Category: Announcements

A Thank You to Sponsors.

By Len Switzer, Associate Director, Enterprise Program

The Enterprise Program Team at Michigan Tech would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the support provided by the sponsors. The Enterprise and Senior Design teams continue to tackle new, challenging problems in technology, manufacturing, transportation, energy, communications, and societal issues with these generous donations of time, money, and resources.

Becoming involved as an industrial sponsor is incredibly rewarding on so many levels. Sponsors get a chance to interact with some of the brightest minds through working with multidisciplinary teams to consult and advise on the development of unique solutions to real-world problems. This also allows for access to students, advising faculty, and other resources of the University.

Whether you are looking at options to grow your workforce, advance ideas in your business, improve your research portfolio, or just help improve the quality of university education, please consider continuing support for the Enterprise and Senior Design teams. In addition, the Enterprise Program would be happy to discuss whether sponsorship of a project is the right choice for you. Please contact Len Switzer (lswitzer@mtu.edu) or visit www.mtu.edu/enterprise/giving/ to learn more.

An Update from the Enterprise Program

By Nagesh Hatti, Director, Enterprise Program

black and glad lamp post signs.
First Snow on Michigan Tech’s Campus, Fall 2022

Welcome to the Fall 2022 issue of the Enterprise Program Newsletter. As the season changes from Fall to Winter in Houghton, it is also a season of change here at the Enterprise program. After spending 16 years as Director of the Enterprise Program, Rick Berkey, who oversaw the growth of the Enterprise into a renowned program, decided to pursue other opportunities outside the University. We at the Enterprise program thank him for his leadership, dedication, and service and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Starting this Fall, I have taken over as the Director of the Enterprise program. Before taking over as the Director, I was a faculty member in our Electrical and Computer Engineering department for three years. So the Enterprise program is not new to me. As an Enterprise faculty advisor, I have seen our students grow and succeed. The program immerses the students in an experience as unique as Michigan Tech. I have spent over 18 years in the industry, first as a software engineer and then in various supply chain and program management corporate roles. I see the Enterprise program’s role in preparing our students for a challenging and fulfilling career. I am committed to strengthening the Enterprise program and enhancing experiential learning for our students. As we leave behind the tumultuous times of the last two years brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, I am excited to meet with students and share their enthusiasm and passion for work.

The winds of change do not stop here. We have a new associate director for industry engagement – Dr. Len Switzer. Len joins the Enterprise team with a wealth of knowledge and industry background. He has over 20 years of experience working in the industry with a wide range of roles, from research engineer in industrial systems to business development and management of large programs. Len is a Michigan Tech alumnus (’96) with a BS in Chemical Engineering. He obtained his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. We are excited to have Len join the Enterprise program. His corporate experience and technical background will strengthen industry partnerships and benefit our students.

Nagesh Hatti, Director

I also extend a thank you on behalf of everyone at Enterprise to all those who have supported the program. Your support is essential. I look forward to your continued involvement in the program.

Finally, if you have a project idea or want to get more involved with Enterprise, please reach out to discuss your ideas and interests. Also, please contact me if you are in the Houghton area and wish to visit.

Until then, Happy Holidays!

Nagesh Hatti

Built World Enterprise Takes Third Place for the 2021-2022 TRB Airport Cooperative Research Program University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs

Four students standing for picture
Students pictured left to right: Greg Porcaro, Clark Fadoir, Mary Ollis, and Drew Vega

A Michigan Tech Enterprise Team, Built World Enterprise, earned third place in the 2021-2022 Transportation Research Board’s Airport Cooperative Research Program (ACRP) University Design Competition for Addressing Airport Needs. 

The four-member team from the Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering Department placed in the Runway Safety/Runway Incursions/Runway Excursions Including Aprons, Ramps, and Taxiways category. Their design is titled Thermal Detection System for Mitigating Runway Incursions at Non-Towered Airports. The student members of the team are Clark Fadoir, Mary Ollis, Greg Porcaro, and Drew Vega.  Dr. Audra Morse served as faculty adviser.

