Engineering Commons^™

Stem Integration Through Environmental Data Analysis For Real-World Problem Solving, Abigail Erskine

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Integrating authentic, environmental-based data can make STEM instruction more meaningful. As part of a broader high school STEM curriculum, I designed a lesson that connects mathematical and statistical concepts, technology, and environmental data through environmental data analysis to develop real-world problem solving. Using local deer mortality data, I examined how descriptive statistics and data interpretation could reveal population and ecological patterns. Designing with real data highlighted how mathematics can serve as a lens for understanding environmental issues and promote connections across STEM disciplines. This research brief focuses on the instructional design and reflection as the lesson designer.

From Coursework To Research: A Scalable Model For Student-Industry Ai Collaboration, Hyeong Kyun Park, Andrew Joon Cha

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Preparing students for advanced technical careers requires more than foundational theory; it demands a shift to genuine research methodology. With the rising need for university-industry partnerships in AI innovation, this case study dissects a successful student-industry AI engineering collaboration project and transforms it into an essential preparation model easily adopted by technology personnel. The student participants include undergraduate and graduate engineering, data science, and computer science students working directly with practicing industry AI engineers. While universities publish most AI research and generate higher-novelty work, industry contributes state-of-the-art models, large datasets, and computational resources. Students gain research readiness, data literacy, and …

Analysis Of Stem Activities At Preschool And Primary School Levels In The Usa's And Turkiye's Educational Reports Based On The Engineering Design Process, Cetin Kursat Bilir, Mehmet Fatih Öçal, Esra Yilmaz Bilir

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This comparative study examines STEM activities from preschool to grade 4 in the United States and Türkiye using the Engineering Design Process (EDP) framework. Five activities from each country were selected based on national standards (NGSS in the U.S.; Ministry of National Education STEM Standards in Türkiye). Using qualitative content analysis, we examined how each activity reflects the stages of the EDP. The findings highlight ways to strengthen STEM education through design-based learning and offer teachers practical insights for integrating engineering design into early education.

Green Energy Innovation As A Theme For Integrated Stem Curriculum In K-8 Out-Of-School Learning, Humphrey Chinenye Ochulor, Paul Asunda, Swagata Sarkar, Comfort Temitope Aje, Deepanshu Gupta

Indiana STEM Education Conference

In this project, we developed a theme of Green Energy Innovation (GEI) for K-8 integrated STEM (iSTEM) out-of-school learning that includes scientific concepts, engineering design, mathematical measurement, and data collection. Anchored in engineering design (English, 2016), the researchers designed a curricular unit that included simple and complex solar car models. The researcher-designed solar car prototypes serve as STEM kits that support students’ iSTEM-based engineering design activities.

Indiana Bridges: Inclusive Stem Learning For Students With Down Syndrome, Elizabeth N. Christian, Jeffrey A. Nowak

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This research brief explores how materials and the engineering design process may be used to support inclusive STEM learning for students with Down syndrome. Conducted as a series of five consecutive workshops over a summer break, the Indiana Bridges project introduced engineering concepts through bridge-themed sessions created to be accessible for all ages and abilities. Students ages 11-20 with Down syndrome and two teacher education faculty participated in five workshops. Family members and center support staff frequently participated. Bridges from across the state of Indiana and classroom materials familiar to the participants provided entry points while new materials extended their …

More Than A Design Task: How Questions Shape Student Attention And Learning, Isaiah Kent-Schneider

Indiana STEM Education Conference

Incorporating engineering design activities into education has the potential to transform learning and students' educational experiences. However, when teachers implement engineering design without asking purposeful questions to focus students' attention, students tend to focus on the task but miss out on the intended learning of underlying science and math concepts. This research brief provides practical examples of questions teachers can use to focus student attention during engineering design activities.

Bridging Mission And Execution: Integrating Participatory Design In Early-Phase Mission Engineering For Stakeholder Alignment And Mission Clarity, Rafi Soule

Knowledge and Creativity Expo

This research examines mission framing during the early phase of Mission Engineering. Stakeholder interpretations diverge under ambiguity. Interoperability constraints are often not surfaced early. These conditions reduce mission clarity and weaken mission-to-system mapping readiness. The study integrates a participatory design-inspired, artifact-first workflow with RAG-enabled retrieval from a closed corpus to support evidence-grounded reasoning and traceable citations.

