the proposed approach.

TEAM MEMBERS

John Cobes, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Noah Jared Cornaby, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Colby Lee Donner, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Payton Lammert, Mechanical Engineering

Aviana Caprice Sorich, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Louden Sundling, Optical Sciences & Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mike Nofziger

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Andres Guevara

SPONSOR

TEAM MEMBERS

Abdullah N A M A Alhasan, Industrial Engineering

Sam Bever, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Sydalee Laurelin Brown, Biosystems Engineering

Jesus Manuel Lopez, Biomedical Engineering

Sajni Yeddu, Biomedical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Sardar R Mostofa

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Marvin J Slepian, Bijin Thajudeen

TEAM MEMBERS

John Aaron Bruchhagen, Aerospace Engineering

Ella Carreno, Aerospace Engineering

Briana Curley, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Enzo Remolar Jabel, Aerospace Engineering

Emily Schorr, Aerospace Engineering

Ethan Valentine, Materials Science & Engineering

Carson Mathias White, Aerospace Engineering

Logan Wilke, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Raymond Moszee

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Rob Esslinger

UroSMART: An Integrated Quantitative

Urodynamics and

Catheter

System for Enhanced Management of Patients with Renal and Urologic Disorders

Team 26070

KIDNEY ADVANCE PROJECT

PROJECT GOAL

Design and develop a compact system that can accurately measure urinary flow rate and cumulative voided volume for clinical and home use.

Millions of people worldwide suffer from upper and lower urinary tract diseases that alter urinary output. Accurate monitoring of urine output is critical for managing patients with renal dysfunction, acute kidney injury and urological disorders. However, no validated, portable system currently allows real-time quantitative monitoring of urinary flow and bladder volume for catheterized patients. The team engineered a flow measurement subsystem that integrates with a catheter interface. The system captures mass flow data with high temporal resolution using a cell-based load sensing approach the team selected and characterized. The team also developed signal conditioning, data acquisition and calibration models to convert raw sensor output into real-time volumetric flow and total volume measurements.

Verification testing demonstrated that the prototype met accuracy and resolution requirements for clinical urinary flow assessment. The final prototype successfully captured continuous flow profiles and cumulative volume, supporting quantitative evaluation of voiding behavior and device feasibility for future clinical use.

Hypersonic Projectile

Team 26071

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a gliding projectile that can operate and maneuver at both hypersonic speeds and low altitudes.

Hypersonic flight is important to both military and civilian applications. Current launch systems require significant time, research and funding to bring designs to fruition, and high production costs have hindered many promising designs from meeting specific functional requirements. The team set out to develop a hypersonic projectile and launch mechanism that maximizes range while minimizing overall system cost.

The design combines an LD Haack body with elements of waverider design, internal sensors and rearmounted external control surfaces. The team evaluated the vehicle in both CFD and supersonic wind tunnel environments to verify that it can withstand flight speeds between Mach 5 and Mach 8 and the extreme thermal conditions, shockwaves and stability complications associated with hypersonic flight. A trajectory simulation developed by the team demonstrated the range and maneuverability capabilities of the projectile and confirmed compliance with speed requirements throughout the flight envelope.

OPTIMA (Optical Position Tracking and Imaging for Microparticle Analysis)

Team 26072

PROJECT GOAL

Design, build, and test an optical metrology module to measure the particle size, velocity and 3D trajectory of 100-500 μm microspheres.

ASML US, Inc. supplies extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines that use ultra-short wavelength light to produce complex semiconductor chips. Contaminants within the system – notably tin –can lead to extended downtime and substantial financial losses. Detecting and quantifying tin contamination is essential for minimizing equipment downtime and increasing semiconductor yield.

The team designed, built and tested the Optical Position Tracking and Imaging for Microparticle Analysis (OPTIMA) system to support detection and characterization of micro-particulates in EUV lithography machines. OPTIMA integrates a testing environment, illumination source and optical assembly. All hardware, including electronics and wiring, fits within a 2 cubic foot frame. An external computer interface displays collected data and quantitative analysis of microspheres. The testing environment was constructed from custom-printed components and includes a water-filled acrylic test chamber with adjustable water flow. The system acquires 3D tracking of microspheres within the test chamber using stereo particle tracking velocimetry (stereo PTV).

The OPTIMA device can measure the size, velocity and 3D trajectory of water-immersed microspheres ranging from 100 to 500 mm in diameter.

Process for Manufacturing Custom-fitting, Sustainable, Communication-accommodating, Respiratory PPE Team

26073

PROJECT GOAL

Create a process for designing and manufacturing a custom face shield to replace traditional face masks in clinical settings.

Standard surgical masks and N95 respirators do not provide sufficient protection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), N95 masks reduce the odds of catching COVID-19 by only 83%, in part due to inadequate sealing around the mouth and nose. They are also uncomfortable to wear for extended periods, designed for single use and limit nonverbal communication by reducing facial visibility. The team created accurate 3D models of wearers’ faces and developed an inexpensive, sustainable manufacturing process for face shields made from reusable and recyclable materials.

