SPRING DESIGN AWARDS

ANNIVERSARY

ROARING INTO

our

FRED AND HARRIET COX

SPRING

DESIGN

AWARDS

presented by

HOWARD R. HUGHES

COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

MAY 8

2020

SENIOR DESIGN EXPERIENCE

Part of every UNLV engineering student’s academic experience, the Senior Design project

stimulates engineering innovation and entrepreneurship. Each student in their senior year

chooses, plans, designs and prototypes a product in this required element of the curriculum.

Working in teams, the senior design project encourages students to use everything they learned

in their academic program to create a practical, real world solution to an engineering challenge.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

Because of the requirement to work in teams, students also build good communication skills,

presentation skills, and even business writing skills. They also have to source and purchase the

materials for the prototypes themselves, giving them real-world budgeting experience.

REWARD AND RECOGNITION

A team of industry judges choose winners in each category based on innovation, commercial

potential, presentation quality and sustainability. A cash first prize and second prize are given in

each discipline, as well as a grand prize. Through the generosity of patrons Fred and Harriet Cox

as well as award sponsors, the College of Engineering reimburses teams for the costs associated

with the creation of their prototype. This ensures that teams are not working under unfair financial

constraints, but have the resources they need to excel.

Fred and Harriet Cox

TAKING IT FURTHER

Senior Design teams are offered the opportunity to partner with MBA students from the Lee

Business School to create a business plan as part of the MBA curriculum. This collaboration has

led to great success at competitions such as: the Governor’s Cup, and the subsequent creation

of many successful businesses.

Students wanting to take their projects to the next level are offered support from UNLV’s Research

and Economic Development team to pursue a patent for their prototypes. Additionally,

engineering alumnus Chad Miller offers pro bono services to assist students in filing provisional

patents on Senior Design projects.

GET INVOLVED

Teams often get project ideas from industry partners or friends of engineering who have an

interesting problem or concept they would like to submit. Teams may also be looking for an

industry mentor or coach to help them throughout the year as they work on a project.

Industry partners and individuals are also offered the experience of sponsoring an award

category. To find out what categories are available, or for other sponsorship information, contact

Molly Marks, Director of Special Events, at molly.marks@unlv.edu or (702) 895-3281.

ThanK you To our generous sponsors!

mark and Carolyn

guidry

foundation

steve

and susan

philpott

the howe

foundation

evenT sponsors

shiroTriya family founDaTion

selma barTleTT

granD priZe

CaTegory sponsors

freD & harrieT CoX

ThanK you,

senior Design insTruCTors!

civil & environmental engineering & construction

dr. david James

comPuter science

dr. andreas stefik

electrical & comPuter engineering

dr. grzegorz ChmaJ (spring)

r. ming zhu (fall)

entertainment engineering & Design

dr. grzegorz ChmaJ (spring)

r. ming zhu (fall)

r. melissa morris (spring)

r. zhiyong wang (fall)

mechanical engineering

dr. melissa morris (spring)

r. zhiyong wang (fall)

Table of ConTenTs

Judges ................................................................................................................. 5-10

Projects

Civil and environmental engineering and ConstruCtion ......................................... 11

Computer sCienCe ................................................................................................... 17

eleCtriCal and Computer engineering ..................................................................... 26

entertainment engineering & design ........................................................................ 36

meChaniCal engineering ......................................................................................... 39

interdisCiplinary ...................................................................................................... 56

howard r. hughes College of engineering leadership ............................................ 60

unlv president’s Cabinet .......................................................................................... 60

howard r. hughes College of engineering advisory board ................................... 61

nevada system of higher eduCation board of regents ............................................ 61

College of engineering staff information ............................................................. 62

Spring 2020 Senior DeSign JuDgeS

WESTON ADAMS

President & CEO of Western States

Weston Adams is President and CEO of Western States Contracting, a vertically

integrated civil construction company located in North Las Vegas, NV. As a

licensed General Contractor and Developer in multiple states Weston has

completed projects in Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, Pennsylvania and

Wyoming. Mr. Adams was the Chief Construction and Facilities Officer for Core

Scientific, a leader in the AI and Blockchain industries, from 2018-2020. He holds a

Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Nevada Las Vegas and is an

active board member of the Young Presidents Organization.

TONY ANTONELLI

Artemis II Mission Director for the Orion Program

Tony Antonelli is the Artemis II Mission Director for the Orion Program within the Civil

Space line of business for Lockheed Martin Space. In this leadership role, he is

responsible for helping to synergize and expedite the human exploration strategy

through the development and integration of both science objectives and human

exploration goals. His efforts contribute to shaping a definitive path for sustainable

human missions to Mars.

Tony is a retired Navy Captain and former NASA Astronaut who has accumulated

over 4,700 flight hours in over 40 different kinds of aircraft and served as the pilot for two Space Shuttle

missions: STS-119 and STS-132. While serving at NASA, Tony’s leadership roles within the Astronaut Office

included the Space Launch System, Commercial Crew, Capsule Communicator (CAPCOM), and Space

Shuttle Propulsion.

As the Astronaut Office Lead for Space Shuttle Propulsion, Tony was responsible for all four project elements:

the External Tank, Space Shuttle Main Engines, Solid Rocket Motors, and Solid Rocket Boosters. In this

capacity, he held signature authority for Certification of Flight Readiness while evaluating impacts of various

design changes based on ground and in-flight anomalies, obsolescence, and planned upgrades.

He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the Massachusetts

Institute of Technology and a Master of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from the

University of Washington. He is also a Distinguished Graduate of the USAF Test Pilot School.

Tony has been honored with numerous awards, including a Defense Superior Service Medal, Defense

Meritorious Service Medal, two NASA Space Flight medals, a Navy Meritorious Service Medal, NASA

Exceptional Service Medal, and the NASA Return-to-Flight Award.

spring 2020 senior Design juDges

CARLOS BANCHIK, P.E.

President of Innova Technologies

Mr. Carlos Banchik, P.E., brings 30 years of experience in numerous transportation

systems, earth retention, drainage, and building structures. He founded Innova

Technologies in 2003. Through his work at Innova, Mr. Banchik has worked on

hospitality, commercial, health, residential and education projects.

Mr. Banchik initially represented VSL Corporation, an international post-tensioning

materials supplier. After eight years, he joined Carter-Burgess (now Jacobs Engineering)

where he in major transportation projects in the southwestern United States.

Mr. Banchik has knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic design requirements and operations.

He has been responsible for more than $10 million of design fees on projects with more than $800 million of

construction costs.

ANTHONY FIRMANI

Anthony Firmani’s recent role as Senior Vice president of Operations for Aristocrat, a

$5 B revenue global digital and land based gaming organization, he lead a team

of approximately 700 employees supporting all field services, supply planning,

purchasing, manufacturing and fulfillment. Formerly as Vice President of Global

Supply Chain, at Aristocrat he is responsible for the company’s demand and

supply planning, strategic sourcing, manufacturing and manufacturing quality.

Anthony has focused on building high performance teams, making operational

improvements in demand planning S&OP, new product introduction and

developing a culture of continuous improvement, and quality.

Prior to Aristocrat, Anthony’s earlier career included 10 years with BlackBerry where he rose to the position of

Senior Director of Strategic Sourcing, managing multiple global initiatives to support the growth of supply

chain and fulfillment around the world. Previously, at General Electric, he was a graduate of their Technical

Leadership Program (TLP).

Anthony holds an MBA in Strategy from Wilfrid Laurier University, where he graduated first in his class

receiving a Medal of Academic Excellence. In 2008, he received the Alumni Award of Distinction from

Wilfrid Laurier University. He also holds an Electrical Engineering Degree from Queen’s University, located in

Southern Ontario, Canada.

In February 2020 Anthony became an American Citizen and chose Henderson Nevada as his home, where

he focuses on life with his wife and their children. When not at the office, Anthony enjoys spending time

with his family, cooking, exploring every sport, and going to the shore. Anthony is a member of the advisory

board of the Howard Hughes School of Engineering where he is engaged in the mentoring and fundraising

subcommittees.

Spring 2020 Senior DeSign JuDgeS

JAMES “JIM” FRENCH

President of Panasonic R&D Company of America

James “Jim” French, is the president of Panasonic R&D Company of America

(PRDCA), a Division Company of Panasonic Corporation of North America. He has

been employed in various positions at Panasonic since 1995.

Currently, under his responsibility are R&D and innovation laboratories located in

Mountain View, California; Hollywood, California, Newark, New Jersey and Boston,

Massachusetts. Mr. French has been involved in many collaborative projects with

universities, start-up/venture companies and large Fortune 50 companies.

Prior to Panasonic worked at other high technology companies such as Litton Electronic Devices and

Teledyne. Mr. French has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Massachusetts/Dartmouth.

NORMAN MCCOMBS

Norman McCombs was born in Amherst New York in a home built by his immigrant

father. He graduated from Amherst Central High School, where he met his late

wife, Grace. Norman went on to earn an AASEE from ECTI, and a BA and an ScD in

mechanical engineering from State University New York at Buffalo while serving in

the New York Army National Guard.

Norman is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which

honored him with the EDISON Medal, their highest patent award. He has received

numerous other awards for technical achievement, including the National Medal

of Technology and Innovation from President Obama for developing the portable oxygen concentrator

credited with saving and extending the lives of millions with lung diseases. He has over 200 hundred patents

worldwide primarily for air separation technology used for a myriad of oxygen applications around the world.

