Digital Commons Network^™

Seismic Resilience Of Timber Structures, Mia Wootton, Allison Nocon, Mikayla Caruthers, Ava Fineza, Rebecca Slutsky, Min Thit Kant

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Wood houses dominate the construction landscape in the United States (U.S.), with over 94% of new homes constructed in 2022 being wood framed. New Zealand shares a similar construction landscape, with building practices for wood houses like those in California. Nevertheless, the 2010-2011 Canterbury earthquake sequence damaged nearly three quarters of the housing stock in the region. A total of 150,000 homes were damaged, with about one fifth exceeding NZ$100,000 in damage. To assess the likelihood of economic losses of California’s timber houses, a shake table testing campaign is underway at the California Polytechnic State University Advanced Technology Laboratory in …

Augmented Reality Application For Real-Time Coastal Data Visualization, Nithyasri Palanisamy

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This project aims to develop an Augmented Reality (AR) application that overlays real-time coastal environmental data onto physical landscapes when viewed through AR devices such as smartphones and mixed reality headsets. By integrating data from machine learning models, computer vision-based event detection, coastal sensors, and geospatial mapping technologies, the application will provide users with an immersive and interactive experience, enhancing their understanding of coastal dynamics and environmental changes. The application will focus on observing coastal phenomena such as rip currents, tracking endangered coastal species and marine mammals, monitoring crowd levels on beaches, etc. Data sources will include NOAA's National Data …

Machine Unlearning: The Right To Be Forgotten, Colin Ngo

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The objective of this SURP proposal is to investigate machine unlearning as a viable approach to support the right to be forgotten in artificial intelligence (AI) systems, many of which rely heavily on personal data. The capability to selectively remove user-specific information upon request—without necessitating full model retraining—is critical for safeguarding individual privacy and enhancing computational and energy efficiency. This project will undertake a systematic review of state-of-the-art unlearning techniques, evaluate their performance using standard benchmark datasets, and assess their feasibility in real-world applications. In addition, the project will provide participating students with practical experience in implementing and analyzing machine …

Evaluating The Accuracy Of Gen Ai Detecting Misinformation, Alan Sebastian

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This research project will investigate the ability of advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) to identify and assess misinformation across diverse forms of media, including text, images, and video. In an age where misleading content spreads rapidly across digital platforms, evaluating the reliability and integrity of AI systems tasked with fact-checking is critical. We will develop a comprehensive dataset composed of factual and misleading examples drawn from various well-known and reliable fact-checking organizations. Each item will be independently reviewed and transparently labeled to ensure reproducibility. We will then prompt a curated group of state-of-the-art LLMs—including GPT-4, Claude, Gemini, Perplexity, Grok, and …

Designing For Maintainability, Kyle Marshall

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This research focuses on creating an experiment to measure performance of an aircraft propeller on a specially designed stand. Results from the wind tunnel experiments measuring thrust, rotation speed and torque will enable students to create a database of propeller characteristics for use in aircraft design projects. Students in aerospace engineering are regularly assigned design projects powered by turboprop or propeller driven engines. There is not an easy way to verify design performance other than simplistic calculations or extrapolation of open-source wind tunnel data, and not a lot of data is available. Being able to correlate actual test data from …

A Biomimetic Fe Model Of The Human Foot For Kinematic And Footwear Analysis, Brady K. Nakamura

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The idea of the present proposal is to develop a biomimetic foot model and validate the model accuracy in predicting plantar stresses on the foot, using insole pressure sensors. The incidences of foot pain can often be coupled with uncomfortable footwear and prolonged usage of a shoe may be associated with long-term musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limb. While multiple studies have tracked the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) or midfoot OA and have studied the effect of orthotic treatment on the foot pain across individuals [1], there are few biomimetic models of the foot that can study and associate …

Orbital Mechanics And Ai, Daniella Luciani, Cliodhna Mcguigan

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Traditional orbital mechanics courses typically start with simpler problems that can be solved on paper, gradually progressing to more complex problems that require computational tools. In the AERO department, we have traditionally used MATLAB for these computational tasks. However, the industry is increasingly shifting toward platforms like Python for coding these types of problems. Additionally, with the rapid rise of AI, tools like ChatGPT are now at the forefront of code generation. To stay ahead, students need to learn how to generate code using AI and assess whether the generated code is functioning as expected. This SURP will have students …

Light-Activated Self-Folding Of Polystyrene-Based Shape Memory Polymers: A Comparison Of Laser Induced Graphene And Marker Patterns, Amelia Lodwick