The face shield is cost-effective and more protective than traditional masks. Transparent polycarbonate sheets are vacuum-formed onto 3D-printed molds of the wearer’s facial structure for a customized seal around the bony structures of the face while maintaining facial visibility. Replaceable antibacterial filters fit into woven pockets on the underside of the polycarbonate shield in an airtight fabric system that completes the seal around the neck. The wearer can quickly put on and remove the device, using an elastic drawstring to adjust the seal tightness around the neck and facial straps.

TEAM MEMBERS

Caleb Brakensiek, Software Engineering

Reid Grotevant, Mechanical Engineering

Sam Lovas, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Nathan Tankesly, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Cate Yip, Optical Sciences & Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mike Nofziger

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Erik Huerta

TEAM MEMBERS

Mohammad Aldossari, Mechanical Engineering

Saleh Alsader, Biomedical Engineering

Lucas Du, Materials Science & Engineering

Han Filmer, Biomedical Engineering

Jacy Sun Flaxbart, Biomedical Engineering

Aayush Patel, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Victoria Sciarrotta, Biomedical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Mike Nofziger

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Neal Brock

LumiVici

TEAM MEMBERS

Francisco Calixtro, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Kiah Chaney, Mechanical Engineering

Graham Gainey, Aerospace Engineering

Hayden Paul Mikulecky, Mechanical Engineering

Jacqueline O’Neil, Aerospace Engineering

Kyle Whitmore, Electrical & Computer Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

James Sweetman

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Stefano Miller, Alexander Rudisill

TEAM MEMBERS

Sarah Aramburo, Mechanical Engineering

Alexis I Cervantes, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Jack Lee, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Owen Carter Litz, Optical Sciences & Engineering

Jacob Missbrenner, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Steven Paradeza, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Raymond Moszee

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Jim Bakarich, Robert Dyer, Joseph Manas

Precision Automated Targeting System (PATS)

Team 26074

PROJECT GOAL

Design and develop a portable autonomous targeting system that can detect, track and engage moving targets within a dynamic carnival-style environment.

Carnival games require significant skill and precision. Inspired by target-based carnival games, the team developed a fully autonomous, low-profile system that recognizes targets and is accurate enough to hit high-priority targets of different sizes and colors moving at varying speeds.

The Precision Automated Targeting System (PATS) integrates computer vision, embedded processing, mechanical actuation and power management into a compact, deployable platform.

The team implemented a real-time object detection pipeline using onboard processing hardware to identify targets and generate tracking coordinates from camera imagery. These coordinates control a pan-tilt servo mechanism that continuously tracks and engages moving targets. PATS uses optimized control algorithms to improve targeting accuracy and response timing under varying motion conditions. A custom power distribution architecture provides regulated voltage rails to support sensors, actuators and processing components while maintaining safe and reliable operation. To simulate realistic operating scenarios, the team designed a mobile target platform using an RC vehicle traveling along a linear track at speeds up to 15 mph at multiple target heights.

Autonomous Sky Tracking and Recon Apparatus (ASTRA)

Team 26076

PROJECT GOAL

Design a modular, autonomous subsystem for commercial off-the-shelf telescopes that can track celestial objects and capture high-quality astronomical imagery with minimal user interaction to be used for educational outreach.

Telescopes can be a powerful tool for inspiring interest in the sciences, but many systems required for accurate object viewing and tracking are prohibitively expensive or difficult to use. The team developed ASTRA to make high-quality astrophotography and identification of celestial objects more accessible.

The team’s engineering efforts focused on developing custom opto-mechanical assemblies, motorized control systems and embedded software that enable automated tracking, image processing and self-calibration using celestial reference points. Onboard image acquisition and processing algorithms support object identification, image enhancement and post-processing for astrophotography applications. A dual-path optical architecture allows simultaneous naked-eye viewing and camerabased digital imaging.

The system demonstrates autonomous celestial tracking and imaging using minimal commercial hardware. Apart from the telescope, all subsystems – including pan-tilt actuation, power delivery, imaging integration and wireless telemetry – were developed from individual components or custom, student-fabricated modules. Remote operation is achieved through a graphical user interface that integrates real-time visual data and system controls. The team validated system performance through nighttime testing and algorithm demonstrations, establishing ASTRA as a hands-free, educational and experimental astronomical observation platform.

Rubik’s Cube Solved

Team 26077

PROJECT GOAL

Develop an autonomous robotic system capable of detecting, analyzing, and solving a standard 3x3 Rubik’s Cube, with a scalable architecture adaptable to 2x2 and 4x4 cube configurations, for educational inspiration.