Norman is also an Officer Commander of the Chaine des Rotisseurs, as well as a sculptor, classical guitarist,

and an avid fan of opera and the fine arts in general.

Spring 2020 Senior DeSign JuDgeS

GLENN NEAL

Founder and President of Locution Systems, Inc.

Glenn Neal, the founder and president of Locution Systems, Inc., is, quite literally, a

pioneer in the development of public safety alerting technology. In the early 1980s,

he was instrumental in developing an e-911 system for the City of Las Vegas, which

was the beginning of a national trend to link addresses with the incoming call.

Since then, Mr. Neal has worked for years to develop a new-generation, software-

centric dispatching/fire station alerting system which is now the most sophisticated

yet cost-effective public safety alerting system available.

As president of Locution Systems, Neal is responsible for overall company management, and for the

continuing research-and-development efforts in support of Locution Systems’ suite of public safety

dispatching and alerting systems. He has developed a series of products designed for use in emergency

communications centers and fire stations, as well as systems designed to alert fire/EMS workers located in

the field. Prior to founding Locution Systems in its current form in 1993, Neal developed public safety alerting

systems under his first company, GCN Electronics, Inc., which was formed in 1985.

After earning his Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the University of Nevada Las Vegas, Neal worked

as a digital design engineer for EG&G – where he supervised the development of a digital communication

network for a high-profile defense project. Next he as a design engineer for Tektronix/Colorado Data

Systems. In this role, he designed automated test equipment and was one of the authors of the VXI bus

specification, which ultimately became a communications standard for the instrument testing community.

In his spare time, Neal pursues a love of music through songwriting, playing acoustic guitar, and following

the offerings of rock and jazz musicians.

BENOIT NOEL

General Manager, Henderson TIMET plant, PCC group.

Benoit Noel started his career in the aerospace industry 25 year ago. He joined a

famous Industrial group in France and became specialist of various metal forming

technologies such as stretch forming, elastoforming and superplastic forming and

diffusion bonding for aircraft components.

He spent few years and in the US working as expatriate for industrial aerospace

companies. In 2007, he became export French counselor for the French

government, beside his aerospace career. He mentored several companies willing

to export or make business with the US. He was active member of the south east French-American chamber

of commerce.

Since 2019, he is managing Timet Henderson plant, unique US producer of titanium sponge for military and

civilian aerospace. Benoit has been with Timet for 10 years. He loves the American culture and as a pilot, he

is passionate of the aerospace US vintage aircraft. Benoit is part of the French Air Force reserve since 2018.

He did relocate to Nevada with his wife and their 3 children.

Spring 2020 Senior DeSign JuDgeS

GANESH KUMAR RAMACHANDRAN

Senior Manager, Scientific Games

Ganesh has extensive experience in leading all facets of product development

and bringing products to market across Gaming, Medical devices, industrial

and appliance domains in domestic and international markets. Ganesh has

led several complex large scale enterprise software and systems development

endeavors managing various functions and geographically dispersed multicultural

teams to successfully develop and launch various products in highly regulated

and unregulated industries. Ganesh has deep understanding of software design,

development, testing and delivery which he leverages to drive bottom line improving initiatives and

capitalize on revenue generating opportunities.

Ganesh started his career in a startup developing indigenous Microcontroller & DSP based energy efficient

control solutions for various products, and pioneered a low cost solution with potential savings of $1M. More

recently at Scientific Games, he played pivotal role in integrating software teams, assimilating software

development and test processes across different incoming brands during acquisitions, building high

performing capable and productive teams that consistently achieve and excel targets, leading overall

software quality initiatives, driving software process improvements and pioneering automation efforts.

Ganesh is an alumni of UNLV’s Lee Business School, graduating with an MBA and Master of Science

in Management Information Systems to complement his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering

from University of Madras (India). He is passionate about incrementally improving existing products and

building new products through data driven approach, nurturing an ecosystem of products and leveraging

technology to improve customer outcomes.

ASHISH RAINA

Ashish Raina is a marketing and strategy professional with more than 20 years of

experience. His experience includes strategic marketing, brand development,

corporate initiatives and alliance management accumulated from his roles at

leading technology companies like Capgemini, Kanbay, Mphasis and L&T Infotech.

Awarded “Marketing Officer of the Year 2016” by Corporate Vision Magazine.

Ashish earned his MBA in marketing (International Business) from SP Jain Institute

of Management, Mumbai, India and is a Production Engineering graduate of

Osmania University, India. He is also a certified alliance professional.

Spring 2020 Senior DeSign JuDgeS

KIM SCOTT

General Manager of Intrigue Shows, Inc. Celestia

Kim is the General Manager of Intrigue Shows, Inc. Celestia on the Las Vegas Strip

working with the top acts from America’s Got Talent. Managing the dynamics

of a 30,000 sq. ft immersive tent experience has added to her already diverse

operational skills. She also recently launched, KS Consulting; where she leverages

her skills in the development and implementation of strategies to enhance

performance, operational readiness, and efficiencies for theatre companies and

universities world-wide. She is committed to serving as a steward to early career

professionals and is a dedicated mentor to young women in the entertainment field.

Kim had a rewarding career with Cirque du Soleil, most recently as the Sr. Manager of Sourcing and

Partnerships She created and identified programs to support the technical sourcing needs and

collaborated with key organizations to provide insight and growth in the live entertainment industry. Kim

also managed the Cirque du Soleil productions KÀ, The Beatles LOVE and CRISS ANGEL BeLIEve. During her

tenure with Cirque du Soleil, she served as Director of Show Support for the Resident Shows Division and was

responsible for the conception and execution of the Educational Cooperative and the USITT Elite Training

Programs.

Kim is the National Treasurer of USITT and has served on the Board for over 10 years. She is also a Director at

Large for the Intermountain Desert Region of USITT and serves on the board of several university theatre and

entertainment engineering programs, worldwide.

Kim holds a BFA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and an MFA from the University of California-Irvine.

Prior to joining Cirque, Kim enjoyed a vibrant career in concert dance and musical theatre.

CLIFFORD L. WARNER

Chairman, Mycotoo

From earning his MFA at the Yale School of Drama, Cliff has been a leader in

themed entertainment for over 30 years, collaborating with some of the most

talented creative people in the entertainment industry. Cliff was one of the

founders of Thinkwell Group for which he served as CEO and Chairman for 10+

years. He has been an Executive Strategist and Producer for award-winning

projects around the world, including: PortAventura’s Templo Del Fuego, Warner Bros.

Studio Tour: The Making of Harry Potter, Motiongate and Bollywood Parks in Dubai,

Sesame Street Presents: The Body touring exhibit and many more projects for Universal Studios, Tokyo Disney

Sea, Walt Disney Entertainment, Harrah’s Entertainment, Six Flags and MGM Studios. He has managed the

strategic planning process in mixed-use commercial/residential developments, theatre, film, theme parks,

museums and location based entertainment.

DeparTmenT of Civil anD

nvironmenTal engineering anD

onsTruCTion projeCTs

DePartment chair

dr. saJJad ahmad

senior Design instructor

dr. david James

Blue DiamonD hwy. & jones intersection analysis

Project Participants

Jonathan Groppenbacher, Shanon Handley & Laura Sida

Instructor

Dr. David James

Faculty & Technical Advisor

Dr. Mohamed Kaseko

Problem Identified

In its current configuration, the intersection of Blue Diamond Hwy. and Jones Blvd. is incomplete.

The team seeks to reduce congestion on adjacent streets and reduce travel time. The intersection

also does not connect with S. Jones Blvd. to the north. Our project seeks to explore three design

alternatives that would connect S. Jones Blvd. to Blue Diamond Hwy., while providing the traffic

capacity needed for future growth in the area.

Current Solutions

The Clark County Department of Public Works (CCPW) is proposing to connect S. Jones Blvd. via

a bridge structure over the existing UPRR facility. These improvements would include grading to

match the grade of the existing intersection, construction of MSE walls, and modifications to the

signal at Blue Diamond Hwy.

Team’s Solution

We are proposing two possible alternatives, in addition to the CCPW’s. The first is to take Jones

Blvd. off its current alignment and shift it to the west, in order to avoid having to construct a bridge

over the UPRR facility. The benefit of this alternative is that it avoids the UPRR facility entirely, as

well as the necessity of constructing a bridge. The second is to bring Jones Blvd. up and over Blue

Diamond Hwy. as an interchange with eastbound and westbound ramps. The main benefit of this

alternative is that it would remove the at-grade intersection entirely, and eliminate delay on Blue

Diamond Hwy at this location.

Branching out of the Boring

Project Participants

Austin Brooks & Acer Melo

Instructor

Dr. David James

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Samaan Ladkany

Problem Identified

The project seeks to solve the issue of non-aesthetically pleasing bridge and overpass columns.

Although old concrete columns still work, the project seeks to determine if a column that is more

visually appealing will have sufficient capacity to withstand the live and dead loads associated

with freeway overpasses, and whether or not they will be sufficient when impacted with wind, rain

and seismic activity.

Current Solutions

The current market in Las Vegas shows that columns are made out of reinforced concrete. These

columns have been circular, tapered and octagonal to name a few. Tree-like column designs

have been implemented in other locations; however, they have not supported loads from a

roadway.

