Design Showcase Teams

The Ben Guerir Air Base Apron Project is a civil engineering design focused on developing a functional and durable aircraft parking and operations area in Ben Guerir, Morocco (located roughly 60 km north of Marrakesh), and will be built off of the existing flightline. Our team’s vision is to create a safe, efficient and realistic airfield layout that meets military design standards while integrating multiple engineering disciplines. The project emphasizes an apron design that will be designed to support a mixed fleet of fighter aircraft (F-15, F-16, F-22, F-35), as well as heavy transport aircraft (C-17). Key designed elements include the aircraft parking apron, pavement design, sun shade structures, pump house, fire flow and hydrant systems, drainage and grading considerations, and over site coordination. Through our collaborative design, mix of innovative and practical engineering design practices, and commitment to efficient and safe operations, the project reflects a comprehensive approach to a real-world airfield infrastructure development project.

TEAM MEMBERS
Regan Bouley
Brock Darnall
Wes Martin
Eric Mora

Concreatures was asked to redesign the Jerome County Transfer Station to accommodate anticipated growth within Jerome, Idaho. The original waste transfer station faced several issues, including traffic congestion, stormwater-related mud problems, and insufficient capacity. By redesigning the station, Concreatures was able to change traffic patterns, regrade the site to allow excess stormwater to drain, pave existing roads, and increase station capacity through the use of an additional waste transfer building. Concreatures has designed and moved the existing infiltration pond for stormwater drainage, and added a slope away from the transfer station, directed towards the new infiltration pond. Septic requirements and drainfield design completed for office building. A second retaining wall was designed to help withstand loading and equipment use in the transfer station, increasing capacity. Lastly, a new turn lane was added to address traffic issues, as well as the paving of the existing roads to help with stormwater-related flooding.

TEAM MEMBERS
Ricardo Arteaga
Ellisyn Heitz
Caleb Shepherd
Kohana Smallen

The Owyhee Combined School project involves the planning and design of a new Pre-K through 12 campus intended to support academic instruction, athletics, community events, and career and technical education programs.The new school will be constructed in Elko county to meet the needs of the Duck Valley reservation student population. The school will be home to grades K-12. Our group, Gem Island Engineers, took this opportunity to design individual elements for the school and show off skills we developed over the course of our education. The project integrates structural, geotechnical, and transportation engineering principles to create a functional and sustainable school campus. Our elements include a concession stand, CTE shop, site grading, parking lots, and pavement design. Our goal was to meet the design needs of the community by adhering to codes, meeting budget construction costs, and designing a campus that students will gain lifelong skills and education.

TEAM MEMBERS
Bear Barnard
Carter Griggs
Mark Hoffman
Julia Rehde
Ali Russell

The Ben Guerir Air Base aircraft parking apron is a 140,000 square meter addition to be used for short term storage of up to 18 fighter jets and two Boeing C-17’s. The entire area will be paved and include covered fighter jet parking spots, designated C-17 parking spots, taxiways, and readying and warm up areas. There will also be hydrants, for use in aircraft wash down and firefighting, supplied by a new pump house and all necessary utilities. A gate and guard house are planned for future phases. Drainage on the site will be such that runoff, generated by wash down and firefighting, and stormwater will flow to a catch basin to be managed and treated by existing base facilities.

TEAM MEMBERS
Paul Brooks
Conlan Dale
Jonus Parten
Matteo Vujicic

The Owyhee combined K-12 is a 90,000 square foot facility for the students in Elko County, Nevada. The school is located on the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe reservation and will serve both primary and secondary grade levels. The development will include the combined school itself, multiple student and faculty parking lots, a community Pow-Wow gathering area, horse stables, athletic courts, a track and field, concessions, and other accessory buildings. There will also be three different outdoor age appropriate recreational areas for Preschool-Kindergarten, 1st-6th, and 7th-12th.Throughout the design process a goal was to balance local code and ADA requirements with the Tribe’s desire for more natural style pathways around and to the school, stadium, and Pow-Wow areas.

TEAM MEMBERS
Trinity Brewer
Jennell Hall
Keira Holder
Hallie Keller
Jake Palmer

The Ridgeview RV Resort project involves the planning and preliminary design of a 310-space resort near Boise, Idaho. Stang Solutions is leading a multidisciplinary effort involving land development, geotechnical, environmental, and structural engineering. The team’s vision is to develop a functional, sustainable, and well-integrated facility that meets engineering standards while enhancing the recreational experience for travelers. Key design elements include internal access roads, RV pads, an irrigation storage pond, and an office building. This project demonstrates the integration of multiple engineering disciplines to deliver a cohesive and sustainable resort design.

TEAM MEMBERS
Chiara Brancacio
Lottie Farley
Tyler Meredith
Olivia Rude

Summit River Pacific (SRP) Engineering has been tasked with designing the Owyhee Combined School on the Duck Valley Reservation in Owyhee, Nevada. The proposed combined school will serve the Shoshone Paiute Tribe community by providing a learning environment for students from pre-K through 12th grade, as well as a centralized amphitheater for pow wows and other community events. SRP Engineering aims to create a space that fosters the learning of students while preserving the natural and cultural characteristics that embody the Shoshone Paiute Tribe. In addition to the community amphitheater, the site will also feature a stadium, two school buildings, a parent dropoff loop, several parking options, horse corrals, a maintenance building, and play areas for the students. Two roadways will also border the site to provide both community member and emergency access.

