The SOAR Enterprise team designs, builds, and deploys underwater remotely operated
vehicles (ROVs), provides technical solutions to water-related research challenges,
and serves as a resource for additive manufacturing investigations for local businesses.
As a place-based service learning Enterprise, SOAR partners with local community organizations
to monitor, research, and improve the local watershed. The team supports local businesses
with rapid prototype and small-quantity part runs. Clients of SOAR present their needs
and requirements to the Enterprise, and SOAR works to exceed their expectations with
the delivery of the product. Current clients include Isle Royale National Park, Delaware
Mine, OcuGlass, and Michigan Tech Great Lakes Research Center.
Project Overview
The current underwater remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) built by the SOAR team are
proof-of-concept prototypes and have outlived their life expectancy. The team has
set a course to redesign and replace two classes of team-built ROVs. First, the Isle
Royale National Park service ROVs. Improved design features will focus on reduced
size, decreased thruster power consumption, and rapid in-field power pack replacement.
Second, the demonstration ROVs used by the team during student demonstrations and
community festivals. Enhancement features will include a cleaner driver’s station
with operator controls fitting for young hands, a bright screen for outdoor viewing,
and compact size for operation in the demonstration tank.
Project Photo
In field repair of the driver station for a SOAR ROV. (SOAR image)
Team Photo
Team Leads
Avery Stevens, Engineering Dane Torrey, Engineering
Multiplanetary INnovation Enterprise (MINE) seeks to design, test, and implement robotic
technologies for extracting and using local resources, construction, and characterization
in extreme environments. MINE works in multidisciplinary groups to develop technology
to perform tasks in extreme environments on Earth, the moon, and on other planets.
Opportunities include researching productivity and efficiency in the space environment
(vacuum, temperature extremes, lunar dust), underground remote operation, and autonomy.
Project Overview
Multiplanetary Innovation Enterprise (MINE) is an aerospace robotics team at Michigan
Technological University focused on extreme-environment robotics for Earth and lunar
applications. MINE provides hands-on experience in robotics, controls, and autonomous
systems. Current projects include: DIVER, an underwater ROV for mapping flooded mines
for pumped hydro-storage; EXTINCT, which utilizes the T-REX rover to develop and test
robotic systems for extreme terrestrial exploration environments; Lunabotics Astro-Huskies,
a competition team designing a new rover each year for NASA’s Lunabotics competition;
and Lunar Trencher, a collaboration with MTU’s PSTDL to test a bucket ladder system
for lunar environments.
The SENSE (Strategic Education through Naval Systems Experiences) Enterprise’s mission
is to provide students with hands-on experience in naval systems through projects
focused on naval research and military-centered applications.
Project Overview
MECC is a competition through the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) aimed at creating
a wave energy device while applying it to an economically feasible market.
NEEC is developing a robust autonomous surface vessel system while optimizing thruster
controls and developing modularity for onboard systems.
HF radar is designing, building, and deploying a reproducible set of cost-efficient
drift buoys that provide high-quality, near-real-time trajectories for validating
and improving HF radar surface current products integrated in GLOS/Seagull.
RAUB modifies a BlueROV through sensor addition and developing/testing autonomy.
Tania Demonte Gonzalez, Mechanical and Aerospace Engg
Sponsors
Great Lakes Observing System, Ocean Infinity, Dr. Ted Gan, National Renewable Energy
Lab, General Dynamics: Electric Boat, NEEC (Naval Engineering Energy Consortium),
Ocean Infinity America, and Dr. Timothy Havens
The Michigan Tech H-STEM Enterprise is a student-run multidisciplinary team working
collaboratively on undergraduate projects in the areas of rehabilitation engineering,
healthcare, and public health. The current projects are Poultry in Motion, Prosthetics(Smart
Sleeve), Athletic Performance Matters, and Symphony: Collaborative Autonomy. We are
focused on the advancement of health research, safety, and outreach on the Michigan
Tech campus and the surrounding community. Additionally, our goal is to provide our
members with real-world experience in solving problems, developing communication skills,
and building leadership and technical skills.
Project Overview
Poultry in Motion aims to create an autonomous device to monitor environmental conditions
and to encourage poultry dispersion in Cooper Farms' turkey farms. The device will
roam around a turkey farm on a set path and measure ammonia, CO2, temperature, and
humidity levels. It will utilize a LiDAR sensor to map the layout of the farm and
report its location and data readings back to the user. This device will help consistently
improve turkey health through proactive and autonomous monitoring.