Team’s Solution

The team’s solution is to implement a tree-like column design to support structures. The goal is

to provide the same amount of support for the roadway, while improving the aesthetics of the

structures. When visitors arrive in Las Vegas, what they see in infrastructure is a lot of concrete. Our

solution of more visually appealing columns will add some joy to structures in Las Vegas, which is

known as the city of lights and entertainment. Additionally, it will give Las Vegas locals a feeling of

excitement about not seeing concrete all the time.

grey water system 2.0

Project Participants

Ataklti Abay & Dann Laurence Goze

Instructor

Dr. David James

Faculty Advisors

Dr. Jaci Batista, Dr. Haroon Stephen

& Dr. Erica Marti

Technical Advisors

Dr. Kazi Tamaddun & Najia Yasmeen

Community Advisor

Dr. Kazi Tamaddun

Problem Identified

Based on the SNWA, about 30% of potable water is being consumed through showers and hand

sinks. while 24% of the total potable water for indoor use is being consumed through flushing

water in toilets. A huge portion of this 54% could be reused in other purposes (irrigation, water

display, etc.) to maximize the use of potable water.

Current Solutions

There are water-saving toilets that flush almost half the amount of water as a typical toilet.

Additionally, some of the newer buildings/infrastructures in Las Vegas have water-reuse systems

that recycle greywater, but they are costly to maintain and operate.

Team’s Solution

The prototype (Grey Water System 2.0) will be more efficient, economical, user-friendly, and

sustainable compared to the water reuse systems currently on the market. The maintenance and

operation of our prototype will be simple and easy to use, as it will not require a trained person to

operate it. Our system will require minimal power/energy to operate, use simple and cost effective

parts, and be much more budget friendly to build, compared to current items in the market.

guatemala schoolhouse

Project Participants

Mary Grace Aldave, Bernardo Espinoza

& Milady Ramirez

Instructor

Dr. David James

Faculty Advisors

Dr. Nader Ghafoori & Deborah Oakley

Technical Advisor

David Turner

Community Advisor

Dr. Erica Marti

Problem Identified

By building a three-classroom school building in the community of El Cebollín, Guatemala, the

community will have greater access to elementary education. With the new building, more

students will get an education and the community will thrive because of this new building.

Current Solutions

There is currently a one-room school built at the location where the project will take place. The

present classroom was built from wood by the community out of necessity. This one-room school

currently accommodates six elementary grades.

Team’s Solution

The team proposes a new design that will endure the weather and seismic activity of Guatemala.

The materials used will be cost efficient, durable, and high strength to endure dead loads, live

loads, wind loads, seismic loads, and rainfall. The timber that was used by the community will not

hold in the case of an earthquake, making it unsafe; the team will follow Guatemala’s building

codes to provide a safe and long-lasting structure. This schoolhouse can also be used for

community events and may become a meeting spot after earthquake damage to community

homes. The design will consist of three rooms, an office, and a playground. The six grades at the

school can alternate between the three classrooms, rather than having one classroom shared

between the six grades. There is also currently a kitchen that was built by the community; however

it is made out of timber and there is no ventilation. Therefore, the team will additionally design a

kitchen with the appropriate materials, design, and ventilation.

wetlanD in-channel treatment system for Pittman

wash, henDerson

Project Participants

Tyler Hill, Meghan Lehto & Yesika Otano-Alonso

Instructor

Dr. David James

Faculty Advisors

Dr. Jaci Batista & Dr. Haroon Stephen

Community Advisor

Suzanne Trabia

Problem Identified

Pittman Wash is an unmaintained, naturally occurring wetlands located in Henderson, NV. Excess

vegetation growth poses a potential fire hazard to the surrounding residential community, and

creates a habitat for unwanted wildlife, such as mosquitoes and rats. The City of Henderson also

lacks easy access to the site in order to maintain utilities in the area. The dry runoff flow of the

Wash also introduces contaminants, such as nitrate, phosphate, salts, and heavy metals, to the

Las Vegas Wash, located downstream.

Current Solutions

Currently, the City of Henderson has a series of management criteria considerations to provide

for public health and safety. These considerations include meeting federal, state, and local

regulatory requirements. The Southern Nevada Health District has been conducting mosquito

monitoring and surveillance in the Las Vegas Valley since 2004. It is also the responsibility of the

community to maintain the wash.

Team’s Solution

The team’s solution is to implement a constructed wetland at the site. This solution will greatly

improve the Wash’s dry runoff water quality and prevent invasive flora from growing. This solution

will also incorporate recreational trails that will better involve the surrounding community. The

design will meet the hydrological demand criteria for the existing drainage facility located in

the Wash during flooding events. The design will also facilitate sewer access for maintenance

purposes.

DeparTmenT of CompuTer sCienCe

rojeCTs

DePartment chair

dr. sidkazem taghva

senior Design instructor

dr. andreas stefik

alienation

Project Participants

Tristan Ayala, Bryan Barajas, Deirdre Chong,

Brandon Coffman, Aaron Gregorio, Sabrina Hollick,

Lerry Logan, Shawn Merritt & Rene Villarreal

Instructor

Dr. Andreas Stefik

Problem Identified

We want to provide accessible entertainment through video games that will give everyone that

plays it the same experience. We want the visually impaired, hearing impaired, and any other

disabled people to have the same gaming experience as people without disabilities.

Current Solutions

There are many games that already offer built-in accessible features. Solutions for current

accessible games are screen readers, audio feedback, and haptic feedback.

Team’s Solution

Our implementation of an accessible game will add a new experience, not offered in today’s

existing accessible games. We are not going to create our video game for a specific group of

disabled people, but rather consider all people with respect to their disabilities. Our solution is

better because we will directly incorporate our accessibility features as core mechanics of the

gameplay, rather than providing them as options. This will create a game that does not allow a

player to have a drastically different experience than another player, despite any disabilities they

might have.

all terrain

Project Participants

Francesca Balgoyen, Paul Barker, Dominique Cardenas,

Austin Downing, Natalie Downing, Kyle Hastings,

Cindy Heng, Brian Herrera, Jason Kreitz,

Christopher Lively, Jason Maurer & Haley Merrill

Instructor

Dr. Andreas Stefik

Problem Identified

The Quorum programming language was originally designed to help blind and visually impaired

students learn to program more easily. Its ease-of-use has allowed other students in high schools

across the United States to learn programming as well. While Quorum has libraries to help

developers to create programs and games, it does not have a terrain generator. Our team will

build one for use within the Quorum development environment.

Current Solutions

There are other terrain generators such as World-Machine, Worldpainter, L3DT, and more available

in the market. These applications are not, however, accessible to the blind or visually impaired.

There are also no other terrain generators that integrate directly with the Quorum Programming

Language.

Team’s Solution

Our solution is better, as it will integrate directly with the Quorum development environment. Our

terrain generator will allow users to create terrain that will also interact with the Physics3D library

built into Quorum. This will add another tool in would-be junior-developers pack as they learn to

bring their ideas to reality.

chari

Project Participants

Michelle Buslon, Om Chaudhari, Hamin Choi,

Aurelio Ceejay Guiking, Luwam Hailu,

Ricardo Martinez & Ou Xi

Instructor

Dr. Andreas Stefik

Problem Identified

Our project seeks to solve the problem of making charity donations accessible, by allowing spare

change to be donated to the charity of one’s choosing. Our charity search feature will allow

people to search for a charity and donate easily, as opposed to visiting multiple websites.

Current Solutions

There is already an app called Acorns that uses the spare change feature to be donated to their

portfolio, but it is more of an investment app. There is also a charity searching feature called

Charity Navigator, but it only lets people search for charities, and then links them directly to their

chosen charity. There is another app called Charity Miles that lets a person donate based on the

amount miles they run. All of these apps are only part of a solution, and our design for this project

is to combine it into one app.

Team’s Solution

The main purpose of our project is to help make charity donations more accessible. There are

no current solutions that solely do this. The round-up feature from Acorns, the charity search

feature from Charity Navigator, and the application from Charity Miles have their own solutions.

A combination of these features will make donating more streamlined, without donors having to

worry about numerous links. We will make our UI interface easy to navigate through, and make

sure the round-up feature is implemented for donation. Other preexisting charity apps, along

with ours, have sharing on social media features and milestone features for users’ incentive and

psychological rewards. We’re taking a further step to reach a larger audience and encourage

them by allowing either a points feature or a sweepstakes, so that our app gives users more

incentives than other competing charity apps.

chorD crisis

Project Participants

Justin-Chadd Alasco, Joshua Arber, Aeren Dempsey,

Kaleb Johnsonbaugh, Austin Merrick, Nicholas Miller,

Bryant Pochop, Bryan Takemoto & Aaron Winkler

Instructor

Dr. Andreas Stefik

Faculty Advisors

Malou Broder & Tera Eden

Problem Identified

Chord Crisis looks to expand and improve on current iterations of games in the rhythm genre.

Currently, many rhythm games have limited music availability and social sharing capability. Chord

Crisis provides a wider selection of musical genres through music streaming, which in turn attracts

larger audiences. Additionally, Chord Crisis supports a social networking component to encourage

sharing and community participation.

Current Solutions

Today’s market contains numerous rhythm games for both desktop and mobile platforms with

varying feature sets. osu! is a desktop-exclusive game that features tap and drag-like gestures,

which allows for the use of both user-uploaded music and maps. BEAT MP3 for YouTube is a

mobile-exclusive game that features tap and swipe gestures that auto-generates maps for songs

streamed from YouTube, as well as the user’s mobile device. Cytus is a mobile-exclusive game

that features a tap, hold, drag, and swipe gestures, but has no support for user-created content.