Phase 1 uses an online survey to establish baseline patterns in practice (N = 86). Shared understanding is positively associated with mission clarity (r = 0.60, p < 0.001). Phase 2 uses a time-bounded comparative workshop with two conditions. Expert reviewers rate mission statement quality higher for the participatory design condition (mean 3.5) than the traditional condition (mean 2.8). Technical feasibility ratings are similar across conditions. Phase 3 demonstrates RAG-enabled, closed-corpus, retrieval-supported traceability using the Referencer tool. It is reported as a proof-of-concept for evidence-grounded rationale and auditability, and as a pathway …

Wind Tunnel Instrumentation And Testing, Nicholas Marek, Abraham Mezera, Laura Jin, Hayden Smith, Curtis Cook

Student Scholar Symposium

The Raymond B. Jones College of Engineering was contacted by an automotive engineering firm seeking to use the college’s wind tunnel for gathering data on the aerodynamic performance of a proprietary prototype automotive door. Specifically, the client requested the quantification of the drag coefficient of the model at extreme wind speeds. The drag coefficient, a dimensionless number that quantifies the resistance of a specific geometric shape to airflow, will be a valuable datapoint for the client’s design iteration. Due to the sensitive nature of their work, the client has wished to remain anonymous. RBJCOE professors tasked a senior design team …

Mathematical Developments In American Spacecraft Technology, Tylah Grace Lynn, Lauren Reece Terry

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Traffic Study, Kennedy Case, Koryn Harms, Min Kaung, Abel Assefa, Eli Lockert, Dj Church

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Nashville Bus System Efficiency, Koryn Harms

Student Scholar Symposium

Nashville’s recently approved “Choose How You Move” plan creates a dedicated funding source for transportation improvements in the city. A key component of the plan is to increase transit service throughout Nashville to make it more accessible and reliable. In order to optimize the use of the funding, an analysis of existing conditions would allow officials to locate and target specific areas in need of improvement. The aim of this research is to determine the efficiency of different bus routes in Nashville based on ridership and on-time rates. The analysis will focus on the eight primary bus routes in the …

Gaylord Opryland Congestion Reduction, Kennedy Case

Student Scholar Symposium

Lipscomb University’s College of Engineering is working collaboratively with Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center to explore potential solutions to its traffic congestion problem, particularly during peak times such as the holiday season. This research aims to identify strategies that can alleviate congestion in the resort area. With over one million visitors during the holiday season each year and limited parking capacity, the traffic congestion poses a significant challenge to both operational efficiency and visitor experience. The primary objective of this research is to identify strategies that optimize parking usage, reduce congestion, and improve the overall visitor experience. Beginning with …

Green Roof, Elizabeth Fulton

Student Scholar Symposium

Green roofs, a concept dating back over 100 years, offer a sustainable solution to urban environmental challenges such as poor air quality, the urban heat island effect, and increased stormwater runoff. This study focuses on green roofs as an effective way to address these issues in cities like Nashville, which are experiencing rapid urbanization. By transforming rooftops into green spaces, green roofs can improve air quality, manage stormwater, and reduce urban heat, while also enhancing the aesthetic value of urban environments. The research explores the integration of green roofs, considering factors like substrate composition, plant selection, and environmental conditions. Key …

Smart Traffic Lights, Roa Ghanem

Student Scholar Symposium

Nashville is quickly growing, and as a result, traffic congestion is becoming a bigger challenge for commuters. Longer travel times and increased vehicle emissions are major concerns. This research examines how smart traffic lights can improve traffic flow and reduce congestion in the city. By analyzing peer-reviewed journal articles, this study explores how AI, IoT, and machine learning can optimize traffic signal timing in real time. In particular, simulation models illustrate how these technologies adapt dynamically to changing traffic patterns in cities similar to Nashville. Furthermore, this research compares the cost-effectiveness of smart traffic lights with other solutions, such as …

Ai In Construction, Samuel Gilbert

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Leed Certified Building Remodel And Addition, Ruth Fessehaye, Elizabeth Fulton, Roa Ghanem, Samuel C. Gilbert, Juan Henriquez-Hernandez, Jackson Stephens

