Project Description:
Build a cutting-edge free-space laser comms testbed that pushes data through thin air—literally. You’ll prototype and compare high-rate modulation and coding schemes, then stress the link with “New Mexico reality”: simulated turbulence, dust, and smoke. From precision opto-mechanical alignment to real-time signal processing, this project blends hands-on lab work with legit research— the kind that stands out in grad apps and job interviews.

Research Topics

• Free-space optical (FSO) link design & budgeting
• Modulation & coding (OOK/PPM) with FEC (e.g., LDPC)
• Atmospheric turbulence models (scintillation/phase screens)
• Dust/smoke attenuation and channel characterization
• Pointing, Acquisition & Tracking (PAT) and gimbal control
• Adaptive optics, beam shaping, and alignment
• High-speed optoelectronics (lasers, photodiodes, TIAs)
• BER/throughput testing & real-time DSP/FPGA prototyping

Project Description:
Take the controls of a high-thrust turbojet in a two-semester challenge that blends aerospace innovation with hands-on engineering. Building on last year’s 1st place win at AFRL’s national APOP competition, the team will enhance and modify a JetCat P100-RX engine capable of producing 22 lbs. of thrust at full power. You’ll go from concept and analysis to manufacturing and live testing, with travel to AFRL in Dayton, Ohio, for competitive runs and poster presentations—all expenses covered. This is your chance to work shoulder-to-shoulder with peers in AE, ME, MET, and EE, solving real propulsion challenges and representing NMSU on a national stage.

Research Topics

• Turbojet engine thermodynamics and performance analysis
• Combustion system design and optimization
• Component modification and structural integrity assessment
• High-temperature materials and coatings
• Instrumentation, data acquisition, and control systems
• CAD modeling and manufacturing for aerospace applications

Project Description:
Step into the intersection of environmental engineering and innovation with a project that turns algae into a solution for plastic waste. Your mission: design, build, and test a modular aquatic tank or bioreactor that creates the perfect environment for known plastic-degrading algae like Spirulina and Phormium lucidum. The focus is on engineering excellence—integrating environmental controls, automation, and performance monitoring—rather than altering the biology itself. From designing lighting and nutrient delivery systems to creating automated sensor-driven controls, you’ll tackle the real challenges of system design and integration. You’ll work with safe, well-documented algal strains to test degradation on plastics like PET and PS, and log results for performance insights. This project offers a chance to apply mechanical, electrical, and control system skills to a sustainability-driven innovation with real-world impact

Research Topics

• Operating conditions for optimal algal growth (temperature, light, pH)
• Mechanisms and metrics of plastic degradation (mass loss, surface changes)
• Design considerations for low-maintenance aquatic cultivation systems
• Open tank vs. closed bioreactor performance
• Impact of turbulence and shear forces on algal efficiency
• Prior studies on algal plastic degradation (e.g., Spirulina, Picochlorum)
• Photobioreactors for wastewater treatment and remediation
• Microcontroller-based control and monitoring systems
• Environmental factors influencing degradation (light, flow, pH, oxygen)</li
• Safe handlingtesting of plastics like PET, PE, and PS

Project Description:
Details coming soon.

Project Description:
Enter the high-energy world of combat robotics by designing and building a beetleweight-class BattleBot to compete in the Miner Mayhem Competition. This project challenges you to blend creative engineering, rapid prototyping, and strategic weapon design to outlast and outperform your opponents in the arena. From selecting the optimal drive and weapon systems to ensuring compliance with SPARC safety standards, your team will push the limits of materials, motors, and electronics. Expect to prototype, test, break, and rebuild—because in BattleBots, only the toughest survive

Research Topics

• Review SPARC safety and design standards for beetleweight class
• Evaluate past competition bots and winning weapon systems
• Analyze materials for strength-to-weight optimization
• Study brushless motor specs and ESC compatibility
• Research structural failure points from past combat robots
• Explore 3D printing and TPU applications in chassis design
• Investigate energy transfer mechanics in vertical spinners

Project Description:
Details coming soon.