This year, the prestigious competition encourages students to design innovative solutions to airport challenges. The competition requires students to work with a faculty adviser and reach out to airport operators and industry experts for advice and to assess their proposed solutions. The Virginia Space Grant Consortium of Hampton, Virginia, manages the competition on behalf of the ACRP. Funding for the competition is provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Volunteer panels of airport industry and academic practitioners, as well as FAA representatives, selected the winning submissions from among the proposals submitted by 21 student teams. Winning teams receive $3,000 for first place, $2,000 for second place, $1,000 for third place, and $500 for honorable mentions.

The names of all winners and copies of designs receiving place awards are available at https://www.trb.org/ACRP/ACRPDesignCompetition.aspx.

New guidelines for the 2022-2023 academic year competition will be available on the competition website by early August 2022.

The Airport Cooperative Research Program is an industry-driven, applied research program that develops near-term, practical solutions to airport challenges. The program is managed by the Transportation Research Board, which is a program unit of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine — private, nonprofit institutions that provide independent, objective analysis and advice to the nation to solve complex problems and inform public policy decisions related to science, technology, and medicine. The National Academies operate under an 1863 congressional charter to the National Academy of Sciences, signed by President Lincoln. For more information, visit https://national-academies.org.

Q&A with Formula SAE

Michigan Tech’s Formula SAE Enterprise builds a competition vehicle based on the concept of an affordable race car geared toward the weekend autocrosser. The team competes in SAE Collegiate Design Series Formula SAE events held in various locations across the country. For competition, the team prepares a written design report, a cost analysis and a business case to present to a panel of judges. After passing a technical inspection, the vehicle competes in a series of dynamic events, including acceleration, skid pad, autocross, endurance, and efficiency.

Michigan Tech Formula SAE has a long history of top-performing cars and has gained a reputation for developing cutting-edge designs that help shape the future of racing. Recently I had a chance to catch up with two members of the Formula SAE Enterprise for a Q&A session to learn more about the team’s plans and efforts: Max Urquhart, Formula SAE President and Electrical Engineering student, and Nathan Sodini, an Engineering Management student who serves as Formula SAE’s Business Manager.

Q&A with Max Urquhart, Electrical Engineer (Left), President, and Nathan Sodini, Engineering Management (Right), Business Manager.

What is the focus of the Formula SAE?

The focus of Formula SAE is to continuously improve our cars, our members, and the enterprise program. We provide an environment that enables our members to grow into industry professionals.

What were some of Formula SAE’s goals for this academic year?

FSAE’s top goal for this year was to place in the top 30 overall in the SAE International Formula SAE competition. We also had many advanced projects that occurred this year, the largest being the electrification of our 2019 competition car the F-276, now becoming the e-276. This is the first electric formula SAE car Michigan Tech FSAE has produced. 

What are some of the projects FSAE worked on this year, or are planing to work on in the future?

We have a multitude of projects that were implemented this year! Our projects included electronic limited slip differential, active four-wheel steering, an active drag reduction system (DRS), and the construction and testing of the e-276, the team’s first electric formula SAE car. 

What competitions has FSAE participated in this year?

In April, FSAE participated in the Business Presentation which is the first step of the Formula SAE series competition. The Business Presentation is where teams are given a prompt to create a strategy to lead their companies (race teams). The Business Presentation encompasses engineering strategy, finances, accounting, forecasting, marketing, and management. Students then present to a panel of judges, pitching their projections using a slide show and supporting documents. 

What does this competition involve? What does your team have to do in order to compete?

Competition involves Static and Dynamic Events. The Business Presentation falls into the Static category. Statics Events include the Business Presentation, Technical Inspection, Design Review, and the Knowledge Event. Dynamic Events include, Acceleration, Endurance, Brake Testing, and Skid Pad, and Sound. 

The team placed 20th in the Business Presentation – what happens next?

Our team was very excited to place in the top 20 this year! We reviewed the feedback provided to us by the judges, and will use that to propel next year’s presentation. Next the Business Team has the Real Case Cost Scenario. The team will need to respond with a strategy that allows for the IPO of the team to raise capital to increase production of FSAE cars. 