Project Photo
Poultry in Motion Team (photo credit: Miah Smith)
Team Photo
Team Leads
Andrea Hoglund, Electrical Engineering Kayli Roe, Biomedical Engineering
Consumer Product Manufacturing (CPM) Enterprise aspires to empower students with the
entrepreneurial, technical, and professional skills to conceive, develop, and market
successful products in a company-like setting. Students on the team come from many
disciplines and use hands-on experiences to identify and solve real-world engineering
problems. CPM aims to exceed the expectations of company sponsors, improve the lives
of consumers through innovation, and develop our team members into highly marketable
professionals.
Project Overview
Consumer Product Manufacturing brands itself as the Enterprise that prepares students
for industry. The project we are highlighting is the DTE team. The DTE, Greenwood
plant uses a cooling pond which is currently insufficient when running the plant at
max capacity in the summer. The CPM team is tasked on providing methods to promote
heat transfer in the pond and compare them on an economic basis.
Project Photo
Surface Velocity of DTE Cooling Pond in COMSOL
Team Photo
Team Leads
Wyatt Madden, Chemical Engineering Daniel Reynolds, Chemical Engineering
Advisors
Jon A Herlevich, Chemical Engineering Jeana Collins, Chemical Engineering
Sponsors
DTE, Milwaukee Tool, Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
Husky Game Development (HGD) is a student-run Enterprise focused on developing video
games. This semester, HGD has 9 small teams working on different game projects. Students
experience a full game development cycle, including ideation, design, playtesting,
and releasing a final product. HGD uses a diverse set of tools and engines. Our games
target a variety of platforms, including desktop, web, mobile, and an on-campus arcade
cabinet.
Project Overview
A top-down bullet hell gaming experience set on lined notebook paper. Play as two
doodle characters - a flower and a saw - to survive through rounds of bugs firing
countless projectiles at you. Your flower cannot deal damage and will perish if enough
bullets hit its center. Your saw is invincible and deals contact damage to anything
it can approach. Your goal is to multitask between keeping your flower safe and dealing
damage with your saw to clear waves of enemies and bosses.
Project Photo
Gridlock title screen, captured by Bridger Mattson
IT Oxygen is a cross-disciplinary, student-run Enterprise that specializes in information
technology (IT) for student organizations and businesses, with a focus on developing
information systems and IT solutions. Team members work on real-world projects that
foster skill development and utilize business intelligence. Areas of interest include
systems and information analysis, software development, database design, data sciences,
cybersecurity, and web-based application development.
Project Overview
ITO Vulnerabilities Management - The objective of this project is to develop a cyber health reporting tool specifically
for a national laboratory. This tool will provide the laboratory with a comprehensive
view of its network’s security posture by aggregating data from multiple reporting
tools, both commercial and open source. The tool will deliver an overall health score
for the network, with the ability for users to drill down from the summary page into
detailed information for groups of hosts and individual hosts. Critical information,
including vulnerability criticality, patch levels, BIOS levels, OS versions, installed
software, hardware details, and Security Technical Implementation Guide (STIG) compliance,
will be readily accessible.
Project Photo
Example of a Generated Dashboard. (Credit: Lucas Jones)
Team Photo
Team Lead
Steven Garrett, Software Engineering
Advisors
Victoria Walters, Applied Computing Nagesh Hatti, Enterprise
Open Source Hardware specializes in building low-cost alternatives to expensive hardware/software,
and then sharing the designs with the commons so that collaborative improvements can
be made rapidly. Anyone can make changes or updates to the designs the Enterprise
team creates—through this process, designs are improved at a much higher rate than
would be possible within the Enterprise alone. Open source is all about collaboration.
Project Overview
The Open Source Hardware Enterprise (OSHE) is a vibrant enterprise that focuses on
creating diverse projects that benefit the community and follow the spirit of open-source
ethics. Projects in the enterprise range from creating a miniature factory that produces
custom chocolate bars to trying to recycle 3D prints to create new filaments to assisting
the College of Forestry with tracking Lyme disease in the local forests. Currently,
there are 14 different OSHE projects: Radar Detector, Privasee, Un-interrupted Power
Supply (UPS), Echo-net, Class-H Amplifier, Electric Wheelchair, Framework, Holo-Bird,
Modular Controller, Open-Smooth, E-Reader, Pick and Place, Chatter Cuff, and Plant
Saver. These projects cover a wide range of applications, but all are united under
the motivation of open source. At the Design Expo this year, we would like to highlight
three projects that emphasize the principles of OSHE: Class-H Amplifier, Plant Saver,
and Pick and Place.