Project Description:
Help build the next generation of residential energy management by designing a fully integrated smart peak shaving system. This project combines hardware, software, and energy systems to reduce power usage during peak demand periods—saving both money and strain on the grid. You’ll develop a compact Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that charges during off-peak hours and powers loads during peak times, paired with an intelligent monitoring device and user-friendly mobile/web app. The system will be demonstrated with a tabletop “mock home” environment, allowing for a visually engaging and interactive showcase of demand response technology in action.

Students will gain hands-on experience with battery integration, IoT devices, smart home controls, and UI/UX development. From 3D printing enclosures and writing control algorithms to simulating peak events, you’ll work across disciplines to create a project that merges renewable energy, embedded systems, and data-driven design. This is an opportunity to work on a real-world problem with direct applications in modern energy management. You’ll design the electronics and enclosure, write the firmware, and craft the UX so the system reacts to peak alerts, manages smart plugs/thermostats, and shows real-time savings.

Research Topics

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) design and thermal management.
• Bidirectional power electronics, protection, and efficiency testing
• Embedded systems for monitoring and control (ESP32 or similar
• Peak event prediction (rule‑based vs. lightweight ML); control strategies Wireless communication protocols for IoT devices
• Sensor integration: voltage, current, temperature, and environmental
• Mobile/web app development for real-time energy monitoring
• 3D printing and ergonomic enclosure design
• Residential demand response strategies and economic impact analysis
• Integration of smart plugs, thermostats, and load control devices</li

Project Description:
Help build the next generation of residential energy management by designing a fully integrated smart peak shaving system. This project combines hardware, software, and energy systems to reduce power usage during peak demand periods—saving both money and strain on the grid. You’ll develop a compact Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) that charges during off-peak hours and powers loads during peak times, paired with an intelligent monitoring device and user-friendly mobile/web app. The system will be demonstrated with a tabletop “mock home” environment, allowing for a visually engaging and interactive showcase of demand response technology in action.

Students will gain hands-on experience with battery integration, IoT devices, smart home controls, and UI/UX development. From 3D printing enclosures and writing control algorithms to simulating peak events, you’ll work across disciplines to create a project that merges renewable energy, embedded systems, and data-driven design. This is an opportunity to work on a real-world problem with direct applications in modern energy management. You’ll design the electronics and enclosure, write the firmware, and craft the UX so the system reacts to peak alerts, manages smart plugs/thermostats, and shows real-time savings.

Research Topics

• Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) design and thermal management
• Bidirectional power electronics, protection, and efficiency testing
• Embedded systems for monitoring and control (ESP32 or similar)
• Peak event prediction (rule‑based vs. lightweight ML); control strategies Wireless communication protocols for IoT devices
• Sensor integration: voltage, current, temperature, and environmental
• Mobile/web app development for real-time energy monitoring
• 3D printing and ergonomic enclosure design
• Residential demand response strategies and economic impact analysis
• Integration of smart plugs, thermostats, and load control devices</li

Project Description:
Details coming soon.

Project Description:
Step into one of the most high-speed, high-stakes engineering projects in the Southwest. Holloman’s sled track—built in the early 2000s—has been a testing ground for aerospace systems, but now it’s ready for a new era. This capstone team will modernize both the mechanical and electrical systems, optimizing performance while improving maintainability and enabling future upgrades. You’ll work on everything from high-precision rail alignment and structural enhancements to advanced control electronics and data acquisition systems. If you want to contribute to a major Department of Defense testing asset and leave a legacy of engineering excellence, this project offers it all.

