Project Description:
This project focused on advancing thrust-vectoring capabilities by designing and fabricating a variable geometry nozzle for a 22-pound thrust JetCat P100-RX model turbojet engine. Sponsored by AFRL through the APOP program, the effort aimed to modernize nozzle architecture for improved performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

The team began with cold-flow testing using a scaled electric ducted fan and iterated multiple nozzle designs, including petal-style and PAC-style nozzles. The final nozzle was 3D printed in stainless steel and tested for thrust variability and thermal performance. In April 2025, the team traveled to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to test their prototype and earned national recognition during a technical design competition and poster presentation.

Project Description:
The BattleBots Aggies team designed and built a competitive combat robot for national-level BattleBots events. The focus was on modular weapon systems, robust drivetrain design, and efficient material selection. Key achievements included integration of hardened armor plating, high-torque brushless motors, and sensor-driven remote controls.

In the final competition, the Aggie team won 2nd place overall, a significant accomplishment showcasing their engineering design, testing, and iteration skills in a high-pressure environment.

Project Description:
BattleBots Crimson designed and fabricated a lightweight but aggressive combat robot to compete in BattleBots tournaments. Their engineering goals focused on high energy weapon design, rapid maneuverability, and resilience against impact.

Through iterative prototyping and testing, the team developed a unique wedge-style chassis and a vertical spinning weapon optimized for speed and precision. The robot featured hardened armor, modular subsystems, and efficient power distribution for high-energy matches.

Project Description:
The Electrolight project explored renewable energy systems integrated into a camper trailer designed for off-grid emergency survival and recreation. The team engineered an energy-efficient power system, lightweight frame, and smart controls to deliver autonomy and user flexibility.

Design elements included a solar charging system, modular battery array, interior environmental controls, and LED lighting architecture. The camper was designed for rugged conditions while showcasing innovative use of sustainable materials and compact energy technologies.

Project Description:
ORNL challenged this capstone team to improve the reliability of fused deposition modeling (FDM) by developing a predictive quality model using real-time sensing and mechanical testing.

The team utilized accelerometers, thermocouples, and infrared (IR) cameras to monitor variables such as temperature, vibration, and thermal distribution during printing. Mechanical test specimens were fabricated under varying print parameters and tested for tensile strength and surface integrity. Their analysis identified the optimal print orientation and temperature (220°C horizontal) for PLA using the Bambu Lab X1-Carbon printer. The final deliverables included correlation models, control data acquisition via Raspberry Pi, and mechanical insights to enhance industrial FDM reliability.

Project Description:
This interdisciplinary team designed and built a robotic platform named Haul-E, created to assist users with limited mobility by autonomously following and transporting small loads. The system integrates a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), Computer Vision, and an HMI interface to monitor surroundings, detect obstacles, and operate safely.

Key features include omnidirectional wheels for full mobility, an ergonomic scissor lift, and vision-based tracking using AprilTags. The robot is equipped with various sensors—infrared, temperature, load, and accelerometers—that communicate status alerts via LEDs. The system was developed with input from real user feedback, prioritizing accessibility, compactness, and intuitive design for enhanced independence and comfort.

Project Description:
Commissioned by NMSU, this capstone team engineered a high-altitude, solar-powered UAV glider designed for climate research. The UAV was developed to deliver long-endurance flight capability, modular sensor payload integration, and reliable atmospheric data collection in demanding environmental conditions.

The team integrated a high-efficiency solar-electric array to power propulsion and onboard electronics, optimized aerodynamic and thermal dynamics for high-altitude performance, and validated their work using simulation and solar cell performance testing. Their final design met and exceeded project requirements, showcasing a flight-ready system suitable for extended research missions.

Project Description:
This student-led entrepreneurial project, Velocity Solutions, aimed to optimize hydrogen fuel cell output in drones by developing an innovative stabilization system. The team utilized pendulum physics to maintain the fuel cell’s orientation during flight, minimizing performance drops caused by vibration and motion.

The final design featured a socket joint with EVA foam dampening and a pendulum mechanism that kept the fuel cell aligned with the ground (z-axis). Their testing showed improved power consistency under vibration conditions, laying the groundwork for future integration with motion-sensitive drone payloads such as atmospheric sensors or precision cameras.

Project Description:
This project focused on the design, fabrication, and flight testing of a discus-launched glider (DLG) optimized for additive manufacturing using 3D printing. The team applied aerodynamic simulations, structural modeling, and flight dynamics testing to meet performance criteria including a 100-foot climb and 30-second glide time.

