Engineering Commons^™

Llm Music Creation And Recommendation Applications, Curtis Robinson, Allan Yang, Thomas Liu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

This thesis explores the application of large language models (LLMs) in music analysis, creation, and interaction, focusing on their potential to reshape traditional workflows in the music domain. The study begins by contextualizing the role of artificial intelligence in music technology, particularly emphasizing the emergence of LLMs like GPT and their unique capabilities in multimodal and musical contexts. A comprehensive survey of current research and toolsets highlights both creative and analytical implementations, ranging from text-based music generation to music information retrieval. The core contribution is an experimental framework that integrates LLMs with music processing libraries, enabling novel interactions such as …

The Grd Companion, Julius Gamboa, Muti Shuman, Tro Hovasapian

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

This project introduces the design and development of the GRD Companion. This gesture-controlled reminder device aims to support individuals with special needs in their daily routines, in the hope of them being more independent. The system we designed integrates a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W, PAJ7620U2 gesture sensor, and audio playback components, all housed in a custom 3D-printed case. Some of our key design priorities included accessibility by relying only on gesture recognition to control the device, eliminating screens and buttons, as well as portability, enabling all users to carry the device anywhere. The device is paired with our WaveLink …

Documentation-Aware Code Generation Via Retrieval Augmented Generation, Daniel Amirtharaj, Rahmin Norwood

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Modern large language models (LLMs) increase the speed of software development but frequently hallucinate code, forcing developers to debug and rewrite generated code manually. This project introduces Documentation-Aware Code Generation, a retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) framework that injects authoritative documentation into the LLM prompt to reduce hallucinations in generated code. We build an ingestion pipeline that scrapes, cleans, chunks, and embeds official API documentation into a Pinecone vector database, then design a retrieval and re-ranking pipeline that retrieves the most relevant snippets for each user query. Results show that augmenting prompts with documentation lowers code hallucination by up to 60%. The …

Sideque$T, Akshay Nichani, Anusha Kankipati, Afra Mahammad, Lucas Jablon

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

In recent years, the gap between traditional education and the current labor market has widened dramatically: in 2024, 11. 5 % of California’s 16-24 year olds were neither in school nor employed, alongside a net decline of roughly 3 million students nationwide in the last decade and more than 4 million members of Generation Z left the job despite having conventional degrees. These trends underscore a growing disconnect between academic credentials and market-ready skills and a pressing need for alternative pathways to gainful work. We introduce SIDEQUE$T, a secure, user-friendly online marketplace engineered to bridge this divide. By allowing job …

Lock And Roll, Varun Mangla, Zachary Common, Gaby Gamarro-Gomez

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

As electronic bikes continue to increase in popularity, cycling has become a means of daily travel for more and more people. However, as the price and quantity of these consumer bicycles increase in public areas, so does the probability of their theft. Newer bikes, especially those with onboard electronics, are a priority target for thieves.

Lock and Roll, therefore, is an advanced smart bike wheel lock that aims to address the growing demands for increased bike security. By providing a variety of security features, such as GPS positioning, a gyroscopic alarm system, and remote monitoring, Lock and Roll represents a …

Emg Vocal Translations, Lucas Amlicke, Raphael Kusuma, Cole Heider, Kayleigh Vu, Monica Sommer

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

In this paper, we propose a novel augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) framework for silent speech. Many individuals with speech impairments are unable to vocalize effectively due to various conditions that affect the vocal cords. To engage in social activities, many rely on AAC devices that often lack flexibility and expressiveness. Users may still find self-expression and spontaneity difficult with such devices. This project presents a novel approach to developing a silent speech interface (SSI), providing a more adaptable and user-centered solution to give the vocally impaired a voice. Using surface electromyography (sEMG) alongside machine learning techniques, we aim to …

Stomp: The Student Organization Management Portal, Madison Nguyen, Walker Selby, Cameron Greene, Leila Erhili

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

At Santa Clara University (SCU), student organizations play a vital role in student expression and development. The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) supports these organizations. However, both student organization leaders and CSI are hindered by administrative inefficiencies. The core issue lies in inconsistent and ad hoc processes of submitting, tracking, and approving various requests, such as booking event spaces and processing reimbursements. To address these shortcomings, our team has created a web application in collaboration with student organization leaders and CSI professional staff. The platform serves as a one-stop shop for all essential functions, including event bookings, reimbursements, and policy …