Research Topics

• Rail and support structure redesign for improved stability and precision
• Vibration damping and shock isolation systems
• Material selection for high‑speed, high‑load environments
• Modernization of control systems for sled acceleration and braking
• Integration of updated sensors for real‑time performance monitoring
• Electrical system upgrades for reliability and redundancy
• Data acquisition system improvements for faster, more accurate results
• Maintenance and modularity design for rapid component replacement
• Compliance with safety standards for high‑velocity testing environments

Team: 9 students (AE/ME 5, EE 3, MET 1)

Project Description:
Take additive manufacturing to its limits by solving one of its toughest challenges—bonding strength in critical pressure applications. Building on the results of previous pressure vessel projects, your team will investigate why bonded joint strength varies so greatly in shear versus tension for Polyamide 12 (PA 12) printed via HP Multi Jet Fusion. You’ll design and test bonded specimens, identify optimal adhesives, and develop best practices for achieving consistent, high-performance bonds.

Then, you’ll push those results into the real world—designing, building, and destructively testing a two-piece bonded pressure vessel with the goal of achieving failure anywhere but the joint. Using pressure gauges, high-speed cameras, and data logging, you’ll monitor every stage of the test. The final deliverable: a comprehensive design guide capturing your results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future engineers. This project is a perfect match for students who want hands-on testing, real-world problem-solving, and a tangible impact in advanced manufacturing

Research Topics

• Adhesive performance on HP MJF printed PA 12 in shear vs. tension
• Specimen design for standardized adhesive testing
• Surface preparation techniques for optimal bond strength
• Bonded joint geometry optimization for pressure applications
• Pressure vessel design, safety factors, and failure modes
• Instrumentation for real-time pressure and strain monitoring
• High-speed imaging for structural failure analysis
• Best practices and design guidelines for additive manufacturing assemblies

Project Description:
Turn a simple spring into a high-performance, precision-engineered mechanism—completely 3D printed. This project challenges you to design, fabricate, and test a spring-powered device capable of rolling a 1-1/16” diameter steel ball a full 6–7 feet on a horizontal surface. The spring will be made from Polyamide 12 (PA 12) using HP Multi Jet Fusion, pushing the boundaries of polymer performance in dynamic applications.

You’ll explore every aspect of spring engineering—spring constants, fatigue behavior, elastic and viscous responses—while integrating these findings into a functional, optimized mechanism. With KCNSC providing the printed springs, your task will be to design, test, and iterate until you’ve achieved reliable, repeatable performance. The ultimate deliverable: a design guide capturing your test results, lessons learned, and best practices for future polymer spring applications.

Research Topics

• Spring constant measurement and tuning for performance targets
• Fatigue analysis and lifecycle prediction for polymer springs
• Elastic vs. viscous behavior in PA 12 under cyclic loading
• Design of spring geometries for additive manufacturing
• Integration of 3D printed springs into mechanical assemblies
• Optimization of rolling mechanisms for distance and accuracy
• Material property characterization for HP MJF PA 12
• Development of a design guide for polymer spring mechanisms

Project Description:
Imagine building a custom off-road vehicle and outfitting it with a cutting-edge data acquisition system—then racing it across rugged terrain to put your design to the ultimate test. In this project, you’ll not only design and manufacture a 4-wheel drive off-roading vehicle, but also integrate advanced telemetry systems to monitor its performance in real time.

Electrical and Computer engineers will develop an electronics package with a microcontroller or microprocessor, sensors, power systems, and programming for live data recording and feedback. Mechanical engineers will focus on packaging design, vehicle integration, and aiding in sensor selection. The result will be a fully functional, data-driven off-road machine ready to tackle the elements and deliver high-fidelity performance insights

Research Topics

• Off-road vehicle chassis and suspension design
• Microcontroller and microprocessor integration for data logging
• Sensor selection for speed, acceleration, vibration, and environmental factors
• Telemetry and wireless data transmission systems
• Packaging and ruggedization for harsh environments
• Data visualization and performance feedback interfaces
• Power management for mobile data acquisition systems

Project Description:
Step into the future of aerial technology by designing a hybrid drone that blends ion propulsion, solar energy harvesting, weather balloon lift, and advanced stabilization into a single long-endurance surveillance platform. This ambitious project aims to push the boundaries of UAV flight duration, creating a semi-autonomous craft that can serve critical applications in agriculture, environmental monitoring, disaster response, and land surveying.