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Shape memory polymers (SMPs) are a class of stimuli-responsive materials capable of undergoing programmable shape transformations upon thermal activation. Among various heating methods, light-induced activation provides a contact-free, spatially selective, and controllable approach for triggering self-folding behavior, making it particularly valuable for applications in soft robotics, aerospace structures, and biomedical devices. Despite the growing interest in SMPs, a systematic investigation into the influence of photothermal patterning materials, light intensity, and heat distribution on self-folding behavior remains limited. This research aims to explore the self-folding response of a commercially available SMP by employing photothermal materials such as carbon black and laser-induced …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Ultrasound-Hot Plate And Flacktek Mixing In Nanocomposite Panel Fabrication, Jacky Liang, Wyatt Barnes

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Nanomaterials have found widespread applications, particularly carbon nanotubes (CNTs) in structural applications, which have gained significant traction over the past few decades [1] [2]. Numerous experimental [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] and analytical studies [11] have demonstrated that incorporating CNTs into an epoxy matrix can significantly enhance the mechanical properties of the composite. This study evaluates and compares the effectiveness of nanocomposite panels fabricated using two different fabrication techniques: ultra-sonication combined with a hot plate process, and the FlackTek mixer. The primary objective of the research is to investigate the impact of these processing methods on the …

Exploring Epic’S Effect On Student Confidence And Interest In Stem, Alejandra Zuñiga

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Obtaining diverse representation in STEM fields is an ongoing challenge. Black and Hispanic workers remain underrepresented in the STEM workforce, and women continue to have low numbers in jobs within computing and engineering fields (Pew Research Center). Diverse representation in engineering is not only important to ensure equity but also serves as a benefit to the field itself as it brings diverse ideas and opinions. Achieving diverse representation in STEM can be aided with targeted STEM education programs that introduce all students (including those from historically marginalized backgrounds) to the world of STEM.

Additive Manufacturing Of Multi-Material Aircraft Sandwich Structures, Dhriti Mandalam Surendranath Kumar, Cody Van Dyck

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This SURP proposal is centered around the exploration of the application of 3D printing composite part processing techniques to produce multi-material sandwich structures for high performance applications such as civilian and military aircraft. These processing techniques have the potential to significantly reduce the costs and the environmental impact of existing conventional autoclave composite processing techniques. The exploration of new ‘out-of-autoclave’ composite part processing techniques may help to reduce processing costs and the environmental impact of processing, as well as broaden the engineering applications of cellular core materials beyond their existing engineering applications. 3D printing directly onto sandwich core materials will …

Motivation And Engagement In Outreach Activities, Aurora Geisen

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

If the four elements of motivation and engagement are present in engineering outreach activities, does this affect the desire to become an engineer? Four elements: Autonomy, Purpose, Community, Mastery.

If the four elements of motivation and engagement are present/increased, and thereby motivation and engagement increase, do more students attending an engineering outreach event want to become engineers? If yes, then those activities where the four elements are increased/present should show an increase in students who are engaged and motivated to become engineers. If no, then the design of activities is not a major deciding factor in whether a student wants …

How Students’ Geographical Area Influences Their Level Of Interest In Engineering After Participating In The Epic Program, Cristina Ruiz

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The purpose of this study was to look at how a student’s location can shape their interest in engineering after taking part in the EPIC program. My research question asked: How do students’ geographical area influences their level of interest in engineering after participating in EPIC? To answer this, I compared students from different income groups: higher, middle, and lower, which was determined by using ZIP code data tied to average income and education levels. I also did a closer look at students from the Santa Maria region. Many of these students were connected to the Migrant Education Program, which …

Hands-On Vs. Critical-Thinking Labs And Engineering Pathways: A Gender-Comparative Analysis, Stacey Rodas Duarte

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The purpose of this study is to compare short-term changes in students’ interest in engineering following two instructional formats: a hands-on lab activity (metal casting) and a critical thinking based lecture/lab (bmed). Using pre and post lab surveys, we evaluated changes in student engagement, confidence, and perceptions of engineering as a potential career. We also examined whether these patterns varied by gender among middle and high school students.

Impact Of Lab Design & Prior Engineering Exposure On Epic Outcomes, Ari Nagle, Tim Pontes, Lena Roberts

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Prove that the Engineering Possibilities in College Camp has positively influenced student interest in engineering with the goal of encouraging more students to pursue careers in the field.