In May, we participated in the Formula Knowledge Event and placed 21st out of 132 teams. The Business Presentation was just the first step to move forward in the Knowledge Event. The Knowledge Event includes a design paper, cost report, oral design and cost presentation, and educational online workshops. Find more information on the FSAE competition series here, as well as team results here.

What’s the general feeling among members as you conclude this academic year?

Team members were excited that we were able to build the car in person and that we’ve been able to accomplish our goals for the year. We are a very young team with 50% being brand new members, that excitement and passion is great fuel for our team! 

What can the Michigan Tech community do to support or cheer you on for future competitions?

The Michigan Tech community can continue their support by following us on social media! Instagram @mtuformula Facebook https://www.facebook.com/mtuformula and our website https://formulasae.mtu.edu/. Learn more about Enterprise and Advanced Motorsports Enterprise

Supermileage Systems Enterprise Earns 2nd Place Finish in 2021 SAE Supermileage Competition

For the second year in a row, Michigan Tech’s Supermileage Systems Enterprise (SSE) took 2nd place overall in the 42nd annual SAE Supermileage competition, held virtually on May 13th & 14th. Per  SAE’s website, the engineering design goal for SAE Supermileage is to develop and construct a single-person, fuel-efficient vehicle that complies with the competition rules. Vehicles run a specified course to obtain the highest combined kilometers per liter (miles per gallon) rating. Students also participate in a design segment consisting of a written report and verbal presentation. Like last year, competition was limited to a virtual knowledge event (report and presentation only) due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

When asked about this year’s Supermileage experience, Rick Berkey, professor of practice in the Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology Dept. and faculty advisor for SSE since 2008, shared the following: “Our team was really looking forward to an in-person event, especially after logging nearly 6,500 hours on vehicle design, fabrication, assembly, and testing. SAE’s decision in late March to cancel the vehicle competition portion was disappointing, but understandable. I am extremely proud of the way SSE students took the news and maintained focus, pushing ahead to assemble and test their vehicle before the end of the semester. I am also impressed with the way they navigated pandemic-related restrictions and challenges all year. When the 2nd place result was announced, I was absolutely thrilled, but not surprised.

“Our design report scores have been the highest in three out of the last four competitions. And this year, SAE provided a new design ‘twist’, challenging teams to evaluate their ability to traverse the competition track in the opposite direction. This includes a steep 6% grade in one section, which has direct implications on powertrain decisions and fuel efficiency. Using vehicle simulation and road load analysis, we were able to justify our powertrain decisions and effectively communicate our understanding of these impacts, which contributed to our strong finish. In addition to congratulating all SSE student members, I would also like to thank SAE International, our AMS sponsors, SSE alumni, and several MTU colleagues who provided additional guidance and mentorship to SSE. This is a perfect example of what makes Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program so impactful. What a great way to end a challenging year — and with back-to-back 2nd place finishes, SSE is even more eager to return in the Fall with our sights set on taking top honors in the 2022 competition!”

Advanced Motorsport Teams Succeed Across Multiple SAE International Competitions

Michigan Tech’s Enterprise vehicle competition teams, Blizzard Baja, Clean Snowmobile Challenge, Formula SAE, and Supermileage Systems, each competed in their respective annual SAE International competitions. The results are as follows:

Blizzard Baja took 18th overall out of 83 teams, and 15th out of 58 teams in the endurance event of the Baja SAE Baja Louisville – Validation Event. In Baja SAE, students are tasked with designing and building a single-seat, all-terrain sporting vehicle that is to be a prototype for a reliable, maintainable, ergonomic, and economic production vehicle that serves a recreational user market. For more information check out the results of the Baja SAE competition.

Competition held: May 20-23, 2021 in Louisville, Kentucky

Clean Snowmobile Challenge took 1st place overall, in both the Spark-Ignited Category and Compression Ignited Category. In the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge students are tasked with building and enhancing their engineering design and project management skills by re-engineering an existing snowmobile to reduce emissions and noise. For more information, check out the results of the SAE Clean Snowmobile Challenge competition.