Enhancing Gpr Reliability For Concrete Infrastructure: Integrating Signal Processing And Deep Learning For Defect And Corrosion Assessment, Priyam Chowdhury

Theses and Dissertations

This research addresses the critical issue of deteriorating civil infrastructure by utilizing GPR integrated with advanced signal processing and machine learning. Employing the Conquest 100 system, four concrete slab configurations were tested: multi-layer rebar with defects, single- and double-layer rebar setups, varied rebar spacing, and pre-corroded rebars (0–30% mass loss). GPR B-scans collected over 3–60 days demonstrated that detection accuracy varied significantly with curing time, structural complexity, and moisture levels. A custom-developed Python script surpassed EKKO_Project software in rebar localization, achieving lower position errors (0.4–0.7 inches compared to 0.5–1.25 inches). Notably, the amplitude of GPR signals unexpectedly increased with corrosion …

Heat Pumps And Sustainable Building Operations: An Analysis Of Energy Efficiency, Emissions, And Life Cycle Costs, Mahdiyeh Zafaranchi

Theses and Dissertations

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are a major contributor to energy demand. Heat pump technologies, particularly Ground Source Heat Pumps (GSHPs) and Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs), have emerged as key solutions to reduce energy use worldwide. However, their adoption is challenged by economic, operational, and environmental trade-offs. This dissertation develops a comprehensive framework for evaluating the energy efficiency, lifecycle emissions, and cost-effectiveness of GSHP and ASHP systems in sustainable building operations. Through advanced energy modeling, lifecycle assessments (LCA), and lifecycle cost (LCC) analyses, this research provides data-driven insights to optimize heat pump system selection. This study is …

Santa Clara Radio Astronomy Project Iv: Data Acquisition, Nicholas Alva, Peter Lattimer

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

Santa Clara Radio Astronomy Project (SCRAP) is a multi-year project that aims to make radio astronomy accessible to the Santa Clara University community. Previous iterations have focused on constructing and improving a parabolic radio telescope located on the balcony of the fourth floor at The Sobrato Campus for Discovery and Innovation at Santa Clara University. Until this year, the radio telescope has been stationary. As a consequence, the telescope is only capable of observing celestial objects directly above it, severely limiting the data capture area. This thesis describes the contributions of SCRAP IV Data Acquisition to the project: enabling 2D …

Selective Anti-Tumor And Normal Tissue Sparing Effects Of Flash Radiotherapy In A Simple Algebraic Model Of Radiochemical Kinetics, Charles F. Babbs

Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering Faculty Working Papers

Background: This short paper presents the solution to an open problem in medical physics: how and when FLASH radiotherapy can have a selective anti-tumor effect. FLASH radiotherapy gives a single large dose of ionizing radiation to a cancer patient within a time span of a few milliseconds, unlike conventional radiotherapy which is divided into several dose fractions given weekly, each lasting about 10 minutes. In some animal models FLASH seems to improve tumor cell killing without damaging normal tissues. However, the mechanism of the selective anti-tumor effect remains elusive. Methods: To explore effects of tissue hypoxia in tumors, a model …

Netgen: Network Traffic Generator, Arya Pefourque, Cole Fettkether, Johnathon Maschler

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

This project will investigate the development of a transformer-based machine learning model (NetGen), with the purpose of generating realistic and usable synthetic network traffic from natural language inputs. Network research and testing in the cybersecurity field depend on publicly available packet data (PCAP). Many of these datasets are either outdated or fail to represent more modern traffic patterns. We attempt to address this issue by preprocessing available network data into structured and tokenized sequences, suitable for training a transformer model. The transformer architecture allows us to translate user-provided descriptions—“simulate a TCP handshake from IP A to IP B”—into structurally accurate …

Medpez Dispenser, Hannah Hoeptner, Brian Lee, Liam Reese

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

MedPez is a compact, portable device designed to improve medication adherence for individuals who struggle with remembering to take their pills. The device features a modular design, including a universal housing that is paired to a compatible cartridge. The housing is the top half of the device where users insert and store their medication. The main hardware components, such as the microcontroller are housed here. The cartridge is the bottom half of the device that contains the internal mechanisms to dispense the user’s pills and stores the main pilltracking components. A built-in alert system notifies users when it’s time to …