TEAM MEMBERS
Payton Baddley
Kyle French
Rokaya Mohammed
Shawn Redshaw

Ridge View RV Park is a repurposing of an existing shooting range, a 310-site recreational vehicle development on approximately 41 acres off Vallejo Road in southern Ada County, Idaho. The project addresses four core engineering disciplines to transform the undeveloped, sloping site into a functional RV resort. Design elements include an onsite wastewater treatment and disposal system with rapid infiltration beds and an irrigation storage pond, timber-framed recreational gazebos and combined laundry/restroom facilities, foundation work and roadway section design tailored to site-specific geotechnical conditions, and a comprehensive site layout featuring graded roadway corridors, 310 individual utility-serviced lots, stormwater collection piping, and a detention pond. The project delivers construction drawings that include plan and profile sets, supporting calculations, and a Class 5 cost estimate across all disciplines.

TEAM MEMBERS
Alex Beckley
Jack Egan
Santiago Diaz Murilo
Daniel Shaw

Abstract to come

This project modernizes an existing plastic asthma slide rule by transforming it into a mobile and web-based application accessible to families, schools, and youth programs nationwide. The application integrates real-time Air Quality Index (AQI) data from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), child respiratory health categories defined by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), and physical activity intensity levels defined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). By combining these inputs, the app calculates and displays clear, evidence-based recommendations for appropriate physical activity under current air quality conditions.

The proposed solution provides straightforward guidance‚ “such as whether outdoor activity is safe or whether low-intensity indoor activity is recommended‚“ helping reduce preventable asthma attacks and offering peace of mind to caregivers. This project delivers a practical public health tool that supports informed decision-making, promotes child safety, and enhances community resilience.

TEAM MEMBERS
Lauren Nutting
John Patrick
Cameron Quitugua
Hailey Revel-Whitaker

Accurate and efficient cell counting is a critical task in neuroscience research, particularly for analyzing fluorescence microscopy images used to study neuronal populations and marker expression. Manual cell counting is time-consuming, prone to human error, and difficult to scale as dataset sizes grow. Existing automated approaches often struggle when markers appear as punctate signals rather than filling the entire cell body, leading to undercounting or false detections.

This project proposes the development of an automated cell detection and counting workflow using QuPath, an open-source bioimage analysis platform. The system will leverage machine learning-based image classifiers and optimized image analysis pipelines to detect neurons and marker-positive neurons, even when markers appear as discrete puncta. The project will involve dataset exploration, parameter tuning, classifier training, validation, and integration into a reproducible workflow suitable for ongoing neuroscience research. If successful, the proposed solution will significantly reduce analysis time, improve reproducibility, and enhance the accuracy of quantitative results for the project sponsor and related research efforts.

TEAM MEMBERS
Alexander Huett
Sam de Luna
Alex Smith

The Engineering Innovation Studio (EIS) at Boise State University is a hands-on learning space where engineering students engage in academic projects, extracurricular activities, and research. However, the lack of an efficient student tracking system makes it difficult for administrators to monitor lab attendance, analyze usage trends, and optimize resource allocation.

To address this challenge, we are developing a digital tracking system that will automate attendance monitoring and provide EIS administrators with accurate, real-time usage data.By providing automated tracking and reporting, this system will improve lab management by eliminating manual record-keeping and provide accurate usage insights.

TEAM MEMBERS
Sean Chaney
Vlad Maliutin
Kodey Thompson

This project proposes an RFID-based machine access control system designed to improve accountability, safety, and data visibility in a university machine shop. The system will use student ID cards with embedded RFID tags to authenticate users at individual machines. A touchscreen interface mounted at each machine will provide immediate feedback on access approval or denial, display the user’s identity, and guide users through check-in and check-out procedures. The system will verify training eligibility using imported data and maintain detailed logs of machine usage.

By combining low-cost hardware with a web-based backend, the proposed solution offers a scalable, maintainable, and user-friendly approach to access control. If successful, the system will reduce misuse of equipment, promote better cleanup practices, and provide shop supervisors with valuable insights into machine utilization and user behavior.

TEAM MEMBERS
Nick Bortz
Sam Koenig
Chase Minert

Training farm employees is critical for animal welfare, safety, and regulatory compliance, yet many farms rely on manual, inconsistent training methods with little visibility into worker progress. This creates inefficiencies, gaps in accountability, and challenges in verifying completed training. The Farm Training App, developed in collaboration with 3VETS LLC, addresses these issues by providing a platform for standardized video-based training and progress tracking.

As a continuation project, this phase focuses on transforming the system into a deployable product. Key enhancements include implementing secure payment and subscription workflows, enforcing user roles and permissions, improving reporting dashboards, and strengthening data validation and performance. Farm owners and managers can purchase plans, manage trainee access, track completion, and generate professional reports, while trainees can access training content directly from their phones, even in low-connectivity environments.

TEAM MEMBERS
Ashley Day
Ellis Rodriguez
Brady Ward

Many people who braid or style their own hair—especially protective styles—struggle to clearly see and evenly section the back of their head while working. This often leads to uneven parts, increased frustration, and longer styling times. Existing tools rely on mirrors or trial-and-error, which are inefficient and difficult to use during styling. Hair Grid is a mobile application that uses a phone positioned behind the head to wirelessly transmit a live camera feed to another device for hands-free viewing. Over this live feed, the app overlays an adjustable grid that helps users create clean, consistent sections for parting hair in real time. The grid can be enabled or disabled and customized for visibility based on hair type and lighting conditions. By separating the camera and viewing devices, Hair Grid allows users to work hands-free while maintaining clear visual guidance.