Student Scholar Symposium

Engineering practices are increasingly adopting sustainable methods, with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) being a widely recognized standard. LEED ensures environmental health and efficiency in building projects. This project focuses on renovating an existing building and adding a warehouse for the PENCIL Foundation, a local non-profit. The design includes structural, mechanical, and HVAC drawings along with stormwater and indoor water use evaluations, and EPSC (Erosion Prevention and Sediment Control) plans. This project allowed Lipscomb University students to gain hands-on experience in client-based design while adhering to site regulations and ASHRAE standards. The project aims to achieve a Gold …

P.L.O.P.S. — An Automatic Latte Art Machine, Gracelyn Grant, Aidan Lovelace, Nate Mclain, Kris Pesnell, Caleb Pilafas

Student Scholar Symposium

engineering, latte, art, machine, prototype

Ai Photography-Based Gradation Feasibility Study For Streams And Rivers In Davidson County, Tn, Nolen Ritzel, Lauren Baker

Student Scholar Symposium

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has demonstrated significant potential in engineering applications, specifically in soil gradation analysis using two-dimensional imagery. While studies have shown experimental success, AI-based soil gradation methods are not widely used in industry due to the lack of field research performed. Moreover, the current methodology is suitable but lacks advancement. The motivation behind the research was to aid in bridging this gap between experimental research and industry application by determining whether existing AI tools can and/or should be applied to bank soil in streams and rivers in the Greater Nashville Area. Several locations next to streams and rivers distributed …

Exoskeleton Senior Design Project, Joel Isaacson, Josh Brake, Barre Seguin, Lydia Tollerson, Rachel Mayhugh, Richard Pearce

Student Scholar Symposium

In recent years, the demand for wearable technology has grown significantly, driven by advancements that allow electronics to become increasingly compact. Among these innovations are exoskeleton suits, which enhance user strength, reduce fatigue, and help prevent injuries. This project explores the capabilities of exoskeletons in augmenting human strength. Specifically, we developed an exoskeleton arm designed to rotate a valve 360 degrees using a torque wrench set to 150 ft-lbs.

Xibalbay, Guatemala Water Distribution System Design, Nolen Ritzel, Lauren Baker, Robert Trey Owen, Jessamine Reckard, Joelle Noble, Sara Berry-Brown

Student Scholar Symposium

This study presents the design and validation of a water distribution system for Xibalbay, Guatemala, in collaboration with the Peugeot Center and a local Guatemalan engineering firm, ADICAY. The project aimed to ensure reliable water access while maintaining residual pressures to the US standard, between 20 to 120 psi. The proposed design was a two pressure-zone system with pumps in series. A comprehensive hydraulic model was developed using WaterGEMS to analyze system pressures, pump performance, and tank levels under various conditions. Limited on-site testing was performed by this team due to construction delays and electricity issues at the time of …

Investigating The Impact Of Humanitarian Engineering Projects Across Demographic Groups, René Marius, Ruth Fessehaye

Student Scholar Symposium

This poster presents a statistical analysis of a research project studying the impact of humanitarian engineering projects (HEPs) on the views of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The authors aim to investigate the deeper effects of HEPs across engineering students, alumni, and professionals. Data from participants were gathered through a survey, using both qualitative and quantitative methods, to assess participants’ attitudes toward DEI in engineering.

The survey included two instruments: the Engineering Professional Responsibility Assessment (EPRA) and the Views on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Engineering (VDEIE). The EPRA measured participants’ perspectives on professional responsibility, while the VDEIE focused on …

Blast Resistant Structure, Juan Henriquez-Hernandez

Student Scholar Symposium

No abstract provided.