Unlike conventional drones that are constrained by battery limits and rotor wear, this platform uses a weather balloon for passive lift, dramatically cutting energy demands. Ion propulsion provides near-silent, precision maneuvering with minimal moving parts, while solar panels deliver continuous renewable power during daylight hours. The result: a sustainable aerial system designed to stay aloft for extended periods with minimal ground intervention.

Research Topics

• Principles of ion propulsion and safety considerations for high-voltage systems
• Flight dynamics and control for hybrid UAV-balloon platforms
• Solar energy harvesting and lightweight energy storage solutions
• Impact of environmental factors on ion thruster efficiency
• Existing research on EHD and ion-propelled UAVs
• Applications of weather balloons in persistent surveillance
• Solar-powered drone systems
• Control and automation of hybrid aerial systems
• Power management and thermal dissipation in small aerial platforms

Project Description:
Details coming soon.

Project Description:
Join Los Alamos National Laboratory in developing a groundbreaking robotic system designed to safely collect nuclear waste samples from a massive 100,000-gallon tank—without any human entry. This high-stakes challenge calls for a remotely operated device that can fit through a 24" x 24" hatch, navigate unpredictable material conditions, and retrieve 36 precise core samples for analysis. Your work will directly contribute to the future of nuclear site decommissioning and environmental safety.

Students will collaborate with LANL’s Intelligence Systems Team, known for its high-risk, high-reward innovations in robotics, sensing, AI/ML, and embedded systems. This project is ideal for those passionate about robotics design, CAD modeling, control systems, and working on real-world national security challenges.

Research Topics

• Robotic sampling mechanisms for hazardous environments
• Design for confined-space operation and remote deployment
• Navigation and control in unknown material conditions
• Core sample extraction and retrieval techniques
• Embedded control systems and telemetry
• Integration of sensing and perception technologies
• Applications of AI/ML in robotic autonomy

Project Description:
Details coming soon.

Project Description:
This cutting edge project from LANL-led project that combines neuromorphic vision and fovea-based reinforcement learning to create a robotic game opponent capable of reacting faster than any human. Students will first replicate LANL’s groundbreaking research using biologically inspired vision algorithms on a high-framerate monitor and neuromorphic imager. The project then transitions to a physical implementation featuring an event camera and a custom robotic paddle mechanism for high-speed gameplay.

The ultimate goal: a superhuman-speed robotic system that intelligently focuses on the most critical visual cues to make rapid, precise movements. This project offers hands-on experience in advanced AI, sensor integration, robotic actuation, and real-time control systems, preparing students for future careers in robotics and automation.

Research Topics

• Neuromorphic perception and sensor technologies
• Fovea-based reinforcement learning methods
• Robotic actuation for high-speed applications
• Real-time vision and motion tracking
• Speedbag modeling and rigid body dynamics
• Latency-aware control systems
• Biomechanics of speedbag performance
• High-speed robotic systems in sports and manufacturing

Project Description:
Enter the future of robotics and AI with this LANL project that merges neuromorphic vision and fovea-based reinforcement learning to create a robotic game opponent capable of responding at superhuman speeds. Students will begin by replicating LANL’s pioneering research using biologically inspired visual processing techniques on a high-framerate monitor with a neuromorphic imager.