TEAM MEMBERS
Megan Barco
Carter Castleberry
Ryan Graham

Humanities researchers and international teams often lack the tools and infrastructure to run modern line segmentation and Handwritten-Text-Recognition (HTR) pipelines, yet need an accessible way to handle large collections of historical documentation. Our proposed solution is a cross-platform desktop application with an Electron-based frontend and a Python inference backend, running a fully local model pipeline for line segmentation and HTR. The architecture separates a responsive user interface from a modular side process that manages model loading, inference, and a well-defined interface for adding new models over time. The application targets Windows and macOS, and packages Python environments and AI models to minimize user setup while keeping processing on-device. For the sponsor, this delivers a sustainable, extensible toolchain that empowers humanities scholars and amplifies the impact of ongoing and future HTR model development.

TEAM MEMBERS
James Maloney
Porter Rigby
Mason Swanson

This project proposes the development of a digital client intake and document management system for the Human Performance Laboratory to replace existing paper based workflows. The system will allow clients to complete intake forms and waivers electronically, automatically record submission dates, and store all documents under organized client records. Lab staff will be able to quickly search for clients, review form histories, determine when documents were last submitted, and securely share records with authorized staff and instructors. Test results will also be stored digitally alongside intake documentation to centralize all client records. The system is designed to be portable and deployment-ready, enabling university IT to host it on approved infrastructure. By transitioning from paper to a centralized digital solution, this project aims to improve efficiency, organization, and accessibility while providing a scalable foundation for future enhancements.

TEAM MEMBERS
Jeremiah Robinson
Parker Smith
Reggie Wade

This project aims to design and implement an intelligent routing and orchestration layer for large language model (LLM) providers. As organizations adopt multiple AI models with varying strengths, costs, and performance characteristics, selecting the optimal model for each prompt becomes increasingly important. Our project addresses this challenge by making potential optimizations to the current analysis and classification of incoming prompts, and routing them to the most appropriate model based on performance, cost, safety, and reliability criteria.

The solution includes a prompt‚ “intake pipeline, a classification and scoring module, a rule‚“ based routing engine, a model registry, and fallback and reliability mechanisms. The goal is to improve accuracy, reduce latency, and minimize cost while providing transparent, explainable routing decisions. This project will deliver a functional orchestration layer, supporting documentation, evaluation results, and deployment instructions for integration into the sponsor’s existing system.

TEAM MEMBER
Olivia Hill

The Organizational Performance and Workplace Learning (OPWL) program is seeking a more effective way to track graduate students’ degree plans and certificate progress. Advisors are currently using individual spreadsheets to track their students. This makes it challenging to collate data for program-level decision-making and makes it difficult for students to maintain awareness of upcoming milestones. The OPWL Planning and Advising Liaison tool (OPAL) is a web-based application designed to create and proactively maintain student degree plans in a centralized database, which will provide administrative reporting functions to facilitate course forecasting and budgetary planning. Students and advisors will have a shared view of each student’s personal degree plan which will provide commenting and notification options to facilitate communication regarding changes in requirements or upcoming deadlines. The information for each student’s anticipated schedule will be stored in a centralized database from which an administrator or accountant can generate global reports for enrollment numbers to predict section sizes for upcoming semesters.

TEAM MEMBERS
Maria Gomez Baeza
Zoe Lawler
Joe Shields

Modern HP printers rely on complex interactions between hardware, firmware, and networked systems, all of which must be thoroughly tested before products reach customers. However, much of HP’s current automated testing infrastructure is built on a decades-old framework that is difficult to maintain, scale, and deploy across modern laboratory environments. This legacy architecture increases operational overhead and slows validation cycles, limiting the ability to quickly and reliably identify quality issues.

This project proposes the first phase of a modernized testing framework built using Python and Pytest to replace the existing system while preserving its critical capabilities. The new framework emphasizes modular design, simplicity, and resilience, allowing engineers to write and execute automated printer tests more efficiently. To ensure portability and consistency, the framework will be packaged using containerization technology, enabling it to run reliably across diverse environments. Additionally, lightweight orchestration using K3s will allow tests to be distributed across multiple machines, improving scalability and resource utilization in lab settings.

TEAM MEMBERS
Spencer Ford
Andrew Kobus
Josh Pridgen

The current transitional housing process in Idaho for individuals on probation or parole relies on an outdated, decentralized system that relies heavily on email, spreadsheets, and manual updates from housing providers. This fragmented process leads to delays, miscommunication, and difficulty tracking available beds across the state, negatively impacting reentry outcomes.

Our project introduces a centralized, low-maintenance web application that allows Idaho Department of Corrections staff and housing providers to view real-time bed availability, request temporary holds, manage placements, and communicate status updates. This system features role-based dashboards, secure access controls, and automated hold scheduling to streamline coordination.

By simplifying communication and streamlining the bed reservation process, this application has the potential to reduce administrative burden, accelerate placement decisions, and improve stability for individuals transitioning back into the community.