Team’s Solution

Chord Crisis is available cross-platform, using Unity’s WebGL module. Music streaming through a

third-party API allows for a large spectrum of music to be played on user-created maps. A built-

in map editor gives players room for creativity and replay-ability. The supporting website also

allows users to share, find, and rate user created content. Chord Crisis appeals to both users new

to the genre, and experienced rhythm game players seeking to enjoy music through a unique

experience, as well as connect with others.

DivesPorts

Project Participants

Janiel Venice Abad, Meisam Ardebiliha, Josiah Canlapan,

Reinhart Fagel, Julie Jeon, Anthony Reed

& Brian Wong

Instructor

Dr. Andreas Stefik

Problem Identified

Our project seeks to serve people who like to casually play sports in their free time. The application

will allow users to easily find other people with similar sports interests in their geographical areas.

It can also assist beginners in finding other new players who might want to practice together. The

user interface will cater to those who seek simplicity.

Current Solutions

In the current market, there are apps like Find A Player, BuddyUp, and OpenPlay. However, much

of the competing software have interfaces that date back to 2014, and others lack a steady user

bases. Additionally, the sports meet-up software that we came across in our research did not have

map functions to help the users visualize where events take place, which poses a difficulty when

they want to join a nearby game.

Team’s Solution

Many of the applications we have inspected did not include maps which helps users visualize

upcoming sports events in the area. Our application will benefit those who prefer visualization,

which is a straightforward way to display information. It will be convenient for users to either find a

quick partner to practice and improve with, or to find a friend with the same hobby. Our solutions

is also accessible on every platform; since it is a web application, any device with a web browser

and access to the internet can use it. Schools can also easily use the web application for sports

team and intramural practices.

eZtheraPy

Project Participants

Michael Calderon, Christopher Lewis, Francis Palispis,

V Perumal, Vinh Pham, Joanna Saguid

& Julian Shermis

Instructor

Dr. Andreas Stefik

Problem Identified

We look to address three areas associated with physical therapy: cost, location, and expense.

Patients find challenges associated with maintaining enough insurance coverage to see a

physical therapist and receive guided help on exercises regularly. Additionally, patients with

mobility issues may have difficulty getting to their physical therapist’s office regularly to conduct

exercises. Our project wants to make it easier for patients to maintain exercises while at home.

Patient non-compliance with physical therapy is a major barrier to rehabilitation. Adding a

gameplay incentive will motivate patients to increase the time spent in therapy and increase the

likelihood of starting a therapy session.

Current Solutions

Neuro Rehab VR, KineQuantum SAS, and Gonio VR are three virtual reality products for physical

therapy. These three products have been developed through the collaboration of medical

professionals and computer scientists. These solutions feature the gamification of VR exercises,

making therapy sessions more enjoyable, providing therapeutic benefits to the client, and

meeting therapists’ expectations.

Team’s Solution

The current products on the market make therapeutic exercises more fun and interesting for

patients. However, one factor that can be improved upon is making our product more easily

available for individual patients by partnering with providers to give options for the rental and/or

purchase of software and hardware to clients. This will make physical therapy more fun and easy

to access while at home. Our team can fill the niche of making physical therapy more accessible

to individual patients by focusing on in-home training through the use of virtual coaches, and

mini games, along with virtual training instruction and exercises that can be done safely without

the supervision of a therapist. Unlike other similar products, ours will have lower body exercises

available, and a virtual coach to make assistance with training more user friendly.

mathematic online chatting weBsite (mcw)

Project Participants

Yu Chen, Julie Colgan, Even Eberhardt,

Jiaxin Sheng, Il Stickell, Chen Tong,

Xinyu Wang & Junyan Zhu

Instructor

Dr. Andreas Stefik

Problem Identified

There is currently a lack of math chatting websites with math symbols that users can easily

type to chat with others. There are few public chat rooms for different math topics or subjects,

where people can communicate without knowing each other. This leads to difficulty creating

connections between students and their math teachers/tutors.

Current Solutions

There are websites where people can create private chat rooms to communicate on different

topics; however, they do not allow participants to use specific math symbols. Some of the

websites allows users to input math symbols, but they cannot use those symbols throughout their

chatting sessions.

Team’s Solution

Our team is creating a math chatting website that can provide a math symbol keyboard and

math formulas for participants to use while chatting about math problems. It provides public

chat rooms for users to find their related math subjects or their schools. Additionally, the users can

create private chat rooms to chat about math with their friends or their teachers. Moreover, they

can search for a particular tutor who can help them with their math problems. The people who will

benefit from this are students, math teachers, math tutors, and mathematicians.

Parkinn

Project Participants

Kyle Aquino, Leonardo Batista, Lichelle Mae Gaerlan,

John Hanifzai, Marian Hristov, Daee Kang,

Stanko Knezevic, William Lu & Alexis Olaes

Instructor

Dr. Andreas Stefik

Problem Identified

ParkInn seeks to automate common services that most self-service parking offers. We plan to

create virtual representations of parking lots that show real time parking availability. Other services,

such as reserving parking or permit parking, will also be included.

Current Solutions

We have found three companies that implement parking reservation system: AirGarage, Parkalot,

and SpotHero. These companies allow users to either purchase or reserve parking spaces. One

provides a map of areas where parking is available, while the other two do not.

Team’s Solution

ParkInn plans to focus on designing a system that will allow businesses to create virtual

representation of their parking lots. These parking lot maps will reflect real-time parking availability.

Users will be able to see the lots, and the task of reserving a parking space will be done

automatically, either through a web browser or mobile app. Businesses will be able to automate

other features commonly found in parking lots such as parking enforcement hours, pricing for

reservations/permits, or even changes in parking availability. The other available solutions either do

not provide graphical representations of their lots or limit the representation to a general location,

rather than showing individual parking spots. Further, the other parking services available are not

completely automated, with options such as reserving parking spaces. Businesses using ParkInn

will not need to manually approve reservations, as that will be done when a user requests a

reservation.

DeparTmenT of eleCTriCal anD

ompuTer engineering projeCTs

DePartment chair

dr. biswaJit das

senior Design instructor

dr. grzegorz ChmaJ

ai fooD Quality control

Project Participants

Darryl Derico, Morgan Kiger

& Brian West

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Venkatesan Muthukumar

Problem Identified

Currently restaurants do not have the means to test meat in a timely manner to see if it is still

sellable and healthy for consumption. Our project is trying to test the validity of using multispectral

sensors and machine learning to improve the accuracy of determining if food is edible or not.

Current Solutions

MyFoodSniffer is a handheld device that is inserted into meat packaging and determines if the

meat is good or bad using gas sensors.

Team’s Solution

Our project aims to be better than current market solutions by not requiring constant user

attention, being able to expand into more food types, and by providing readings quicker. We aim

to accomplish these goals by using a stand rather than having a handheld device, not using gas

sensors which is specific to meat, and by using more power computing solutions. We hope that

this project will benefit commercial and home kitchens.

BusBot

Project Participants

Pouya Eslami, Cody McDonald,

Jacob Patrick Reed & Biniam Zerai

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Venkatesan Muthukumar

Problem Identified

The BusBot is a novel solution for the restaurant industry to assist in dealing high guest traffic. As a

restaurant experiences an increased number of guests, the quality of guest service may diminish.

BusBot can alleviate this issue by assisting restaurant servers in completing their duties, by running

food to tables and taking used dishes to the dish pit. When a restaurant is at a high capacity,

BusBot will help decrease workload for employees, and increases table turnover.

Current Solutions

The most similar solution found in the current market is a robot named Penny by Bear Robotics. This

robot can run food and drinks to tables, as well as bus the tables. Other solutions are small-track

robots that move from the kitchen to tables along the tops of short walls, but this type of robot

can only run food.

Team’s Solution

Our solution is better than current solutions because it will not only run food and bus tables, but

also feature guest call-button capability. BusBot is better than the track robots because it can do

more, due to its ability to bus tables. BusBot’s true competitor is Penny because they are similar in

function. However, our solution will be able to carry a bigger load, as well as have more versatility

in the types of dishes it can carry. We envision our solution to be a cheaper alternative, which will

be able to accomplish just as much as its more expensive competitors.

comBat swimmer Data recorDer

Project Participants

Bradley Bace, Guillermo Galvez

& Ivan Soto

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Technical Advisor

Dr. Venkatesan Muthukumar

Problem Identified

Military combat swimmers train in an environment of significant physiological stress. Very little

useful data that indicates how swimmers perform is collected during operator training. The United

States Special Operations Forces (USSOF) is becoming an AI/data-driven organization, and is

interested in learning about sensors that can be used to collect information about soldiers.

Current Solutions

Current market solutions vary in features, which makes it difficult to use one device, and are

expensive as well. One solution is the Ariadna Diver Positioning System (DIPS), which is priced

similarly to high-tier dive computers, costing around one thousand dollars. Other devices on the

market only allow for the recording of a few desired parameters.

Team’s Solution

The Combat Swimmer Data Recorder integrates the USSOF’s most desired parameters into a

single unit for use by a pair of soldiers. The device will log the time of a dive, as well as the desired

positional data. The unit will use a GPS, gyroscope, and an accelerometer in conjunction for

positional data, and an Android application to log the data from a dive, which can be received

through Bluetooth.

interactive vest

Project Participants

Victor Martinez, Saul Mendoza

& Ricky Perez

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Emma Regentova

Problem Identified

The Interactive Vest is designed as a quality of life improvement device that, which when used in

conjunction with a walking stick, allows those with visibility issues to have more independence. The

target for this device is for individuals that live alone or want to have the freedom of being alone

in their homes.

