Engineering Commons^™

Cali: Cobot Autonomous Living Interface, Nicholas Santamaria, Heber Lopez, Berke Celal Dogan

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

The CALI (Cobot Autonomous Living Interface) system is an assistive robotic platform designed to help individuals with limited mobility eat independently. CALI integrates computer vision, neural networks, and robotic motion control to detect food items on a plate and deliver them safely to a user. By combining AI perception with precise robotic control, the system demonstrates a practical application of assistive robotics.

Cardiac Image Reconstruction From Low-Dosage Spect Scans Via Deep Learning (Cirfldssvdl), Evan Gunderson, Timothy Shane, Alexander Thoms

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Student Publications

● Single-Photon Emission Computed Tomogrophy (SPECT) scans are a type of medical scan ● A patient is injected with a radiotracer, which emits gamma rays that are detected by gamma cameras that rotate around the patient ● Using a series of images collectively referred to as a sinogram, a 3D reconstruction of the patient is created using techniques such as Maximum Likelihood Expectation Maximization (MLEM) ●MLEM takes a long time, but using a neural network can speed up the reconstruction process and allow for a lower dosage of radiotracer to be used

Effects Of Pilot Seeking Mental Health Treatment On Passenger Willingness To Fly Before And After An Educational Intervention, Angela Thompson, Emily Mongeon, Elizabeth Brewer, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Willingness to fly before and after an intervention showed no significant difference, but there was a significant difference in willingness to fly with a pilot who is versus is not seeking mental health treatment.

Comparison Of Faa Forecasted And Actual Annual Enplanements At U.S. Airports In 2007, 2011, And 2023, Jordan Alexander Kattner, Ninthushan Nithiyanandan, Yunjae Son, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Accurate forecasting of passenger demand is essential for effective airport planning, infrastructure, and policy decision-making particularly from a risk management perspective (Mandel, 2014). However, making long-term forecasts is extremely difficult with many different factors at play leading airport planners to make misinformed investments. This study used publicly available data from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) forecast and Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) actual annual enplanements to examine the difference between forecasted and actual observed annual enplanements at 30 large hub airports in the United States to improve passenger demand forecasts. The result showed a statistically significant difference but small effect …

Annual Wildlife Strikes Per Operation By Runway Configuration In The Southern U.S. From 2015 To 2024, Cam Mann, Arie Ebanks, Vivek Sharm, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Research on wildlife strikes is vital to the understanding of wildlife behavior at airports. This study focused on reported wildlife strikes per operation by differing runway configurations, parallel and intersecting, in 16 southern states from 2015 to 2024. Parallel runway configurations experienced more reported wildlife strikes per operation than intersecting runway configurations, consistent with previous research. Wildlife strikes that occur at critical phases of flight bring detrimental effects to aviation economies and wildlife habitats. Wildlife Hazard Management Programs (WHMP) in effect at airports do show success, but with limited range. The study used an ex post facto design due to …

Student Perceived Stress Correlated With Study Approaches In A Collegiate Part 141 Flight School, Jonathan Doherty, Nate Petrie, Jonathan Vroman, Brooke Wheeler, Vivek Sharma

Aeronautics Student Publications

Collegiate flight students experience unique academic and technical challenges that may contribute to stress levels. Although previous research has examined stress in aviation students, limited research has investigated how students’ approaches to studying relate to perceived stress within this population. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between perceived stress and two study approaches, Surface and Deep Approach, among collegiate flight students enrolled in their university’s Part 141 flight training program. A correlational research design was used. Participants completed an online questionnaire comprising the Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) to measure Deep and Surface study approaches …

The Danger Zone: Uas Sightings By Distance From Airports, Jalee Noel Boucher, Omkar Aaditya Sahoo, Brian Winston Anthony Williams, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

The increased usage of unmanned aerial systems (UAS) has called for an increase in pilot awareness as they approach or depart airports. Given the increase in UAS usage and the growing academic and industry relevance of UAS, encounters between manned aircraft and UAS are to be expected. The purpose of this study is to examine differences in the number of monthly reported UAS sightings across distance categories from the airport in the contiguous United States between January 2021 and December 2025 (FAA, 2025). An ex post facto design was used and distance categories were established. Data that lacked distance information …

Difference In Weather Delays At U.S. Large Hub Airports By Season, Momoka Okabe, Mitchell Riordan Rivers, Julian Waller, Vivek Sharma, Brooke E. Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

At 31 large hub airports in the United States, there was a statistically significant difference in weather delays between Fall and both Winter and Summer, and Summer and Spring.