Class - H Amplifier: A low cost and open-source Class H Amplifier. This design will focus on efficiency,
lower manufacturing costs, and accessibility. The Class H Amplifier design builds
off of a typical AB amplifier design.
Plant Saver: A small home gardening resource that measures local conditions such as temperature,
moisture, and lighting conditions, and use this information to provide feedback on
the quality of care a given plant is receiving. The design is made with open source
and low-cost as the driving forces.
Pick and Place: A low cost and open-source Pick and Place machine that is meant for small scale PCB
manufacturing. Having an easily understandable, re-creatable, and modular design is
at the center of decision making.
Project Photo
OSHE projects. Pick and Place (Top Left), Plant Saver (Top Right), Class-H Amplifier
(Bottom); Credit: Donn Bacon for photo creation, Tori Frightetto, Donn Bacon, and
Sebastian Stauber for project images
Team Photo
Team Leads
Donn Bacon, Electrical Engineering Tori Frighetto, Electrical Engineering
Advisor
Shane Oberloier, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Velovations is a bicycle design Enterprise dedicated to collaborating with the bicycle
industry to develop new products and processes. The goal is to educate team members
in the fundamentals of product development— from customer need through product and
process design and testing, manufacturing, supply chain management, marketing, and
distribution. Velovations leverages multiple majors, including mechanical, electrical,
business, and technical communications, to deliver product and process innovations
to the bicycle industry.
Project Overview
The Voodoo Hub/Clutch project is a multi-semester project in which the team is testing
competitor hubs, which will allow us to compare the results to the first testable
prototype of the Senger Innovations Voodoo Hub! The Trailblazer project continues with a heavy-duty bike trailer intended for hauling
tools and equipment for trailbuilders...by making it lighter by using aluminum instead
of steel, reducing the width, and going to one wheel to allow easier use on trails.
The team is adding a brake system to help slow down a trailer with a heavy load.
Project Photo
Audio testing the Senger Innovations Hub
Team Photo
Team Leads
Luke Rosinski, Mechanical Engineering Preston Jesiek, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Advisor
Steve Lehmann, Biomedical Engineering
Sponsors
Senger Innovations, General Motors, Milwaukee Tool
Built World Enterprise (BWE) achieves its mission to “prepare members for the self-reliance
expected in the workplace” by following the design thinking process, collaborating
with professionals, applying project-specific knowledge, and communicating technical
and professional information in an oral or written manner to solve civil and environmental
engineering problems.
Project Overview
The Built World Enterprise participates in the WERC Environmental Design Competition,
ASCE Timber Strong Competition, ASCE Steel Bridge Competition, ASCE Concrete Canoe
Competition, and Engineers Without Borders (EWB). BWE students are dedicated to expanding
their knowledge base to consider the triple bottom line in a wide range of civil,
environmental, and geospatial engineering issues. For example, BWE works to recovering
water from cooling towers, reduce our carbon footprint, apply structural engineering
knowledge in underdeveloped countries in need, and design durable, cost-efficient
infrastructure made from a single material under a plethora of design requirements.
Project Photo
Steel Bridge Structure with 2025 Team. Photo: Michigan Tech
Our goal at Blue Marble Security is to deliver high-quality and secure solutions while
committing to living sustainably and making our ‘Blue Marble’ a safer, stronger place.
We prepare our future professionals to exceed expectations in security and technology,
driving impactful solutions for a better future.
Project Overview
BMS Enterprise is continuing to tackle a diverse set of projects, with seven projects
spanning several industry sectors. One of two GM teams is working to develop a cost-effective
pick point system for part detection in the manufacturing process. The second GM team
is focusing on developing and analyzing a "digital twin" of a GM manufacturing cell,
that can be used to simulate processes. We have two projects sponsored by Oshkosh,
one of which is tasked with designing and creating a stabilization system for firetrucks
with the TAK-4 IRS suspension system. The other Oshkosh project works to develop an
electric shift actuator for current and future electric vehicles. We also have a sustainable
energy project sponsored by Faith Technologies Inc. Another project is sponsored by
Westwood AI, it contributes to humanitarian and civilian safety efforts and is tasked
with creating a drone to find no longer in use landmines in Ukraine. Lastly, a wildcard
team is focusing on creating a lighting system.