Using Lifting Line Theory and XFLR5 software, the team evaluated airfoil selections and wing designs. They fabricated a semi-monocoque structure with lightweight ribs and carbon fiber spars. Control surfaces were powered by servos and optimized using remote avionics systems.

A 40% scale model was tested in NMSU’s wind tunnel, revealing geometry issues that were corrected in the final design. Although the prototype experienced instability during live testing, the team demonstrated strong application of design-for-manufacture and aerodynamic validation principles.

Project Description:
Reliable Controls tasked this interdisciplinary team with designing a scalable and energy-efficient automation system for a modular container farm. The primary objective was to automate lighting, irrigation, and temperature regulation for optimal crop growth in a controlled environment.

The students developed a centralized monitoring and control interface using a Raspberry Pi and microcontrollers integrated with environmental sensors. Their system utilized real-time data analytics to regulate humidity, water cycles, and LED grow light arrays. This project demonstrates the feasibility of sustainable indoor agriculture through precision automation and responsive design.

Project Description:
This project focused on evaluating adhesive bonding methods for pressure-bearing 3D printed components using PA12 material. The capstone team was tasked with two objectives from KCNSC: first, to test shear tensile strength of adhesives, and second, to design and experimentally validate a 3D printed pressure vessel joined via adhesive bonding.

The team explored surface preparation techniques, material compatibility, and structural design, ultimately creating two vessel prototypes with differing flange geometries. Using Barlow’s Formula and pneumatic testing with nitrogen to failure, the team quantified burst pressures and compared them with industry benchmarks. Although the custom designs underperformed relative to a client-provided control sample, the students provided recommendations for future iterations including improved joint geometry, in-built pressure ports, and hydrostatic testing. Their work contributes to additive manufacturing best practices in pressure containment design.

Project Description:
In partnership with the Quality Control in Additive Manufacturing (QCAM) Consortium and the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), this project focused on designing, fabricating, and testing a mechanism powered by 3D printed polymer springs. The springs were manufactured from Polyamide 12 (PA12) using the Hewlett Packard Multi Jet Fusion (HP MJF) additive manufacturing process.

The team designed three spring types—conical, wave, and helical—each printed in both vertical and horizontal orientations to analyze performance variation. Using mass-displacement tests, track testing, cyclic testing with an Instron Tensile Tester, and CT scanning for porosity, students evaluated mechanical stiffness, fatigue resistance, and structural integrity. The goal was to roll a steel ball 6–7 feet using spring-powered propulsion.

Final outcomes demonstrated that print orientation significantly impacted spring stiffness, with up to a 17.8% increase in vertical helical springs. No fatigue failure was observed after 500 cycles, and porosity compacted without propagation. The project exceeded client expectations, validating 3D printing for functional spring-based mechanisms in secure manufacturing environments.

Project Description:
In partnership with Honeywell FM&T at the Kansas City National Security Campus (KCNSC), this capstone team developed a customized Power Spectrum System integrated into a Class IV laser safety enclosure. The system was engineered to measure laser power and wavelength between 500–1500 nm using FC connectors, while converting laser output into accurate electrical signals for Fourier-based spectral analysis.

The enclosure, built from 5052 aluminum and sealed with Buna-N gaskets and O-rings, meets OSHA Section III: Chapter 6 safety standards. Internal light absorption was enhanced with felt lining, and the system includes safety interlocks, an emergency stop button, and OSHA-certified protective goggles. Electrical components featured high-speed photodiodes and DSPs to ensure efficient signal processing and external data retrieval.

Project Description:
Los Alamos National Laboratory tasked this team with designing a system to train a Physically-Informed Neural Network (PINN) capable of identifying and controlling nonlinear engineered systems. The students developed a framework using spike-based sensing and event-based imaging, which mimics biological neurons by reacting only to environmental changes.

Their setup included a high-speed simulation displayed on a 500-Hz monitor, paired with a DVXplorer Micro event camera. The camera data was compressed using PCA and analyzed in a custom PINN. The system was tested using pendulum simulations, demonstrating the network’s ability to predict dynamic system behavior with minimal latency. A custom-built optical anechoic chamber ensured consistent data collection conditions.

Project Description:
This capstone project addressed the design of a high-performance sled track vehicle for testing purposes at Los Alamos National Laboratory. The vehicle had to accelerate to 150 ft/s within 50 feet on a narrow-gauge track, carry up to 500 lbs of payload, and remain under 200 lbs total weight. Key design goals included modularity, adaptability, and durability under repetitive test cycles.