The Rubik’s Cube is a staple of both educational and entertainment programs. Reliably and autonomously solving a Rubik’s Cube from a scrambled state involves mechanical design, embedded systems, computer vision and software search pattern algorithms. The team developed a system to solve the cube autonomously and serve as a catalyst for STEM education, introducing complex engineering concepts to young audiences through an interactive medium.

The system includes a custom end effector and frame to securely grip and rotate the cube along multiple axes while minimizing backlash and positional error. The design uses stepper servo motors with controlled step profiles to ensure accurate face rotations without cube slippage. A camera vision subsystem using a calibrated camera and color-recognition algorithm detects the cube’s state and converts it into a digital representation. The team coded a solving algorithm based on optimization techniques that runs on microcontrollers and microcomputers. Control logic synchronizes six dual-motor modules with real-time state verification to prevent cumulative positioning errors. By solving randomized 3x3 cubes through a modular architecture, the system demonstrates a scalable framework for other configurations and serves as an accessible entry point for students exploring robotics and algorithmic thinking.

TEAM MEMBERS

Eyan Allen, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Ali Hattab, Software Engineering

Darryl Mercado, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Taylor T Plott, Mechanical Engineering

Giuseppe Pongelupe Giacoia, Software Engineering

Luke Sheridan, Mechanical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Jeff Scott Wolske

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Luke Baer

Li-Cor710 Team Database

Team 26078

PROJECT GOAL

Create a self-contained program to collect, clean and store agricultural data from the Li-Cor 710 sensor for use by a partner team in Yuma providing insights for local agricultural leaders.

The Li-Cor 710 sensor is an evapotranspiration sensor currently used by the University of Arizona to determine water demand of a given plot of land. It can collect agricultural data, but it needs to be processed before it is useful to agricultural leaders.

The team created a Raspberry Pi program that receives data from the Li-Cor 710 via email, cleans it and parses it into a local database. The program then emails a copy of the data to a corresponding dashboard used by local agricultural leaders. With this information, farmers can identify their crops’ real-time water needs and adjust irrigation more efficiently. As the region faces near-drought conditions, the system aims to support more sustainable water use.

TEAM MEMBERS

Mateo Alvarez, Software Engineering

Jay L Clark, Systems Engineering

Steven Hernandez, Industrial Engineering

Alex Lopez, Software Engineering

David Humberto Romero, Systems Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Nick Bahr

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Ali Tahseen Mohammed

TEAM MEMBERS

Jennifer Barajas, Software Engineering

Daniela Edith Lopez Hernandez, Software Engineering

Alberto Lopez Torres, Software Engineering

Sherlyn Dafne Molina, Systems Engineering

Jake Monson, Software Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Nick Bahr

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Ali Tahseen Mohammed

TEAM MEMBERS

Chaz Alvarez, Chemical Engineering

Dane Magnuson Roach, Chemical Engineering

Dominique Michelle Stannus, Chemical Engineering

Jorge Leonardo Villapier, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Thomas Olden

Li-Cor710 Team Dashboard

Team 26079

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a cloud-based, web-accessible dashboard that allows users to monitor, visualize, and analyze environmental sensor data in real time and over historical periods.

The Li-Cor 710 Sensor Dashboard is a web-based subsystem developed to collect, process, store, and display environmental data from the Li-Cor 710 and related sensors. The dashboard connects with cloudbased sensor data sources to retrieve live and historical measurements and present them through charts, maps, alerts, metadata displays and other interactive features.

The team built the system using Python, Flask, and cloud infrastructure to give authorized users a centralized platform for tracking field conditions, reviewing trends, identifying abnormal or stale data, exporting reports and improving overall agricultural water-management efficiency.

Recovering Water from Cooling Towers

Team 26080

PROJECT GOAL

Design a cost-effective retrofit system to recover water vapor from a mechanical draft cooling tower at an inland power plant.

Most energy plants generate electricity by boiling water and using steam to turn a generator. The steam then cools in towers for reuse, but much of the water is lost to the environment through blowdown, drift and evaporation. The Waste-Management Education and Research Consortium estimates that water losses for a high-energy-use power plant serving 1 million people may reach 4.8 to 6.9 billion gallons per year. Evaporation alone accounts for an estimated 55% to 85% of total water loss from cooling towers.

As water costs rise, demand for more efficient cooling tower operations are growing. The team developed a retrofit system that condenses and collects escaping water vapor, conserving water and reducing costs for any cooling tower employing the design. Because the system is a retrofit, it requires minimal changes to existing plant infrastructure while still reducing the cost of water loss each year.

Industrial Scale Conversion of Spent Coffee Grounds to Biodiesel

Team 26081

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a full-scale industrial process to convert spent coffee grounds into biodiesel.