Aircraft Violations Related To Temporary Flight Restrictions & Operations​ From 2017 To 2021, Mark Lipp, Tea Yankova, Hudson Schnier, Vivek Sharm, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Temporary Flight Restrictions (TFRs) are temporary airspace limitations issued to protect sensitive operations, events, and public safety within the United States and Territories National Airspace System (NAS). Despite widespread dissemination of TFR information, violations continue to occur. This study examined the relationship between the monthly number of active TFRs, total aircraft operations, and TFR violations from 2017 to 2021. A quantitative, non-experimental correlational design was used to analyze publicly available Federal Aviation Administration datasets, including TFR records and incident reports from the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS). Descriptive statistics and Pearson product–moment correlations were calculated using 59 monthly observations. Results …

Human Error-Related Aviation Accidents And Incidents Scheduled Vs. Non-Scheduled Operations, Aidan J. Cosgrove, Christopher K. Budiman, Julia Palma Gil, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

Scheduled operations had higher monthly human error (HE) related aviation accidents and incidents than nonscheduled operations; however, the effect size is small.

Traffic Alert:​ Correlation Between Near Midair Collision Reports And Takeoffs And Landings At U.S. Class Bravo Airports: 2010 To 2025, Nash Slettom, Brooklyn Stellato, Taylor Jackson, Vivek Sharma, Brooke Wheeler

Aeronautics Student Publications

A significant, positive correlation was identified between airport operations and near midair collision(NMAC) reports.

A Continuous Viral Vaccine Biomanufacturing Platform Utilizing Multiple Bioreactor Configurations, Justin Sargunas, Bradley Priem, Dylan Carman, Taravat Sarvari, Natalie Nold, Vaishali Sharma, Andrew Pekosz, Caryn Heldt, Michael Betenbaugh

Michigan Tech Publications

Scalable, continuous biomanufacturing processes have grown in importance to meet demand for smaller bioreactor sizes, lowered production costs, and improved quality attribute consistency. The Sf9/recombinant baculovirus (rBV) expression system demonstrates promise for virus-like particle (VLP) vaccine and gene therapy production. Here, we present a continuous rBV platform integrating an infection plug flow reactor (PFR) between stirred tank growth (gCSTR) and production (pCSTR) bioreactors. Cell expansion in the gCSTR included a ramp-up stage followed by continuous growth, reaching a steady state of 5×10 cells/mL and >90% viability. Péclet number-fit tracer studies confirmed near-ideal plug flow in the PFR, yielding a 10 …

Analysis Toolkit For Potential Lunar Landing Zones, Jacobo Matallana

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Engineering Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Jacobo Matallana on April 24, 2026.

Florida Tech Botanical Gardens Improvement: Raised Bridged Walkway Design, Peter Abdou, Logan Allen, Severiano Cartagena, Brennan Lackey, Miranda Schwartz

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

Design a flood-resilient pedestrian system using hydrologic and hydraulic modeling to improve safety, accessibility, and environmental performance within the Botanical Gardens.

Lockheed Martin & U.S. Navy Air Pallet For Materials Handling, Samantha Ryan, Ryan Zerneke, Joshua Bible, Justin Conner, Brycen Haner, Nevan Juteram, Alexander Lacy, Gavin Lanka, Henry Lewis

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

The purpose of this project is to design, manufacture, and deliver an Air Pallet capable of lifting heavy loads and positively engaging with the Drive Tractor for movement. This project was developed to address current maintenance hazards and difficulty, structural integrity concerns, and increase system reliability for our customers Lockheed Martin and the United States Navy.

3d Filament Recycler, Connor Easley, Stephan Jean-Baptiste, Armando Loynaz, Brody Paulk, Meagan Prouty, Tai Roberts, Jack Salcedo, Vanessa Tohorton, Alex Tremblay, Ruhaan Zaveri

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

The purpose of the project is to design and manufacture an integrated system for the L3HSDC that can recycle 3D filament waste by shredding, heating, extruding, and spooling it.

Psi Epsilon Station, Ember Clark, Zac Hardin, Jasper Stevens, Cole Capawana, Carter Tomasky

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

Thermodynamics is one of the first classes an engineer will take, where you no longer learn practical ideas; instead, the concepts become theoretical. All of thermodynamics culminates in one of the most important cycles, the Rankine Cycle. This can be very overwhelming for students as everything they've learned throughout the semester is now being put into one cycle. The primary goal is to design and build an operational Rankine cycle to demonstrate to students how it works and what each component does.

Variable Arm Reach Extender (Vare), Matthew Gorton, Adam Johnson, Kaleem Bocus, Quin Fredrickson, Vaughn Havins, James Koethe, Leira Maynard, David Mierzejewski, James Moore, Joonhyung Si

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

Approximately 6.7% of the US population suffer from physical disabilities, producing the need for assistive devices. Amongst assistive equipment, reach-extenders have a 64% dissatisfaction rate..

The Matear System, Kylie Strong, Adel Siraeva, Julianna Bartus, Lilly Davies, Cameron Deen, Rayna Doty, Amiana Mata, Jack Minners, Matthew Skwiot

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

The MATEAR attachment collects regolith simulant and uses compression and heat to form brick-like building blocks for sustainable infrastructure. It mounts to the Clearpath Robotics Husky A200 rover provided by the team’s faculty advisor.