Integrating Multimodal Analysis For Chemical Detection In Victorian Bookcloth: Correlations, Advantages, And Limitations, Leila Ais, Abigail L. Hoermann, Jafer Aljorani

Student Scholar Symposium

The detection of heavy metals in Victorian textiles presents a set of unique analytical challenges that cannot be addressed through usage of a single modality. Here, we detail a novel multimodal analytical approach that integrates distinct yet complementary instrumentation: inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) offering precise quantitative elemental analysis, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) enabling rapid, affordable, and non-destructive detection, electron dispersive spectroscopy – scanning electron microscopy (EDS-SEM) mapping elemental distributions and sample topography, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) revealing crystalline structures. This comparative study highlights the strengths and limitations of each analytical technique, demonstrating how their combined use provides a …

Evaluating The Impact Of Precast Vs. Cast-In-Place Concrete: A Life Cycle Assessment Of A Parking Garage In Nashville, Robert Trey Owen

Student Scholar Symposium

Concrete is one of the most widely used building materials in the construction industry, generating $64 billion in revenue, according to the Concrete Financial Insights Index. Given the material’s extensive use, construction professionals seek ways to optimize construction project budgets and schedules. Precast concrete, which is manufactured offsite and then transported to the project when needed, is a potential solution for these goals. This research aims to quantify the benefits of precast concrete over typical cast-in-place methods using a life cycle analysis for a parking garage structure located in Nashville Tennessee.

The data for the two materials will be compared …

Making Robotic Reinforcement Learning More Efficient: Analyzing The Serl Framework, Faris Jugovic, Cleiver Ruiz-Martinez, Ryan Vander Stelt

Student Scholar Symposium

Teaching robots through reinforcement learning (RL) has made great progress, but real-world training is still difficult. Robots need lots of practice to learn, rewards can be hard to define, and resetting the environment after each attempt is often a challenge. The Sample-Efficient Robotic Reinforcement Learning (SERL) framework helps solve these issues by offering a ready-to-use, open-source software package that makes RL more practical for real-world robotics.

This project explores SERL and how it improves robotic RL by making learning faster and more efficient. SERL includes smarter ways to reuse training data, automatic methods for understanding rewards from images, and a …

Improving Home Affordability In Greater Nashville Through Construction Efficiency And Innovations, Nate Mclain

Student Scholar Symposium

Engineering Greater Nashville Home Affordability

Long Term Financial Analysis For Opry Mills Hotel And Resort, Eli Lockert

Student Scholar Symposium

In 2024 a Lipscomb Senior Design team completed a design project for the Opryland Hotel. The project, aimed at reducing humidity levels in the large greenhouse-like atrium and overall power usage, included multiple phases and equipment. This research continues the work of that team in an effort to determine whether the proposed system is a cost-effective approach. The research specifically evaluates the system outlined in the Opryland Final Design Report, completed in April of 2024. Using a holistic approach, this study employs life-cycle cost analysis (LCCA) to assess the economic feasibility of the proposed system through various empirical methods. A …

Patent Searching With Uspto, Derwent Innovation And Lens.Org, Ibis Anette Moreno-Lozano

Day Family Research Lab Workshop Series

No abstract provided.

Prism (Proxy Recognition And Inclusion Scoring Method), Destiny Raburnel, Crystal Tubbs, Md Abdullah Al Hafiz Khan

Symposium of Student Scholars

AI-driven automated hiring tools are reshaping how companies find talent, but they often reproduce the hidden biases embedded in their training data. Our project, PRISM (Proxy Recognition and Inclusion Scoring Method), investigates how subtle demographic signals, specifically first names associated with gender and race, influence AI resume screening even when candidates have identical qualifications. We built a controlled dataset of resumes that are identical in every way except for the applicant's first name, with each resume using a racially neutral surname to isolate how first names alone affect scoring. We tested these resumes against job postings in technology, healthcare, and …

Advancing Radiation Shielding For Human Space Exploration, Bryan Trejo, Lea Scott, Eduardo Farfan

Symposium of Student Scholars

Beyond the safety of the Earth's magnetic field, out into the treacherous reaches of space, lies a harsh environment of radiation. This study examines radiation shielding strategies for crewed spacecraft operating in various environments, including Mars transit and deep space. Within these environments, ionizing radiation remains a critical challenge to long-duration, crewed space travel. Galactic Cosmic Rays (GCR), high-energy protons and heavy nuclei originating outside our solar system, as well as Solar Particle Events (SPE), highly energetic protons ejected continuously during the 11-year solar cycle, are all analyzed in their unique interactions with spacecraft material and biological tissues. Shielding to …