The team engineered a robust frame using 6061-T4 aluminum tubing, balancing strength and weight. Propulsion relied on a compressed air shuttle catapult system, while the release mechanism used spring-loaded disengagement and onboard detection electronics. Validation testing included CAD modeling, small-scale trials, and simulations of launch dynamics and stress response. The final design exceeded safety factors and demonstrated precise, repeatable motion—meeting or exceeding all performance objectives set by LANL.

Project Description:
The BioBlaze team designed a biomass stove to address environmental and health hazards from traditional cooking in developing regions. Their low-cost solution emphasizes thermal efficiency, safety, and sustainability by using agricultural waste such as wheat straw for fuel and producing biochar as a beneficial byproduct.

The team engineered a double-shell combustion chamber with strategic airflow holes for efficient heat retention and emissions reduction. The final design features a top grate for cooking, a combustion-efficient inner shell, and a heat-insulating outer shell. Extensive testing confirmed the stove’s ability to boil water in under 30 minutes and maintain temperature for an hour—providing a sustainable, real-world solution to a global challenge.

Project Description:
This project focused on designing and fabricating a universal data acquisition system (DAQ) for rugged, off-road vehicles using the NMSU Mini Baja car as a test platform. The system monitored key performance parameters using off-the-shelf sensors integrated into a custom LabVIEW interface.

Components included wheel speed sensors, brake pressure sensors, engine RPM and temperature monitors, and CVT belt temperature and suspension travel sensors. The team developed mounting hardware and brackets to integrate each sensor with high fidelity and modularity. The customized DAQ system provided real-time feedback for vehicle dynamics, including acceleration, braking, traction, and engine performance. The final prototype offered a flexible, reliable solution adaptable across a wide range of vehicles for research and defense applications.

Project Description:
Commissioned by the United States Space Force, this capstone team developed a Laser Communication Testbed to simulate atmospheric turbulence and evaluate data integrity through optical signal degradation.

The system integrated two core components: an Environmental Simulation Rig (ESR) and an FPGA-based laser communication platform. The ESR was engineered to replicate atmospheric conditions using water turbulence and borosilicate panes, while the FPGA setup transmitted binary messages via laser pulses. By comparing performance before and after turbulence, the team gathered meaningful data on signal fidelity and loss mitigation strategies. The final setup was tested in both laboratory and field conditions to ensure robustness and realism for future space-based laser communication systems.

Project Description:
This project involved the design and fabrication of a scalable, mobile container farm tailored for Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) research. In collaboration with the College of ACES, the student team developed a modular system integrating environmental controls, nutrient delivery, and sensor arrays to support advanced research in plant physiology, artificial intelligence, and sustainability.

The prototype serves as a research and educational platform enabling data-driven experimentation on crop growth, energy efficiency, and automated climate regulation. The system features robust IoT architecture and interfaces for AI-enhanced monitoring and control, supporting broader university goals for interdisciplinary innovation and workforce development in smart agriculture technologies.

Project Description:
This project aimed to design and prototype an automated overhead inductive charging system for electric vehicles. The challenge was to engineer a gantry system capable of three-dimensional motion to accurately position a transmitter coil above a vehicle’s receiver coil.

The team developed a Cartesian motion framework with V-slot rail technology, integrated NEMA 17 stepper motors, a linear actuator, and endstop limit switches for precision control. Vision and proximity sensors—including Arducam and ultrasonic modules—enabled vehicle recognition and adaptive positioning. Mechanical and electrical testing validated the system’s ability to operate under load and successfully ch

Project Description:
The NMSU team designed smart wind turbine blades with integrated sensors and actuators to dynamically respond to environmental wind conditions. Their goal was to improve efficiency and power output through advanced control systems and aerodynamic optimization.

They selected the SG6043 airfoil based on simulation results and developed a pitch control system that adjusts blade angles in real-time using Arduino-controlled stepper motors. A yaw control system was integrated using a wind vane to maintain optimal turbine orientation. Real-time sensor data allowed for intelligent blade angle and direction adjustments, maximizing performance at low Reynolds numbers. Their prototype successfully demonstrated power output variability through pitch and yaw adjustments during bench testing.

Project Description:
This project focused on designing a test article compatible with multiple-input, multiple-output (MIMO) shaker shock testing techniques for use at Sandia National Laboratories. The goal was to support next-generation vibration testing methods by enabling synchronized excitation across multiple axes, improving test fidelity and reducing runtime.