Lockheed Martin & U.S. Navy Drive Tractor, Nicolas Czincila, Andrew Pestone, Santiago Florez-Tascon, Kalvin Long, Nick Norman, Joseph Phan, Ashlynn Redding, Brandon Ribeiro, Noah Rodriguez, Diana Viherek, Mckenzie Winder

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

The purpose of this project is to design and manufacture a manually operated, pneumatic-assisted Drive Tractor system for transporting heavy loads with the Air Pallet. This project was developed to improve maneuverability, reduce operator effort, and increase system reliability within industrial environments for our customers Lockheed Martin and the U.S Navy.

Sparcc – Solar Panel Augmentation Via Regulated Cooling And Cleaning, Zachary Rodgers, Connor Fromme, Mohammed Al Jahwari, Jack Connor, Nicolas Hubley, Adrian Kingdollar, Iain Leroy, Maria Jesus Munoz, Ashton Stringer

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

Problem Statement: Solar energy is the fastest-growing source of energy in the world. Solar cells lose efficiency by 0.35-0.7% per degree Celsius and up to 98% from debris build up. The primary objective of SPARCC was to improve cell efficiency through cooling and cleaning. A brush system with water spray was implemented to clean the panels, and a passive cooling system that utilizes a solar chimney, heat sinks, and phase change material to clean and cool.

College Of Business Relocation Project, Genevieve Spitaletto, Nicky Vreeland, Matthew Loudon, Chris Fox

Mechanical and Civil Engineering Student Publications

Construct a modern, six-story College of Business building at Florida Tech that provides functional, accessible, and collaborative learning spaces while meeting all code requirements and supporting long-term campus growth.

Spacepnp, Khurram Valiyev, Sam Warner, Jabari Sterling, Samuel Kaguima

Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Student Publications

Our mission is to eliminate design-to-procurement using a unified ecosystem that users can discover, validate, and preview components with confidence.

Microgravity Simulator, Aruna Dookeran, Alexander Montano, Elias Orellana, Aiden Smart

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

Microgravity significantly affects biological growth, but space-based experiments are costly and difficult to access. Ground-based systems provide an alternative; however, many require continuous manual supervision to maintain operating conditions.

Plant Growth Promoting Phenotypes Of Fungal Isolates From The International Space Station, Shane Doyle, Frances A. Edmonson

Ocean Engineering and Marine Sciences Student Publications

• In situ (on site) space crop production is vital for sustainability and dietary health of astronauts. 
• We hypothesize that International Space Station (ISS) derived fungal isolates will stimulate plant growth and express PGP phenotypes.
• Eleven space-viable fungi were screened via phenotypic testing to identify plant growthpromoting (PGP) activity.
• Prior research has been conducted solely with ISS derived bacteria, while ISS fungi are unexplored, which could reveal new or improved symbiotic relationships and growth factors.

C-Side: Concussion Sideline Injury Detection And Evaluation, Emily Acampora, Emma Angelo, Kyle Burden

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Concussion are a form of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), affecting an estimated 3.8 million Americans anually. Athletes are particularly susceptible to incurring concussions. Current diagnostic methods are timeconsuming and rely primarily on subjective measures.

Biostress: An Engineered Platform For Detecting Cellular Damage Upon Mechanical Impact, Lindsay Avila, Nina Fiordaliso, Mai Tran

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Mechanical impact stimuli are commonly associated with cellular damage and lower cell survival rates. However, mild impacts can promote responses that are adaptive. The heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a stressinducible protein that serves as an early biomarker for cellular stress. The relationship between impact severity and cellular response remains unclear.

Cardio Clarity -Wearable Cardiac Monitoring, Kaitlyn Dunn, Matthew Kotze, Emily Matheson, Caroline Moore

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Purpose: Develop a low-cost wearable system for an accessible cardiac monitoring platform

Clear Aligner Overcorrection To Reduce Incisor Tipping | In Vitro, Benjamin Losch, Eddie Wawrzycki-Stein, Kylie Stong, Niko Burger

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

Quantify the biomechanical effects of overcorrection angles on tipping angle and periodontal moment during incisior retractions using both in vitro experiments and finite element analysis (FEA).

Biopulse: Split Hopkinson (Kolsky) Bar, Andrew Carr, Sebastian Deniz, Rachel Hizon, Stefan Paton

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Student Publications

A Split Hopkinson (Kolsky) Bar is a device used to find a material’s mechanical response under high strain rate loading scenarios (10² – 10⁴ s⁻¹) [1]. It is commonly used to simulate vehicle crashes or ballistic impacts. The novelty of the device is its size and cost of its components compared to other SPHBs on the market. The motivation is to further the capabilities on campus by providing the first dynamic material testing device.