Simulation Of Multi-Receiver Solar Power Tower By Enhancement Of Solarpilot Software And A Review Of Absorber Coating Materials For The Receivers, Yasser Mirza Baig

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Central receiver concentrating solar power (CSP) towers offer significant potential for cost-effective renewable electricity but face increasing optical losses with larger heliostat fields. This thesis introduces enhancements to NREL’s SolarPILOT software through a Python-based API named CoPylot, which enables comprehensive optimization of heliostat field layouts for multi-receiver systems. The enhanced methodology incorporates per-heliostat ray tracing, receiver orientation optimization (tilt angle β), and an incidence-angle-dependent absorptance (α(θ)) model to evaluate optical performance, thermal losses, and techno-economic metrics within an integrated simulation framework.

A case study for Daggett, California demonstrates that transitioning from a baseline single-receiver system (180 m tower, 5×5 m …

A Versatile Platform For Designing And Fabricating Multi-Material Perfusable 3d Microvasculatures, Nathaniel Harris, Charles Miller, Min Zou

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Perfusable microvasculature is critical for advancing in vitro tissue models, particularly for neural applications where limited diffusion impairs organoid growth and fails to replicate neurovascular function. This study presents a versatile fabrication platform that integrates mesh-driven design, two-photon lithography (TPL), and modular interfacing to create multi-material, perfusable 3D microvasculatures. Various 2D and 3D capillary paths were test-printed using both polygonal and lattice support strategies. A double-layered capillary scaffold based on the Hilbert curve was used for comparative materials testing. Methods for printing rigid (OrmoComp), moderately stiff hydrogel (polyethylene glycol diacrylate, PEGDA 700), and soft elastomeric (photocurable polydimethylsiloxane, PDMS) materials were …

Ergonomic Human Robot Handovers Using Surface Electromyography (Semg) Sensors, Maya Murphy, Michael Mishkanian

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

For decades, robots have been kept in cages in industry. With the advances of collaborative robots and Artificial Intelligence (AI), there is a shift towards humans and robots working together. In this research, we propose an ergonomically friendly collaborative robotic cell that enables a human and a collaborative robot to work synergistically to assemble a mobile robot. The collaborative robot provides the parts while explaining the process through a computer, and the human co-worker follows the instructions to complete the assembly. The proposed collaborative robotic cell is evaluated in a user study to ensure that the handovers of the parts …

Exploring The Interplay Between Economic Growth And Sustainable Development: A Complex Systems Approach To Gsdp And Sdgs In Indian States, Rosewine Joy, Helen Josephine, Divya D, Midhun Raj

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

Pursuing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) necessitates aligning business and management practices on a global scale. This paper delves into the intricate dynamics between Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and SDGs across diverse states in India, offering nuanced insights to policymakers, businesses, and stakeholders. This paper explores the dynamic relationship between Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of India's diverse states by applying modern machine learning techniques such as XG boost, Decision trees, and K mean clustering. The study delves into how economic growth influences the progress towards SDGs. The research integrates complex …

Orchestrating Complexity: The Art Of Virtual Leadership In System Modelling, Vijay Kumar Sonawane, Bipllab Roy, Purnendu Bikash Acharjee, Indu Pv

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

This paper explores the dynamics of virtual leadership within global remote work environments, focusing on the application of complex system modelling to understand and enhance leadership efficacy. The application of computational modelling has been a regular feature in economics, science and technology fields, however its application in virtual leadership with linkage to sport leadership appears to be a novel concept. Adopting a multidisciplinary approach, this paper incorporates Game Theory as a conceptual framework to make the leadership model more relevant and applicable that can offer simpler understanding of complex play of leadership drivers. The model incorporates five key leadership dimensional …

Passive Radar In Metropolitan Environments (Prime), Hannah Bajakian, Carson Crisafulli, Dylan Olson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

Radio Detection and Ranging (radar) is a core application of RF engineering, traditionally implemented through active systems that transmit high-power signals and process their reflections to estimate target range and velocity. However, active radar systems require significant power, cost, and regulatory overhead. This thesis explores the design and implementation of a passive radar system as a low-power, cost-effective alternative for real-time aircraft tracking.

