Home

Team 1

Project Title: Design of a Drone-Glider Hybrid with extendible-retractable wings
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Andrew Reyes, Graham Bough, Victoria Flores, Ayush Patnaik, Kylee Schneeberger, Siddhesh Yadav

Abstract:
In recent years, drone technology has improved to the point where its applications are being investigated by large corporations for services like payload delivery, surveillance, or low altitude imaging. Fixed-wing drones are strong candidates because they have a long flight range and can take advantage of wind energy by gliding, but they do not operate well in dense environments like urban cities or forests. Multicopters are ideal because they are more maneuverable and have a small body size which allows them to operate in dense environments. However, they have a limited battery life which reduces the flight range of the drone.

The motivation of this project is to merge the best aspects of both drone configurations by designing a mechanism that is mounted to a multicopter drone and capable of extending wings that will allow the drone to glide utilizing the wind energy when the rotors are powered down or turned off. When mounted to a multicopter, the proposed solution uses a system of gears and linkages that extend and retract the wing assembly. The mechanism is automatically controlled by a microcontroller during flight. Prototypes are being tested using a custom drone created by Dr. Soltani’s lab.

Team 2

Project Title: Control System of 6 DOF Manipulator for Implementation with Virtual Reality Camera Motion System for Virtual Presence
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Michelle Ruiz Albor, Christina Felipe, Luke Adel, Gabe Hendlin, Dzmitrij Sysou

Abstract:
The 6-degree-of-freedom robot arm will hold a virtual reality camera that will be live streamed to a VR headset of an operator. The arm will mimic the head movement of the operator wearing the VR headset. Developing a control system of the robot arm with human-like motion would benefit scenarios such as testing environments of autonomous vehicles and other scenarios where an operator would otherwise be required to monitor various cameras from a multi-monitor setup. Our proposed control system aims to reduce the latency and vibrations of the robot arm to provide a comfortable and immersive experience for the user. The current model has motor restrictions that linearize the motion of travel and simultaneously dampen visible vibrations. Our controller would bypass the current system and provide capabilities to travel more complex trajectories at faster speeds. Therefore, the motion traveled would be more realistic to that of human head motion and in turn contribute to the immersive experience. The controller consists of two main features: input shaping and cascaded feedback control. The input shaper would minimize residual vibrations by combining an input signal with a number of impulses creating an effect similar to destructive interference. The cascaded control uses proportional and proportional-integral control to minimize vibrations further and latency seen in position, velocity and torque actuation. Lastly, waypoint tracking will be implemented as a means of creating a desired trajectory to travel for comparison to the actual path traveled.

Team 3

Project Title: Developing a Sensorized Gaming Interface
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Acoya Dioquino, John Ednilao, Phuoc (Lucky) Nguyen, Angel Cano, Kaleb Kokott, Nathan Byrd

Abstract:
It is known that gaming can improve hand-eye coordination, but obtaining quantitative data to support this claim has been challenging. The goal of our project is to design and manufacture a system that can retrieve quantitative data related to a person’s motor function while they are playing video games. Such data could then be used to analyze how gaming affects overall motor improvement. Specifically, our system retrieves data on the force applied to the controller’s buttons, a player’s eye movement, and the button presses, which is all time synced to a screen recording of the video game being played. This data is obtained by using custom 3D printed controller casings that house the necessary electronics, including force transducers and microcontrollers, and custom software to process the data. It is then inputted to a central device that is able to store and time sync the data to a screen recording of the gameplay for the end user.

Team 4

Project Title: Equine Wearable Device for Training Load Detection
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Nicole Stahman, Justin Wedel, Christian Olson, Avery Williamson, Charles Ringham, Dan Austin Fernandez

Abstract:
Injuries are unfortunately very common across several equine sports which can have serious or fatal implications for the horse. Race horses in particular are subjected to repetitive high level training that can lead to overuse injuries and decreased performance. The goal of the Equine Wearable Device is to measure accelerations at two separate locations on the horse and provide the tools to detect gait asymmetries and estimate loading history over time. Our design incorporates two sensors (or nodes) with on board accelerometers, one placed on the pastern and the other attached to the saddle. The saddle sensor, or primary node, will essentially function as the main device that can communicate with the pastern sensor, or secondary node, via a radio frequency. During a training or racing session, both the sensors will simultaneously record data. When the recording is complete, the data from the secondary node will be transmitted to the primary node. From the primary node, the user will be able to upload the recorded data via a bluetooth connection between the primary node and the user’s computer. A software program was developed to allow the user to quickly display the data and key metrics. Our proposed finalized design is intended to allow researchers and/or racehorse owners to track a horse’s gait patterns and loading history over time so they can intervene to prevent an injury or lameness if the data provides evidence that such an event is likely.

