Image of green tree blooms with words 16th Annual Honors Engineering Symposium, University of Arkansas, Saturday, April 13, 2024

A MESSAGE FROM FIRST-YEAR ENGINEERING

On behalf of the College of Engineering at the University of Arkansas, it is with great pleasure that we extend a warm welcome to you for the 16th Annual Honors Engineering Symposium. This event spotlights the remarkable achievements of our talented Honors Research and Honors Innovation Experience students, who are part of the Honors College or Honors College Path program.

Throughout the academic year, 69 first-year students from the College of Engineering and Walton College of Business have worked on projects mentored by University of Arkansas faculty members. Engaging in rigorous research colloquia and innovation sessions, these students have learned about various aspects of academia, research, and innovation with unwavering dedication.

The culmination of their efforts will be showcased through 26 compelling research and innovative design projects, covering a diverse spectrum of engineering disciplines. From the intricacies of mechanical engineering to the complexities of electrical systems, each project reflects the passion, intellect, and ingenuity of our emerging engineers and business students.

As we convene for this symposium, attendees will have the opportunity to attend insightful presentations and interactive poster sessions. We encourage everyone to engage with our students, learn about their projects, and participate in vibrant discussions.

We again welcome you to our 16th Annual Honors Engineering Symposium and express our gratitude for your participation. Together, let us celebrate the spirit of inquiry, collaboration, and excellence that defines our vibrant academic community.

Sincerely,

Aysa Galbraith, Ph.D.
Coordinator of Honors Research Experience
Teaching Associate Professor of First-Year Engineering Program

Leslie Massey
Coordinator of Honors Innovation Experience
Advanced Instructor of First-Year Engineering Program


FROM THE COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING DEAN

Dean Kim Needy

Read Message

FROM THE WALTON COLLEGE DEAN

Dean Brent Williams

Read Message

Dean Kim Needy, College of Engineering

Hello and welcome to the 16th Annual Honors Engineering Symposium. Today, we honor our students who are shaping the world of tomorrow! Participating in this symposium is a significant achievement, and you should be proud. Well done! You have gone above and beyond what is required of first-year students by choosing to participate in this research or innovation experience and for that we celebrate. Please enjoy the presentations and posters of those who will change research, product marketing and business development of the community, state, nation and the world.

Dean Kim LaScola Needy

 

Dean Brent Williams, Sam M. Walton College of Business

Welcome to the Honors Engineering Symposium, which showcases the amazing efforts of first-year engineering and business students enrolled in the Honors College and Honors College Path programs. Innovation is one of the values of the Walton College, and I am delighted you have chosen this path. As we look towards the future, it's clear that an innovative and entrepreneurial mindset will be critical in a quickly changing economy. I look forward to the impact you will make, and I congratulate your outstanding work this year!

Dean Brent Williams

RESEARCH TEAMS

Developing an Infrared Activated Security System for College Dorms

Students

Nicole Abram | Electrical Engineering

Rachel DelGiorno | Electrical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Jeff Dix | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Project Description

Security in dorms is often limited, which is a prevalent issue because burglary is the most reported crime on college and university campuses. We are designing a system that allows residents to secure their individual dorm rooms. An infrared security system alerts when it detects a change in the light emitted. The infrared system will attach to the door of the room, sounding an alarm and activating a camera system when the door is opened.

Designing a method to place visual markers on the chords of a mitral valve to aid in force measurements

Student

Alexis Reardon | Biomedical Engineering

Jamison Lord | Civil Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Morten Jensen, Ph.D. | Biomedical Engineering

Mads Vincent Anker, Graduate Student Mentor | Biomedical Engineering

Project Description

Currently, treatment options for mitral valve disease have many long-term issues. It is believed that using a patient-specific computational model of the mitral valve pre-treatment would alleviate this issue. This model requires accurate force measurements on the chords of the mitral valve, which can be calculated by measuring the difference in distance between visual markers due to multiple forces on the chords. This project focuses on creating the best method of producing these visual markers.