Biodiesel is a renewable fuel that can reduce reliance on petroleum-based diesel using waste-derived feedstocks. However, large-scale biodiesel production remains limited due to feedstock availability, fuel quality constraints and high processing costs. Industrial spent coffee grounds (IND-SCG) represent an underused waste stream with significant lipid content, but efficient and economically viable conversion methods are still under development. This project evaluates a scalable process for converting IND-SCG into biodiesel while preserving residual solids for potential bioplastic, biofuel or fertilizer production. The team’s goal is a continuous process that integrates into an existing coffee manufacturing facility to reduce waste handling costs and generate value-added products onsite.

The process treats 10,000 kilograms of wet IND-SCG daily and consists of pretreatment, deacidification, in situ transesterification, separations, purification and methanol recovery. Pretreatment reduces moisture through mechanical separation and infrared drying, followed by particle milling to improve lipid accessibility. Free fatty acids are reduced before reaction to enable base-catalyzed transesterification. A continuously stirred tank reactor extracts and converts triglycerides to fatty acid methyl esters using a sodium methoxide catalyst solution formed by combining recycled methanol and sodium hydroxide via reactive distillation. A neutralization step using sulfuric acid follows. Solids are removed by continuous centrifugation, methanol is separated via a kettle vaporizer, and a ceramic membrane separates glycerol, yielding purified biodiesel.

TEAM MEMBERS

Kyle Gathers, Chemical Engineering

Evan T Lebel, Chemical Engineering

Savanna Morgan Prentice, Chemical Engineering

Morgan Lee Stever, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Colin Kelly

Industrial Scale Pyrolysis of Plastic

Team 26082

PROJECT GOAL

Maximize the production of liquid hydrocarbons using pyrolysis to generate fuels.

The team used pyrolysis to break down polyethylene plastic into liquid fuels that can be used for power generation.

TEAM MEMBERS

Brendon Lev Cohen, Chemical Engineering

Ziynet Jienbaeva, Chemical Engineering

Julianna E Lopez, Chemical Engineering

Kylie Aniese Meeden, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Jessica Unwin

TEAM MEMBERS

Patrick John Friery, Chemical Engineering

Chase Robert Henderson, Chemical Engineering

Josh Ryan Ortega, Chemical Engineering

Gracee Mae Spatz, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Eric Greene, Wes McCanse

TEAM MEMBERS

Sophia Marie Johnston, Chemical Engineering

Melanie Grace Jump, Chemical Engineering

Maddie Kennedy Lumm, Chemical Engineering

Lily Elizabeth Peknik, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Eric Greene, Wes McCanse

Non-Alcoholic Beer Production Process for Dragoon Brewery

Team 26083

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a profitable, integrated and sustainable system for producing NA beer (0-0.5% ABV) that closely replicates the flavor and aroma of Dragoon Brewing’s existing beer styles

Non-alcoholic beer is growing in popularity, but preserving the flavor of traditional beer remains difficult. The team developed a production process for Dragoon Brewing’s latest non-alcoholic lager recipe using hops, wheat and barley sustainably sourced from Colorado – consistent with Dragoon Brewing’s current ingredients. The process integrates into the existing brewery infrastructure with minimal disruption to operations, a limited spatial footprint and low additional utility demand.

The system uses reverse osmosis, which offers a strong balance of cost-effectiveness, high throughput and efficient ethanol removal and has proven easy to integrate into an existing brewery. The unit sits near the keg washer within a 20-by-10-foot footprint and is close to existing electrical and water sources for simple installation. Deaerated water prevents oxygenation during volume restoration, preserving flavor stability and shelf life. The system produces 30 barrels per batch, standard for most of Dragoon Brewing’s current offerings. Because ethanol is no longer present to provide microbial protection, a tunnel pasteurizer adjacent to the automated canning line ensures microbial stability and regulatory compliance. The pasteurizer incorporates water recirculation and sloped-floor drainage to clean and replace the water used.

RO Water System for Dragoon Brewery

Team 26084

PROJECT GOAL

Design and evaluate a reverse osmosis water treatment system for Dragoon Brewery to reduce mineral scaling, evaluate chemical and labor costs associated with cleaning, and improve overall operational efficiency while maintaining beer quality.

Dragoon Brewery currently uses hard ground water in its brewing process, contributing to mineral scaling in heat exchangers, tanks and cleaning systems. This scaling increases acid wash frequency, labor requirements and energy usage. To help alleviate this problem, the team designed a reverse osmosis system that removes minerals before water is distributed to brewery operations such as the hot liquor tank, cold liquor tank and cleaning systems.

The system includes reverse osmosis membrane filtration, permeate storage and controlled remineralization to maintain brewing water quality standards. The project encompasses process integration, vendor communication, system sizing and cost analysis to determine feasibility.

Production of Vegan Leather from Kombucha

Team 26085

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a treatment system that transforms the Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY) biofilms from kombucha fermentation into a sustainable, highperformance leather alternative.

