Engineering Commons^™

Polysaber: A Custom Reactive Lightsaber Soundboard, Pedro B. Medeiros

Computer Engineering

The PolySaber project was developed as a custom reactive lightsaber control system built as a fully custom PCB design. The purpose of the project was to create a lower-cost and more customizable alternative to commercially available lightsaber soundboards while simultaneously providing hands-on experience in PCB design, embedded systems development, and hardware integration. Commercial lightsaber soundboards are expensive, proprietary, and difficult for hobbyists to customize. The PolySaber project addresses this by creating a modifiable hardware platform built around the ESP32 microcontroller. The system supports programmable firmware, RGB NeoPixel blade control, motion sensing, reactive swing and clash effects, onboard audio amplification, and …

Wind Power Turbine Pitching, Sierra Bindseil, Olivia Hoffsis, Izik Hingeley, Tucker Donahue

Mechanical Engineering

It is crucial that wind turbines are able to control the angle of their blades relative to the wind for optimal performance, efficiency, and safety [1]. This project will design a pitching mechanism for the Cal Poly Wind Power turbine that will compete in the Collegiate Wind Competition (CWC). Currently, for full scale wind turbines, the industry standard design includes the pitch of each blade being controlled by its own individual motor [2]. Because of the smaller scale of Cal Poly Wind Power’s turbine, along with power usage constraints, three separate motors are not a practical approach. Cal Poly Wind …

Cal Poly Fluid Powered Vehicle Challenge 2025/2026, Ethan Malachi Nejame Zeiset, Christian Anthony Cuamani, Daniel Chacon-Bizarro, Marcus Minera, Bradley Hansell

Mechanical Engineering

In this Final Design Report, the Cal Poly Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge Contending Team competed in Sun Hydraulics’ 2026 Fluid Powered Vehicle Challenge. The objective of the competition is to expose college students to the fluid power sector, the “hidden giant” of the engineering industry. Specifically, student teams are tasked with the development of a human-powered, fluid-driven vehicle for use in various competitive settings. The team prioritized the optimization of an existing prototype for simplicity, ease of maintenance, and reliability during the competition. The existing prototype exhibited issues related to the main frame’s deflection under load, a lack of gear …

Off-Grid Cabin Hydroelectric Generator, Keller Feltman, Lance Savatgy, River Perino, Jesse Valencia

Mechanical Engineering

This project developed a portable hydroelectric generator intended to provide low-power electricity generation for an off-grid cabin in Alpine County, California. The system was designed to utilize naturally occurring creek flow to generate electrical power while remaining portable, durable, and environmentally conscious.

The final system consists of an axial-flow turbine, belt-driven generator subsystem, waterproof electronics enclosure, aluminum support frame, and integrated wildlife protection screening. Engineering analysis was performed to estimate hydraulic power availability, turbine performance, drivetrain requirements, and component lifespan. These analyses guided the selection and development of the final design.

Throughout prototype testing, several design modifications were required. Initial …

Multi-Ton Bin Transport Device, Cole Kramer, Ruth Stirrup, Fabian Ruiz, Daniel Ramirez

Mechanical Engineering

This project sought to solve a problem at the Water Resource Recovery Facility in San Luis Obispo with the transportation of multi-ton bins on-site. Their current solutions prove ineffective, as they damage their equipment and the concrete pad, as well as pose major safety risks to the operators moving these bins. The Facility requires the bin transport design to be low-cost, effective, and without risk of damage to the bins or surroundings, while maintaining the integrity of the bins. This project presents a conceptual design that is similar to a scissor lift, integrated into a trailer which will connect to …

Elastic Actuator For Robotic Leg, Bruce Berg, Allan Pham, Madeline Slater, Sofie Zalatimo

Mechanical Engineering

The Cal Poly Legged Robots Group (CPLRG) is developing a 12 degree of freedom robot with the goal of eventually performing highly dynamic movements such as jumps and flips. During such movements, large impact forces will be experienced by the leg, potentially resulting in damage to physical components such as the motors. The scope of this project is to integrate elastic elements into the quadruped legs to reduce shock loads on the motors and improve the efficiency of the legs through energy storage. The key stakeholders for this project are Professor Charlie Refvem and Dr. Simon Xing. Other stakeholders include …

Computational Modeling To Evaluate Bipolar Flexible Electrode Designs For Use In Sciatic Nerve Stimulation, Krystyna S. Allman

Master's Theses

Peripheral nerve stimulation is clinically used to manage pain, rehabilitate motor function, and promote nerve regeneration. The sciatic nerve is often studied for stimulation due to its accessibility and clinical relevance. A conventional nerve cuff electrode is the least invasive method for nerve stimulation, but the mismatch of mechanical properties of the electrode with the nerve tissue can cause damage to the nerve and the electrode itself. This study investigated a novel bipolar, gold nanowire-based cuff electrode design and its ability to selectively activate fibers in the rat sciatic nerve at varying interelectrode spacings. In COMSOL, A finite element model …