Use of SHERLOCK with Cas12a for viral particle detection in wastewater

Student

Eliana Adamos | Biomedical Engineering

Amie Donathan | Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Christopher Nelson, Ph.D. | Biomedical Engineering

Daniel Maxenberger, Graduate Student Mentor | Biomedical Engineering

Project Description

Wastewater surveillance plays a significant role in identifying possible disease outbreaks before they happen. PCR is a process that wastewater surveillance teams use to amplify the DNA or RNA of the virus in the water, but this process is costly, inefficient, and inaccessible. This project aims to solve these problems by using SHERLOCK, a technology that utilizes CRISPR, to detect the RNA and release a readable reporter signal.

Mixing Collagen and Cellulose Nanocrystals (CNCs) to Form a Homogeneous Solution for Tissue Scaffolding

Students

Pierre Simonian | Biomedical Engineering

Caleb Ryan | Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Jin-Woo Kim | Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Bio/Nanotechnology Group

Amiya Turner, Lab Scientist and Manager | Biological and Agricultural Engineering and Bio/Nanotechnology Group

Project Description

Tissue scaffolds are artificial structures that provide an anchor for cells to grow, preventing scarring and promoting repair of damaged organs. These tissue scaffolds are made from collagen due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. However, collagen alone has poor mechanical strength. This project attempts to identify an optimal process in which collagen is combined with cellulose nanocrystals in order to create mechanically strong scaffolds that allow for a better healing of wounds.

Imaging and Analysis of Neural Stem Cells on Voronoi Textures

Students

Gavin Hill | Mechanical Engineering

Alexander Spicer | Computer Science and Computer Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Min Zou, Ph.D. | Mechanical Engineering

Nathaniel Harris, Graduate Student Mentor | Mechanical Engineering

Project Description

Topographies influence the differentiation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs). We studied differentiation patterns on a Vornoi texture, a bio-inspired surface. Images of hNSCs cultured on these textures were captured using an inverted fluorescence microscope. Analysis methods were applied to assess local texture impact on hNSC differentiation, concluding that texture size and spacing affected cell fate and organization. These findings will be used to control cell differentiation to improve in-vitro drug assays on microelectrode arrays.

Generation of Healthy Snacks via 3D Printing of Vegetables

Students

Spencer DeVilliers | Mechanical Engineering

Senjuti Chanda | Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Ali Ubeyitogullari | Food Science

Safoura Ahmadzadeh, Graduate Student Mentor | Department

Project Description

We intend to reduce food waste in produce by taking non-marketable/wasted vegetables and repurposing them into a paste-like substance that can be 3D printed to form edible snacks. We are currently researching the correct formulation that would create the best consistency for the final products, and are working primarily with Green Beans and Muscadine Pomace.

Using an Augmented Reality Environment to Expedite the Process of Autism Detection in Children

Students

Audrey Hill | Biomedical Engineering

Rylee Myers | Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Dr. William Richardson | Chemical Engineering

Project Description

Myocardial fibrosis, the buildup of cardiac scar tissue, forms after heart disease or heart attack. Excess buildup can lead to heart failure. Because fibrosis isn’t completely understood, it’s challenging to create effective treatment to prevent heart failure. A computational model of the fibrotic process can predict the fibrotic response of cardiac proteins, providing a clearer pathway to new treatments for fibrosis. We’ve worked to expand an existing computational biology model to include more reaction pathways.

Using Virtual Reality to Create A New Approach to Autism Diagnosis

Students

Adyson Crowe | Biomedical Engineering

Hudson Trice | Computer Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Khoa Luu, PhD. | Computer Science and Computer Engineering

Thanh-Dat Truong, Graduate Research Mentor | Computer Science and Computer Engineering

Project Description

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents challenges in social interaction and communication. Traditional diagnosis relies on subjective observation and testing. However, a new approach using virtual reality (VR) and facial tracking technology shows promise in diagnosing ASD's core symptoms. This project aims to integrate VR environments with real-time facial tracking to enhance diagnostic procedures for ASD individuals. By evaluating responses to diverse VR scenarios and utilizing facial tracking metrics, the aim is to improve accuracy in diagnosing ASD, while reducing strain and stress on the patient.