The system capitalizes on existing ultra-high frequency (UHF) television broadcast signals as illuminators of opportunity. These signals, along with their reflected signals from airborne targets, are received using Yagi-Uda directional antennas and captured using a USRP B210 …

Synergizing Stem And Ela: Exploring How Small-Group Interactions Shape Design Decisions In An Engineering Design-Based Unit, Deana Lucas, Emily Haluschak, Christine H. Mcdonnell, Selcen Guzey, Greg J. Strimel, Morgan Hynes, Tamara J. Moore

School of Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

While small group learning through engineering design activities has been shown to enhance student achievement, motivation, and problem-solving skills, much of the existing research in this area focuses on undergraduate engineering education. Therefore, this study examines how small-group interactions influence design decisions within a sixth-grade engineering design-based English Language Arts unit for multilingual learners. Multilingual Learners make up 21% of the U.S. school-aged population and benefit from early STEM opportunities that shape future educational and career trajectories. Grounded in constructivist learning theories, the research explores collaborative learning in the engineering design process, using a comparative case study design. Specifically, this …

Leveraging Usage Of Ai In Education: Knowledge, Attitude And Behavioral Analysis On Students, Bipllab Roy, Purnendu Bikash Acharjee, Rohit Kumar Sharma, Ruptaheen Kramsapi, Shruti P

Northeast Journal of Complex Systems (NEJCS)

The paper explores the possible advantages and drawbacks of artificial intelligence (AI) on sustainability, with an emphasis on using AI to positively achieve SDGs. The study finds a significant vacuum in the literature on the association between knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors towards the use of AI tools and techniques in education and demographic characteristics (sex, age, education level, area of study, and city of origin). The purpose of this research is to close this knowledge gap and advance our understanding of how these demographic factors affect the integration of AI in educational environments. The study specifically aims to comprehend how …

Microfluidic Intracranial Pressure Monitoring Sensor, Andrea Pader, Anthony Sukendro, Tripti Pandey

Bioengineering Senior Theses

This thesis presents the design of a novel microfluidic sensor for continuous monitoring of intracranial pressure (ICP), intended as a less invasive alternative to current monitoring techniques. The sensor targets patients with critical and chronic neurological conditions, aiming to provide real-time data on ICP fluctuations. The microfluidic intracranial pressure sensor is designed for implantation beneath the skull, on the dura mater, and integrates a PDMS-based microfluidic strain sensor with wireless data transmission. Initial testing focuses on optimizing sensor design and integration with a microcontroller. Preliminary benchtop testing demonstrates the sensor's capability to detect ICP with a minimum sensitivity of 5 …

Litter-Acy, Justin Chung, Aster Li, Andrew Nguyen

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

This project for Santa Clara University School of Engineering’s annual Senior Design, Litter-acy, addresses the critical societal issue of improper waste management and the lack of public knowledge regarding proper sorting techniques. These contribute significantly to environmental pollution and deterioration. Through recognizing how traditional educational methods often fail to engage younger audiences and combat the ”adolescent dip” in sustainability interest, Litter-acy proposes an innovative solution: an iOS mobile application that gamifies waste management education.

The app features multiple interactive mini-games focused on sustainable waste sorting, including Connections, Catcher, and Trivia, designed to make learning engaging and accessible. It incorporates key …

Autonomous Vehicle Software Update With Blockchain: A Simulation Platform, Hudson Strauss

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

The rapid growth of connected and autonomous vehicles demands robust and scalable security solutions. This project introduces AVSWU-Pack, a modular simulation framework designed to evaluate and simulate blockchain-based communication in autonomous vehicular networks adapted directly from Dr. Gabriel Solomon’s work(2). Built on top of Veins, SUMO, INET, and OMNeT++, the platform enables vehicle-to-infrastructure and vehicle-to-vehicle communication with secure data exchange via gRPC-based integration with a Polkadot blockchain node. The simulation framework utilizes a Veins-like project built with Polkadot-Substrate to simulate a VANET that communicates vehicle information to the blockchain. Deployable in a basic VirtualBox environment, the system enables controlled experimentation, …