Team 5

Project Title: Air-Tight Blower
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Hayden Armstrong, Shane Dancy, Megan Jow, Edward Calderon, Joni Yan

Abstract:
The Air Quality Research Center at UC Davis have designed a system to detect healthy grapes from contaminated grapes caused by wildfires. Our team is tasked with designing an airtight blower that is part of this larger system which uses ion mobility spectrometry to determine which ions are present in an air sample by their movement in an electric field. The blower must be air-tight, maintain a continuous flow rate that can be adjusted between 80-120 liters per minute, and sustain a pressure drop of 500 Pa. Secondary constraints include withstanding a temperature of 100 C, ability to operate for 8 hours contiuosly, and require the least amount of maintenance and repair. To solve this, we designed a regenerative blower that meets all of these requirements.

Team 6

Project Title: Movement Feedback System for Robotic Hand Prostheses
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Arvind Padda, Andrew Kurpjuweit, Hoang Nguyen, Leonardo Howard, Sanzhar Gabdushev, Viet Tran

Abstract:
The goal of our project is to design and manufacture a small machine which applies pressure via a small pin upon the skin and muscle of an amputee patient at select frequencies, which will play a major role in a larger movement feedback system to induce a kinesthetic illusion of limb movement sensation. In addition to acting as an affordable and mass producible system for use in further research regarding inducing kinesthetic illusion, we aim to allow our sponsor to customize and modify its actions and the system itself as per their requirements, research, and future developments.

Team 7

Project Title: Auto-Swabbing Device for Sampling Microbial Life in Rainforest Soil
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Miranda Godinez, Ruby Houchens, Richard Ma, Katelyn Wong, Xiao Bao Bao, Eddie Protassov

Abstract:
As shown by the COVID-19 pandemic, unmonitored viruses of zoological origin threaten our society. Current monitoring techniques rely on human labor and can pose unnecessary risks to scientists and wild animals. To address this, our team is developing an automated swabbing device to collect RNA viral samples from rainforest soil. The device will be small for drone transport to sampling sites, and houses the electromechanical systems needed to dispense swabs, take samples, and store samples. It will be assessed based on its ability to take a soil sample without human intervention.

Team 8

Project Title: Zooplankton Separation to Improve Visual Identification by Images
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Ruihong Zhang
Team Members: Stephany Aguayo Uribe, Steven Nguyen

Abstract:
Zooplankton are a foundational element of the aquatic food chain. Observing a sample of zooplankton species helps determine the overall health of the local aquatic environment. Our goal is to construct a device specialized for zooplankton observation, that is easily operable through the process of separation. Our design separates zooplankton into different size groups while eliminating detritus via inertial forces through a spiral microchannel. The design consists of a series of vinyl-flex PVC tubing, being both functional and cost-efficient. This design helps gain valuable data for ecosystem analysis from zooplankton sample observation.

Team 9

Project Title: Continuous Fermentation System for Producing Bioplastics from Dairy Processing Waste
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Ruihong Zhang
Team Members: Rachael Trinh, Raymon Doan, Hayeon Park, Derron Ma, Joud Alamri

Abstract:
Plastic is one of the primary sources of pollution and causes a significant impact on climate change as it is not biodegradable and emits greenhouse gas during production. Bioplastics are a promising alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics to reduce the environmental impact. Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) are bioplastics produced by microorganisms from organic carbon sources. This study aims to design a continuous fermentation system for producing PHA from dairy processing wastes. Haloferax mediterranei produces PHA from delactosed permeate (DLP), a cheese processing waste. Since hydrolyzed DLP is used as the feed for cell growth, the design includes an enzymatic hydrolysis reactor and a cell culturing chemostat with a storage tank for effluent. By automating hydrolysis and the bioreactor, high-value biodegradable plastics can be produced at low costs and minimal labor. The continuous fermentation bioreactor design will be applicable in many industrial settings and contribute to sustainable plastics production and byproduct recycling with economic benefits.