TEAM MEMBERS
Alec Conn
Alexander Daniluc
Schylar Davis
Thomas Pengelly
Jackson Price

YouBound.me allows users to scan or manually enter a product barcode and receive relevant information including ingredients, nutritional data, company ownership, geographic origin, and corporate values. Users can configure preferences such as dietary restrictions or personal values, enabling the application to prioritize and visually highlight information that aligns with their interests. The system is designed for fast, in-store use and accessibility across devices through a browser-based interface and Chrome extension. The project emphasizes data reliability, usability, and scalability, addressing known limitations in existing barcode scanning applications such as inconsistent databases and lack of personalization. Deliverables include a working prototype deployed in a containerized environment, supporting documentation, and usability validation with target users. By combining barcode-based product identification with preference-driven insights, Youbound.me aims to empower consumers to make more informed purchasing decisions efficiently and confidently.

TEAM MEMBERS
Adam Crayton
Archie Rauenhorst
Nate Weddle

This project proposes the development of a custom virtual reality (VR) golf putting application for the Meta Quest 3 to support research and instruction in motor learning. Motor skill acquisition depends on controlled, repetitive practice and objective performance feedback, yet existing VR golf applications offer limited experimental control and minimal access to performance data. The proposed application will recreate the physical golf putting setup used in the KINES 376 – Laboratory for Motor Learning and Performance course at Boise State University, allowing instructors to manipulate practice parameters such as target distance and size while capturing trial-level performance. The system will export structured performance data for analysis, enabling empirical investigation of whether golf putting skills practiced in VR transfer to real-world performance.

TEAM MEMBERS
Luis Acosta
Ryan Orth
Adam Taylor

Modern life is increasingly screen-based and fast-paced, often leaving people disconnected from their bodies and everyday sensory experiences. Many individuals lack the vocabulary and awareness needed to fully engage with what they see, taste, smell, hear, and feel. This project addresses that gap by encouraging users to reconnect with their five senses in an accessible and engaging way.

The proposed solution is a game-like mobile application that promotes sensory awareness through interactive challenges. Users are guided to notice specific sensory details in their environment and are rewarded by collecting descriptive words that help articulate their experiences. By combining elements of play, reflection, and learning, the app makes sensory exploration enjoyable and easy to integrate into daily life.

TEAM MEMBERS
Alex Ramirez-Robles
Mahala Solarzono
Chase Stombaugh

Metal additive manufacturing processes commonly require the recovery and reuse of excess metal powder following a completed print. Currently, this process involves manually extracting and sieving 316L stainless steel powder from the build area of a 3D metal printer to separate reusable powder from larger particles and debris. This manual method increases processing time and exposes operators to potentially hazardous airborne metal particles during handling. Client Sarah Haight has identified the need for a safer and more efficient solution to improve this stage of the post-processing workflow. The objective of this project is to design an enclosed system that automates the sieving process while reducing operator exposure to metal powder. The proposed design incorporates a vibrating sieve mechanism within a sealed enclosure that allows operators to safely transfer residual powder from the printer to the sieving system. The enclosure will help contain airborne particles while enabling controlled material handling. By integrating automation with a protective enclosure, the system aims to improve workplace safety, reduce manual labor, and increase overall efficiency in the recovery and reuse of metal powder. This design will support safer handling practices and streamline post-print processing in metal additive manufacturing environments.

TEAM MEMBERS
Emily Diehl
Rachel Lester
Brenna Patterson
Nick Schafer

Rattler Medical received critical feedback from the DOW indicating that their existing blood cooler concept was overly large, cumbersome, and difficult to open under certain operating conditions. In response, this project focuses on redesigning the device to improve usability, portability, and functionality. The primary objectives include downsizing the current design into a compact benchtop test article and developing an opening mechanism that is both intuitive and reliable in high-pressure or constrained environments. Through iterative design, prototyping, and evaluation, the project aims to enhance user interaction while maintaining the performance requirements necessary for safe blood storage and transport. The resulting design provides a streamlined, user-centered solution that addresses key concerns identified in initial stakeholder feedback.urban seed removal efforts.

TEAM MEMBERS
Joseph Cook
Chase Johnson
Eric Storch

Next Level Hockey LLC needs a cost-effective puck passing system that mimics the functionality of the current shot training system, allowing players to train independently on their quick-release shot after receiving a pass, and coaches to give more hands-on training.

TEAM MEMBERS
Josh Alio
Ian Durkin
Gavin Gore

A braking system was developed for a Nordic sit-ski user who currently relies on ski poles for speed control, resulting in limited braking effectiveness and increased risk of injury. The proposed design integrates a lever braking system with specialized end pieces that engage the snow to provide controlled deceleration. Testing showed the system reduces speed by over 50% within 30 feet. This design improves safety, control, and accessibility for adaptive skiers.

TEAM MEMBERS
Elle Cotton
Mo Jabril
Charlie Strohm
David Williams

The Boise State Engineering Innovation Studio is seeking a compact rotary jig to support lab activities and student-led projects, including those conducted by the Baja Club, a student competitive design and manufacturing team. The proposed system will feature a tabletop design with a removable chuck, proper grounding, and the ability to accommodate parts up to 4 inches in diameter. It will enable low-speed rotation and tilt adjustment to improve weld consistency, precision, and ease of use for a range of applications. Safety considerations, including an integrated emergency stop, will be incorporated into the design. The project will be completed using available EIS shop materials, with a total cost not to exceed $300, ensuring an accessible and cost-effective solution for ongoing student use.