Current Solutions

There are a couple of different option available in the market, which include walking sticks and

ultra-sonic walking sticks.

Team’s Solution

The product includes sensors that are laid across the vest, and when the user is approaching an

obstacle, they provide haptic feedback depending the proximity of that obstacle. This feedback

will give the user enough time to either change direction, or determine if they will only com into

partial contact with the obstacle.

keyless entry Door (keD)

Project Participants

Adrian Ruiz & Bryan Takemoto

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Brendan Morris

Problem Identified

Our project aims to increase the security of a user’s home by allowing the user to unlock the front

door. If the door is broken down, Keyless Entry Door (KED) will notify the user. We wish to implement

our project with courier services like Amazon to allow the courier to drop the package inside the

user’s house.

Current Solutions

Currently there are a number of smart doorbells on the market. Many of these products allow for

two-way communication and streaming.

Team’s Solution

Our project unlocks the user’s door which adds convenience for the user. This could allow the user

with their hands full or a disabled to person open the door. This project also allows other people,

such as friends and family, to enter the user’s home if the user is not there. This is done using the

included keypad, which allows people to enter in passcodes.

motor-Driven laser alignment station

Project Participants

Francisco Mata Carlos

& James Skelly

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. R. Jacob Baker

Community Advisor

Dr. Todd Meyrath

Problem Identified

Lasers are used in an ever-expanding range of applications, from range-finding systems to laser

surgery equipment, and from classroom laser pointers to a soldier’s rifle-mount aim assist. All

laser beams are created using two main components: a laser diode and a lens. Standing alone,

a laser diode emits light in all directions, and the lens is used to focus the light emitted by the

diode onto a certain point. For the perfect beam to be produced, precise alignment of the lens is

required.

Current Solutions

Laser lens alignment is performed manually by technicians every day at laser manufacturing

facilities, but manual alignment is a tedious process. The alignment of a single lens can take up to

a minute or more, and the technician who performs the alignment only has control over one axis

of motion. It is also relatively unsafe to align laser lenses manually. Stray light from a laser (or even

more dangerous, stray light from an infrared or invisible laser) can be very powerful, and thus, very

harmful to the human eye.

Team’s Solution

The 3D Laser Lens Alignment Station is a software-operated machine which will automatically

align a lens with a laser diode to produce a laser that is product-ready. The station will consist of

three stepper motors, which will align the lens per feedback from an image processing unit. This

unit will be driven by an algorithm which will monitor the current shape, position, and intensity of

the beam, and command the motors to adjust the position of the lens accordingly. Compared

to current market solutions, the 3D Laser Lens Alignment Station offers much higher efficiency,

sufficient range of motion in X, Y, and Z directions, and can be enclosed for safety purposes.

seeBlik (unDerwater oPtical communication

system)

Project Participants

Shadden Abdalla, Bryan Kerstetter

& David Santiago

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. R. Jacob Baker

Technical Advisors

Dr. R. Jacob Baker & Angusman Roy

Problem Identified

We live in a world of information and expect wireless high-speed communication everywhere.

Even today, there are areas where such high-speed wireless communication is completely

absent. One such area is under water. Our project, SeeBlik, seeks to provide high-speed wireless

communication under water.

Current Solutions

Today, two main solutions exist: VLF (Very Low Frequency) RF communication and communication

by wire. The problem with VLF RF communication is the data transfer rate is extremely slow. VLF

can only provide data transfer rates up to about 300 bits per second. The second solution is to

have a wire that provides a communication link from a boat to a submarine. Wired connection

provides much greater data transfer speeds, but at the cost of mobility.

Team’s Solution

SeeBlik seeks to solve the issue of wireless high-speed underwater communication by creating

a high-speed underwater optical communication system. The hardware we have designed can

be implemented to create such a system. Our hardware consists of two essential components: a

laser transmitter and an optical receiver. The transmitter contains a microcontroller that encodes

data onto a modulated blue (450nm) laser beam. A photodetector on the receiver will then

receive the optical signal, and the received signal will then be decoded by a microcontroller.

SeeBlik will provide data transfer rates into the tens of thousands of bits per second. Our product

will provide a service that government agencies, the military, and marine companies need: a

product that gives them the ability to communicate under water at high speeds.

smart Parking lot system BaseD on lorawan

Project Participants

Yuan Dao & Lihao Qiu

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Mei Yang

Technical Advisor

Binayak Tiwari

Problem Identified

We observed that sometimes it is hard for people to park their cars in a large parking area. This

motivated us to develop a smart parking lot to help users find an available parking lot easily. The

system will help people quickly park their cars and improve their efficiency on daily basis.

Current Solutions

In the current market, there are several smart parking lot systems. Existing products use Wi-Fi to

transmit data, requiring the use of Wi-Fi access points, and consuming a lot of power. Another

problem of the existing sensor nodes is the large size, which makes them inconvenient to install

and increases power consumption.

Team’s Solution

The major objective of the proposed system is to lower the power consumption and miniaturize

the size of the sensor node by designing a customized PCB board to host all function modules.

As the smart parking lot system does not require high data bandwidth, LoRaWAN is perfect for our

system, with low power consumption and a long communication range. The LoRa node can run

on a battery for year, and the cost of a LoRa enabled sensor node is low, so our system can help

the manager save a lot of money.

smart shower system

Project Participants

Chris Barr, David Flores

& Jett Guerrero

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Venkatesan Muthukumar

Problem Identified

The project seeks to solve water shortages by creating a solution to reduce water waste. The

Smart Shower System’s goal is to reduce the amount of water consumption during the showering

process.

Current Solutions

There are two companies with similar devices in the current market, Moen and Kohler. The

products made by these two companies focus on luxury and convenience for the user, not on

water conservation. These devices can output specific water temperature as requested by the

users, as well as pause the water’s flow.

Team’s Solution

The Smart Shower System can also output water’s temperature as requested by the user, as well

as pause the water’s flow. However, there are additional functionalities in our project, such as: a

display that shows the amount of water used in gallons during the shower; a timer that times how

long a user has been showering; touch screen display as opposed to buttons with the other two

products; and the ability to stream music using Bluetooth. The Smart Shower System will benefit

new to future homes, hotels, and apartments, as well as homeowners that would like to have this

technology in their current homes.

DeparTmenT of enTerTainmenT

ngineering & Design projeCTs

senior Design instructors

dr. grzegorz ChmaJ

dr. melissa morris

fall arrest victim rescue system (favrs)

Project Participants

Tristan Galario & Jeremy Klein

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty & Technical Advisor

Mike Genova

Problem Identified

Fall arrest is the form of fall protection that involves safely stopping a person who is already falling

through the use of safety lanyards, harnesses, and anchor points. After falling, the lanyard stops

the victim from hitting the ground, but leaves the victim in the air and in need of rescue. The

longer a victim is suspended in their harness, the more likely suspension trauma will set in, which

can be fatal in as little as 10 minutes. FAVRS aims to reduce the time of rescue in a fall arrest

rescue situation, while simultaneously simplifying the rescue procedure.

Current Solutions

There are currently no solutions in today’s market that aim to reduce rescue time. While there

are devices to aid in fall arrest rescues, there are none like our project for this type of situation. A

device that works similarly to the FAVRS is the Petzl Croll; however, this device is limited to rope and

cannot be used on safety lanyards.

Team’s Solution

This team’s solution to this problem is a device that clamps onto the lanyard of the person who

has fallen. The device will bite into the lanyard and allow the rescuer to release the victim from

their anchor. Through a pulley system, the fall victim will be lowered to the floor. This is better than

current solutions because many rescues that this device will be used for require the rescuer to

rappel. This device will reduce the time necessary for a rescue, since a person who has fallen

will not typically survive longer than 10 minutes. Anyone who is in a situation where fall arrest

is required will benefit from this design. A few examples where fall arrest is required include

construction, window washing, and live entertainment. This device will save lives.

sProut scout

Project Participant

Nicole Furushiro

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Michael Genova

Problem Identified

Plant care can be challenging for the average, unexperienced plant owner. Maintaining a regular

watering schedule, properly measuring the amount of water provided, and ensuring the plant gets

enough sunlight are the most common obstacles a plant owner must overcome. Sprout Scout

aims to reduce the confusion and make owning a plant fun. It turns the average house plant into

a virtual plant with a straightforward care routine.

Current Solutions

Most solutions on the market simply use sensors to detect moisture and light, thus providing

feedback when the plant is over or under-watered, or exposed to light. Another solution is a

pot that integrates these sensors and provides feedback on a digital screen. This feedback is

displayed as an 8-bit face where its emotions show what the plant needs.

Team’s Solution

Current systems simply tell the owner when to add water or light, and fail to make it entertaining.

Sprout Scout makes owning a plant more like owning a pet, in that it is interactive. The closest

system on the market to Sprout Scout limits the user to one size pot, which only comes in two

different colors. Sprout Scout works with any pot, thus allowing the owner to choose his/her/their

own pot and to repot the plant as it grows.