The student team engineered a tunable, durable structure that met strict design specifications, including 6DOF/IMMAT compatibility, a frequency range of 50–2000 Hz, and a weight under 50 lbs. The prototype underwent validation through simulated vibration and shock tests, using sensors to gather acceleration data under varied speeds and conditions. Their design advances multi-axis testing reliability and contributes to Sandia’s structural testing methodologies.

Project Description:
This capstone team collaborated with Spaceport America to design and fabricate a full-scale mockup rocket for training purposes. The goal was to create a durable, transportable model that simulates real launch hardware, allowing staff to practice rocket handling and loading protocols

The rocket includes a carbon steel frame with stackable tube sections, adjustable center of gravity, and a weight range of 2300–2400 pounds. The team developed a rail alignment system known as the D.WOBBLER, which uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to maintain alignment with the launch rail. Components were designed to be lightweight, modular, and manufacturable in-house using standard machining processes.

This system enhances safety and alignment during training exercises, helping ensure launch readiness. The design integrates structural analysis, mechatronics, and practical usability in simulated operational conditions.

Project Description:
Spaceport America tasked this student team with developing a launch rail adapter capable of interfacing with both 1010 and 1515 aluminum T-slot rail profiles. This system was required to enable secure, non-destructive, and modular attachment of small-scale rockets to existing launch infrastructure.

The students conducted in-depth mechanical analysis, including FEA studies, and iterated designs using 3D printed prototypes. Their final design included custom internal machined nuts, vibration-resistant hardware, and compatibility for both T-slot sizes with a simple adjustment. The final deliverable ensured streamlined assembly, precise alignment, and reliable launch operations at the NMSA facility.

Project Description:
Lunar dust poses a significant challenge for NASA’s Artemis program, degrading equipment, threatening astronaut health, and infiltrating habitat interiors. The Aggie WERC Team developed a modular decontamination chamber designed to mitigate these effects through targeted pneumatic and vacuum systems.

The system uses stationary air nozzles delivering 40–60 psi bursts to dislodge abrasive particles from space suits and cargo transfer bags. A cyclone vacuum chamber separates heavy dust via centrifugal force, while HEPA filtration captures finer particles. The aluminum frame is lightweight and modular for easy deployment on the lunar surface. Optional features include vibration modules and dust-repellent coatings to enhance cleaning efficiency. The team validated their design through CFD simulations and a predictive dust acceleration model, aligning with lunar environmental constraints of extreme temperature and vacuum conditions.

This project earned 2nd place in Task 4’s Bench Award at the WERC Environmental Design Competition.

Project Description:
The Crimson Team’s project, “THUNDER” (Technology for Hazardous Ultrafine Nanoparticle Dust Elimination and Retention), aimed to protect astronauts and sensitive equipment from the harmful effects of lunar regolith by developing a hybrid dust mitigation system.

Inspired by carwash mechanisms and leveraging advanced electrostatic filtration, THUNDER removes fine and abrasive lunar dust from cargo and surfaces using rotating brushes, magnetic filters, and a compartmentalized enclosure printed from heat-resistant ABS. Extensive prototyping and validation confirmed its ability to operate at 200 RPM, filter particles efficiently, and maintain long-term durability.

Project Description:
This capstone team was tasked with designing a compact, sailboat-mounted environmental sensing device to aid in global climate and oceanographic research. The system collects real-time data on pH, pressure, and temperature, with design priorities focused on durability, modularity, and waterproofing.

The team developed a 3-part modular capsule, incorporating marine-grade materials and ISO, ASTM, and IEEE standards for sensor accuracy and corrosion resistance. The capsule’s front cap houses the sensors and core electronics, while the mid-wall provides cable routing and waterproofing. The end cap includes water pumps for buoyancy and depth control. The design supports long-term deployment and enhances environmental monitoring from small sailing platforms.

Project Description:
El Paso Electric tasked this interdisciplinary team with designing a hydrogen-integrated smart grid that leverages renewable solar energy for reliable and dispatchable power generation. The system was developed to address challenges like solar duck curves and provide energy resilience using hydrogen fuel cells.

The prototype included a dual-path system from solar panels: a direct DC path and a hydrogen fuel cell path featuring voltage regulation, pressure control, and optimized current draw. The hydrogen integration enabled energy buffering and helped mitigate solar generation gaps by adding up to 12.5% more load-handling capacity. The team focused on safety, modularity, and robust system testing for competition deployment.