Once the algorithms are mastered in simulation, the team will bring them to life in the real world—using an event camera over an air hockey table and a custom robotic paddle mechanism. The system will focus on only the most critical details in its visual field, allowing it to react with unmatched precision and speed. This project provides deep, hands-on experience in AI, robotics, real-time control, and sensor integration

Research Topics

• Fovea-based reinforcement learning and visual processing
• Neuromorphic vision for robotics
• Digital coded exposure and event-based imaging
• High-speed robotic actuation systems
• Integration of sensing and motion control
• Air hockey-playing robotic systems
• Resource-efficient AI for real-time applications

Project Description:
Think you have what it takes to out-engineer your fellow students at NMSU? In this Lockheed Martin Capstone Challenge, you’ll step into the role of a real-world aerospace contractor, tasked with designing and pitching a cutting-edge three-satellite geosynchronous communication network. Your mission: Develop a proposal based on LM’s bid, and deliver seamless, global, end-to-end data connectivity between ground stations and user terminals.

You and your team will engineer every aspect of the mission — satellite bus and payload design, orbital mechanics, communications architecture, cybersecurity, launch planning, and sustainability — and compile it into a professional 50–75 page proposal worthy of Lockheed Martin’s review. Multiple teams will compete head-to-head, each keeping their design a secret until the April 2026 competition, where you’ll present to Lockheed Martin judges and demonstrate your prototype and bid. The best-performing team will win Lockheed Martin prizes and ultimate bragging rights.

Research Topics

• Space mission design principles and methodologies
• Satellite communication systems architecture
• Project management for complex aerospace systems
• Spacecraft systems engineering and integration
• Launch vehicle selection and trajectory planning
• System performance analysis and sustainability planning

Project Description:
Think you have what it takes to out-engineer your fellow students at NMSU? In this Lockheed Martin Capstone Challenge, you’ll step into the role of a real-world aerospace contractor, tasked with designing and pitching a cutting-edge three-satellite geosynchronous communication network. Your mission: Develop a proposal based on LM’s bid, and deliver seamless, global, end-to-end data connectivity between ground stations and user terminals.

You and your team will engineer every aspect of the mission — satellite bus and payload design, orbital mechanics, communications architecture, cybersecurity, launch planning, and sustainability — and compile it into a professional 50–75 page proposal worthy of Lockheed Martin’s review. Multiple teams will compete head-to-head, each keeping their design a secret until the April 2026 competition, where you’ll present to Lockheed Martin judges and demonstrate your prototype and bid. The best-performing team will win Lockheed Martin prizes and ultimate bragging rights.

Research Topics

• Space mission design principles and methodologies
• Satellite communication systems architecture
• Project management for complex aerospace systems
• Spacecraft systems engineering and integration
• Launch vehicle selection and trajectory planning
• System performance analysis and sustainability planning

Project Description:
This project aims to push the boundaries of renewable energy technology by creating a hybrid vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) that integrates the lift-driven efficiency of a Darrieus rotor with the reliable self-starting of a Savonius rotor. The design seeks to capture the strengths of both systems — the high aerodynamic performance of the Darrieus and the start-up reliability of the Savonius — to maximize overall energy output. By addressing the Darrieus rotor’s long-standing start-up limitations, this hybrid approach could open new frontiers in distributed wind power generation.

Past research on hybrid VAWTs has yielded mixed results, underscoring the challenge and opportunity for innovation. This project will leverage computational modeling, aerodynamic optimization, and precision fabrication to create a small-scale, high-performance prototype capable of validating the potential of hybrid wind energy systems.

Research Topics

• Liu, H. & James, R. D. (2025) — Machine Learning Optimized VAWT
• Ghafoorian, F. et al. (2024) — Hybrid Darrieus-Savonius aerodynamic performance with curtain systems
• Kassem, Y., & Çamur, H. (2017) — Performance optimization of Savonius wind rotors
• Ghafoorian, F., Hosseini, R., Moghimi, M. (2025) — Dual shaft configuration for hybrid VAWT efficiency

Project Description:
Curious how subtle 3D printing parameters can make or break part performance in aerospace and defense applications? In this hands-on research project with Oak Ridge National Laboratory, you’ll explore how raster angle orientation impacts the mechanical behavior of thermoplastic composite materials with honeycomb infill. The team will design and fabricate precision test specimens using additive manufacturing, then conduct tensile, compressive, and flexural testing to quantify strength, stiffness, and failure modes

Your mission: unlock data-driven strategies to produce lighter, stronger, and more reliable components through optimized print path design. This is an opportunity to merge advanced manufacturing, materials science, and engineering analytics in a real-world research environment.