Project Photo
Blue Marble Security Oshkosh Projects
Team Photo
Team Leads
Hunter Tripp, Mechanical Engineering Adam Gardner, Mechanical Engineering
Advisor
Glen Archer, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Sponsors
Oshkosh Corporation, General Motors, Faith Technologies Inc., Westwood AI
The Urban Intelligence Lab Enterprise is a hands-on, interdisciplinary team where
students design, build, and deploy data-driven solutions for smarter, more sustainable
communities. We combine sensing, analytics, and system-level thinking to tackle real
challenges on campus and in the Keweenaw region.
Project Overview
Students are currently building computer vision and machine learning systems to monitor
and analyze how people interact with urban infrastructure, from campus walkways to
the Mont Ripley ski hill, to the waterways of the portage. These insights inform interactive
dashboards and decision-support tools that enable city planners, local governments,
and campus administrators to enhance mobility, sustainability, safety, and community
well-being. UI Lab provides students with hands-on experience at the intersection
of computer vision, data science, systems engineering, and human-centered design while
collaborating directly with stakeholders on real-world urban challenges.
Project Photo
Overview of campus activity tracking, computer vision for winter sports, and vessel
detection
Team Photo
Team Leads
Anna Tolles, Computer Science Alisa Teige, Computer Science
Advanced Metalworks Enterprise (AME) is composed of a diverse team of students who
execute research and development projects for industrial sponsors. Interdisciplinary
teams of four to five students model, fabricate, and characterize metallic systems
such as aluminum, iron, zinc, titanium, and nickel-based alloys. AME helps industry
sponsors increase productivity, identify causes of material failures, design near-net
castings, develop advanced material modeling techniques, and more.
Project Overview
Our main project consists of preparing and testing novel cast alloys of 6082 aluminum
across a range of magnesium and silicone contents.
Project Photo
Cast axe head for Cast In Steel competition - Elizabeth Kornexl
Team Photo
Team Leads
Ian Wright, Materials Science and Engineering Breannyn Black, Mechanical Engineering
Advisor
David M. Labyak, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology
The purpose of Circular Solutions is to innovate technologies and services that advance
the circular bioeconomy. An alternative to the current make, use, and dispose practice
of the linear economy, the circular bioeconomy is a model for renewable, regenerative
practices in which we extract maximum value from the resources we use, keep them in
use as long as possible, and recover and regenerate materials for additional service
lives.
Project Overview
Circular Solutions Enterprise entered competition in the fall during the ocean-themed
Biodesign Sprint. For this challenge, the team designed and developed a surf comb
made from recycled polypropylene. To source the material, the team partnered with
the startup company Helen of the Sea, which collects discarded fishing nets from the
Galápagos Islands. These nets were then ground up, melted down, and processed through
a Filastruder to create 3D printing filament. The team designed and 3D printed a
surf comb shaped like a fish with hopes of using the recycled filament, called the
Ghost Comb. The product demonstrated how ocean plastic waste could be repurposed into
everyday items through sustainable design and manufacturing. After presenting their
project in the global competition, the team received Gold Medal Recognition from the
Biodesign Sprint judges in Narrative, Concept, and Reflection.
Project Photo
The Ghost Comb developed in CAD for 3D printing. Rian Grotberg
The Aerospace Enterprise was established to provide hands-on aerospace education and
experience to Michigan Tech undergraduate students. The Enterprise works together
on innovative and relevant aerospace-related projects with all members contributing
toward achieving specific project goals. The Aerospace Enterprise places an emphasis
on space mission design and analysis, vehicle integration, systems engineering, and
comprehensive ground testing and qualification.
Project Overview
Auris: The Auris mission is a satellite project based on demonstrating the technical
feasibility of a CubeSat’s ability to provide situational data. In collaboration with
the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), the objectives of the Auris mission are
to enhance Space Situational Awareness (SSA) by providing activity and location knowledge
of space-based assets from on-orbit. This is achieved by measuring and characterizing
radio frequency (RF) emission patterns of a target satellite, as well as by providing
an estimate for the location of that target. The Auris mission is intended to serve
as a pathfinder toward increasingly complex space systems that leverage the low cost
and small form factor of CubeSats to achieve the performance of traditional, monolithic
systems.