TEAM MEMBERS
Evan Daniels
Megan McCartney
Megan Morin

The process of 3D printing generates significant plastic waste. To support a more sustainable learning environment, the Boise State MakerLab invested in an analog filament recycling system. However, this system requires constant user adjustment due to variations in molten plastic flow. This project automates that process. We designed and implemented a closed-loop control system using an iterative hardware approach that measures filament diameter and adjusts the extruder/ spooler speeds in real time. The system maintains filament within the target range of 1.65-1.85 mm across an entire spool without manual intervention. Replacing continuous operator adjustments with automatic tuning improves the system’s consistency and usability. This enables reliable recycling and supports the MakerLab‚Äôs original goal of a more sustainable creative environment.

TEAM MEMBERS
Yakob Adera
Alex Anta
John Hoellen
Wyatt Morrison

Reliable off-grid power is critical for remote worksites, emergency response, and portable renewable energy systems. Our team designed and built a 1000 W inverter that converts low-level DC power from sources such as batteries, into high-quality AC power for common electrical devices. The system integrates a microcontroller-based control platform that uses multiple voltage steps to produce a power output that closely matches grid-like power supplied by electrical utility companies. Hardware testing validated lower waveform distortion and improved overall performance compared to standard two-level inverters. The completed prototype demonstrates a scalable and reliable solution for portable energy systems and off grid power applications.

TEAM MEMBERS
Curtis Branz
Collin Hand
Anthony Holmes

Under the guidance of Dr. Karthik Srinivasan and with the support of graduate student Sumona Islam, our team designed and built a broadband Ferromagnetic Resonance (FMR) measurement system to characterize ultra-thin magnetic films under 500 nanometers, whose resonance signals are typically buried beneath the noise floor.

The system integrates a radio frequency (RF) signal generator, custom-built modulation coils, a diode detection chain, a custom gain stage designed in KiCad, and a digitally implemented lock-in amplifier to recover extremely small signals. Automated frequency sweeps and magnetic field control using MATLAB and SCPI scripts enable repeatable, efficient data collection.

The completed system demonstrates clear detection of magnetic resonance and extraction of key parameters such as resonance frequency and linewidth, which relates to energy dissipation. This cost- effective platform supports both research and advanced RF applications, including phased array technologies.

TEAM MEMBERS
Nicolas Pagoulatos
Torben Vraciu

Reliable electricity is essential for homes and businesses in Idaho, but many of the systems responsible for this power distribution rely on outdated Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) to keep them running. The Idaho Power Stations Apparatus project upgraded the current programs and devices found in these substations, allowing for the proper protection from dangerous faults and power outages. Upgrades were created by analyzing the existing system to allow for consistent interfacing from one system to the next, and building a new system designed around reliable and efficient monitoring. The upgraded SCADA system offers efficient monitoring and control capabilities to make Idaho’s power grid as reliable as possible.

TEAM MEMBERS
Justin Karangwa
Ruben Kinakh
Matthew Saxton
German Tovar

Traditional centralized power grids struggle to isolate disturbances and maintain service to critical loads during transmission faults, which highlights the need for more resilient microgrid solutions. This project presents the design and simulation of a low-cost IEEE 5-bus power system model that demonstrates defensive islanding behavior. The system is developed in MATLAB/Simulink, validated using the OPAL-RT OP1420-10 platform, and integrated with a Raspberry Pi–based controller. It detects faults through inrush current and voltage spikes. The system isolates from the main grid within 10 cycles of a main line fault, and transitions to stable island operation while maintaining 60 Hz frequency and bus voltages. Real-time monitoring and logging verify system performance and safe resynchronization. This scalable platform provides a cost-effective benchmark for microgrid research, DER integration, and utility collaboration.

TEAM MEMBERS
Nic Arnold
Michael Harris
Joshua Song

Knee osteoarthritis is a common condition caused by the gradual deterioration of cartilage in the knee joint. Accurately monitoring the disease progression relies on measuring knee cartilage thickness and volume. Extracting these measurements from MRI scans, through a process called image segmentation, currently requires expensive manual labor, reducing the effectiveness of clinical trials. Our project addresses this problem by developing a machine learning algorithm that automatically segments knee cartilage in MRI scans. The algorithm is embedded in a desktop application that processes MRI scans in real time and immediately overlays the extracted cartilage volume onto the MRI images. An interactive 2D and 3D viewer allows users to assess the accuracy of the segmentation. The final segmentation data can then be exported to a file.

TEAM MEMBERS
Nic Ball
Sean Denny
James Stringham

Electrical utilities face increasing pressure to improve reliability as distribution systems grow more complex and outages become more costly. This project evaluates two advanced automation strategies, Fault Location, Isolation, and Service Restoration (FLISR) and High-Density Coordination (HDC), to determine how they improve power system resilience. Using Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories (SEL) protection relays integrated with a Real-Time-Digital Simulator (RTDS), we developed a controlled distribution system model to compare traditional coordination with automated restoration approaches. Performance was measured using industry reliability indices such as System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), Customer Average Interruption Duration Index (CAIDI), and Momentary Average Interruption Frequency Index (MAIFI). Simulation results are expected to demonstrate measurable improvements in outage duration and improved coordination efficiency. This work provides SEL and electric utilities with data-driven insight into how modern automation technologies can strengthen grid reliability and enhance customer service continuity.