Skip The Grid: Bringing Photovoltaic Energy To The Navajo And Hopi Nations, Emily Edmondson

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service-learning initiative that provides off-grid solar energy systems to households within the Navajo and Hopi Nations that lack access to electricity. In March 2026, students from five academic disciplines at California Polytechnic State University partnered with industry professionals and community organizations to complete the fifth annual installation trip. The project's purpose was to improve quality of life by providing reliable access to lighting, refrigeration, and small-scale electrical power in underserved communities where traditional grid expansion is extremely costly. Preparation for the project included fundraising, procurement, technical training, and coordination among multiple stakeholders. Participants were …

2026 Annual V.E.S.T Hackathon: Improving Gender Inclusivity Of Glove Fitting, Makena E. Fix

Construction Management

Safety gloves are an essential part of field personnel's personal protective equipment (PPE). Gloves protect against cuts, burns, chemicals, and other hazards. Properly fitting gloves reduce the risk of injury by enabling the suitable use of task-specific protection. The 2026 Verifying Everyone’s Safety Together (V.E.S.T) Hackathon was hosted to identify ways in which gloves fit workers differently, and evaluated six different glove types, ranging from woven cut rated to firefighting gloves. To understand experiences faced by workers with their PPE, firefighters were interviewed and discussions were held at the Hackathon. The collaborative event brought industry members and students together to …

Skip The Grid: Bringing Renewable Energy To Off-Grid Navajo Homes, Zion Hall

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service-learning project that provides sustainable energy solutions to families with school-aged children living in the Navajo and Hopi Nations. In March 2026, a team of 23 students from five academic disciplines at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) partnered with Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and NextPower to complete the fifth year of the program. The project's purpose was to improve quality of life and support educational success by providing reliable access to electricity, lighting, and refrigeration in underserved communities. Participants were organized into five installation teams consisting of Cal Poly students, faculty, industry …

International Construction In El Salvador, Daniel Roberts

Construction Management

My senior project focused on participating in international construction operations in El Salvador through hands-on involvement in the construction of a steel warehouse facility and a small residential home. The project emphasized structural concrete placement, field coordination, construction sequencing, and adaptation to regional construction practices. Work included assisting with concrete foundations, slab preparation, reinforcing steel placement, masonry work, and general site coordination activities. The experience provided practical exposure to labor productivity, material availability, scheduling challenges, and construction methods commonly used in developing regions. The project also highlighted the importance of communication, problem-solving, and flexibility when working in an international construction …

Economic Feasibility Of 3d-Printed Concrete Walls Vs. Traditional Framing Systems, David Hawk

Construction Management

The construction industry faces mounting pressure to adopt more efficient building technologies. 3D-printed concrete (3DCP) has emerged as a promising alternative to wood-frame wall systems, offering reduced labor costs, shorter schedules, and lower long-term maintenance expenses. This study evaluates the economic feasibility of 3DCP versus traditional framing across three project scales — single-family (2K SF), multifamily (20K SF), and large development (100K SF) — using mixed-methods combining quantitative cost data with qualitative industry interviews. Results indicate 3DCP becomes cost-competitive at approximately 20,000 SF of wall area, with a decisive advantage at 100K+ SF ($26–$34/SF vs. $29–$45/SF traditional). Equipment mobilization ($8–$18/SF) …

Skip The Grid: Bringing Solar Energy To The Navajo Nation, Makaela L. Zavala

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service project in which California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students partner with Heart of America and SOLV Energy to install off-grid solar systems for families in the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation. The project aims to address energy inequity by providing reliable electricity for lighting, refrigeration, and essential daily needs. This paper focuses on the communications and logistics planning required to support a large-scale service project involving over twenty students and multiple partner organizations. The methodology included coordinating travel, organizing team assignments, managing documentation, and maintaining communication throughout the trip. The project resulted …

City Farm Slo Sheep Pen Improvements, Oscar Rocha

Construction Management

City Farm SLO is a non-profit that focuses on educating under-served and at-risk youth on health, success, and environmental responsibilities. The organization’s mission is accomplished while connecting many people from different backgrounds, which include diverse ethnic, racial, and socio-economic backgrounds. City Farm SLO promotes hands-on learning, providing opportunities for Cal Poly Construction Management students to build on the farm. This senior project consists of the construction of a 50 cubic yards sheep hill, vehicle access gates, side entry gate, front catch pen, and back corral fencing. Outside of the field construction, there was extensive planning to coordinate with the farm’s …