Preparing Venous Valves for Human Implementation using Dynamic Fixation

Students

Parker Isaacks | Biomedical Engineering

Jake Bodishbaugh | Computer Science

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Morten Jensen | Cardiovascular Biomechanics Lab

Dr. Sam Stephens, Graduate Assistant | Biomedical Engineering

Project Description

More than two hundred thousand people suffer from chronic venous insufficiency a year, but current methods of treatment use replacement valves that get damaged by current methods of chemical fixation. Our lab aims to design a method called dynamic fixation that would fix replacement valves while they open and close. This process would mitigate the risk of unevenly stiffening the valve with current methods.

Intra-Arterial Drug Delivery

Students

Aaron Fulbright | Biomedical Engineering

Josh Handloser | Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Morten Jensen | Cardiovascular Biomechanics Lab

Kaitlyn Elmer, Graduate Student Mentor | Cardiovascular Biomechanics Lab

Project Description

Ischemic strokes affect more than 750,000 Americans every year. This project aims to develop a new way of delivering clot-busting drugs (tPA) directly to the clot rather than systemically delivering the drug, expanding treatment availability to more patients, and offering a safer patient experience. To accomplish this, we have been experimenting with novel materials to release the drug directly into the clot and are now focusing on a broader application of the design.

Lignin Coated Magnetic Particles and their Use for Targeted Water Remediation

Students

John Verdaris | Chemical Engineering

Benjamin Hopkins | Biomedical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Keisha Bishop Walters, Department Head and Professor | Ralph E. Martin Department of Chemical Engineering

Kayla Foley Ph.D., Post Doctoral Mentor | Chemical Engineering

Olufemi Ogunjimi, Graduate Student Mentor | Chemical Engineering

Project Description

Our project involves the synthesis and characterization of lignin-coated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and testing MNPs for treating contaminated water. This nanocomposite design contains a biopolymer, lignin, to adsorb pollutants plus the MNPs can be magnetically extracted from solution. To test the lignin-coated MNPs for water remediation, a model compound, methylene blue dye, was adsorbed from aqueous solutions and the adsorbed dye quantified using spectroscopy as a function of time, contaminant concentration, and MNP dosage.

Evaluating the Effectiveness of LoRa-based Radio Communication in Cube Satellite Technology

Students

Christian Kreuscher | Electrical Engineering

Dillan Lengnick | Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Po-Hao Adam Huang | Mechanical Engineering

Project Description

Our project aims to gather information on LoRa, a low-power and long-range radio modulation method. We are using Microchip’s RN2903 LoRa module to evaluate the capabilities of Lora modulation and its utility to the ARKSAT-3 project. ARKSAT is a program dedicated to the scanning of atmospheres using multiple, synchronized, cube satellites.

Identifying Sick Cattle using Key-point Detection and Thermal Imaging

Students

Reagan Clarkn | Computer Engineering

Ethan Coffman | Computer Science

Faculty Mentor

Thi Hoang Ngan Le, Ph.D.| Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Trong Thang Pham, Graduate Student Mentor | Engineering

Project Description

The identification of sick cattle often relies on human intuition and labor. Our project aims to create a real-time Machine-Learning&Computer-Vision (ML&CV) system for automatically identifying sick cattle using an RGB-T camera. We've gathered a dataset of 300 cattle (285 healthy, 15 sick) and annotated it for training. Our developed ML&CV model localizes facial components to detect key-points accurately. Based on detected facial key-points, we automatically measure eye and forehead temperatures for temperature assessment

Calibrating Infrared Sensors Used to Properly Orient Cube-Satellites for Atmospheric Mapping

Students

Britton Adair | Industrial Engineering

Sage Paschall | Chemical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Po-Hao Adam Huang, Ph.D. | Mechanical Engineering

Mattie McLellan, Research Assistant Mentor | Computer Science and Computer Engineering

Project Description

Cube-satellites offer a cost-efficient method for simple processes such as atmosphere mapping. Infrared sensors are used to properly orient the satellites around a planetary body. Our project involves the construction of a unit that simulates the temperature difference between a planet and the background of space. With that unit, programs can be used to read these temperatures and properly calibrate the infrared sensors that are used for all cube-satellites in the encompassing project.