Stratus: The Stratus mission is a satellite project based on demonstrating the collection
of atmospheric and weather data from a CubeSat. In collaboration with NASA, the Stratus
spacecraft utilizes a RGB imaging sensor to examine the activity of clouds in the
upper atmosphere for the purpose of better understanding weather over short timescales.
Images generated by the mission will be analyzed on the ground to determine properties
of the clouds, such as overall coverage and average coverage over an area. The Stratus
mission is intended to serve as a pathfinder toward increasingly complex space systems
that leverage the low cost and small form factor of CubeSats to achieve the performance
of traditional, monolithic systems.
Descensus: The Descensus mission is an in-atmosphere satellite project developed to
compete in the NASA CanSat Competition hosted by NASA. The mission involves designing
a pop-can-sized satellite that deploys from a rocket at peak altitude and transitions
into a controlled para-glider descent system. During flight, the payload collects
and transmits sensor data including altitude, temperature, battery performance, orientation,
and GPS position to a ground station. The system also demonstrates autonomous guidance
by steering toward a target location and safely releasing a simulated instrument before
landing.
Connexus: The Connexus Mission is the Aerospace Enterprise’s first internal mission
to help with the innovation of workflow by creating a management database. The database
will help with collaborative development, different types of task management, and
improve lab testing and equipment. The database can be remotely accessed for easy
usage by the Aerospace Enterprise members working on any other missions we currently
have going on. This mission has no end date, because after the remote database is
finished, the Connexus team will transition to our Server and Database Management
Team to fix any problems that arise, and implement continuous improvement to fit the
needs that might occur in the future.
Project Photo
Satellite Testing in the Aerospace Enterprise Cleanroom
Team Photo
Team Leads
Nolan Besaw, Computer Engineering Even Weitzel, Computer Science
Green Campus Enterprise is an organization of students working to make Michigan Technological
University’s campus more sustainable through both low- and high-profile projects.
Green Campus Enterprise annually measures the carbon footprint of Michigan Tech and
designs and implements projects to improve the sustainability of the Michigan Tech
campus. Green Campus works closely with the Michigan Tech administration to effectively
engage the University community in reducing its carbon footprint.
Project Overview
Aquaponics is a relationship between fish and plants, in which nutrients cycle through
fish tanks and into grow beds that plants can then use to grow while filtering the
water to create a clean environment for the fish. Green Campus Enterprise’s (GCE)
Aquaponics Team has developed an on-campus aquaponics system as an educational tool
for students and the surrounding community. The team has partnered with Keweenaw CAPE
(Community Alliance for Progressive Education) to implement a mobile aquaponics system
within their educational space. The system will serve as a hands-on teaching tool,
allowing students to explore concepts related to sustainable agriculture, and food
production. The team is also in the preliminary design phase of an aquaponics system
for Gierke Blueberry Farm.
Green Campus Enterprise's Solar Team is doing a solar feasibility study for the Portage
Lake Water and Sewage Authority. In this study, we will be showing them if it is a
good idea to implement a solar system to offset their power usage. This will be done
by going through different scenarios with different system sizes and different UPPCO
plans. We will look over a 25-year period for all scenarios to see what their carbon
footprint reduction will look like and what the overall cost difference is.
Project Photo
Aquaponics system inside the Bubble Greenhouse on Campus. Photo taken by Olivia Amash
Solar Pathfinder
Team Photo
Team Leads
Aqua Ponics: Olivia Amash, Chemical Engineering Emily Johnson, Environmental Engineering
Solar Team: Caden Hoyt, Electrical Engineering Anika Cameron, Electrical Engineering
Advisor
Robert Handler, Chemical Engineering Alan Turnquist
Ink & Ore the enterprise of the Humanities departments and is focused on publishing.
Students solicit, review, and edit submissions for Paw Prints: The Michigan Tech Journal
of First Year Writing and Kupari: Student Literary Journal at Michigan Tech, and in
doing so develop their communication, collaboration, and critical thinking skills.
Students also collaborate with and support The Lode, gaining insight into how more
established publishing operations operate.