Competition held: Virtually

Formula SAE took 21st out of 132 teams in the Formula SAE Knowledge Event – Combustion. The Formula SAE series competitions challenge student teams to conceive, design, fabricate, develop, and compete with small, formula-style vehicles. The competitions give teams the chance to demonstrate and prove both their creativity and engineering skills in comparison to teams from other universities around the world. For more information, about Formula SAE experience this year, check out this Q&A with members from the team, dive deeper into the results of the Formula SAE competition.

Competition held: Virtually

Finally, Supermileage Systems Enterprise took 2nd place overall, for a second year running in the SAE Supermileage competition. The engineering design goal of SAE Supermileage is to develop and construct a single-person, fuel-efficient vehicle that complies with the competition rules and is able to obtain the highest combined km/L (mpg) rating while running a specific course. To learn more of Supermileage System’s experience at competition this year, check out this extended article, or visit the SAE Supermileage competition results page.

Competition held: Virtually

Welcome from the Enterprise Program Office

Welcome to our Summer 2021 issue of the Enterprise Program Newsletter. We hope this newsletter finds everyone in good health, wherever you may be. With the 2021-22 academic year now complete, we are finally enjoying some great summer weather here in the Keweenaw. And of course, along with the great weather comes the start of our local construction season – but such is life!  

Students sitting near Husky Statue

As you read through this issue, I hope you share our sense of pride as we highlight just a few of the numerous successes and accomplishments of our Enterprise teams this year. As I’ve said before, I often find inspiration in our students, and this year was certainly no exception. When faced with an extremely challenging learning environment, brought on by the global COVID-19 pandemic, students in Enterprise did what Huskies do best: they rolled up their sleeves, supported one another, got creative, and made the best of a less-than-ideal situation. Whether it be performing a lab upgrade, participating in a fully-virtual Design Expo, competing in one of the many collegiate design competitions, or developing solutions to industry-sponsored projects, students in Enterprise continued to ‘discover, develop, and deliver’, just as they have for more than 20 years. Finally, if you have a project idea or want to get more involved with Enterprise, please reach out to discuss your ideas and interests. And, our front door is always open, if you’re ever in the Houghton area and wish to visit. Until then, enjoy this issue and have a great summer — Go Huskies!

A Message from the Dean

Canal view of backside of Michigan Tech’s campus.

By Dr. Adrienne Minerick, Pavlis Honors College, Interim Dean

Spring has now sprung in the Keweenaw after some significant temperature swings and frosts later into May.  Our Enterprise staff and teams weathered a challenging year with grace and unparalleled dedication to achieving project milestones through virtual and safely orchestrated hands-on sessions.  It was with utmost pride that Enterprise staff, faculty advisors and I observed the creativity and rigor from our students culminating in an outstanding virtual Design Expo.  A heartfelt thank you to our industry partners who continued to sponsor projects during a year of economic uncertainty.  We are ever grateful for these long-standing relationships that play a huge role in broadening the multi-disciplinary technical and power skills of our students while delivering designs, solutions, and prototypes to our partners.  

Quality things stand the test of time and Enterprise is a perfect example of this.  This summer, the Pavlis Honors College is moving organizationally within Michigan Tech; this move presents an opportunity to reflect upon the Enterprise program and look for ways to further strengthen the learning experiences and grow the breadth of opportunities for all Michigan Tech students.  The Enterprise program has adapted to changes many times over, growing from a small pilot project in engineering and expanding over the last 21 years into all 5 colleges with 22 teams. As we continue to ideate and envision the future of Enterprise, we welcome input and engagement from all Enterprise alums, partners, faculty advisors, and current students.  

Two students from General and Expedition Adventure Research (GEAR)

In closing, this is an exciting time for Enterprise where investments in high impact learning will enable us to meet the changing needs of society. As our world grapples with unprecedented medical, environmental, and technological challenges, graduates from Enterprise are prepared to adapt and lead innovations right from the start of their first job. We hope you enjoy the stories of successes and failures – all valuable learning experiences – within this newsletter. 