Developing a Computer Vision Model for Multiple Cameras - Tracking Multiple Chickens

Students

Isaac Phillips | Computer Science

Andrew Lockett | Computer Science

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Thi Hoang Ngan Le, Director of the AICV Lab | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Thinh Phan, Graduate Student Mentor | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Project Description

Our model leverages advancements in computer-vision (CV) and machine-learning (ML) to real-time track multiple chickens from various camera angles within a system. The process involves several key steps: 1. Setting up and calibrating cameras; 2. Collecting training data; 3. Annotating the training data; 4. Developing a CV-ML model to accurately localize individual chickens; 5. Creating an algorithm to associate chickens over time for continuous tracking. This approach ensures efficient and accurate tracking of multiple chickens across different camera views.

Sustainable Energy Harvesting: A Carbon-Neutral Biofuel Synthesis from Organic Waste

Students

Talana Small | Biological Engineering

Riley Thayer | Chemical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Terry Howell, Ph.D. | Biological and Agricultural Engineering

Scott LaFontaine, Ph.D., | Food Science

Project Description

Every year 2.5 billion tons of food gets wasted each year. Most of this food gets sent to landfills or rendering facilities. This project discusses an optimal method to utilize food waste via carbon-neutral biofuel production using carbon-absorption. Through a simple reaction and a purification step a useful byproduct is created, which can then be sold off to various industries while the biofuel can be used to power commercial facilities.

Development of a Low-Cost Wax 3D Printer

Students

Duncan Nunnelly | Mechanical Engineering

Jake Le | Mechanical Engineering

Brett Miller | Civil Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Dr. Wan Shou |Mechanical Engineering

Nahid Tushar, Graduate Student Mentor | Mechanical Engineering

Project Description

3D printing can create complex structures using various materials, but wax is less studied. Processes like investment casting and wax casting need accurate, customized wax models, which isn't always feasible with traditional manufacturing methods. This project focuses on building a low-cost, high-resolution 3D printer that uses cheap wax pellets, which are fed down a heated syringe, melted, and extruded by air pressure. Adjustable parameters include the heating temperature, air pressure, nozzle size, and extrusion speed.

Improving Photolithography for More Efficient Production of Semiconductors

Students

Matthew McCoy | Electrical Engineering

Jackson Harmon | Computer Science

Faculty Mentor

Zhong Chen, PhD. | Electrical Engineering

Kevin Chen, M.S. | Electrical Engineering

Project Description

Electronic devices have endless applications and uses in everyday life. Semiconductors are the most common components, as they make up all the chips in these devices. Mass production of these is very important, but the fabrication process is difficult and expensive. Our goal is to optimize the most expensive and important step: photolithography. We are testing this tedious process of cleaning the substrate, applying and etching the photoresist, and projecting patterns onto it.

INNOVATION TEAMS

Bo(x,y)

Bo(x,y)

Students

Shannon Knowlton | Electrical Engineering

Abigail Gonzalez-San Juan | Mechanical Engineering

Lindsay Wheeler | Mechanical Engineering

Natalie Pruitt | Computer Science

Faculty Mentor

Gretchen Scroggin, MS, | First-Year Engineering

Project Description

As our society integrates technology into classrooms, there is a distinct lack of students building real-world skills that can help in pivotal moments of life. Skills like teamwork and project building have become difficult to introduce to children in the modern classroom. Our solution to this problem will bring an engaging introduction to STEM learning in the form of affordable, age-appropriate project kits for the entire classroom.

EcoFlow

EcoFlow

Students

Nicole McKellar | Biological Engineering

Netaly Phanouvong | Civil Engineering

Jay Decker | Civil Engineering

Skylar Cagle | Computer Science

Faculty Mentor

Scott Osborn, Ph.D | Biological Engineering

Project Description

EcoFlow aims to lower water costs and waste in water scarce areas by providing a green alternative to water filtration using constructed wetlands with native plants. It will be implemented in new sustainable neighborhoods for lesser purposes, such as washing clothes or carrying waste out of the house. Our system keeps the water filtration process local, while also doubling as an aesthetic area and a greenhouse that can grow crops for the residents.