DeparTmenT of meChaniCal

ngineering projeCTs

DePartment chair

dr. brendan o’toole

senior Design instructor

dr. melissa morris

3D PrinteD fiBer oPtic feeDthrough reDesign

Project Participant

Alexander Sudderth

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Alexander Barzilov

Problem Identified

Gas guns have unique capabilities in the vast array of ways they can create and capture data.

With the creation of 3d printers the opportunities are endless, and this is seen in the field of

fiber optic diagnostics, which is used for data analysis on different types of experiments from

velocimetry to displacement analysis. With highly accurate printed feedthroughs, the user can

print, epoxy, and install custom fiber optic feedthroughs for each shot. The goal is to create and

develop a fully-pledged, universal fiber optic feedthrough that allows high fiber count and custom

capabilities to each customer.

Current Solutions

Current fiber-optic feedthroughs are designed out of a variety of non-ferrite metals, and are

usually difficult to use, as they provide reduced bandwidth and pass-through channels. Fiber-

optic feedthroughs are very important for gas guns, to allow for the ability to collect data based

on projectiles. The problem with making a one-off metal feedthrough is that they are prohibitively

expensive and require long lead times. Quite often, they do not meet the needs of customers,

in that they were not designed correctly, since they are mostly one-off designs for a specific

experiment.

Team’s Solution

The new concept allows for up to eight jacket ribbons, or nine three mm jacketed multimode complex

cables, based on the experiment. This can provide scientists with up to 96 channels of data. With an

overall dimension of this design that is three inches tall by two inches in diameter, it will be a class

leader in data transmission. Using a ¾ NPT thread allows the printed piece to resist pressure and

have a greater surface area when connecting to the gun. It also has the ability for an optional metal

conduit connected to the outside of the feedthrough, which allows the team to protect the ﬁber from

the type of careless damage that is seen every day. Based on the current solutions, this design could

save companies hundreds to thousands of dollars depending on their needs.

artemis sPear

Project Participants

Thomas Ackerman, Behzad Feda, Allen Izquierdo,

Jeffrey Prezgay, Benjamin Sanidad & Victor Shamanaev

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Technical Advisor

Dr. Yi-Tung Chen

Problem Identified

This project seeks to solve the water needs during extended space exploration by producing water

in-situ. Water is needed for many purposes for long-term explorative missions, but it is not feasible

to bring enough water from Earth. Until this problem is solved, we will be limited to short-term

space missions.

Current Solutions

Currently, the market has no solution to this problem. Some companies like Honeybee Robotics

are designing drill systems that are able to penetrate a regolith of unknown composition and

hardness to reach ice. The ice extraction is being tested to understand how this process could be

done in space.

Team’s Solution

The team’s solution is to use a rotary-percussive drill to penetrate a planet’s surface. Once ice is

encountered, a heating probe will be inserted into the drilled hole to both melt ice and pump

water up to the surface at the same time. The water is heated as it is removed, pumped back

down into the ice to increase the rate of melting, and then filtered after a sufficient volume of

water has been extracted. Future space exploration missions will benefit from such drilling systems

because they will produce water in-situ, which is essential for both transportation and survival.

Dolly safety system

Project Participants

Jake Hill, Chase Kessler

& Brandon Ortiz

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Brendan O’Toole

Problem Identified

Current dolly (hand truck) systems do not have a failsafe in the event of the loss of control on a

slope. This project intends to solve that problem by providing a ratchet to prevent rollback on

slopes. This will allow someone who is handling heavy loads on a dolly to either regain control or

move out of the way, providing a factor of safety to a potentially unsafe device.

Current Solutions

Older patents exist for dolly safety systems, but have expired. Other than those, there are no viable

products on the market that fulfill the goal of increasing safety.

Team’s Solution

As stated, no dolly systems have a failsafe in the event of rollback. The proposed solution will

benefit any individual who handles large loads on dollies, whether it be warehouse workers moving

product, students transporting a large project, or anything in between. The completed iteration of

our solution (beyond the prototype) is intended to be aftermarket installable and low cost, allowing

commercial viability to existing dolly users.

lacus: clean water initiative

Project Participants

Matthew Moore, Jacob Pittman

& Dorian Valdivia

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Yi-Tung Chen

Problem Identified

Many communities across the world lack access to affordable clean water. Water is needed

for hydration, food production, hygiene, and energy. Access to clean water is a basic human

necessity.

Current Solutions

Current solutions for clean water production include expensive filtration systems, chemical

additives, and desalination, as well as the shipment of outside water sources to developing

communities.

Team’s Solution

The LACUS initiative will utilize solar energy to distill dirty or brackish water into clean purified water.

The solar energy will be collected by parabolic solar collectors that will not need any outside

power source. This makes the LACUS device well suited for developing countries where access to

clean water is often scarce. An individual LACUS device is designed to be simple, rugged, and

durable to endure a large variety of conditions including weather and mechanical failures. The

device is easy to use and does not require any advanced training.

large scale PiPe insertion assemBly

Project Participant

Erik Brown

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Georg Mauer

Problem Identified

The large-scale pipe insertion assembly allows for measuring or cleaning devices to be inserted

into a large hollow object, such as a cylindrical pipe, using one or fewer operators, with high

efficiency and repeatability. In certain applications, the large hollow object and the device

cannot be touched in fear of contamination or destruction. This insertion assembly would have

minimal surface contact and interference.

Current Solutions

The current solutions for measurement include sliding a bore gauge all the way down the pipe or

using a laser scanner that is inserted and steadied by pulling it through and locking it into stands

on either side of a pipe. The current solution for cleaning is an operator spraying it down with a

hose.

Team’s Solution

This pipe assembly solution is superior to the bore gauge or the traditional laser scanner

placement because it is repeatable and quicker. Instead of manually pulling a device through a

pipe for each measurement, this assembly will be pushed and locked along a track. This allows

for an assembly line measurement. This assembly is also superior to cleaning a pipe with a hose

because an automated sprayer nozzle can be placed on this assembly.

longBoarD Brake system

Project Participants

Jalec Canlapan, Robin Pedro

& Darshan Shetty

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Woosoon Yim

Problem Identified

It is difficult for the rider of a longboard to control their speed without having to remove their feet from

the board itself. Currently if riders need to make emergency stops, they have to leap off the board,

possibly causing harm to themselves or others.

Current Solutions

Currently, there is an option where a rider can push down on a lever, and a bar falls to the ground to

create friction and slow the board down. An invention currently in the kick-starter stage requires the

rider to re-adjust their lag foot to apply pressure on a pad, which in turn slows the wheels down.

Team’s Solution

Our team’s solution is to create a brake system that can be controlled via a wireless remote in the

rider’s hand. Our solution provides riders the freedom of not having to adjust their feet in order to

apply pressure on the board, since re-adjustment can cause an imbalance of posture leading to

injury. This invention is tailored to anyone and everyone that enjoys riding longboards.

meDicine DisPenser

Project Participants

Gerardo Carbajal, Cody Cronic

& Kylar Sommers

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Woosoon Yim

Problem Identified

The medicine dispenser seeks to provide a timely and accurate dose of medicine for those

unable to keep track of their medication on their own, due to physical or mental reasons.

Current Solutions

When we began this project, a few solutions were available in the market that focused on the

mechanical functions of dispensing pills without automation. The product closest to solving our

identified problem is a device that mechanically dispenses medicine, but the consumer has to

physically manipulate the device to receive their medication. However, in the past few months we

have discovered a device that had many of the capabilities that this team is aiming to achieve in

our project.

Team’s Solution

The team’s solution would be superior to the competition because the goal is to make a more

affordable device for the everyday consumer. Customers have to spend close to $700 for the

only other direct competitor, as its primary targets are health organizations (hospitals, senior

homes, etc.). Since this team seeks to provide a more accessible option, those who cannot afford

expensive devices for personal use would benefit the most. Parents of children on medication will

benefit from the records kept when medicine dispenses and their child takes their pills, and those

taking care of older/handicapped loved ones will also benefit from the aforementioned feature.

motoriZeD stair climBing cart

Project Participants

Nathan Bearden & Teddy Tolentino

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Woosoon Yim

Problem Identified

Carrying multiple objects up many flights of stairs can be troublesome and time-consuming.

This problem can be compounded when the person is elderly and/or has limited mobility. Many

homes and apartments lack elevators or ramps that make this task easier.

Current Solutions

Currently, there are products capable of carrying objects upstairs. However, most of these

products are tailored for moving furniture and other large objects. Stair climbing carts that exist for

smaller objects require significant effort from the user to function.

Team’s Solution

The current market only has real solutions for transporting heavy and large objects upstairs. By

incorporating special stair climbing casters and motor driven tank track, our cart becomes easy

to operate up a flight of stairs. The combination of casters and tracks makes it as easy as pulling a

toy wagon. Our product aims to assist with everyday chores, requiring minimal effort from the user.

Enabling people to carry more items with them when they travel up and down stairs will save time

and energy. The people who will benefit the most from this product are the elderly and apartment

dwellers.

omni security

Project Participants

Koby Okuda, Britton Stankosky & Tyler Topham

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Alexander Barzilov

Technical Advisor

Dr. Venkatesan Muthukumar

Problem Identified

In a world where theft is at an all-time high and thieves run rampant, property owners are increasingly

searching for improved security technologies. Homeowners with valuable assets in their yards, or

business owners looking to keep an eye on their lots during non-business hours, rely on security systems

to keep their properties safe. Many security systems do not provide adequate means to stop intruders

from trespassing or damaging property. OMNI Security seeks to provide an updated security platform

to not only catch intruders in their tracks, but deter them away from the area.