Research Topics

• Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) principles and process parameters
• Mechanical behavior of thermoplastic composite materials
• Honeycomb infill structures for lightweight yet stiff support
• Raster angle orientation and anisotropy in 3D printed parts
• Fiber-reinforced polymer filament characteristics and challenges
• Mechanical testing methods: tensile, compressive, and flexural analysis
• Data acquisition and analysis using MATLAB/Python

Project Description:
The wireless charging market is rapidly evolving, driven by the explosive growth of smart devices, autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), and electric vehicles (EVs). As industries and consumers demand faster, safer, and more convenient charging solutions, technology leaders are responding with systems that eliminate the need for physical cable connections. This innovation is transforming sectors such as warehouse automation, industrial logistics, and electric transportation.

The QKoil™ system takes a unique overhead approach to wireless charging. The receiving pad is mounted on the top surface of an EV or AMR, while the transmitting pad is attached to an adjustable x-y-z arm or cable from a ceiling-mounted gantry unit. Using sensors, machine vision, and precision controls, the transmitter automatically locates the receiver and aligns for efficient wireless power transfer. This approach is particularly suited for AMRs—robots equipped with sensors, cameras, and navigation software that move independently in dynamic environments. By removing the need for manual charging, AMRs can operate for longer periods with minimal human intervention, boosting productivity and reducing downtime. This year’s capstone team will continue development of last year’s prototype.

Research Topics

• Dynamics and control of AMRs in warehouse environments
• Wireless EV and AMR charging (SAE J2954)
• Vision-guided gantry systems for precision alignment
• Multi-axis motion control in autonomous robotic systems

Literature Review Focus Areas

• J2954 standard for wireless EV charging
• US Patent 12,145,461
• US Publications: 202303211683A1, 20230264584A1, 20230294529A1

Project Description:
This entrepreneurial capstone project challenges students to design and prototype a fully integrated bottle cleaning station for small- and mid-sized craft breweries. The SaniBrau system will automate cleaning using industry-standard Clean-in-Place (CIP) protocols combined with water reclamation technology—reducing waste, minimizing labor, and meeting strict commercial hygiene standards.

Water usage in small breweries often exceeds 10:1 (water-to-beer) ratios. This team aims to cut that figure to 7:1 or better, while showcasing automated cycle control and real-world sanitation effectiveness. Students will develop a functional prototype capable of supporting sustainable brewing practices—contributing to the $28.9B craft beer industry—and evaluate its commercialization potential. The result will be a smart, efficient, and environmentally conscious brewing support system

Research Topics

• Brewery cleaning protocols and CIP standards (FDA, TTB)
• Water reclamation technologies (UV, carbon, sediment filtration)
• CIP spray nozzle design and optimization
• Safe handling of caustic cleaning agents
• PLC and sensor-controlled cleaning cycles
• Market research and interviews with local brewers
• ROI and sustainability metrics for brewery utilities

Project Description:
Ready to take a deep dive into autonomy and robotics? This interdisciplinary capstone, sponsored by Sandia National Laboratories, tasks you with designing, building, and testing an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) for the international RoboSub competition. Your AUV will autonomously navigate an underwater obstacle course, detect and classify acoustic and visual targets, and execute precision challenges—such as deploying projectiles—without human intervention.