TEAM MEMBERS
Jonathan Ambriz
Morgan Flesland
Elliot Rush

For universities seeking to reduce carbon emissions while maintaining reliable and affordable energy, renewable generation and energy storage can play an important role. The University of Wisconsin-Madison aims to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions by 2048. To support these goals, this project designs a combined photovoltaic (PV) and battery energy storage system for a portion of the campus using electricity consumption data from 26 buildings. Across the selected portion of campus, the proposed PV system could generate enough electricity to offset approximately 100% of the modeled buildings’ annual electricity demand. In addition, the battery storage system is designed to reduce peak electrical demand by up to 25%, lowering utility costs while also improving campus resilience by providing backup power to residence halls and critical facilities for up to three days during outages.

TEAM MEMBERS
Isaac Gross
Seth Janibagian
Laila-Nisreen Saadi
Vald Vorozhko

Micron requires a reliable method for positioning measurement probes in a 3D space with high accuracy and precision to evaluate electronic devices against electromagnetic interference (EMI). The current manually operated system limits repeatability and results in slow, inconsistent measurements. To address this need, we designed an automated probing station that integrates stepper motors and lead screw-driven linear actuators to achieve 0.1 mm positioning accuracy through a Python-based control interface. The system continuously monitors and records probe position, ensuring precise movement while providing valuable positional data for analysis. By improving repeatability, reducing operator involvement, and increasing testing efficiency, the design enhances overall measurement consistency. Our device presents an efficient, high-precision replacement to Micron’s current methods at a much lower cost than commercially available alternatives.

TEAM MEMBERS
Jordan Khanishian (ECE)
Viktor Korzhov (ECE)
Ian Varie (ECE)
Michael Compton (MBE)
Eamon Lewis (MBE)
Connor Morton (MBE)

Photomasks are high-value components used in semiconductor manufacturing and are stored in contamination-free safety pods. This project presents the design of a photomask transfer tool developed for Photronics that reduces contamination risk by eliminating direct human handling during the transfer of photomasks between pods. The proposed tool enables safe, reliable transfer of photomasks between two different pod configurations, RSP 200 and RSP 150, the primary difference being their opening mechanisms. The design incorporates automated pod opening, a precision gantry-based handling system, and an interactive user interface with training and logging. Emphasis was placed on safety, reliability, efficiency, and seamless integration with the existing workflow at Photronics.

TEAM MEMBERS
Dorian Meier (ECE)
River Jackson (ECE)
Ari Reyes (ECE)
Dmitr Albig (MBE)
Ethan Cooper (MBE)
Jonathan Wadsworth (MBE)

The Harry Morrison Laboratory hydraulic press is widely used for teaching, demonstrations, and research, but currently lacks an integrated safety barrier to protect users and observers from high-velocity debris during material failure. Our team designed and built a modular safety guard that improves protection while maintaining visibility and accessibility. The enclosure uses transparent polycarbonate panels supported by an aluminum extrusion frame to contain debris without obstructing workflow. A sliding panel system and integrated braking mechanism allow quick specimen changes while ensuring stability during operation. The design enhances laboratory safety, reduces risk to personnel and equipment, and supports continued hands-on learning within the Engineering and Innovation Studio at Boise State University.

TEAM MEMBERS
Kevin Ericksen
Octavia Gerondakis
Dominic Romano
Isaac Hess
Ryan Wojcik

Boise State University is launching a new surf and snow engineering course that allows students to explore materials science, fluid dynamics, snow science, and composites. Most importantly, this course provides students with hands-on experience of designing and building skis and snowboards. To support this initiative, our team developed a safe, adjustable press capable of producing full-length composite boards within a university laboratory setting. Sponsored by Dr. Todd Otanicar, the project focuses on creating a durable and cost-effective system that applies consistent pressure while allowing customizable camber and rocker profiles. The completed press meets the 10-20 psi pressure requirement and accommodates profiles up to 78 inches in length. Housed in the Thermal Transport and Solar Energy Lab, the press will serve as a long-term educational tool that expands experiential learning opportunities for future engineering students.

TEAM MEMBERS
Justin Estes
Elizabeth Farley
Logan Schulze
Will Seaman
Hannah Zdenek

Sandia National Laboratories relies on commercially sourced fasteners for high precision assemblies, and these commercial fasteners create risk if they are substandard or counterfeit in that they may deviate in material composition, markings, or mechanical properties. To address this vulnerability, a compact, nondestructive bolt analysis system was developed to verify fastener integrity prior to integration. The device automates bolt inspection through a multi-stage process that evaluates color, mass, and magnetic response to identify cadmium plated alloy steel bolts while rejecting nonconforming bolts. Bolts are handled via a magazine, a motorized claw, and an XY stage, enabling rapid and repeatable verification without damaging components. Designed for laboratory integration, the system is lightweight and cost effective while still improving supply chain reliability and enhancing safety. This solution supports Sandia’s commitment to highly reliable engineering while mitigating risks associated with counterfeit fasteners.