Team 10

Project Title: Controlling the Auditory Environment as a Means of Mental Stimulation in Horses
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Ruihong Zhang
Team Members: Shawn Lupo, Melanie Siu, Elijiah Stockwell, Andrew Butler

Abstract:
The goal of this project is to develop an auditory device that allows for horse autonomy in selecting sounds to provide them with mental simulation. Captive horses often lack the same mental stimuli that is experienced by their wild counterparts. As a result they are predisposed to develop stable vices, which are detrimental behaviors such as walking in circles in their pen or more detrimental behaviors such as bitting onto solid objects. This project provides captive horses with additional mental stimulation in order to decrease the chances of developing stable vices, while also allowing the study of music preference in captive horses. The deliverable is a device consisting of a PVC frame with three separated zones that will allow the captive horses to choose a particular song based on the zone they are in, which is monitored by a rangefinder sensor. In addition, the device has data logging capabilities that allow for its users to see how long each song was played.

Team 11

Project Title: Vision-Based Artificial Landmarks for Unmanned Ground Vehicle Localization in Orchards
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Ruihong Zhang
Team Members: Earl Ranario, Soren Spada

Abstract:
Orchards with dense canopies cause Unmanned Ground Vehicles (UGVs) to lose access to reliable GPS signals. There has been a need to develop a reliable feature, such as a landmark, that can be georeferenced and sensed by optical sensors in a variety of conditions. The landmark’s design criteria encompasses its visual detectability and mechanical durability, producing localization accuracy within current navigational units. The goal of this project is to create a vision-based landmark with a unique ID that can be tied to a GPS coordinate and to develop a program that allows visual sensors to identify the landmarks’ location.

Team 12

Project Title: CBF Pulser Handling and Transportation System
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Jordan Paxton, Alexis Rodriguez, Kimberly Parra, Kevin Ojeda, Rodolfo Munoz-Pedraza, Angela Lu

Abstract:
The goal of our project is to design and manufacture a transportation and handling system for a Pulser. This Pulser is used at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), it creates a high energy pulse needed to initiate the magnetic field in their facility. To achieve our goal, we designed two subsystems. The first subsystem allows us to take the over 6 foot 1375 lb pulser from its initial horizontal position on a test bed and rotate it to a vertical position. From here, we then transfer the pulser into our second subsystem. The second subsystem allows us to transport and install the pulser in a cabinet located in the National Ignition Facility at LLNL. To achieve both of these objective, we adhered to the requirements of our sponsor and followed along with the LLNL safety guidelines.

Team 13

Project Title: Net Gun
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Carlos Lopez, Mitzy Luna, Ngu War Moe, Rueben Lopez, Andy Melendez, Billy Chen

Abstract:
The Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN), led by Jennie Hawkins, seeks to capture animals affected by oil spills and treat them before releasing them back into the wild. Currently, performing this task involves using a standard industry net gun that costs the OWCN approximately $1,000 and fails after approximately 6 months of regular usage. Other issues encountered by Jennie and her team include the time it takes to reload the net gun, and the quality of the trigger mechanism. This report proposes an improved net gun that addresses all the issues faced by the OWCN and presents a net gun that they can feel comfortable and confident in using on the field. The characteristics to be improved will be the build quality of the net gun, the loading time/simplicity of the trigger, and performance that industry net guns possess.

In order to ensure this product reaches the market, many subassemblies have to be defined. The energy storage subassembly is what holds the source of energy, whether that be electric, kinetic, chemical. In our case, pneumatic. This is released by the trigger mechanism, the subassembly that is able to turn that potential energy into some translational kinetic energy. All of this is fed into a chamber where the net is contained, in this case either by distributed force on each of the weights or a singular force on the entirety of the net. All of these will be in a sequential motion with revision of each subsystem needing proper inspection and care.The optimal solution for the needs requested by the sponsor has been achieved and efforts to reflect this solution in CAD is in the works. Manufacturing efforts have been handed to two of our members in order for the rest of the team to design and test. Testing and refining the solution will be the responsibility going forward as well as keeping constant contact with the sponsor and professors in order to ensure that requirements are being met.