Conventional animal leather production has significant environmental impacts, including high carbon emissions, extensive wastewater generation and the release of pollutants into surrounding ecosystems. Common synthetic vegan leather alternatives are typically derived from nonbiodegradable plastics, introducing additional environmental concerns. Recent research has identified the biofilm produced during kombucha fermentation – known as SCOBY – as a naturally derived, biodegradable and vegan alternative to traditional leather. Despite this potential, SCOBY is generally treated as a waste byproduct in existing kombucha manufacturing facilities.

The team conducted experimental studies to identify treatment methods that enhance the material properties of SCOBY for textile applications, focusing on strategies to improve tensile strength, hydrophobicity and visual homogeneity. Experimental results informed the design of an integrated, industrial-scale treatment process that could be implemented within existing kombucha production facilities.

The proposed process includes a series of chemical treatment tanks followed by a controlled convection drying stage. The team emphasized water recycling and wastewater treatment to strengthen the environmental sustainability of the system, developing a scalable process for converting kombucha fermentation biofilm waste into a viable, sustainable vegan textile.

High Pressure Ginseng Extraction

Team 26086

PROJECT GOAL

Develop an experimental and industrial process for the extraction of ginsenosides from ginseng root.

The team identified optimal conditions for extracting ginsenosides from ginseng root through experimentation and applied those conditions to an industrial process design.

The team used an ASE 200 Accelerated Solvent Extractor – a high-pressure automated system – to perform the extraction on milled ginseng root using a water-ethanol solvent solution. A Rotavapor R-300 evaporates excess solvent from the extract. The team then validates the extract using highperformance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

TEAM MEMBERS

Rohini Ghosh, Chemical Engineering

Zoe Elizabeth Johnson, Chemical Engineering

Samantha Mikaela Provenzano, Chemical Engineering

Grace Ann Toftner, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Melissa Young

TEAM MEMBERS

George Peter Deeb, Chemical Engineering

Harry Keller, Chemical Engineering

Charlie Isaac Krause, Chemical Engineering

Elias Tonnerre, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Jesus Adan Chavez

Greg Lorton

Greg Lorton

TEAM MEMBERS

Hour Ata Almulaifi, Environmental Engineering

Ava Louise Kavanagh, Environmental Engineering

Kara A Randall, Environmental Engineering

Fatima Sanchez, Environmental Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Lila Flanagan, Matthew Shane Klemish

TEAM MEMBERS

Ryan Willis Cotter, Environmental Engineering

Sophia Erika Day, Environmental Engineering

Melani Nicole Palama, Environmental Engineering

Braden Surrett, Environmental Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Caitlin Schnitzer

Advanced Water Purification Facility

Team 26087

PROJECT GOAL

Purify treated wastewater into an advanced water purification train that removes trace organic components, lowers dissolved solids and achieves the required multiproduction barrier pathogen reductions to satisfy regulations.

The team designed an advanced water purification system with a 30-million-gallon-per-day capacity to purify secondary effluent from the existing 91st Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant. The design meets major regulations including the Safe Drinking Water Act and the Arizona Advanced Water Purification Rule. After comparing alternatives, the team selected a combined treatment train using a membrane bioreactor, granular activated carbon, ultraviolet light and advanced oxidation process.

Bio-Inspired Mineral Recovery from Mining Waters

Team 26088

PROJECT GOAL

Design and evaluate a sustainable, bio-inspired process for recovering dissolved copper, nickel and cobalt from mining-influenced raffinate water.

This project develops a full-scale treatment system that recovers copper from acidic mining wastewater. Large volumes of raffinate water contain valuable dissolved metals that are often lost during traditional treatment. Recovering these metals reduces environmental risk and creates significant economic value.

The proposed process uses TanFloc – a biodegradable, tannin-based flocculant derived from plant material – to bind with metal ions and form dense flocs. Before TanFloc addition, crushed limestone raises the wastewater pH to an optimal range. The system then separates flocculated solids using clarifiers, purifies them with filter presses and desorbs them using sulfuric acid to produce a metal-rich solution. TanFloc’s stability across a wide pH range allows it to be recycled multiple times, substantially improving economic feasibility.

The system handles industrial-scale flow rates and integrates with existing mining infrastructure through pH adjustment reactors, flocculation tanks, clarifiers and filtration units. Economic analysis shows the process can generate substantial revenue from recovered metals while maintaining manageable operating and capital costs.

The project demonstrates that bio-based treatment technologies can support sustainable mining practices by improving water reuse, reducing chemical hazards and converting wastewater into a valuable resource – benefiting both environmental protection and the long-term economics of mining operations.

Helium Recovery from Natural Gas

Team 26089

PROJECT GOAL

Design a process that will separate helium from natural gas and produce a crude helium product.