Project Overview
Ink & Ore has three ongoing projects: Paw Prints: The Michigan Tech Journal of First
Year Writing, Kupari: Student Literary Magazine at Michigan Tech, and development
of a process handbook for The Lode. Paw Prints and Kupari are both publications produced
in-house using submissions gathered from students at Michigan Tech. Kupari publishes
creative writing, poetry, and art while Paw Prints publishes academic writing. The
first issue of Kupari and the second issue of Paw Prints are planned to be released
this spring. The Lode handbook is a support project for The Lode with the goal of
deepening their institutional knowledge. It is on track to be complete this spring.
Project Photo
Ink & Ore Student Publications Enterprise
Team Photo
Team Leads
Jamie Perlman, Scientific and Technical Communication Devin Palczewski, English
Advisor
M Bartley Seigel, Humanities Holly Hassel, Humanities
Innovative Global Solutions (IGS) pursues solutions for the needs of developing countries,
making contributions toward solving Grand Challenges. Team members improve technical
skills and gain hands-on experience with an international engineering project. Typical
project areas focus on energy, water, health, education, entrepreneurship, transportation,
infrastructure, and more.
Project Overview
Launched in 2024, the Emergency Respiratory Filtration System (ERFS). quickly evolved
from the initial focus addressing infant respiratory needs to a broader goal of providing
emergency filtration solutions. Initial findings indicate that existing CPAP devices
are expensive. In response, the team aims to develop an affordable emergency filtration
device, enhancing accessibility for healthcare providers in developing countries.
Millions of people die prematurely each year from diseases caused by ambient air pollution.
By prioritizing both affordability and safety, the project is committed to improving
air quality for vulnerable populations, ultimately contributing to efforts to reduce
mortality rates linked to poor air quality.
Project Photo
Component Layout of ERFS Project (Photo Credit: Madi Bauman)
The Wireless Communication Enterprise (WCE) focuses on wireless, optical, renewable
energy, user interface, and biomedical technologies. WCE functions much like an engineering
company with a variety of different project teams. These small project teams allow
team members to be very involved in project work and provide ample opportunity for
them to gain technical skills, business presentation skills, and leadership experience.
Project Overview
The Wireless Communication Enterprise is currently supporting seven projects. Our
current sponsored project is a audio wave beamformer used to detect the location of
quadcopters for General Dynamic. We also have six internally sponsored projects. Our
dedicated photonics group is focused on prototyping programs for aid in X-Ray diffraction
Simulation and developing crystalline imaging techniques through XRD data. our largest
team of engineers are currently working on designing a training application for hockey
players to track their performance with live shot data. Our more biomedical focused
group is currently designing a pair of medical shoe inserts to track a patients stride,
gait, and walking force to monitor vital data regarding mobility. The largest internally
sponsored project within the enterprise is sponsored by Director Kit, the team behind
this project is currently working on training and integrating a unique large language
model into Director Kit's canvas pages for his numerous courses to assist in student
reflection. Lastly, there are two smaller teams working on two different kinds of
wearable tech, the first team is designing a tech balaclava that has heating and communication
abilities. While team two is designing a sleeve to track vitamin D synthesis in the
skin and dehydration levels.
Project Photo
Visual representation of the General Dynamics Drone Detection Project
Team Photo
Team Leads
Nevaeh Mellon, Computer Engineering Eli Bostelaar, Electrical Engineering
Advisor
Kit Cischke, Electrical and Computer Engineering
Sponsors
General Dynamics, Milwaukee Tool
120. Humane Interface Design (HIDE)
No team video was submitted.
The members of Humane Interface Design Enterprise (HIDE) work together to design,
develop, and evaluate web applications. The goal is to develop these applications
while taking usability into consideration, creating effective tools for many different
industry sponsors. HIDE accomplishes these projects by combining knowledge from multiple
disciplines (e.g., computer science, software engineering, and human factors). HIDE
team members can get involved in various stages of the design process, from planning
and developing an app by programming, to evaluation by designing usability tests.
Project Overview
This year, HIDE would like to highlight two projects: Chem Store and Whirlpool Project.
The first is a chemical inventory management website for Chem Stores here at Michigan
Tech. This website will replace the old inventory management software that Chem Stores
has been using, allowing them to track where chemical containers are and have been
around campus. The second project, Whirlpool, has our students redesigning the user
interfaces on Whirlpool's washing machines and dryers. The company wants to encourage
users to make more environmentally friendly choices when washing their clothes.