TEAM MEMBERS
Dylan Brown
Julian Darden
Kameron Droz
Keith Lindsey
Deklan Stacy

Vanmark equipment designs and manufactures processing equipment, specifically peelers and cutters. The peelers have a set of rollers inside, supported by bearings, that have an unknown life cycle. Vanmark is in need of a test apparatus to complete analysis of the bearings, leading to a life prediction so that Vanmark can recommend bearing replacement before expensive catastrophic failure or early maintenance. The test apparatus will have easy access to swap bearings, simulate the running of a peeler, collect applicable data, and predict bearing life. This is accomplished by spinning the bearing on a motorized shaft with load cells applying load and sensors taking in temperature and vibration values.

TEAM MEMBERS
Tanner Brooks
Wyatt Flick
Colin Seidel
Iz Varland

Limbology, a medical device company, aims to deliver a next‚ “generation additively manufactured ankle‚“ foot orthosis (AFO) strut that is safe, reliable, and tailored to individual patient needs. Current AFO struts often lack consistent stiffness, making it difficult to provide predictable support or customize performance for different users. Our team developed a repeatable, data-driven validation framework that links real-world gait loading to measurable performance criteria of the AFO strut such as strength, flexibility, and fatigue life. The completed system includes a cyclic testing device capable of replicating patient’s specific movement patterns and evaluating customized strut designs. By standardizing how AFO struts are tested and verified, this framework supports future materials and configurations, streamlines product development, and strengthens clinical and regulatory confidence. The result is a foundation for more consistent, trustworthy, and effective AFO products.

TEAM MEMBERS
Georgia Anderholt
Emma Hill
Eric Grando
Abby Stamper

Building new power line infrastructure has traditionally required skilled helicopter pilots and linemen to string guidewires, an expensive and hazardous process that exposes crews to fatal risks, including electrocution, human error, and dangerous terrain. Pitch Aeronautics is driving innovation in this field by deploying its Astria drone platform to streamline and improve the guidewire stringing process. This revolutionary design features a payload arm capable of storing, deploying, and respooling up to 1,200 meters of guidewire directly from the drone. By enabling small ground-based crews to install power lines in hard-to-reach locations, the system reduces reliance on helicopters, minimizes risk to linemen and pilots, and lowers installation costs for utilities.

TEAM MEMBERS
Tyler Baker
Dalton Fiscalini
Maddie Jackson
James Kubish

This project presents load calculations and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system design for a new 93,000 square foot university building in Denver, Colorado. The building includes classrooms, offices, instructional labs, metal workshops, a culinary kitchen, and study spaces, each with their own unique temperature and ventilation requirements. Detailed load calculations were performed using Trane Trace 3D+ to determine the peak heating and cooling loads based on occupancy, ventilation requirements, internal gains, and local climate conditions. The mechanical system was then selected and designed using Revit to maintain occupant comfort and follow the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE) standards that were required for the level 1 design competition. The final design delivers a reliable, energy-efficient solution that supports safe and comfortable learning environments throughout all spaces.

TEAM MEMBERS
Micah Crum
Mason Garcia
Riley Hamling

Intermountain Gas Company operates over 2,300 relief stations across Idaho and the Pacific Northwest. Each station is equipped with a relief valve that vents natural gas from the system during an overpressure event. Currently, the company estimates the amount of natural gas vented resulting in less accurate quantitative measurements when reporting gas losses from pipelines. Our project focuses on designing a mechanical system to quantify the amount of gas released from a relief station. Our design uses a turbine-driven gear system connected to a mechanical counter and visual indicator, allowing the device to operate without external power. This satisfies the need for a fully mechanical system to accommodate areas without access to power. This design improves reporting accuracy, provides better insight into pipeline performance, and helps Intermountain Gas Company better monitor and manage gas losses across its network.

TEAM MEMBERS
Colby Colaianni
Ben Gardiner
Noah Schroeder
Abigail Thomson

AERO Specialties, a manufacturer of ground support equipment for the aviation industry, sought to improve the cleaning process for its potable water ground service carts. The existing method requires filling each cart twice, first with Drox, a diluted acid descaler, and then with water to rinse remaining residue, consuming approximately 30,000 gallons of water annually. This project developed a pump-driven, internal spraying system that drastically reduces water usage and improves operational efficiency while maintaining sanitation standards. The final design incorporates three strategically placed 360-degree nozzles to address internal tank baffles and a filtration system that captures and reuses the cleaning solution. The new process filters and recycles Drox, reducing chemical use and conserving water while streamlining the cleaning cycle. The final design supports AERO’s sustainability goals while remaining practical for airport and field.

TEAM MEMBERS
Jake Dolen
Jaden Herne
Isaac Higareda
Gianna Tassi

Pitch Aeronautics needs a safer way to test new payload attachments and flight configurations for their Astria drone without risking crashes, injuries, or expensive damage. Our team is developing a portable, fully mechanical test stand that allows the drone to move in all six degrees of freedom while remaining safely constrained in a controlled environment. The stand combines a dual-axis rail base for horizontal travel, a rigid support tower, a vertical sliding assembly system for climb and descent, and a pivoting joint that allows the drone to tilt and rotate. The design breaks down for transport in a standard pickup truck and is intended to be set up by one or two people. This platform supports repeatable testing, safer troubleshooting, and improved confidence before real-world flight demonstrations.