🏆 1st Place, Task 2 Bench Award – WERC Environmental Design Contest
🏅 New Mexico Space Grant Consortium Outstanding Team Award

Project Description:
This team designed a wind-powered water filtration system to support soil and water restoration in wildfire-damaged areas. Inspired by the needs of the San Elías community in Guachochi, Chihuahua, Mexico, the system integrates vertical-axis wind energy with a multi-stage natural filtration process.

Key features include a mobile tripod-mounted turbine, layered filtration using gravel, sand, and activated charcoal, and Arduino-based real-time monitoring. The prototype demonstrated effective contaminant removal and water quality improvements for irrigation use. The design is scalable, sustainable, and adaptable to remote or disaster-affected communities.

Recognition:
Team lead Naiqui Armendariz received the Terry McManus Outstanding Student Award for her leadership and community impact.

Project Description:
To support SVAD at White Sands Missile Range, this capstone team designed a modular printed circuit board (PCB) test platform for radiation exposure environments. Their work enables more efficient validation of mission-critical aerospace and defense electronics.

The team created a custom OR gate PCB and developed a modular system with swappable daughterboards, real-time diagnostics, and fault detection capabilities. Testing was performed under Gamma Dose Rate (GDR) and Fast Burst Reactor (FBR) radiation exposure conditions to assess survivability. Their efforts modernized testing workflows and ensured robust data capture during transient and steady-state radiation scenarios.

Project Description:
This project focused on enhancing UAS operational capability in GPS-denied environments through the design and implementation of a LiDAR-Inertial Odometry (LIO) navigation system. The team researched alternative localization methods, designed a sensor fusion framework, and integrated hardware and software systems for autonomous navigation.

The prototype system featured a Hex Cube Black flight controller, Raspberry Pi 4 processing unit, Intel RealSense Depth Camera D435, and LightWare LiDAR, all interconnected through telemetry modules. DroneKit and pymavlink enabled automated mission scripting and telemetry feedback. After multiple test cycles, the team achieved successful autonomous navigation over short distances with real-time position estimation, optimized sensor alignment, and system refinement for use at WSMR.

Project Description:
This project focused on the design and development of a high-performance, lightweight gimbal system for use with the DJI Matrice RTK Drone. Sponsored by White Sands Missile Range (WSMR), the goal was to generate real-time Time Space Position Information (TSPI) using onboard sensors and vision tracking technology.

The system integrates multiple imaging modalities including wide-angle, zoom, and thermal cameras, along with a laser rangefinder, all mounted on a custom three-axis stabilized gimbal. The team developed Python-based computer vision software using OpenCV, incorporated brushless motors for high-speed actuation, and implemented real-time tracking with MAVLink communication to Pixhawk. The final deliverables included a field-tested prototype capable of autonomous aerial tracking and TSPI generation at 20 Hz for defense applications.

Project Description:
Project Description: This capstone project tasked students with engineering a camper shell capable of withstanding extreme environmental conditions—framed around the fictional but technically demanding scenario of a zombie apocalypse. The team focused on creating an aerodynamic, structurally sound design using aluminum and steel components.

The camper shell was modeled and optimized using SolidWorks for wind resistance, vibrational stability, and static load performance. Results included:

• Static deformation under 200 lb load was only 0.00767 in—well below the 1/16 in threshold.
• The drag coefficient was optimized to 0.276 via wind tunnel simulation.
• The natural frequency of the design avoided critical resonance ranges, enhancing safety and comfort.

The final over-cab camper design incorporates a reinforced aluminum frame with modular adaptability and a steel shell exterior for durability, survival utility, and ease of future upgrades

Project Description:
This capstone team collaborated with Los Alamos National Laboratory to develop a novel sled capture and track system designed for high-speed impact testing and payload delivery. The system was built to enable repeatable, controlled test conditions while supporting payloads up to 500 lb accelerated by sleds weighing 200 lb at speeds up to 150 ft/s.

The solution includes magnetic brakes, arresting gear piston dampers, and a custom zero-moment six-wheel assembly that ensures both structural integrity and smooth deceleration. The system is modular for ease of maintenance and designed to operate with minimal downtime and low power consumption. The track structure and sled chassis are supported by a combination of finite element analysis and experimental validation.

Key Contributions

• Developed modular track and sled design for 150 ft/s operation with integrated capture mechanisms.
• Validated braking forces using magnetic and hydraulic dampening systems
• Designed zero-moment 6-wheel carriage and foam-filled polyurethane treads for traction and vibration control.
• Performed structural testing on arresting gear, frame components, and end bumpers
• Simulated shock loads and stress profiles using FEA to ensure reliability during payload impact scenarios.