Current Solutions

Most security systems today utilize a network of cameras to capture video and images of problem

areas. Some also utilize motion detectors, motion activated lights, and/or alarm speakers alert owners

of an intruder. These systems lack the ability to adequately monitor large areas without the need of

additional equipment, and they also lack a proactive aspect to stop an incident from occurring.

Team’s Solution

Our solution is to implement video recording and motion sensing onto a drone with the capability

of autonomously ﬂying towards and then following an intruder. The drone will also have the addition

of a light and speaker to deter the intruder away from the property. Motion sensors will be placed

in prime areas of the property, and when tripped, the drone will receive a signal to start ﬂying in

the speciﬁed area. A machine learning algorithm was created and is used to recognize people,

vehicles, and animals from the camera’s input. When not in use, the drone will be housed in a

weather/tamper proof housing unit that will open and allow safe takeoff and landing when needed.

Our solution creates a threat to an intruder that no other security system is capable of. The ability of

the drone to ﬂy to the area of concern, identify the intruder, and scare them off with its presence

and deterrents puts our solution above the rest. Property owners looking to keep watch of outdoor

valuables, and prevent theft and vandalism will beneﬁt greatly from our security drone. This solution

can also be utilized by businesses that have large properties and high-value assets.

Power walk

Project Participants

Logan Arias, Sabrina Russell

& Ashwin Thomas

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Brendan O’Toole

Problem Identified

Mechanical strain, which is the bending or deformation of an object when force is applied to it,

is induced any time somebody walks on a surface. This strain can be converted into electricity,

but this is frequently not done. Tiles with piezoelectric sensors can convert this strain into power.

Piezoelectric sensors are made from materials that produce electricity when pressure is applied to

them.

Current Solutions

Some companies have already come out with designs for piezoelectric sensor use in high-traffic

urban areas. Pavegen is a UK-based company that created a model that was implemented for

the 2012 London Olympics.

Team’s Solution

The models existing in the market are prohibitively expensive for personal use. Additionally, they

are not practical for smaller buildings and domiciles. Our model is far cheaper to produce,

and can be easily installed in rooms. We have several different tile designs that are easy to

manufacture. This way, the average homeowner can use piezoelectric materials in their own

houses, without having to resort to expensive, impractical alternatives.

Project Design, BuilD, fly

Project Participants

Brandon Avendano, Jet Baroudi, Spencer Buyse,

Sophia Leon & Jessalynn O’Brien

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. William Culbreth

Problem Identified

We seek to create a small-scale aircraft that allows the user to carry a substantial payload at

speeds greater than current designs, while maintaining loitering efficiency. This aircraft will also

be able to overcome large amounts of drag induced while towing devices, such as a banner

for advertisement. Such a device will be stowable during take-off and deployed during flight. The

aircraft will also be able to take off in a very short distance to stay competitive with many multi-

rotor Vertical TakeOff and Landing (VTOL) systems.

Current Solutions

Much of the focus in the current market is on multi-rotor systems, which are convenient for takeoff

and landing operations, but lose efficiency over long distances and with heavy loads. Banner

towing is often performed by large scale aircraft, which can be cost-prohibitive and are meant for

large scale advertisements. Other forms of aerial advertisements include skywriting, which does

garner the public’s attention although the advertisement only lasts a few minutes before it is swept

away by wind. Otherwise, there are relatively no other forms of local aerial advertisement.

Team’s Solution

Any company that needs high efficiency, high performance sub-scale aircraft, or the ability

to tow objects would benefit from our design. The design is meant to be a platform for various

operational forms that will allow it to outperform other aircraft in many aspects. For aerial

advertisement, banner towing methods typically include setting the banner up so that a plane

can fly past and hook onto it. Our team’s design would reduce the extra set-up and time this

requires, as successfully hooking a banner can take multiple attempts. Having an aircraft that has

a banner deployment system built in, or the ability to install one, makes it easier and cheaper

to tow banners using smaller aircraft. Additionally, the aircraft does not need a pilot aboard the

plane. The plane itself can be controlled from the ground and manually or autonomously flown.

This is all especially beneficial for smaller companies that may want to utilize aerial advertising,

but find the costs of current services offered in the market to be too prohibitive.

solar uav

Project Participants

Cameron Marsh, Fredy Santiago

& Michael Sutherland

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. William Culbreth

Problem Identified

Currently the aviation industry heavily relies on fossil fuels, which have a signiﬁcant impact in

our changing climate. Telecommunications are also becoming more important in the current

technological age; however, it is currently very expensive and resource intensive to place satellites into

orbit. This project seeks to show that there should be more research and resources given to alternative

methods for powering ﬂight, in order to limit dependence on environmentally hostile fuels. Additionally,

the project seeks to provide an alternative method of communication, as well as potentially extend

the ﬂight endurance of current aircraft by incorporating solar power into the power consumption.

Current Solutions

Solar unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are becoming a popular trend in today’s market, with a projected

worth of 8.4 billion dollars in the past year. To date, major companies (e.g. Boeing, NASA, Google, etc.)

have begun developing and testing their own versions of a solar UAV. Although each major company

has a different speciﬁcation and goal with its UAVs, a good number hope to develop a solar UAV

capable of providing the United States with modern solutions to current telecommunications issues.

Team’s Solution

Our solution will serve as a relatively cheap design example for a solar powered airplane, compared

to other solutions already created. Solutions from NASA, Google, Boeing, etc. are multi-million-dollar

projects. This project represents a much more accessible approach for the average consumer. A design

on this project’s scale can be re-designed, scaled up, or scaled down at relatively low cost, depending

on the needs of the user. The project’s solutions extend the ﬂight endurance of a conventional aircraft

during the day, allowing for more time in the air. One example where a longer ﬂight time is beneﬁcial is

in surveying remote areas, where ground teams would take signiﬁcantly longer compared to an aircraft

slowly gliding over hours at a time. The autonomous aspect of the aircraft relieves the operator from

having to continuously control the aircraft, as they can simply check the status of the aircraft over time.

One other aspect of this project’s design is the exploration and use of a blended body wing for a solar

UAV, which is not something typically done for this type of aerial vehicle.

solDermatic

Project Participants

Arielle Joven, Austin May

& Luis Mejia Gijon

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Jeff Markle

Problem Identified

Soldering requires holding many components at once to effectively bond connections. Normally,

it is necessary to hold the iron in one hand while manually feeding the solder into the connection

with the other hand. This requires additional assistive devices to hold components that are being

soldered, such as circuit boards, electrical components, and simple wires.

Current Solutions

Common assistive devices in the market include Helping Hands and manual feeding soldering

guns. Helping Hands is a tabletop soldering aid that holds components in place using alligator

style clips. Certain soldering guns are built to manually feed solder when the user presses a trigger.

These are manually operated, similar to an everyday hot glue gun.

Team’s Solution

Our solution is to develop a lightweight housing that attaches to simple, pencil-style soldering

irons. The housing directs electronically fed solder into the work piece, allowing for single handed

use. This solution could benefit those who work in real-world applications where aid devices are

impractical. Our product could benefit beginners, and those who do not have the dexterity to use

both hands while soldering. Additionally, as this is an add-on attachment, it will be designed to

work with a device that the user is already comfortable using and has in their toolkit.

the coverBuDDy

Project Participants

Ansell Cabrera, Nathan Holt

& Erica San Diego

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Woosoon Yim

Problem Identified

The CoverBuddy seeks to provide simple, yet effective, protection against damaging

environmental hazards such as UV rays, dust, dirt, sap, pollen, and animal droppings. It utilizes a

remote-control system to automatically close around a vehicle, protecting it without the need

for physical exertion. An alarm serves to secure the vehicle, while the heavy-duty steel base and

nylon cover act as theft deterrents.

Current Solutions

Current market solutions include sheet-like covers applied directly over a vehicle, umbrella-like

canopies affixed to the top of a vehicle, or permanent structures such as carports. There have

been very few advances in car covers since their inception.

Team’s Solution

The CoverBuddy is the first and only solution that is completely remotely operated. Current

solutions are either labor intensive or fail to protect vehicles from significant environmental

hazards. Our product will benefit vehicle owners who need to park outdoors and are seeking an

efficient way to protect their vehicle’s exterior, as well as car dealerships who leave inventory

parked outside overnight in rainy/dusty/snowy environments. The CoverBuddy provides ease of

use through automation, along with theft deterrent features such as an alarm, and its modular

construction aids in assembly and vehicle fit.

the millennial Pocketknife

Project Participants

Kenneth Leo, Trenton Motley

& Mark Ryan

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Jeff Markle

Problem Identified

The goal for this project is to create a multi tool that can satisfy “at home” needs for a modern

citizen that might find an entire toolbox excessive. Our updated vision of the multi tool will include

electronic charging and data storage combined with essential simple tools found in classic

designs.

Current Solutions

There are many multi tools on the market serving varying broad or specific niches. Although, there

is not one that includes data storage or cellphone charging capabilities. Current multi tools on the

market offer plies, screw drivers, knives, etc. The product that we will create will also allow for on-

the-go and easy data storage and phone charging capabilities.