Extracting helium from natural gas is an important part of creating sustainability and economic value from legacy energy sources. The team developed a process for recovering helium from a plant that processes 50 MMSCFD of pipeline gas at 800 PSIG and returns the gas to the pipeline at 1,000 PSIG. The design uses a double cryogenic distillation column system containing a nitrogen removal unit (NRU) and a helium recovery unit (HRU). A series of heat exchangers recovers energy and reduces the high energy cost of the cryogenic system. After the HRU, the helium-heavy stream feeds into a pressure swing adsorption system to increase purity. The bottom of the NRU becomes the sales gas, which feeds back into the pipeline. The resulting extract contains at least 65% helium with a recovery rate of 96%. With further development, the process could produce a higher-purity product exceeding 99% helium.

TEAM MEMBERS

Hannah G Golden, Chemical Engineering

Lindsey Anne Lambert, Chemical Engineering

Sofia Grace Morand, Chemical Engineering

Siena Elizabeth Roberts, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Kale Teagan Burke

Naphtha Methaforming Unit

Team 26090

PROJECT GOAL

Design a model of a methaforming unit to convert full-range naphtha (FRN) to 5,000 BPSD of RON 90 gasoline blend stock methyl formate.

Methyl formate is a volatile organic compound that acts as a reactive intermediate and precursor in a wide array of industrial chemical processes, especially within the chemical and refining industries. Worldwide demand for methyl formate is in the hundreds of thousands of tons per year, with expected compound annual growth rates of 4% to 6% through the early 2030s, indicating a growing specialty chemical segment that can support long-term supply for refining applications.

Methyl formate is also a sound economic and operational choice. It is a lower-severity alternative that can complement or partially replace traditional systems requiring high-severity operation, substantial capital investment and careful catalyst management, potentially reducing catalyst deactivation rates and extending cycle lengths.

The team designed a methaforming unit using ethanol to convert 5,000 barrels per stream day of FRN into RON 90 blending stock for gasoline production. The process yields byproducts including hydrogen-rich gas and liquid petroleum gas. The team focused on producing RON 90 blending stock, evaluating process profitability and separating sellable byproducts.

TEAM MEMBERS

Lamar Hussain Alkaka, Chemical Engineering

Leo Asael Almanzar, Chemical Engineering

Eleazar Rios, Chemical Engineering

Andrew Vos, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Fred Brinker

TEAM MEMBERS

Crispin Edwin Carter, Environmental Engineering

Cameron Sage Fuse, Environmental Engineering

Wenhao Peng, Chemical Engineering

Tahmeedul Haque Toky, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Krysta Kramer

TEAM MEMBERS

Miguel Astorga, Chemical Engineering

Kayla Pearl Courtright, Chemical Engineering

Ahava Rose Salomon, Chemical Engineering

Shayla Jane Wandrei, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Eva-Lou Edwards

Arsenic Detection Device Production Process

Team 26091

PROJECT GOAL

Develop a paper-based sensor that can detect arsenic in water using silver nanoparticles to improve access to safe drinking water.

More than 2 billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water, in part because contaminants often go undetected. This project addressed arsenic contamination affecting approximately 29,000 wells in Murshidabad, India. The team developed a low-cost, reliable and easy-to-use paper strip detection system for daily water monitoring in rural India and other at-risk communities facing chronic groundwater arsenic contamination.

The team designed the system around regional arsenic contamination levels and current industrial standards, with a focus on economically vulnerable communities. The tool quickly indicates whether well water arsenic levels exceed safe drinking limits and verifies that point-of-use filtration systems are functioning effectively. Using functionalized silver nanoparticles in a scalable colorimetric sensing platform, the design prioritizes low detection limits, affordability and long-term public health impact.

Bench-Scale Brewing System

Team 26092

PROJECT GOAL

Design and build an electric bench-scale brewing system with integrated monitoring and control systems to support experiential learning, process optimization and scalable recipe development.

Small-scale brewing systems are a valuable part of education, commercial recipe development and scalability testing. The team developed a system that allows users to test a wide range of variables before they move to full production. The bench-scale brewing system replicates key industrial brewing operations within a controlled laboratory setting. The system integrates programmable temperature control, sanitary fluid handling, and a modular vessel configuration to support mashing, boiling, chilling and fermentation processes at a 15-gallon scale. The team designed the system for safety, repeatability and data acquisition so the platform can facilitate hands-on learning. It also functions as a bench-scale testbed for recipe development and process validation.

The system incorporates a recirculating infusion mash system for precise thermal regulation, a sanitary flow control manifold for controlled fluid routing between vessels, and a structured support rack engineered to withstand operational loads under full batch conditions. Process instrumentation enables monitoring and control of temperature and flow throughout operation. The team conducted structural and thermal analyses to ensure safe and stable performance during high-temperature and full-volume processing.

Disinfection Optimization Through CO2 Injection

Team 26093

PROJECT GOAL

Evaluate whether carbon-mediated pH adjustment of municipal secondary effluent can increase the efficiency of free chlorine disinfection and subsequently reduce associated sodium hypochlorite (bleach) requirements.