TEAM MEMBERS
Spencer Austin
Natalie Ayala
Thomas Lawson
Natalya Morauske
Blake Thompson

The Challenged Athletes Foundation (CAF) has encountered issues with their trike kits used for parathletic cyclists, primarily that they are bulky and make the bike difficult to maneuver. Building off of their preexisting setup, this new design integrates a camber system which improves stability and cornering while reducing overall weight through the use of an aluminum shell. For high stress components, steel is used to ensure long term durability to accommodate extensive cyclical loads. The kit is designed to fit modern thru axle bikes and includes adjustable support arms which can be customized to different frame styles. Additionally, the kit can easily incorporate most braking systems and can be easily disassembled for maintenance or travel. The new trike conversion kit prioritizes a universal fit to most bike models which advances CAF’s mission to expand access to high quality adaptive sports equipment.

TEAM MEMBERS
Luca Blum
Gabe Guthrie
Noah Henderson
Vinny Kuehlthau
Brady Nordbeck

Prosthetic footshells play a crucial role in how patients interact with the world, however current designs remain difficult for clinics to produce and fit. Coyote Prosthetics and Orthotics is pursuing a more practical alternative, and our project responded with a two-part prosthetic footshell that simplified both production and fitting while addressing common challenges reported by prosthetic users. This design is optimized for 3D printing, allowing rapid customization to meet individual needs and improving access worldwide. Additional features enhance everyday usability by reducing slipping and water retention in wet environments, improving maneuverability without a shoe, and enabling compatibility with sandals. By focusing on both clinical efficiency and user experience, this project aims to deliver a more accessible, adaptable, and practical solution for prosthetic footshell design.

TEAM MEMBERS
Caleb Allen
Brynn Elliott
John Hinchman
Jennifer Sennett
Jaxon Wood

This project examines charge storage behavior in silicon nitride and silicon oxide thin films on undoped silicon wafers, comparing properties before and after surface treatments. Wafers are modified via argon ion bombardment using the ion gun of a PHI 5600 XPS and electron bombardment in a Hitachi SU3500 SEM. Electrical characteristics are determined with Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (KPFM), while AFM and XRD assess surface morphology and structural changes. Film chemistry and bonding states are analyzed using XPS. By correlating pre- and post-treatment structural and chemical changes with charge storage performance, this study clarifies how surface modifications influence dielectric quality of the films.

TEAM MEMBERS
Jehad Amoudi
Jacob Bieri
David Whitten

Corrosion at welds between additively manufactured and wrought 316L stainless steel presents a challenge for naval applications due to microstructural differences and galvanic interactions. AM materials often contain defects such as porosity and residual stress, while welding creates heat-affected zones that weaken corrosion resistance. Welded samples with varying surface conditions were exposed to simulated marine environments. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy monitored corrosion progression and atomic layer deposition coatings were applied to select samples to evaluate resistance improvement. This work aims to understand corrosion behavior between dissimilar stainless steel and assess the effectiveness of ALD coatings as a mitigation strategy for naval systems.

TEAM MEMBERS
Lucy Brown
Ryan Grove
Brylee Rubio

Many newer reactor designs can tolerate the loss of active cooling without overheating, in part because of passive radiative heat transport between graphite core components and surrounding outer structures. The rate of that passive cooling depends on the thermal emission of the graphite elements, yet it that property is not well quantified. This project has measured the thermal emissivity of numerous grades of graphite over a relevant temperature range to provide nuclear engineers emissivity data to design reactors capable of passively managing thermal events, should they occur.

TEAM MEMBERS
William Cole
Dominic Croce
Stefan Henrick

Sustainability is a core tenet of Boise Cascade. They strive to both create the highest quality wood products and be a responsible steward of natural resources. Unfortunately, there are byproducts from lumber processing that cannot be reduced or eliminated. This project sets out to determine if it is feasible to manufacture an engineered wood product from the unreducible polypropylene and saw dust waste streams. Five wood plastic composites decking boards were manufactured containing 5, 10, 20, and 40% saw dust. The mechanical performance of these decking boards was compared to readily available industry standard composite decking boards which did not use upcycled waste stream materials.

TEAM MEMBERS
Joselyn Gutierrez
Eridani Rojas
Caleb Swenwold

Hygroscopic behavior of salt systems is a critical constraint in applications involving molten salt processing, thermal energy storage, and chemically aggressive environments, where moisture uptake can induce hydrolysis, corrosion, and degradation of thermophysical properties. This work quantifies moisture sorption using controlled humidity gravimetric analysis, tracking mass change as a function of time and relative humidity. Samples were degassed to eliminate pre-adsorbed species, and specific surface area was measured via BET nitrogen adsorption. Results demonstrate that hygroscopicity is strongly governed by surface area, porosity, and salt chemistry, with higher-surface-area materials exhibiting accelerated sorption kinetics and increased equilibrium moisture uptake.

TEAM MEMBERS
Jacob Olson
Scott Horton
Blake Michaelson

Ultrapure water (UPW) is critical in semiconductor manufacturing for fabrication steps such as cleaning, etching, and chemical processing, where silica must remain below sub-parts-per-billion levels to maintain silicon wafer purity of 9N (99.9999999%) or higher. The sponsor, Micron Technology, relies on accurate silica monitoring to protect product quality and yield. This study quantifies silica in UPW using an ASTM-based colorimetric method with UV-Vis-NIR spectroscopy to assess two reducing agents: 1-amino-2-naphthol-4-sulfonic acid and ascorbic acid. Statistical analysis was used to evaluate method detection limits, and which reducing agent provided the most reliable and environmentally sustainable option for future analyses.

TEAM MEMBERS
Suemy Batista
Elen Gardner
Sydney Herold