Current Projects

Spring 2026 Projects

Check majors below to filter projects by those majors only:

 

Legend: 1 = Primary Discipline | 2 = Secondary Discipline | 3 = Optional Discipline(s)

Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
John Stasko Sit/stand chair Neal, Gary 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The project involves designing and building a commercial prototype of a chair that assists users in both sitting and standing, based on provided virtual and proof-of-concept models. The prototype should be compliant with BIFMA standards.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
LeMiamer Weightless Surgery Harness Support System Neal, Gary 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The project will be a full motion, adjustable upper body harness that will be worn by individual surgical team members. It will be secured to a ceiling system that will create a weightlessness feeling so that the team can work for an extended period of time (sometimes hours), while standing, without taxing their muscles and skeletal joints.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Luuver Louvered pergola Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 3 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: YES

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The project team will design and prototype an operable louvered pergola system made from aluminum extrusions and fabricated aluminum components. These shade structures are robust, elegant and beautiful as well as functional. Once closed, the louvers are water tight and the water is directed toward a gutter system. The louvers can be operated both manually and with an actuator. Important steps including validating and improving an existing design, performing FEA, and designing an appropriate and affordable actuator system.

Milestones include:
- Design novel actuator system which can easily swith between manual and motorized
- Validate current product design and suggest edits
- Create custom component for custom pergola sizes
- Create a system for standard sizes which can be modular joined together (kits)
- Select LED lighting solution
- Select rain sensor
- Design electronics system with remote and smart home capabilities
- Product ready for market and trade shows
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU - Department of Mechanical Engineering Dynamic Displays for Mechanical Engineering Lei, Yuguo 0 0 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The goal of this project is to design and build dynamic displays that illustrate the excitement, breadth, and multidisciplinarity of modern mechanical engineering in general, and of mechanical engineering at Penn State specifically. They should demonstrate fundamental mechanical engineering principles using hands-on interactive hardware. The new displays will be installed in three locations in the main hallway of the ME Department on the first floor of Reber Building; these areas currently feature faux vegetation. The displays must be attractive, professional looking, and robust, since they will be located in an area with high foot traffic. Many students, faculty, staff, and alumni, along with prospective students and their families, will view and touch them on a daily basis. The displays should inspire the Department’s visitors to appreciate the many exciting facets, collaborative spirit, and cutting-edge opportunities of Mechanical Engineering.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
PSU - Sachin Gore Multipurpose Toothbrush Travel Case Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

The multipurpose toothbrush travel case will incorporate features of a powerbank, AC plug, DC solar charging, ventilation fan, nightlight, flashlight and toothbrush induction charging. The project will involve mechanical and electronic (mechatronic) design, 3d prototyping and assembly, and functionality testing.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Shell 1 Shell Eco-marathon - Team 1 Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 3 0 3 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Shell Eco-marathon (https://www.shellecomarathon.com/) is a global student engineering competition focused on automotive energy optimization. The goal is to design and build a fuel-efficient vehicle that meets all the competition rules and then compete against nearly 100 other North and South American schools. The competition will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and winners in our category routinely achieve > 500 mpg. Penn State’s Ecomarathon club (https://sites.psu.edu/pennstateecomarathon/) has performed well for over 20 years, and we’re now leveling up our game. In collaboration with the PSU student club, these capstone teams will integrate recent competition lessons learned into the ground up design of a brand-new vehicle. This project will design, build, and test that vehicle, first at our Penn State Test Track and ultimately at the Shell Ecomarathon competition. Yes, we actually drive our car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track! Some cool things you may do to create our winning car include mechanical design using CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamic aero analysis; automotive electrical system design and construction; steel tubing and aluminum sheet metal cutting, bending, and welding; carbon fiber fabrication; small displacement engine powertrain implementation and optimization; and many other things. If you want a hands-on experience where you will design and build a real car; have a competitive spirit and want to see Penn State win; are into sustainable automotive technologies; or want the chance to compete on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then this is the project for you!
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Shell 2 Shell Eco-marathon - Team 2 Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 3 0 3 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Shell Eco-marathon (https://www.shellecomarathon.com/) is a global student engineering competition focused on automotive energy optimization. The goal is to design and build a fuel-efficient vehicle that meets all the competition rules and then compete against nearly 100 other North and South American schools. The competition will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and winners in our category routinely achieve > 500 mpg. Penn State’s Ecomarathon club (https://sites.psu.edu/pennstateecomarathon/) has performed well for over 20 years, and we’re now leveling up our game. In collaboration with the PSU student club, these capstone teams will integrate recent competition lessons learned into the ground up design of a brand-new vehicle. This project will design, build, and test that vehicle, first at our Penn State Test Track and ultimately at the Shell Ecomarathon competition. Yes, we actually drive our car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track! Some cool things you may do to create our winning car include mechanical design using CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamic aero analysis; automotive electrical system design and construction; steel tubing and aluminum sheet metal cutting, bending, and welding; carbon fiber fabrication; small displacement engine powertrain implementation and optimization; and many other things. If you want a hands-on experience where you will design and build a real car; have a competitive spirit and want to see Penn State win; are into sustainable automotive technologies; or want the chance to compete on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then this is the project for you!
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Shell 3 Shell Eco-marathon - Team 3 Neal, Gary 0 0 0 0 0 3 2 3 3 0 3 1 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Shell Eco-marathon (https://www.shellecomarathon.com/) is a global student engineering competition focused on automotive energy optimization. The goal is to design and build a fuel-efficient vehicle that meets all the competition rules and then compete against nearly 100 other North and South American schools. The competition will be held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and winners in our category routinely achieve > 500 mpg. Penn State’s Ecomarathon club (https://sites.psu.edu/pennstateecomarathon/) has performed well for over 20 years, and we’re now leveling up our game. In collaboration with the PSU student club, these capstone teams will integrate recent competition lessons learned into the ground up design of a brand-new vehicle. This project will design, build, and test that vehicle, first at our Penn State Test Track and ultimately at the Shell Ecomarathon competition. Yes, we actually drive our car on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway track! Some cool things you may do to create our winning car include mechanical design using CAD modeling, finite element analysis, and computational fluid dynamic aero analysis; automotive electrical system design and construction; steel tubing and aluminum sheet metal cutting, bending, and welding; carbon fiber fabrication; small displacement engine powertrain implementation and optimization; and many other things. If you want a hands-on experience where you will design and build a real car; have a competitive spirit and want to see Penn State win; are into sustainable automotive technologies; or want the chance to compete on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, then this is the project for you!
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Volvo Group Sustainability Competitive Analysis - Heavy Duty Trucking Industry Toraman, Hilal Ezgi 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: YES