The team evaluated whether carbon dioxide diffusion into secondary effluent could improve disinfection efficiency by lowering the pH to maximize the formation of hypochlorous acid. The team built a pilot scale system to test and quantify the relationships between carbon dioxide injection, pH reduction and chlorine requirements of the system while maintaining effective disinfection. After pilot testing, the team assessed the feasibility of this approach for the Tres Rios wastewater reclamation facility and evaluated how it can use the carbon dioxide it produces on site during anaerobic digestion.

TEAM MEMBERS

Riley Nicole Holsopple, Environmental Engineering

Sammi Lee Meeks, Environmental Engineering

Hannah Joy Melius, Environmental Engineering

Emily Y Nhi Tran, Environmental Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Jeff Prevatt, Avelino E Saez

Biphasic Ionic-Liquid CO2 Capture System

Team 26094

PROJECT GOAL

Design and evaluate an integrated carbon capture and utilization (CCU) process that couples a continuous biphasic carbon dioxide capture system with downstream methanol synthesis.

CCU reduces the negative effects of carbon dioxide produced by legacy power plants. The team’s CCU process uses a continuous biphasic carbon dioxide capture system and downstream methanol synthesis to both capture carbon dioxide and produce a useful product. Using flue gas data from the Arlington Valley Energy Facility, the team sized the process for 1% slipstream and 70% carbon dioxide removal, capturing approximately 6,240 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. The team selected the ionic liquid solvent L30N50W20 over MEA, DMEA and AMP due to its high carbon dioxide loading capacity, rapid regeneration kinetics and spontaneous phase separation into carbon dioxide-rich and carbon dioxide-lean layers upon carbamate formation.

The capture section consists of a bubble-column absorber, centrifugal liquid-liquid separator and a 10 m3 jacketed CSTR regenerator operating at 100°C. The team modeled regeneration using a pseudo-first-order desorption rate constant (k’ = 0.0042 s-1) requiring a 51-minute residence time. Four heat exchangers preheat the regenerator feed, supply jacket heat, cool the regenerator effluent and recover thermal energy through internal heat integration. The captured carbon dioxide is then converted to methanol through catalytic hydrogenation, assuming hydrogen is supplied on-site via electrolysis. The integrated design includes reactor modeling, separation and recycle strategy development, and system-level heat and material integration to evaluate the overall technical feasibility of coupling ionic-liquid carbon dioxide capture with industrial methanol production.

TEAM MEMBERS

Jeffrey Aaron Bartholomeusz, Chemical Engineering

Steven E George, Chemical Engineering

Daniel Alejandro Musquiz, Chemical Engineering

Regan Elizabeth Pate, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Stanley Wong

TEAM MEMBERS

Hunter Isaiha Carter, Chemical Engineering

Jake Richard Egan, Chemical Engineering

Anastasia M Jauriqui, Chemical Engineering

Trevor Collin Lizak, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISORS

Patrick Abram Heacock, Lisa A Jones

TEAM MEMBERS

Evan Anderson, Chemical Engineering

Joshua Nathanial Craft, Chemical Engineering

Quinlin Patrick Knoll-Grass, Environmental Engineering

Cole S Stickland, Chemical Engineering

COLLEGE MENTOR

Adrianna Brush

SPONSOR ADVISOR

Kimberly L Ogden

Bench-Scale Beer Dealcoholization

Team 26095

PROJECT GOAL

Greg Lorton

Design and optimize a bench-scale membrane system and process for beer dealcoholization that retains aromatic notes of alcoholic beer and replicates user enjoyment.

From 2020 to 2023, non-alcoholic (NA) beer’s market share grew from 4% to 17%. NA beer may soon become the second-largest beer category after lagers. This rapid growth reflects a broader shift toward health-conscious consumption without sacrificing flavor or product quality. For microbreweries, however, producing reduced-alcohol or alcohol-free beer that retains the complexity, aroma and character of traditional craft beer remains a significant technical challenge.

Conventional dealcoholization methods often rely on thermal processes that can strip volatile aromatic compounds and alter the sensory profile of the beer, diminishing flavor depth and product quality. Membrane-based separation offers a promising alternative, operating at lower temperatures and pressures to selectively reduce ethanol content while better preserving desirable flavor compounds.

The team developed and tested a closed-loop membrane contactor system using pre-carbonation, post-fermentation beer and deaerated water in an osmotic distillation/perstraction configuration with a 3M Liqui-Cel membrane contactor. The team then evaluated ethanol removal and compound retention through density measurements and gas chromatography analysis. They emphasized developing a low-temperature, low-pressure process with minimal water consumption suitable for a university-scale or small brewery setting. The results provide technical insight into the feasibility of membrane-based dealcoholization and establish a basis for future optimization and potential scale-up.