Sleepy Eepy Hogs: Nap and Excel

Sleepy Eepy Hogs: Nap and Excel

Students

Anastasiia Tykina | Computer Science

Mason Cooper | Civil Engineering

Matthew Senetho | Computer Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Alexander Nelson, Ph.D. | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Project Description

Have you been getting enough sleep? This service provides an aid to students on campus who are tired and on a time crunch, and need a nap to make it through the day. Our website books times for when nap rooms are available and helps the students feel better rested, potentially boosting their GPA and mental health.

SnapSprout

SnapSprout

Students

Jacob Rhoades | Industrial Engineering

Jackson Roberts | Industrial Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Jenn Campbell, Ph.D. | Mechanical Engineering

Capitalizing on the emerging post-pandemic planting industry, SnapSprout introduces a versatile and unique approach to planting for urban Americans! By utilizing unused vertical space available both on balconies and in standalone settings, SnapSprout not only elevates your planting environment, but also your immersion with the setting. Inspired by the Incan’s agriculture, SnapSprout’s design allows for an accessible watering experience – simply fill the top planter’s water storage until it is full! Through a toolless user construction and completely modular design, SnapSprout is the world’s first planter to innately encourage creativity in presentation, which ultimately begs the question: how will YOU snap together your garden?

Sova

Sova

Students

Peter Marshall | Biomedical Engineering

Riley Eck | Industrial Engineering

Levi Koele | Chemical Engineering

Parker Minter | Civil Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Khoa Luu, Ph.D. | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Project Description

Do you sleep? Then you'll love our product! We are creating an app that collects data through the user's Apple watch allowing us to track user's sleep patterns, offer advice to have better sleep, mitigate grogginess by implementing a gradual wake process, and most notably, use sleep data to begin the wake-up process at the conclusion of a sleep cycle. Our app will also have a social feature where users can share data among friends.

Style-Sync Wardrobe

Style-Sync Wardrobe

Students

Gavin Moore | Mechanical Engineering

Kellar Ringgold | Electrical Engineering

Faith Wallace | Biomedical Engineering

Pierce Abshure | Chemical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Justin Urso, MS | McMillion Innovation Studio

Project Description

Aren’t you tired of waking up every morning and being stressed out at the hundreds of outfit choices in your closet? This pitch deck explores an AI-powered wardrobe that considers your personal preference, weather, and clothing needs for the day to create the best possible outfit for the given day or occasion. We studied consumer needs and practical features of an app to provide the best possible product for our target audience, college students.

SwiftPark

Beam Industries’ RF Energy Harvester

Students

Charlotte Kuli | Biomedical Engineering

Halle Scoby | Supply Chain Management- Walton College of Business

John Tierney | Civil Engineering

Stephen Sexton | Biomedical Engineering

Abigail David | Civil Engineering

Colton Eichler | Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Alexander Nelson, Ph.D. | Electrical Engineering and Computer Science

Project Description

Frustrated with on-campus parking? Our project demonstrates the possibility of stress-free parking through the installation of sensor technology into campus parking garages and integration of parking data into an app available to consumers. Using the app, students and faculty can enjoy quick navigation to empty parking spots, avoid expensive parking violations, and never waste time searching for spaces again.

SwitchPak

SwitchPak

Students

Logan Davis | Computer Science

Brant Fowler | Industrial Engineering

Hayden Sewell | Civil Engineering

Matthew Till | Mechanical Engineering

Faculty Mentor

Leslie Massey, MS | First-Year Engineering

Project Description

IAlthough used by millions across the world, backpacks at their core are fundamentally limited in the amount of utility they can offer. No existing backpack is an all-in-one product, but we seek to change that. Our product will revolutionize the idea of what a backpack can be by introducing an innovative modular component system that allows you to create the backpack of your dreams.