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: NO

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Sustainability Competitive Benchmarking - Heavy Duty Trucking Industry

Purpose
Our goal is to better understand how sustainability is being defined, implemented, and communicated by other OEMs in the commercial trucking and freight sector. We want to explore:
1. What sustainability features are competitors offering?
2. How are they incorporating lifecycle thinking - from design to end of life?
3. How are they positioning sustainability as a product differentiator?
4. And what technologies, certifications, and partnerships are they using to back up their claims?

Scope
We are asking for your support in conducting a structured, in-depth analysis of how key OEMs in the heavy-duty trucking space are approaching sustainability – both in terms of implementation and strategic positioning.
Your research will focus on three POVs, each with its own set of focus points:
1. Strategic Frameworks and Industry Benchmarks
2. Technology and Supply Chain Feasibility
3. Future Strategy, Regulations and Metrics

Final Deliverable
1. Comparative Metric or Scoring System
2. Gap and Best Practice Analysis
3. Actionable Recommendations: Propose 3–5 measurable and practical steps
4. Format: No formal research or white paper – would prefer a PowerPoint or similar format that effectively communicates findings and recommendations.
Company Name Project Title Faculty Contact BME CHE CMPEN CMPSC DS ED EE EGEE ESC IE MATSE ME NUCE
Well Master Corporation Compact Electric Autocatcher for Lubricator Cubanski, David 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 3 0 0 0 2 0

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Physical Prototype or On-Campus Equipment: YES

Images and Additional Links (if provided)

Description:
- As the world transitions to emissions free, there is an increased need for solutions in the oil and gas industry that adhere to these regulations. Well Master provides its customers with the option of an electric autocatcher to catch and hold plungers in the lubricator as needed. The current Well Master autocatcher is large, heavy, and outdated. We are looking to offer a smaller more efficient autocatcher to the market.
- The autocatcher must be controlled electronically and respond to a signal from a controller. It must supply 45 psi of pressure to catch and hold a plunger. Automated actuation should be approximately ¼” in each direction.
- Well Master would like ideas and concepts on an autocatcher that fits within a 6”x6”x6” envelope, weighs less than 20lbs and provides 24 lbf (~106N) of force through electronic actuation.
- Actuator should fail in the open/retracted position

Success Criteria (Goals):
- Design an autocatcher body that fits within a 6”x6”x6” envelope and weighs less than 20lbs. test bench that can hold 2 or more lubricators with enough space around them to allow work to be done one or more of them while one or more of them are undergoing the testing process.
- The autocatcher must be able to mate to all existing Well Master lubricators
- Be able to electronically actuate the bullet in and out reliably 10,000 times with a minimum force of 24 lbf (~106N) throughout its life.
- Must be able to catch solid, dart, and sleeve style plungers for both 2-3/8” and 2-7/8” applications. Catch testing can be performed by dropping a plunger into the top of a lubricator with the catch fully engaged. Tests should be performed a minimum of 50 times.
- Research into competitors (Tally, PCS, Flowco) current offerings should be investigated and used as comparison
- Integration into all current customer field setups

Deliverables:
- 2+ initial designs including 2D and 3D CAD drawings for each
- Features and benefits for each design as well as any negatives or issues
- Test data (lifecycle, functionality, etc.)
- Force verification
- Functional prototype
- Estimated product cost
- List of next steps and recommendations
 
 

About

The Learning Factory is the maker space for Penn State’s College of Engineering. We support the capstone engineering design course, a variety of other students projects, and provide a university-industry partnership where student design projects benefit real-world clients.

The Learning Factory

The Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA 16802