This full-lifecycle engineering challenge will immerse you in requirements analysis, CAD and mechanical fabrication, watertight enclosure design, embedded systems programming, advanced sensing, and field testing. The project culminates in a high-stakes international competition, where your team’s innovation and execution will be tested against top student engineering teams from around the world

Research Topics

• Underwater Vehicle Design: Hydrodynamics & buoyancy; watertight enclosures & corrosion-resistant materials
• Motion & Control Systems: 6-DOF thruster configuration; PID control & path planning
• Power & Embedded Systems: Li-ion battery management; microcontrollers & real-time control; ROS integration
• Sensors & Perception: Computer vision (OpenCV); acoustic localization & hydrophone arrays
• Autonomy & Strategy: Finite state machines; mission planning; dynamic obstacle avoidance
• Competition Insight: RoboSub 2026 mission requirements; analysis of past winning designs

Project Description:
Details coming soon.

Project Description:
This project focuses on analyzing the efficiency of a working chilled water (CHW) loop under varying load conditions. Students will be responsible for sourcing and selecting an appropriate small-scale condenser or chiller, as well as integrating temperature and flow sensors into the system. This hands-on approach emphasizes key skills in equipment selection, specification comparison, cost management, and instrumentation. The objective is to study how changes in flow rate impact the loop’s ability to maintain the desired supply temperature as heat loads vary. By creating different load scenarios, installing sensors, and adjusting control strategies, students will gain practical experience in hydronic system performance, energy efficiency, and real-world commissioning practices.

Research Topics

• Chilled water loop design principles and components
• Impact of variable flow rates on cooling efficiency
• Instrumentation for temperature and flow measurement
• Control strategies for hydronic systems
• Energy efficiency metrics and analysis
• Load simulation and performance testing methods

Project Description:
This project will explore how microgravity influences the solidification process and resulting microstructure of eutectic alloys—knowledge that could transform space-based manufacturing and improve the performance of aerospace materials. By comparing terrestrial and microgravity solidification conditions, the team aims to reveal how unique microstructures can lead to stronger, more reliable components for use in space exploration and other high-performance applications.

Students will study alloys such as Aluminum-Silicon, Tin-Lead, and Silver-based systems, analyzing the effects of alloy composition, cooling rates, duration of microgravity exposure, and environmental conditions on solidification behavior. Using advanced instrumentation, including thermal sensors, microscopy, and mechanical testing systems, the team will characterize grain size, phase distribution, dendrite arm spacing, porosity, hardness, tensile strength, and ductility. The findings will be compiled into an engineering report with recommendations to optimize space-based manufacturing techniques.

Research Topics

• Microgravity effects on eutectic alloy solidification
• Comparative cooling rates in terrestrial vs. space environments
• Influence of microgravity on dendritic growth and grain refinement
• Phase distribution and porosity analysis in microgravity-processed alloys
• Mechanical property testing (hardness, tensile strength, ductility)
• Space-based manufacturing processes for aerospace materials
• Metallurgical microscopy and advanced materials characterization

Project Description:
This capstone project will deliver a fully integrated rocket handling and launch preparation system for Spaceport America’s LC4 launch pad. The Unified Rocket Ground Support System combines two interdependent components—a new steel launch rail guide to replace the aging aluminum rail, and a Mini Rocket Transport Vehicle (MRTV) cart designed to interface seamlessly with both the new rail and an incoming student-built launch rail. Together, these systems will enable smooth, precise, and safe horizontal-to-vertical rocket loading for small to medium-class launches.

The steel rail guide will be engineered for maximum durability, reduced joint count, and minimal friction, ensuring stable rocket guidance during launch. The MRTV cart will feature an adjustable cradle, mobility-optimized chassis, and precise alignment mechanisms to streamline rocket assembly and transfer. By treating the rail and cart as an integrated system, the design will optimize launch pad efficiency, improve operational safety, and extend equipment life through robust material selection and rust mitigation strategies. The project will culminate in CAD modeling, FEA validation, prototype fabrication, and real-world performance testing at Spaceport America.