Understanding The State Of Neuroinclusive Teaching, Jovita Maria Joseph

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

We build on prior work by others and by the PI investigating the needs and the state of support for neurodiverse students in STEM at the college level—beginning with the state of support at Cal Poly. Key questions we explore include institutional and peer support and belonging; neuroinclusive course design and the efficacy of syllabi; and the impact of low- versus high-stakes assessments on neurodiverse students. The project consists of three pillars: (1) theory—situating our research with respect to prior work; (2) empirical analysis—learning from the previous survey refining our research questions, and designing further experiments; and (3) institutional research—gathering …

Tvac Testing With Stella, Emily Lieber, Roshan Jaiswal

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) testing is a staple in testing for spacecraft components and parts. Prior to flying in space, each spacecraft must show that their system will be able to perform while experiencing a large temperature swing from -100 to 100 C. In the fall of 2023, the AERO department’s new Thermal Vacuum Chamber (TVAC) was completed and ready to begin system checkout and testing. Over the past 1.5 years, the TVAC system has undergone short-duration tests to refine operational procedures and build general knowledge of the system. Starting this summer, the system will begin its first long-duration tests. …

Deepseek, Chatgpt, Or Gemini? A Multi-Method Investigation Of Neural And Behavioral User Experience (Ux), Keziah Gopalla

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

As artificial intelligence tools become integral to everyday tasks, understanding how users interact with these systems is essential for improving user experience and system design. This research aims to investigate and compare the interface usability and emotional responses elicited by three prominent AI tools—ChatGPT, DeepSeek, and Google Gemini—using the Emotiv Insight EEG headset. By combining usability testing with emotional biometrics, this study offers a novel approach to evaluating conversational AI systems. The study will capture both subjective usability metrics and objective emotional markers such as arousal, valence, and engagement. Participants will complete standardized tasks using each AI tool, while their …

Performance Dashboard Design For Radiologists: Highlighting What Matters & Fostering Improvement, Trevor Knotts, Jemma Simpson, Coleman Hawkins

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

TurboRad has developed a system with proven results that streamlines radiology report creation and improves radiologist productivity. A study performed in 2023 found that “the advanced macro-button toolbar system has great correlation for both lower report completion times and increased wRVU productivity. The benefits of the toolbar system are most evident in the simpler XR reports. Though they are simpler to read and complete reports, the greater quantity of XR reports contributes to a greater overall wRVU completion rate throughout the day as radiologists can spend more time on more complex examinations and reports” (Chow, Speece, & Holtzman, 2024). Since …

Engaging Students In Materials Engineering Through A Marble-Based Property Ranking Game, Nathan Cloughley, Alyssa Felix

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This SURP proposal is centered on the design and development of a Materials Marbles Game, an educational tool designed to introduce students to materials science and materials selection through tactile interaction and hands-on experimentation. The game will incorporate measurement of key material properties—such as mechanical, thermal, electrical, and mass density—using spherical marbles made from different materials. These measurements will then be used to construct a physical Material Property Chart (Ashby-Cebon plot) on a game board, fostering a hands-on, embodied understanding of how different materials behave. The game will also illustrate the thought process behind materials selection, a critical aspect of …

Sustainability Literacy In Ceng, The Knowledge-Attitude Disconnect In Sustainability Education: Evidence From Ceng Students, Myron Chen, Rohit Kota

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Higher education institutions are increasingly incorporating the concept of sustainability into the curricula, but the evaluation of students' level of sustainability knowledge is underdeveloped. The proposed research focuses on Cal Poly's efforts to integrate sustainability principles within the engineering curricula and the impact on students' knowledge. By analyzing existing data collected on the sustainability literacy of Cal Poly’s engineering students, this project aims to enhance teaching strategies and align them with the sustainability goals of both the College and the University. This initiative builds on work initiated last summer and seeks to better prepare engineering students to become future contributors …

Leveraging Smartphones For Balance Assessment, Kelly Graham

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Assessment of human balance provides valuable metrics to track the health, development, and fall risk of individuals. The prominent method for objective balance assessments has used force plates to track the center of pressure (COP) position as a participant attempts to balance during varying tasks. However, the use of force plates is limited by the cost of equipment and expertise required, leading to recent interest in using embedded inertial measurement units (IMUs) in mobile devices instead. Many researchers have explored placing mobile devices close to the subject’s center of mass (COM) to approximate the subject’s COM acceleration and using the …

Modeling An Energy Management System For Residential Hybrid Ac/Dc Power Networks, Theodor Buerchner, Giovanni Malone, Alex Maldonado

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

In pursuit of supporting the global efforts in reducing carbon footprint and reliance on fossil fuels, this project seeks to continue the development of a hybrid AC/DC house prototype at Cal Poly State University. To enhance the power flow to DC loads, a dedicated 48 V DC bus will be constructed to replace the impractical multiple DC buses in the previous system. This iteration will also add a key feature that enables users to monitor real-time AC and DC powers. Another new functionality will involve the provision of a mix of latching and non-latching relays to switch between sources, thus …