Team 14

Project Title: Carbon Fiber Rims
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Faustino Villarreal-Blozis, Jasmine Ngai, Darrell Evans, Trevor Leong, Alec Gestopa

Abstract:
Formula Racing at UC Davis (FRUCD) participates in FSAE, an international competition in which college teams design, manufacture and assemble a formula style vehicle. The global pandemic has induced substantial supply chain issues and acquiring FSAE-appropriate rims in a timely manner has become difficult. FRUCD’s current magnesium rim set has another year of life and, while sufficient, could be improved. A carbon fiber rim has the potential to reduce the vehicles unsprung mass, thereby enabling the vehicle to be more competitive. The goal of this project is to design, manufacture, and test a set of four carbon fiber rims. Each step is to be thoroughly documented to provide FRUCD with the knowledgebase and tools to properly manufacture a competition-ready set of rims in the future.

Team 15

Project Title: PMAC Motor Controller Liquid Cooling Thermal Management System
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Elliot Locke, Amaad Sultani, John Frye, Eric Lopez, Joseph Sanchez, Kyle Heinzman

Abstract:
The UC Davis Formula Racing Team needs to replace the current air cooling system to prevent the motor controller from overheating with a liquid cooling system, which needs to be tested and fabricated. Liquid cooling system design is driven by physics based modeling in the MATLAB and SolidWorks simulations. Models will be validated with system level testing using the Design of Experiments approach. The results represent a functioning water cooling system that will be used in Formula SAE Electric design competition and can be used as reference for future iterations of the cooling system.

Team 16

Project Title: Helical Geothermal Cooling System
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Seamus Nelson, Prakhar Agarwal, Xinyuan Huang, Finney-Long Frederica, Stefan Venne

Abstract:
Heating and cooling often takes close to half of a household's energy usage (Changed wording).Using a ground loop geothermal system to exchange heat energy with the soil can greatly reduce that energy requirement, saving money and reducing carbon emissions. Common ground loop systems require large areas of land to be disturbed to create the required exchange surface. By using a helical pipe pattern that extends deeper underground, the same heat exchange can be achieved with less land needing to be disturbed. In order to test the effectiveness of this design computer models will be compared with scaled down physical tests. The information gathered will inform the creation of a full-sized prototype.

Team 17

Project Title: TeslaBoards: Powertrain for Off-Road Electric Skateboard
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield, Dr. TA Zhe Zhou
Team Members: Edric Maltezo, Alexis Lara Trejo, Connor Lynch, Leo Wu

Abstract:
The goal of our project is to design and manufacture an off-road electric skateboard with a specific interest in redesigning the powertrain. We accomplished this goal by completely redesigning 3 different sections. The first section was creating a dual motor system with increased power, with 1200 watts of power per motor, to increase the top speed, acceleration, and incline performance. The second section was to redesign the motor from an external motor to an in-wheel hub motor to increase the ease of installation, reparability, efficiency, and direct transfer of power. This section also allows for further weight reduction, ease of mobility, and fracture prevention as the weight of the motor is shifted from the deck onto the wheels. The third section was a total revamp of the design of the board including the trucks, wheel, and the board to decrease weight, increase maneuverability, and improve the aesthetic and marketability for a general audience. Our design features a sleek design that appeals to a contemporary audience and mimics the style of current electric mobility devices.

Team 18

Project Title: Collapsible Bird Enclosure for Disaster Response
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Mursal Wardak, Bryant Huynh, Marllon Zavala, Matthew Featherstone, Miguel Gomez-Sanabria, Yuejun Fu

Abstract:
Oil spills pose the highest threat of contamination to aquatic birds because it leads to hyperthermia which is followed by additional health concerns that impact the bird's life. UC Davis’s Oiled Wildlife Care Network (OWCN) mobilizes to provide care for these affected birds. These birds are housed in enclosures that are assembled by volunteers. The current enclosure used by the OWCN takes approximately 30 minutes to set up, weighs roughly 21 pounds, and is frequently damaged. The OWCN desires a new enclosure that is quicker to set up, lighter in weight, and prone to less fatigue than the current design.

We have designed a solution that meets these requirements of the OWCN. The proposed design is a collapsible enclosure that weighs approximately 40% less than the current enclosure. This new enclosure has the capability of collapsing and partially disassembling into a compact volume for easier transportation. The design allows for wheels to be attached for easier transportation when it is fully deployed as well. Material decisions were made based on its ability to withstand UV, disinfectant, and petrochemical exposure therefore the enclosure is corrosion and oxidation resistant. In comparison to the current enclosure, the new design weighs less, is faster to set up, less prone to wear, and more transportable. In addition, the enclosure is packable, safe for wildlife, ergonomic, and easy to clean.