Award Results for Design Expo 2021

As we’ve come to expect, the judging for Design Expo 2021 was very close, but the official results are in. More than 1,000 students in Enterprise and Senior Design showcased their hard work on April 15 at Michigan Tech’s second-ever, fully virtual Design Expo.

Teams competed for cash awards totaling nearly $4,000. Judges for the event included corporate representatives, community members and Michigan Tech staff and faculty. The Pavlis Honors College and the College of Engineering announced the award winners below on April 15, just after the competition. Congratulations and a huge thanks to all the teams for a very successful Design Expo 2021.

Last but not least, to the distinguished judges who gave their time and talents to help make Design Expo a success, and to the faculty advisors who generously and richly support Enterprise and Senior Design—thank you for your phenomenal dedication to our students.

Please check out the Design Expo booklet and all the team videos.

ENTERPRISE AWARDS

(Based on video submissions)

  • First Place—Husky Game Development (Team 115); Led by: Gabe Oetjens, Computer Science; Keira Houston, Civil Engineering; Advisor Scott Kuhl, (CC); Sponsored by: Michigan Technological University Pavlis Honors College’s Enterprise Program
  • Second Place—Aerospace Enterprise (Team 106); Led by: Nolan Pickett, Mechanical Engineering; Matthew Sietsema, Electrical Engineering; Advisor L. Brad King, (ME-EM); Sponsored by: Auris: Air Force Research Laboratory, Stratus: NASA
  • Third Place—Innovative Global Solutions (Team 116); Led by: Lynnsey Hooker and Kat Miller, Biomedical Engineering; Advisors Radheshyam Tewari (ME-EM) and Nathan Manser (GMES); Sponsored by: Tree Frog Aquagric LLC, Ford Fund–Collegiate Community Challenge, General Motors, Cleveland Cliffs
  • Honorable Mention—Consumer Product Manufacturing (Team 111); Led by: Samantha Appleyard, Engineering Management; Jacob Michaud, Chemical Engineering; Advisor Tony Rogers (ChE); Sponsored by: Sussex IM, Libbey, Mel and Gloria Visser, Kimberly Clark, General Motors, Doll n’ Burgers

SENIOR DESIGN AWARDS

(Based on video submissions)

  • First Place —Advanced PPE Filtration System (Team 240); Team Members: Matthew Johnson, Electrical Engineering; Bryce Hudson, Mary Repp, Carter Slunick, Mike Stinchcomb, Braeden Anex, Brandon Howard, Josh Albrecht, and Hannah Bekkala, Mechanical Engineering; Advised by: Jaclyn Johnson and Aneet Narendranath, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Sponsored by: Stryker
  • Second Place—ITC Cell Signal Measurement Tool (Team 204); Team Members: Reed VandenBerg and Andrew Bratton, Electrical Engineering; Noah Guyette and Ben Kacynski, Computer Engineering; Advised by: John Lukowski, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Sponsored by: ITC Holdings Corp.
  • Third Place—Development of a Beta Brass Alloy for Co-Extrusion (Team 234); Team Members: Anna Isaacson, Sidney Feige, Lauren Bowling, and Maria Rochow, Materials Science and Engineering; Advised by: Paul Sanders, Materials Science and Engineering; Sponsored by: College of Engineering
  • Honorable Mention—EPS Ball Nut Degrees of Freedom Optimization (Team 236); Team Members: Brad Halonen, Rocket Hefferan, Luke Pietila, Peadar Richards, and David Rozinka, Mechanical Engineering; Advised by: James DeClerck, Mechanical Engineering- Engineering Mechanics; Sponsored by: Nexteer
  • Honorable Mention—Electric Tongue Jack Redesign (Team 230); Team Members: Jack Redesign and Brandon Tolsma, Mechanical Engineering; Collin Jandreski, Christian Fallon, Warren Falicki, and Andrew Keskimaki, Electrical Engineering; Advised by: Trever Hassell, Electrical and Computer Engineering; Sponsored by: Stromberg Carlson
  • Honorable Mention—Bone Access and Bone Analog Characterization (Team 212); Team Members: Sarah Hirsch, Mechanical Engineering; Elisabeth Miller and Christiana Strong, Biomedical Engineering; Morgan Duley, Electrical Engineering; Katelyn Ramthun, Biomedical Engineering; Advised by: Hyeun Joong Yoon and Orhan Soykan, Biomedical Engineering; Sponsored by: Stryker Interventional Spine Team
  • Honorable Mention—Blubber Only Implantable Satellite Tag Anchoring System (Team 221) Team Members: Quinn Murphy, Lidia Johnson, Joshua Robles, Katy Beesley, and Kyle Pike, Biomedical Engineering Advised by: Bruce Lee, Biomedical Engineering; Sponsored by: NOAA