Research Topics

• Launch rail design best practices and alignment methods
• Mobile launch cart design for aerospace ground handling
• Material selection: steel vs. aluminum for structural applications
• Rocket-rail interface geometry optimization
• Sliding friction and wear reduction strategies
• Rocket cradling and securement techniques
• Terrain navigation and stability for mobile systems
• Height adjustment mechanisms for precise alignment

Project Description:
Details coming soon.. This project will be an exciting collaboration with Virgin Galactic, offering students the opportunity to contribute to innovative aerospace engineering challenges. Stay tuned for more information on the scope, objectives, and research focus areas.

Project Description:
Are you ready to innovate at the intersection of advanced manufacturing and electronics testing? This WSMR-sponsored project challenges a capstone team to design, fabricate, and test 3D-printed burn-in sockets for semiconductor devices. These sockets are critical in defense testing, serving as the interface between PCBs and chips during high-temperature, high-stress “burn-in” evaluations.

The team will identify and evaluate 3D-printable materials capable of withstanding extreme thermal conditions, maintaining signal integrity, and meeting the mechanical requirements of common semiconductor packages like QFP, BGA, and SOIC. Leveraging additive manufacturing, the goal is to create custom, high-performance sockets tailored for demanding test environments, including potential exposure to radiation. This project offers hands-on experience in materials selection, mechanical design, and high-reliability electronics testing.

Research Topics

• Burn-in testing procedures and purposes
• Semiconductor socket design and contact mechanics
• 3D-printable materials with high thermal stability, low dielectric constant, and radiation resistance
• Signal integrity principles (insertion loss, contact resistance)
• Common semiconductor package types (QFP, BGA, SOIC)
• Mechanical/electrical performance of printed polymers and composites
• Applications of additive manufacturing in socket/test fixture development
• Radiation effects on 3D printed materials (if applicable)

Project Description:
This WSMR-sponsored capstone challenges a student team to design and prototype modular attachments for small commercial drones (Class 1–2) that can deliberately modify their electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR), radio frequency (RF), and radar cross-section (RCS) signatures. The objective is a configurable platform that can either blend into—or stand out within—complex signal environments, supported by clear, measurable changes in signature profiles.

Students will explore materials, electromagnetic theory, and UAS architecture to build a hybrid/modular system and demonstrate effects through a flight test with supporting data. The work aligns with the White Sands Test Center’s mission in developmental testing for missile defense, directed energy, and survivability.

Research Topics

• Commercial Class 1–2 drone architectures and limitations
• EO/IR emission reduction and masking strategies
• RF signature modification via geometry, materials, and apertures
• RCS shaping, angle‑of‑incidence effects, and RAM/coatings
• Signature variability across mission profiles and environments
• Modular payload design and quick‑swap interfaces
• Experimental ranges and signature characterization protocols

Project Description:
Are you ready to modernize mission-critical systems that support national defense operations? This WSMR-sponsored capstone challenges a team to design and prototype the next generation of the Readiness Reporting System (RRS). The current platform relies on legacy RS-485 communications. Your mission: deliver a forward-compatible architecture that preserves interoperability while introducing modern TCP/IP networking and a GUI-based Human-Machine Interface (HMI) for flexible, role-based operations.

You’ll tackle data modeling, protocol bridging, and reliability at scale—then prove it with a working demo that shows improved observability, usability, and maintainability. Expect hands-on work in embedded/edge devices, networking, and UX flows, with an emphasis on security-minded design and test automation suitable for range operations

Research Topics

• Legacy serial protocols (RS‑485/Modbus) and protocol gateways
• TCP/IP networking, message queuing, and publish/subscribe patterns
• Data models, schemas, and versioning for readiness metrics
• GUI/HMI design for operator workflows and accessibility
• Reliability, latency, and redundancy in mission‑critical systems
• Logging, telemetry, and dashboarding for situational awareness
• Cybersecurity basics: authentication, authorization, and audit trails
• Test harnesses, simulators, and CI pipelines for regression testing