Team 19

Project Title: Sanitizer-Dispensing Door Handle
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Ziqing Qin, Weihao Guo, Shiyi Li, Shi Chen, Junhui Ye, William Chandra

Abstract:
Upon the motivation to reduce cross-contamination and healthcare-associated infections among doctors and patients, our team aims to design a pure mechanical driven self-dispensing sanitizer device on entry doors of clinics and hospitals with an intention to increase hand hygiene practices. As a result, self-dispensing sanitizer on entry doors can improve hand hygiene regulations, which will lead to a reduction in the transmission of infections of nosocomial pathogens. Excluding digital electronics and batteries, the self-dispensing mechanism with a large hand-sanitizer tank will allow a more sustainable life span with less maintenance required to be able to achieve a universal design solution to fit both knobbed and lever handles. The design will also include a non-default button under consideration for hand sensitive groups. Upon client requests, there will also be an additional information display board in front of the tank and a holding tray under the handles to prevent functional disturbance and wetting of the floor for the betterment of user experiences.

The design solution is proposed and selected under two subsystems connected to a reservoir: the force-driven subsystem and the dispensing subsystem. Due to considerations of universal design and stability of the system, the proposed outcome preferred the force subsystem to be driven by spring force triggered by the doorframe alongside the actions of pulling the door.

Team 20

Project Title: Oiled Bird Jacuzzi Jet
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Julia Holland, Casey Chapman, Will Bayley, Ryan La, Hassan Al Saif, Maxwell Wong

Abstract:
The primary objective of this product is to assist in washing and rinsing aquatic birds to rid them of oil and soap. When oil spills occur along the California coast, the Oiled Wildlife Care Network at UC Davis collects the affected birds for rehabilitation. For the cleaning process, birds are transferred through tubs of warm soapy water. The soap concentration is gradually reduced until the oil and soap have been fully removed from the animal. The current physical process involves rapid motion of the person’s hand while immersed in the tub with the bird in order to disrupt the water and break down the oil and soap that clings to the bird. To improve upon this method, our product will consist of a water recirculation system that will filter the tub water and produce a stream of water through a handheld nozzle device at a safe but effective pressure value. The water will be recirculated by a diaphragm pump which is powered by a wall outlet. By introducing this device into the washing process, it will increase the overall efficiency by reducing time and physical labor while maintaining the safety and comfort of the birds.

Team 21

Project Title: Snow Scale
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jonathon Schofield
Team Members: Kai Chapman, Dylan Radcliff, Sebastian Montesinos, Robert Connor Wolfgang Kearney, Zachary Amadeo, Alfredo Aceves

Abstract:
The measurement of SWE, or Snow Water Equivalent has been a challenge since the practice began in California in 1940. The simple weight measurement of a snow core sample is the gold standard for measuring SWE, but this is labor-intensive, and extremely challenging when measuring in remote locations. With the recent droughts in California, the need for accurate, remote measurement has become of utmost importance for flood warning and the continued monitoring of the State’s freshwater supply. Previous designs have utilized snow pillows which, when weighed down by snowpack, compress and give weight readings of the snow via a pressure transducer. There have also been load-cell based designs that essentially mimic a bathroom scale, but in a more robust manner on a larger scale. In all of these designs, accuracy has been an issue due to a number of factors. Snow-bridging, a phenomenon that occurs due to dissimilar thermal properties between the measurement device and the surrounding environment, often creates the largest errors in weight measurement. This lack of thermal compatibility creates differential melting above the device with respect to the surrounding soil, and either creates a void above the measuring surface, leading to under measurement, or a void around the measuring surface, causing over measurement. Other characteristics of snow, such as edge shear and three-dimensional subsurface ice flows can cause measurement errors as well. This design addresses each of these issues while maintaining the basic architecture of the state of the art load-cell based designs in use today. The eventual deployment of large numbers of these scales will allow scientists to remotely collect data throughout the seasons and extrapolate the amount of available freshwater throughout a given area.