Ai Fact-Checking Claims In Videos, Jake Altieri

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This project investigates the use of acoustic signals captured during Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing to predict part quality and detect process anomalies. Traditional quality monitoring in FDM often relies on visual inspection or post-process evaluation, which can be slow and inconsistent. This research explores a low-cost, non-contact alternative using microphones and accelerometers to capture real-time audio and vibration signatures of the printing process. By applying signal processing and machine learning techniques to these acoustic signals, the project aims to classify part quality and identify defects such as under-extrusion, layer misalignment, or nozzle clogging. The outcomes have potential applications …

Sustainable Development Of Sensing Materials For Structural Health Monitoring, Nat Conti, Matthew Robinson

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Sensing technologies play significant roles in structural health monitoring (SHM) systems for monitoring and assessing structural conditions in real-time, which can enhance the safety and reliability of various structures. While engineered nanomaterial (ENM)-based sensors have remarkable potential to transform conventional sensing devices, large volume of ENMs released into the environment can significantly jeopardize the environment and public health. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop next-generation sensing materials in a more eco-friendly and sustainable manner. The goal of this interdisciplinary proposal is to sustainably develop sensing nanocomposites for monitoring structural damage by re-using waste materials as nano-/micro-scale functional material …

Building Pathways To Computer Science Careers For Latinx Students Through Multilingual Collaborative Block-Based Programming, Cis Garcia, Noemi Corona Calvario

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The underrepresentation of Latinx students in computer science highlights the need for innovative and inclusive educational approaches. This project addresses challenges such as limited access to educational resources and the demand for multilingual learning tools by developing a co-located, collaborative, game-based programming environment. Designed for use on phones, tablets, and laptops, this tool supports English, Spanish, and Mixtec, facilitating broader engagement. By promoting peer collaboration and interactive learning, our approach challenges traditional notions of solitary programming and reinforces the idea that expertise is shared, fostering an inclusive and equitable learning environment.

Wearable Sensing Systems And Data Analytics For Pressure Sensing Prosthetics, Aiden Freeland

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This interdisciplinary research, in collaboration with Sony, aims to improve the fit and comfort of socket prosthetics for amputees by utilizing sensing technology and data analytical techniques. Many amputees face issues with prosthetic fit, which can lead to discomfort, pain, and even tissue damage. Our goal is to address these problems by developing a low-cost, universal, and wearable sensing system that can continuously monitor the pressures at the residual limb and prosthetic socket interface. This product will provide feedback to the user, allowing for real-time adjustments, ensuring a comfortable fit, and avoiding injury. Our research group has extensive experience in …

Certifiably Robust Input-Dependent Randomized Smoothing Via Lipschitz Standard Deviation Networks, Faith Bergstrom, Ben Sager

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Modern artificial intelligence (AI) systems exhibit highly sensitive and unsafe behavior when subjected to undetectable cyberattacks. For instance, human-imperceptible manipulations of the pixels in image data can cause traffic sign classifiers to mispredict stop signs as yield signs. In this project, we will design and analyze new methods to robustify machine learning (ML) models against these adversarial threats. Specifically, we will explore randomization techniques that "smooth out" the ML model's decision making process by intentionally corrupting input data with small amounts of noise. Optimizing this noise to enhance resilience against attacks while maintaining the system's accuracy poses a major open …

Augmented Biomechanics Integration For Real-Time Movement Optimization, Jack Bergfeld, Liyen Ho, Dylan Featherson

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This project aims to integrate OpenCap, a markerless motion capture system, with augmented reality (AR) to optimize real-time human movement. By leveraging biomechanics principles, AR visualization, and machine learning (ML), the system will provide instant feedback to users, improving movement efficiency while minimizing joint and muscle stress. Previous research in 2024-2025 has successfully demonstrated 2D motion tracking and AR-based mapping onto another person for interactive comparison. This project will build upon that foundation by enhancing real-time 3D motion tracking and developing an advanced AR interface to guide users in sports training, rehabilitation, and workplace ergonomics. The integration of ML will …

Math+Cs Integrated Curriculum For K-12 Computer Science Education, Amogh Arora

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

This is a proposal for an activity to initiate an effort to create a series of X+CS integrated curricula for learning Computer Science (CS) in K-12. As a start, we examine Mathematics and CS standards, to find the cross-cutting concepts between the two fields. By leveraging these concepts, we bring to the foreground the ways CS can be used in the mathematical context. The goal for this research is to create a 15-week teacher training curriculum that will expose teachers to the CS concepts of Abstraction, Data Representation, Problem Comprehension and Decomposition, Control Structures, Functions and Generalization. Historically, Mathematics and …