Project Photo
No project photo was submitted.
Team Photo
Team Leads
Yasmin Fitzgerald, Software Engineering Morgan Aufdencamp, Human Factors
Advisor
Robert Pastel, Computer Science
Sponsors
MTU Chem Stores, MTU College of Computing, YooPapers, Gardner Rifle Club, Michigan
Herp Atlas, Scott Meneguzzo (MTU), MTU Wrestling Club, Whirlpool, Dr. Charles Wallace
(MTU)
Alternative Energy Enterprise (AEE) provides opportunities for students in multiple
academic disciplines to research and develop alternative energy sources. Projects,
research, and development are done in conjunction with industry sponsors to produce
viable solutions to real-world energy problems. Each team is interdisciplinary and
receives a rewarding hands-on experience while working on challenging problems and
seeking innovative solutions.
Project Overview
The Alternative Energy Enterprise continues to work toward finding sustainable methods
for energy production, delivery, and consumption through several interrelated projects.
These teams work to develop and implement new technologies that focus on making sustainable
development a reality. These teams include the Solar Consulting DTE, KOOP, Houghton-Portage
Schools, and E-Bike, as well as Plastic Pyrolysis Team, Portage Panels, Quincy Mines
Team, Project Weight Machine, Project Stepping Stones, and Vertical Axis Wind Team.
Project Photo
Pyrolysis process converting waste plastic into wax, compressed gas, and lubricants
created by Colton Free
Team Photo
Team Leads
Andrew Staudinger, Electrical Engineering Zach Michelson, Electrical Engineering
Advisors
Adrienne Minerick, Chemical Engineering David Watkins, Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering
The Aeronautics and Rocketry Enterprise (AERE) is an interdisciplinary organization
at Michigan Tech that provides students an opportunity to gain hands-on exposure to
the aerospace field through experiential learning. AERE focuses on atmospheric flight
systems from planes to rockets.
Project Overview
The Aeronautics & Rocketry Enterprise (AERE) currently has about 5 different projects
ranging from collegiate competitions to research based projects. Some projects include
a rocket designed to launch to 10,000 feet with a mechanical heart located inside
of it. Another project includes using a drone to autonomously fly through sewer pipes.
Yet another project is a bi-propellant liquid rocket engine designed to burn isopropyl
alcohol and nitrous oxide.
Project Photo
AERE's HPR team at the IREC In June 2025, Photographed By Jase Edwards
Team Photo
Team Leads
Jase Edwards, Computer Science Eli Schmitz, Finance
Advisor
Kazuya Tajiri, Mechanical and Aerospace Engg
Sponsors
Suomi's Home Bakery & Restaurant, Cherry Creek Counseling, Michigan Tech Alumni (Ethan
Smythe and Riley Van Zeeland), Ctech, Qidi Tech, and Nextage
The Robotic Systems Enterprise (RSE) focuses on seamlessly integrating exceptional
knowledge in electronics, robotics, and programming to solve real-world engineering
problems. All majors are welcome—the team depends on more than just the skills and
talents of engineering and science majors. RSE produces solutions that contribute
to industry, recreation, and medical research.
Project Overview
AutoDrive Challenge II is a 5 Year competition to create an SAE Standard Level 5 Autonomous
Vehicle from a GM-donated 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV. The team is broken into Perception,
Planning, Control and Simulation, Human Machine Interface, Safety and Testing, and
Project Management. Main deliverables for Year 5 include creating a redundant localization
system based in LiDAR to mitigate GNSS attenuation effects, optimizing the HMI to
include a visualizer screen that displays a planned route and obstacles, the AV Customer
Experience challenge which involves designing an innovative way to improve the customer's
experience with the vehicle, and optimizing collision boundaries in perception data
for a cleaner and more realistic perceived environment.
Project Photo
RSE's autonomous car at Mcity (picture taken at competition)
Michigan Tech’s Advanced Snowmobile Enterprise builds snowmobiles to compete in a
collegiate design series called the Advanced Snowmobile Competition held in Eagle
River, Wisconsin. As part of the competition, the team submits an engineering design
paper, determines a justified MSRP (manufacturer’s suggested retail price), and presents
an oral design presentation outlining its approach to the advanced snowmobile competition.