DESIGN EXPO IMAGE CONTEST

(Based on image submitted by the team)

  • First Place—Blizzard Baja (Team 101): “Our current vehicle, Hornet, after a race.” Credit: Blizzard Baja team member
  • Second Place—WAAM Die Components (Team 237): “MIG welding robot printing a steel part.” Credit: Mike Groeneveld
  • Third Place—Aerospace Enterprise (Team 106): “Team photo, pre-Covid.” Credit: Aerospace Enterprise team member

DESIGN EXPO INNOVATION AWARDS

(Based on application)

  • First Place—Consumer Product Manufacturing Enterprise, Shareable Air project (Team 101) Advised by: Tony Rogers, (ChE)
  • Second Place—ITC Cell Signal Measurement Tool (Team 204) Advised by: John Lukowski (ECE) 
  • Third Place—Hospital Washer Autosampler Implementation (Team 218) Advised by: Sang Yoon Han and Houda Hatoum (BioMed)

DESIGN EXPO PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

(Based on receiving most text-in voting during Design Expo)

ENTERPRISE STUDENT AWARDS

  • Rookie Award—Jack Block, CFO – Supermileage Systems Enterprise
  • Innovative Solutions—Cody Rorick, Alternative Energy Enterprise
  • Outstanding Enterprise Leadership—Andy Lambert, CEO – Supermileage Systems Enterprise and Daniel Prada, Spark Ignition (SI)
  • Team Lead—Clean Snowmobile Enterprise

ENTERPRISE FACULTY/STAFF AWARDS

  • Behind the Scenes Award—Kelly Steelman, Associate Professor and Interim Chair, Dept. of Cognitive and Learning Sciences, nominated by Built World Enterprise.

Sponsor a Student Design Project

We need support. You need to get more done.

Connect with talented students, work with Michigan Tech to develop tomorrow’s workforce, and let us move your projects from “to-do” to “done” by sponsoring an Enterprise or Senior Design project.

Enterprise consists of student-driven, multidisciplinary teams that work like companies on real-world client projects. Projects can be short- or long-term, and will be worked on by students of multiple years and majors. Senior Design connects students and industry through open-ended, industrial projects. Senior Design teams typically consist of one major and the students are in their final year at Michigan Tech. In both programs, teams collaborate with clients from industry, communities, and government organizations, and work closely with a faculty advisor.

Want to see what our teams can do? Check out the 2020 Virtual Design Expo to see year-end wrapups for projects ranging from radiofrequency ablation to lunar trenchers to packaging improvements.

Let Us Work For You

You and your company can sponsor projects, support project teams, offer unrestricted support to help program infrastructure, provide gifts-in-kind, and more.

Consider sponsoring Enterprise or Senior Design if you:

  1. Have a low- or medium-priority project that could be tackled by a team of undergraduate students, supervised by Michigan Tech faculty
  2. Could benefit from a fresh perspective
  3. Are motivated to develop tomorrow’s workforce
  4. Want to access the talent, capabilities, and facilities of Michigan Technological University

To learn more, please visit mtu.edu/enterprise/giving or contact Chris Morgan, Assistant Director of Educational Partnerships, at cjmorgan@mtu.edu or 906-487-2633.