The Effect Of Music On Construction Labor Productivity, Ayush Khare

Construction Management

Every day the construction industry is looking for ways to improve labor productivity, jobsite morale, and overall project efficiency. Contractors often focus on larger strategies such as scheduling, manpower planning, equipment selection, and material coordination to help projects stay on time and within budget. However, smaller jobsite conditions can also affect how workers perform throughout the day. Music is one of these conditions. On many construction sites, music is already used informally by laborers while they complete physical and repetitive tasks. Even though music is common in construction culture, its effect on productivity and morale is not often measured or …

Sheep Pen Improvements At City Farm Slo, Diego Eliseo Romero

Construction Management

City Farm SLO is a non-profit educational farm that focuses on creating clean produce and educational farm work environments in San Luis Obispo, California. The farm can provide its community with learning programs for the youth, hands-on experience in farming practices, and livestock care. The work was set out for this project across two quarters where we improved the existing sheep pen so that the volunteers and livestock who use the pen can enjoy the area much more comfortably and safely. The overall project scope included several improvements which all required initial designs, coordination with the farm and its volunteers, …

How Modular Construction Techniques Can Be Beneficial To The Nuclear Construction Industry, Samuel Lawrence Maurer

Construction Management

Nuclear energy will soon be needed to supply sustainable and clean power to companies that work with Artificial Intelligence and Quantum Computing. Across the world, lots of large-scale nuclear power plants that have been recently constructed have had many issues, such as cost overruns, schedule delays, permitting issues, and more. The purpose of this project is to examine how modular construction, specifically in the form of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), can positively impact the nuclear construction industry and potentially reduce some of the common issues that these large-scale nuclear power plant projects typically face. The findings suggest that the use …

Skip The Grid: Installing Solar Systems In The Navajo Nation, Joey Massey

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is a student led interdisciplinary project that aims to bring sustainable solar energy to families in the Navajo Nation who lack reliable power at home. The 2026 Skip the Grid trip was the fifth consecutive year of the joint effort between California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students across multiple departments, Heart of America (HOA), SOLV Energy, and Nextpower. Over the three working days the 5 teams installed Goal Zero Solar Systems in 50 homes on both the Navajo Nation and Hopi Reservation. These systems brough power, light, and refrigeration to families, enhancing their quality of life …

The Efficiency Of Residential Modular Construction, Alina Viola Dziuk

Construction Management

This study examines the efficiency of permanent modular construction in the residential multifamily sector framed with steel in the western United States, with a particular focus on labor productivity, materials, project scheduling, and cost performance in California. Research was conducted through five interviews with production managers from U.S.-based modular manufacturing companies. Results indicated that modular construction improves labor, material, time, and cost efficiency. Overall, the qualitative data gathered from interviews and the literature review suggest that modular construction offers a practical solution to California’s housing shortages, declining labor pool, and rising construction costs while improving overall project efficiency and productivity. …

The Use Of Modular Construction To Improve Schedule Efficiency, Brandon Ritchie

Construction Management

The construction industry continues to face growing pressure to deliver projects on tighter schedules with fewer resources. Modular construction has emerged as a delivery method with the potential to improve schedule efficiency by allowing off site fabrication and on site work to occur simultaneously. This research examines how modular construction affects schedule performance compared to traditional construction methods. When modular construction is well coordinated, project schedules will show improved efficiency compared to traditionally built projects. Qualitative interviews were conducted with members of the Whiting Turner team on the Cal Poly Student Housing Project, backed up by a review of schedule …

Sheep Pen Improvements At City Farm Slo, Rylan Joseph Hickman

Construction Management

This project took place on a non-profit community farming space called City Farm SLO which provides opportunities for local small scale independent farmers to farm and provide crops to the community. Our project provided improvements to the livestock pen that they have on the farm which is home to chickens and a flock of sheep. The main goal of this project was to provide a better living environment for the sheep including a 50 cubic yard sheep hill, a vehicle access gate, a side gate, a front catch pen, a back corral, and protective fencing for a guava tree. Within …

Hvac Ductwork Lab Series - New Curriculum, Dean Cavanna

Construction Management

This senior project developed an HVAC Ductwork Lab Series to support Cal Poly Construction Management’s new mechanical coursework during the semester conversion. The main goal is to connect classroom instruction with practical fieldwork. The project addresses the need for applied learning materials that help students understand how duct design, fabrication, installation, and support affect system performance. The curriculum was created through a sequence of planning, model development, video-supported instruction, student handout design, and instructor guide preparation. The final lab series includes three activities: SimScale airflow modeling of a straight duct, direct 90-degree elbow, and curved 90-degree elbow; fabrication and connection …

Thematic Analysis Of Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities Required For Hydrogen Fuel Cell Transit Workforce, Steven Dandurand