Following a comprehensive technical inspection, the vehicles undergo dynamic testing,
including acceleration, handling, cold start, noise, and emissions. Michigan Tech’s
Advanced Snowmobile Enterprise competes in both the spark ignition and hybrid electric
categories.
Project Overview
The Advanced Snowmobile Enterprise's goal is to innovate new designs to improve emissions,
improve performance, and decrease sound levels of industry snowmobiles, while maintaining
the fun of riding. This year we competed with a 2025 Polaris Switchback XC 850 and
have been in development of a hybrid electric snowmobile using an Arctic Cat Blast
400 as the base.
Project Photo
MTU Advanced Snowmobile Enterprise Competing at competition - Photo by Dan Nehmer
Team Photo
Team Leads
Carter Vake, Mechanical Engineering Alex Discher, Mechanical Engineering
Advisor
Jason Blough, Mechanical and Aerospace Engg Scott Miers, Mechanical and Aerospace Engg
Sponsors
PTC, Camso, DynoJet, Superior Graphics, Octane Inc, Polaris, Stud Boy Traction, A&D
Technology, BRP, Ride Tech, Response Welding, Oshkosh, Malla Mechatronics, CTech Manufacturing,
Aramco Americas, Milwaukee Tool, Dana, Magna, R&E Automated, Gentex, Brothers Carbon,
Cleveland Cliffs, General Motors
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 the 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.
Project Overview
The goal of our Formula SAE team is to design and build a competitive, high-performance
race car, including the chassis, suspension, and powertrain systems. The main purpose
of this project is to give team members hands-on experience applying engineering principles
while optimizing vehicle performance for competition in May.
Project Photo
Formula SAE Racing
Team Photo
Team Leads
Frank Nguyen, Mechanical Engineering Technology Michael Langdon, Mechanical Engineering
The Supermileage Systems Enterprise builds a single-seat, high-efficiency vehicle
that competes in the Shell Eco-marathon. The team uses both a small-displacement internal
combustion engine and a battery-electric design. The team must engineer a competitive
vehicle and submit a written report detailing the vehicle design. Following a technical
inspection, the vehicle must complete a dynamic performance event where miles per
gallon (MPG) or miles per gallon equivalent (MPGe) is measured.
Project Overview
Supermileage Systems’ focus this year has been on continuously improving the current
prototype vehicle, as well as designing and manufacturing components for a new urban
concept vehicle and designing a second prototype shell. This has included modifications
to our current GX35 engine and drivetrain, as well as development of a new custom
engine. The hand controls, exhaust, throttle, and drivetrain of our current vehicle
were redesigned and manufactured this semester. For the new Urban Concept vehicle,
the subframe and brakes were developed in hopes of completing the Urban Concept for
competition next year. Design work was also started on a battery electric prototype
vehicle shell in hopes of using the electric motor we have from a previous senior
design.
Project Photo
Supermileage's Prototype Vehicle. Photo: Carter DeBruyn
Team Photo
Team Leads
Carter DeBruyn, Civil Engineering Evan Meyers, Mechanical Engineering
Advisor
Nicholas V. Hendrickson, Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology
Michigan Tech’s Blizzard Baja Enterprise builds a single-seat, off-road competition
vehicle to compete in the SAE Collegiate Design Series-Baja events held in various
locations across the US. The team prepares and presents a written design report, cost
analysis, and sales presentation for a panel of SAE judges. After passing a rigorous
safety and technical inspection, we compete with other collegiate teams on acceleration,
hill climb, maneuverability, suspension, and endurance. The Blizzard Baja Enterprise
also organizes and hosts the Winter Baja Invitational event - a long-standing University
tradition dating back to 1981.
Project Overview
This year the Blizzard Baja Team is focused on the optimization of our current competition
car as well as the design and manufacturing of our next competition car to be used
in 2027 national competition. Our primary technical objective in optimizing our current
car is tuning our custom built ECVT that was completed last year by a senior design
group. By refining the shift logic and primary clutch spacing by using a dynamic lookup
table the car will be able to optimally send power in all types of terrain. Another
senior design project from last semester was the design of the 2027 competition car's
frame. The team is currently fabricating and welding tubes and plan to have the frame
welded together by the end of the semester. This requires precise measurements and
cuts to be properly assembled by the welding team for accurate design validation with
drivetrain and suspension teams in their current CAD models of the vehicle.
Project Photo
Testing the current competition car at our testing grounds [AJ Chelko]