Beyond Campus, Sophia Miranda, Jenna Chinn, Dev Gupta

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

College is often regarded as a formative period for building lasting friendships, but many students - particularly new, transfer, or socially reserved individuals - struggle to form connections. Beyond Campus is a social networking platform designed specifically for college students to foster meaningful friendships through interest-based matchmaking. The platform leverages a custom algorithm to suggest compatible peers, supports the formation and discovery of community groups, and o↵ers secure, user-friendly messaging. Unlike existing social apps like Bumble BFF, ZeeMee, and GroupMe, which lack a dedicated focus on the college experience, Beyond Campus targets university communities directly. By providing a modern, inclusive, …

Continuous Monitoring Of Dynamic Levels Of Sepsis-Associated Biomarkers In Blood For Early Diagnosis, Aidan Burke, Jake Chansky, Anders Kouhia, Brian Mostofi

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Sepsis is a general diagnosis related to a dysregulated immune response to a source of infection that, if left untreated, will most likely result in organ failure and eventual death. Sepsis affects 49 million people annually, and is responsible for 11 million annual deaths, according to Jarczak 1. A recent study has shown that over 80% of sepsis deaths may be preventable with earlier diagnosis and treatment, and that the risk of mortality increases by 8% for every hour that sepsis goes untreated 5. Thus, our team identified that the timeliness of sepsis diagnosis is a paramount healthcare need.

We …

The Engineering Mindset: Blueprint For Change, Vol. 1: Institutional Guidelines For Implementing Change In Undergraduate Engineering And Engineering Technology Education, Rebecca Bates, Ron Ulseth

Integrated Engineering Department Publications

Volume 1 of the Blueprint Report presents a comprehensive framework for transforming undergraduate engineering and engineering technology education in the United States. It builds on the 2024 Engineering Mindset Report and provides institutional-level strategies to implement its recommendations. The goal is to create a student-centered curriculum, increase access and success for underserved students, and create a future-ready engineering education system that broadens access and aligns with societal and technological needs.

Treatment And Activation Effects On Kaolinite-Based Earth Concrete, Mojtaba Kohandelnia, Maroua Zerzouri, Ammar Yahia, Kamal H. Khayat

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Self-consolidating earth concrete (SCEC) addresses the long construction process of conventional earthen constructions and their structural limitations, while further efforts are needed to enhance its sustainability. This study explores the development of a kaolinite-based self-consolidating earth paste (SCEP) due to their blended powder system, incorporating raw and treated (calcined and ground-calcined) kaolinite under various activation techniques, such as water hydration, sodium hexametaphosphate (NaHMP), and sodium hydroxide (NaOH) activation. The synergistic effect of calcination and mechanosynthesis on rheological, mechanical, structural, and microstructural properties of SCEP were investigated. Mechanically treated kaolinite increased yield stress, plastic viscosity, storage modulus evolution, and build-up index, …

Tellings Of The Pacific Ocean: A Landscape-Based Approach For Multispecies Design And Hci, Maliheh Ghajargar

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Environmental disturbances induced by climate change have caused significant changes in our ecosystems and are threatening the health of our environments. As a response to this issue, a growing body of work has emerged in HCI and design, which seeks to foreground more-than-human stories in support of making more sustainable and just futures. This research contributes to this broad agenda by probing graphic novels as a multispecies storytelling method for design and HCI. Combining ideas from Anna Tsing’s adventures of landscape and from HCI and design’s use of sequential art (e.g., storyboards), we use landscape as the main protagonist of …

Low-Cost, High-Performance Electrodes For Pgm-Free Aem Water Electrolyzers: Structural Optimization Of Nimo-Based Cathodes, Mahmoud Amirsalehi, Noor Ul Hassan, Venkata Sai Sriram Mosali, Ian Street, Marjanul Manjum, Saheed Adewale Lateef, Jasmine Bohannon, Sam Mckinney, Ashutosh G. Divekar, Paul A. Kohl, Mustain E. William

Faculty Publications

Water electrolysis technologies for hydrogen production are receiving significant attention due to a drastic reduction in the cost of renewable energy sources in recent years. Though traditional alkaline and proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers are receiving the most commercial attention, the anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer (AEMEL) has the potential to be much lower in cost. AEMELs have recently shown remarkable progress in terms of performance and durability. However, they are still mostly operated with expensive platinum group metal (PGM) catalysts on both the anode and cathode. To achieve low cost, either PGM-free or ultra-low loading PGM catalysts are needed. …