Team’s Solution

The team’s solution is to implement simple electronics capabilities in a multi-tool. This “Millennial

Pocketknife” would include USB data storage and charging for various popular micro-USB devices,

in addition to containing commonly used tools. This is better than current solutions because for

many people in the hands-on mechanical industry, tools are frequently needed, and there is

an increasingly frequent needs for data storage and a portable phone chargers. The goal is to

combine all of these products in to one easy pocket-sized device, rather than 3 separate tools

that can each be forgotten or lost individually.

welD-insPecting vehicle

Project Participant

Miranda Leake

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty & Technical Advisor

Dr. Mohamed Trabia

Problem Identified

Weld inspection for steel construction and entertainment attractions (namely, roller coasters) is

an arduous, time-consuming, and often dangerous process. It can slow progress in meeting

construction deadlines and create significant downtimes for entertainment venues. In both

industries, inspections can easily spell out danger for technicians performing them, as well as

losses of time and money.

Current Solutions

Currently, most weld inspection processes are done by maintenance technicians or iron workers.

These people perform inspections manually, and in some cases, they are rigged-up to the

structures for hundreds of man-hours. The only product similar to the one that I have developed

costs over 1 million dollars.

Team’s Solution

My product seeks to make weld-inspection for commercial construction and entertainment

attractions (namely, rollercoasters) a safer, more expedient process. The device is designed to

travel along steel members and perform visual, ultrasonic, non-destructive weld inspection. This

new inspection process can be done remotely by a technician or engineer from the safety of the

ground below. Use of the product will shorten inspection time for construction and down-time for

entertainment attractions, as well as eliminate a significant amount of risk involved with inspection.

inTerDisCiplinary projeCTs

Bci telePresence helmet

Project Participants

Alex Cater, Leonardo Georgescu,

Yu Hang He & Dylan Wallace

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Paul Oh

Technical Advisor

Jadin Tredup

Problem Identified

Predicted by the future of work, automation and artificial intelligence will cause significant

disruptions in the workforce. Even more concerning is the fact that the disruption could cause the

unemployment rate to increase, especially for people with motor impairments. Moreover, most

workplace injuries occurring are due to overexertion caused by lifting, holding, carrying etc., and

come at a high cost for both companies and workers.

Current Solutions

Past research has been performed on tele-operating of robots in virtual environments. MIT

developed robot control using VR, but the platform they used was not a humanoid robot.

Moreover, the projects that have incorporated VR with robotic control have not provided haptic

feedback or control through a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). Tele-operated robots have begun

to find success in medical and manufacturing industries, but currently do not integrate BCI and VR

technologies to enhance operator control.

Team’s Solution

During the transition period to full autonomy, the workforce could consist of tele-operated

robotic platforms in which common workplace injuries and costs would be significantly reduced.

Typically, a high level of education in engineering and robotics is required before an operator

can safely and efficiently tele-operate a robot using traditional control methods. The inclusion

of BCI headsets into robot control system would allow average workers without background

in engineering to operate these machines. In addition, when augmented with a virtual reality

environment, tele-operation of robots will be more intuitive and accessible. This solution benefits

both workers and companies. Workers, especially those with motor impairments, will enjoy more

opportunities to participate in the workforce safely, and even remotely. Companies can benefit by

utilizing the system with multiple controlled robots, reducing hours worked on specific tasks.

hotel BeD lifter

Project Participants

Vanesa Esquivel, Jaime Lopez-Cano, Brian Payne,

Cristian Ramirez & Jason Villanueva

Instructor

Dr. Melissa Morris

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Georg Mauer

Problem Identified

Helping hotel staff eliminate the need to bend over during turndown service and reduce their

likelihood of developing carpal-tunnel syndrome, due to the repetitive motion required for

turndown service.

Current Solutions

A plastic lever is a current solution to lift edges of the mattress to reduce strain on the back and

wrists on general room attendants. It is light, cheap, and portable, but isn’t commonly used due to

the extra seconds it is required to grab and use.

Team’s Solution

Due to the time constraints general room attendants must endure, the need of simplicity and time

reduction is important. Our team’s dual scissor-lift mechanism will be installed under mattresses,

ready for general room attendants to use. It will be simple to use and it will require little to no effort

from the attendants. In addition to lifting the edges of the mattress, the device will also lift the

entire body of the mattress to reduce the time attendants spent on their knees.

smart meDicine caBinet

Project Participants

Yared Abraha, Angelica Clemente,

Biruk Gebremeskel & Daniel Senda

Instructor

Dr. Grzegorz Chmaj

Faculty Advisor

Dr. Pushkin Kachroo

Community Advisor

Anthony Rufo

Problem Identified

The main problem that the Smart Medicine Cabinet (SMC) seeks to solve is the current opioid crisis

plaguing the United States. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, over

130 people die every day due to opioid-related drug overdoses. Additionally, the SMC seeks to

solve the lack of consistency and accountability associated with medication management, which

both caregivers and patients face every day.

Current Solutions

The closest solution available in the current market is the lockable medicine cabinet. However, the

lockable medicine cabinet is not specifically made for medication management.

Team’s Solution

The Smart Medicine Cabinet (SMC) is a product designed to help make medication management

safe, easy, and secure. Unlike the lockable medicine cabinet, which requires manual locking

and unlocking dependent on the user, the SMC will automate this process and make medication

management simple and easy. The SMC helps improve the security of medication by remaining

locked until it is time for the user to take the medication. It will also alert the user when to take

the medication, the correct dosage to take, and keep a log of how the medication is being

taken; this information can be shared with a caregiver or doctor. In addition, if the user is not

taking the medication correctly, it will let the caregiver know, so assistance can be provided to

the user if needed. The Smart Medicine Cabinet mainly targets the elderly and people who take

medications on a regular basis, in hopes to make their lives easier, help them become more

independent, and prevent them from opioid addiction.

howarD r. hughes College of

ngineering leaDership

Mohamed Trabia,Associate Dean of Research,

Graduate Studies and Computing

ingtao Jiang,Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs

Director of Entertainment Engineering & Design

ajjad Ahmad,Department Chair,

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction

idkazem Taghva,Department Chair, Computer Science

Biswajit Das,Department Chair, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Brendan O’Toole,Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering

unlv presiDenT’s CabineT

President

Marta Meana

Interim Executive Vice President and Provost

Chris Heavey

Interim Vice President for University Compliance

Robert Correales

Vice President for Student Affairs

Juanita Fain

Senior Advisor to the President

Tod Fitzpatrick

Associate Vice President for Economic Development

Zachary Miles

Chief Diversity Ofﬁcer

Barbee Oakes

Interim Vice President for Research & Economic Development

Lori Olafson

Director of Athletics

Desiree Reed-Francois

General Counsel

Elda Luna Sidhu

Vice President & Chief Human Resources Ofﬁcer

Ericka Smith

Chief of Staff

Fred Tredup

Senior Vice President for Business Affairs/CFO

Jean Vock

Interim Vice President of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement

Victor Wei

Chief Marketing Ofﬁcer & Vice President of Brand Integration

Vince Alberta

howarD r. hughes College of

ngineering aDvisory boarD

Anthony Baerlocher

James Barbee

Jody Belsick

Jack Braman

Ray Chavez

Jay Chmelauskas

Shawn Danoski

Ralph Decker

Harshal Desai

Anthony Firmani

John Fountain

Adam Godorov

Christopher Grenz

Ken Haertling

Tristan Hays

Tony Hills

Robert Jacks

Michael Maier

Norm McCombs

David McElwain

Mark Newburn

Benoit Noel

Mike Plinski

Carrie Porterfield

Joan Ruben

Manjit Gombra Singh

Paolo Tiramani

Brian Walsh

Victor Wei

Heather Wilde

unlv appreCiaTes The leaDership anD

supporT of our nevaDa sysTem of higher

DuCaTion boarD of regenTs

Dr. Jason Geddes Ph.D, Chair

Dr. Mark W. Doubrava, Vice Chair

Dr. Patrick Carter

Ms. Amy J. Carvalho

Mrs. Carol Del Carlo

Mr. Trevor Hayes

Mrs. Cathy McAdoo

Mr. Donald Sylvantee McMichael Sr.

Mr. John T. Moran

Mr. Kevin J. Page

Ms. Laura E. Perkins

Mr. Rick Trachok

for furTher informaTion on senior

esign anD College of engineering

CTiviTies

Molly Marks

Director of Special Events

Molly.marks@unlv.edu

Cheryl Bella

Director of Communications

Cheryl.bella@unlv.edu

Jack Aylor

Director of Development

Jack.aylor@unlv.edu

Daniel Mendoza

Director of Undergraduate Recruitment

Daniel.mendoza@unlv.edu

Marian Mason

Engineering Career Services Coordinator

Marian.mason@unlv.edu

Jaekeun Cho

Director of Engineering International Programs

Jaekeun.cho@unlv.edu

From all oF the Faculty, staFF and

students at the howard r. hughes

college oF engineering, thank you!

Thank you for your continued emotional, physical and monetary support

over the last 20 years. There would be no competition without you.

Thank you to our founders Fred and Harriet Cox. The competition would not

be what it is today without the Cox family. It has grown from just a couple

student teams with few participants to over 40 student teams with 250

participants each semester. The student teams are so grateful to have

the opportunity to show off their knowledge and skills gained as future

graduates of the Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering.

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors who have helped us continually

grow the competition while awarding over $30,000 in prize monies.

Finally, thank you to all of the families, friends and support networks of

our students. Without each of you, their journeys through their academic

adventures would have been much more difficult.

We are looking forward to celebrating the next 20 years!