Water quality improvements for cooling towers

Team 26096

PROJECT GOAL

Reduce the use of water in industrial cooling towers to conserve water in arid desert regions.

The team designed a water filtration system to reduce water usage in power plant cooling towers by removing contaminants so water can be reused. The system uses a combination of unit operations to provide robust, efficient purification from a variety of source waters. Purified water can circulate through the cooling tower more times before being released as waste, reducing overall water consumption.

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

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS 4 weeks

PRELIMINARY DESIGN 4 weeks

After students are assigned to projects, teams work with their sponsors to generate structured lists of system requirements and metrics for

DETAILED DESIGN 6 weeks

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

WINTER BREAK

DESIGN CHANGES/ BEGIN BUILD 7 weeks FINALIZE BUILD/ ACCEPTANCE TESTING 9 weeks

Following the Critical Design Review and approval of the Critical Design Report, teams begin purchasing parts and manufacturing custom components to produce their prototypes

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS MEMO

In this structured document, against which all designs, tests and prototypes 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

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

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.

INTEGRATED STATUS REVIEW and FINAL ACCEPTANCE REVIEW

This review facilitates communication & collaboration among the engineering team and stakeholders, helping them make informed decisions about design changes and project progress.

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

“

The students bring fresh ideas to us. They’re not constrained by how things have always been done, and that leads to real innovation.”

MIKE HENSON, Lockheed Martin SPONSOR ADVISOR

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.

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS

CORPORATE, GOVERNMENT & PRIVATE

Acron Aviation

Airtronics

Ana Needham

ASML US, Inc.

Attalon

AZ Technica

BAE Systems

BD (Becton Dickinson)

Caterpillar Inc.

DMAFB 309 AMARG

Don & Sherry McDonald Biomedical Projects

Dragoon Brewing

Dragoon Technology

Frank Broyles

Freeport McMoRan

General Dynamics Mission Systems

Geomechanics Southwest, Inc

Greg Lorton

Henry & Suzanne Morgen

Honeywell Aerospace

IEEE Tucson Chapter

Intelligent Clinical Systems

Larimore Family

Larry Head

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory

Lockheed Martin

Logemann Brothers Company

LumiVici

Mark Brazier

Mensch Foundation

Newman Family

Northrop Grumman

Parker Meggitt

PeakView Environmental Solutions

PeakView Solutions

Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies

Raytheon Technologies

RBC Sargent Aerospace & Defense

Rincon Research

Roche Tissue Diagnostics

Sandia National Laboratories

Senphonix

Sharon ONeal

Simpson Family

Spectrum Plastics Group, A DuPont Business

SynCardia Systems

Technical Documentation Consultants of Arizona

The Bly Family

The New Nose Company, Inc.

Universal Avionics

W.L. Gore and Associates

Whisper Wild

THE UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA

ACABI

Craig M. Berge Dean - College of Engineering

Kidney ADVANCE Project - NIH/ACABI

Michael W Marcellin, Professor, Electrical & Computer Engineering

Biosphere 2

College of Medicine - Phoenix

Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering

Department of Biomedical Engineering

Department of Biosystems Engineering

Department of Chemical & Environmental Engineering

UA Department of Systems & Industrial Engineering (Yuma)

School of Mining Engineering & Mineral Resources

School of Nutritional Sciences & Wellness

THANK YOU, MENTORS & STAFF

MENTORS

Nick Bahr

Adrianna Brush

Pat Caldwell

Carey Jones

Maria Cecilia Lluria-Gossler

Michael Madjerec

Don McDonald

Mitchell Moffet

Sardar R Mostofa

Raymond Moszee

Mike Nofziger

James Sweetman

Edward Wellman

Jeff Scott Wolske

This project was a step above anything I expected. It pushed me to learn faster, think deeper and really prove our design works.”

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

Urs Utzinger, Design Faculty

Diego Adair Camacho, Engineering Design Center

Sean Aguilar, Engineering Design Center

Neda Alihemati, Purchasing Office

Alexa Armstrong, Engineering Design Center

Leili Asgharzadeh Falbinan, Salter Lab

Cienna Charron, Engineering Design Center

Allison Chavez Gutierrez, Salter Lab

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

Eryc Rodriguez, Engineering Design Center

Ruth Lisbeth Salazar, Engineering Design Center

Elias Thomas, Engineering Design Center

Ilana Valenzuela, Engineering Design Center

FINN GERBER, team lead for Unpowered, High Lift-to Drag Hypersonics Projectile for Low Altitude Operations (Hyper-Shot), sponsored by Lockheed Martin

SPONSOR A CAPSTONE PROJECT

From startups to Fortune 500 companies, a varied group of sponsors benefits from this outstanding interdisciplinary academic program

RKFORCE

Teams of four to six 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.

2026 Design Day project presentations at b.link/DesignDay2026