Construction Management

The adoption and implementation of hydrogen fuel cell electric buses (FCEBs) in public transit creates opportunities for reducing emissions and a greener future, but causes challenges related to workforce readiness and training. This research uses thematic analysis to analyze interviews with professionals to evaluate the current knowledge and skill levels of transit bus drivers, maintenance personnel, and infrastructure teams, with the goal of identifying knowledge gaps that may cause problems with the implementation of hydrogen buses on a larger scale. Data was collected through a review of transit agency resources, and interviews with drivers, technicians and agencies. The findings indicate …

Designing And Building Benches For Slo City Farm, Julian Cervantes

Construction Management

The purpose of this project was to design and create multiple small benches for the City Farm SLO during the term of Spring 2026 quarter. This project was specifically intended to be an affordable, pragmatic, and durable project that would last a long time in order to serve the people that visit a comfortable place to sit and come together. In order to achieve the project delivery for these benches the pre-construction of the project started by visiting the city farm to inspect the existing benches and taking the measurements of them in order to shorten them for the use …

Ada Concrete Walkway Improvements At The Gala Pride And Diversity Center, Jonathan A. Mintz, Manuel Gonzalez

Construction Management

This paper presents the planning, design, and construction of an accessible concrete walkway completed for the GALA Pride and Diversity Center in San Luis Obispo, California. The project addressed an accessibility gap between the center's front entrance and rear parking lot through a combination of site preparation, concrete work, retaining wall construction, and supporting improvements. Construction was managed around the active events schedule while staying within the constraints of a nonprofit budget. Challenges encountered during the project included scope changes, material selection decisions, and client coordination. The completed walkway provides a safe and stable path for all visitors and directly …

Modular Student Housing At California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo: A Case Study On Efficiency And Implementation, Michelle Lara

Construction Management

As universities continue searching for ways to deliver student housing more efficiently, volumetric modular construction has emerged as a potential alternative to traditional construction methods. However, there is limited documentation on how modular student housing projects are implemented on active California State University campuses. This study examines the implementation of volumetric modular construction on the California Polytechnic State University Student Housing Project through a qualitative case study approach. Data was collected through interviews with project personnel involved in construction management, project engineering, and fire and life safety compliance, along with a review of existing literature. While the project demonstrated several …

Skip The Grid: Bringing Power To The Navajo And Hopi Nation, Benjamin R. Narciso

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service-learning project that provides sustainable energy solutions to families with school-aged children living in the Navajo and Hopi Nations. In March 2026, a team of 23 students from five academic disciplines at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) partnered with Heart of America, SOLV Energy, and NextPower to complete the program's fifth year. The project's purpose was to improve the quality of life and support educational success by providing reliable access to electricity, lighting, and refrigeration in underserved communities. Participants were organized into five installation teams consisting of Cal Poly students, faculty, industry partners, …

Beyond Contract Law: Expanding Legal Education In Construction Management, Grace M. Hetland

Construction Management

The California Polytechnic State University Construction Management (CM) program is designed to prepare students for the managerial responsibilities of the construction industry. However, construction projects involve a broad range of legal considerations that extend beyond traditional contract administration. While the CM curriculum currently includes a course focused on construction contract law, there is limited exposure to other legal disciplines that frequently affect construction professionals throughout the project lifecycle. This research explores the potential value of expanding construction law education in the CM curriculum by implementing an additional topics course as an elective for students. To determine which legal subjects would …

Robotic Layout Systems In Construction: Evaluating Accuracy And Efficiency In Blueprint Marking, Saxon Moseman

Construction Management

Robotic layout systems represent a significant advancement in construction technology, automating the transfer of Building Information Modeling (BIM) coordinates onto construction surfaces to improve accuracy and efficiency. This study evaluates the implementation of robotic layout systems, specifically the Dusty Robotics FieldPrinter, and their effectiveness in improving accuracy and efficiency during construction blueprint marking. Through a review of existing literature, analysis of the Skanska and Sutter Health healthcare case study, and qualitative interviews with three construction professionals, the research examines impacts on productivity, labor requirements, trade coordination, BIM integration, and project quality. Findings consistently demonstrate that robotic layout systems reduce layout …

Skip The Grid: Bringing Power To Navajo Nation Through Off-Grid Solar Systems, Maggie Papaharisi

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is an interdisciplinary service-learning project where California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) students partner with Heart of America and SOLV Energy to install off-grid solar systems for families in the Navajo Nation who do not have reliable access to electricity. Due to the remote location and high cost of infrastructure, a significant portion of households lack basic utilities, making access to lighting, refrigeration, and power difficult. During the 2026 project, a team of students from multiple disciplines spent several months preparing before traveling to Arizona, where installation teams completed solar systems in 50 homes over three days. …