Team 22

Project Title: Automated Vertical Aquaponic Indoor Growing System
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Ruihong Zhang
Team Members: Tajveer Parhar, Billy Evans, Julia Hartmann, Sami Kabakibo

Abstract:
The goal of our project is to design and manufacture an automated hybrid aquaponic system, and conduct a sensitivity analysis comparing wet biomass yield between aeroponic and flood/drain growing techniques. Both systems will grow genovese basil, employ the same lighting schedules, and supply controlled, equivalent watering procedures. Automation is actuated via an Arduino that monitors a variety of factors. As both unique methods of hydroponics are seeing increasing use in large scale farming, this data will prove useful for the design and construction of further agricultural industry.

Team 23

Project Title: Development of a Solid State Fermentation Bioreactor for High-Value Protein-Enriched Feed from Almond Hulls
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Ruihong Zhang
Team Members: Sasha Eckstein, Heather Childers, Glenn Cargain, Taylor McCormick

Abstract:
Each year 4.5 billion pounds of almond hulls are produced in California as a byproduct of the almond industry. Currently almond hulls are being used as feed for the dairy industry, but there is a need to find alternative markets. From previous research, it was discovered that the protein content of almond hulls could be increased from 4-6% up to 15% for use as poultry feed through solid state fermentation. The goal of this project is to scale up the fermentation process and design a bioreactor for fermenting almond hulls using M. Thermophila under controlled conditions. The bioreactor holds roughly 100 grams of almond hull substrate per batch and is kept at 50°C with a relative humidity of 70-90%. After 96 hours of fermentation and post processing, a feed product with an enriched protein content of up to 15% is produced.

Team 24

Project Title: Alginate Encapsulation of Caviar
Department: Biological Systems Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Ruihong Zhang
Team Members: Yanqi Guo, Fatima Martin, Julia Izenson, Krista Blide

Abstract:
Our project goal is to increase the rupture strength of caviar using alginate encapsulation, which will result in a thin gel coating encasing. We expect encapsulation to improve caviar quality and increase egg diameter, while preserving its characteristic pop, which is desirable because the high price of caviar is determined by size, texture, and flavor. We designed a standardized operating procedure for coating caviar at industry-scale, with specific solution concentrations. We have justified these concentrations through extensive texture analysis of uncoated and coated caviar. During our testing, we experimented with food safe alginate solutions with concentrations ranging from 0.25% to 1% and calcium chloride solutions of 2% and 3%. In addition, we tested multiple methods of solution application, including dipping individual eggs into a bath and spraying caviar with solutions. We determined spraying to be the superior method of application, as diffusion will occur across an egg’s chorion in the presence of excess water. This diffusion is due to the high salt concentration of caviar, as caviar is preserved using only salt, and results in a decrease in rupture strength.

Team 25

Project Title: Bicycle-Mounted Airbag System
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Matthew Ng, Anthony Downer, Enoch Fu, Nikunj Agarwal, Tristan Mamerto, Zhixiang Wang

Abstract:
UC Davis is famous for the large volume of bicycle traffic around the campus and within the city of Davis. Students, families, and faculty members frequent the streets of Davis on their bicycles. With so many bicyclists on the road, it is common for UC Davis students and the residents of Davis to have been involved or witnessed a bicycle accident. The goal of this project is to develop an airbag system for a bicycle in order to prevent injuries from bike accidents. Most bicycle-related injuries occur on the rider's arm and wrist area as they attempt to brace themselves in the event of a crash. Our design is optimized to prevent such injuries and protect the essential body parts of the rider. Throughout the quarter, our team has narrowed our top 2 design choices down to a single design choice. We have met with our sponsor multiple times along the way to give updates on our progress and receive input on design suggestions.

Using a “wrap around” style airbag design, our team has designed a bicycle airbag system that will cushion the rider's upper body upon impact. The system will be to the back of the bicycle using a bike rack and activated by a button located along the handlebar. The airbag will be inflated using pressurized CO2 gas containers which will use a valve and tubing to connect the gas cartridge to the airbag. The airbag will be activated by a button that the rider will be able to trigger in the case of an accident.

Team 26

Project Title: Portable IV Fluid Delivery System
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Trevor Maudru, Brian Byrne, Ryan Chang, Adam Bell, Jonathan Hsu, Franklin Hernandez

Abstract:
The purpose of our project is to design and manufacture a portable IV system. This device is portable because it attaches directly to the patient’s arm which allows the patient to freely move around and eliminates long IV lines. This is important because long IV lines are prone to becoming kinked which disrupts the flow of the infusion. Attaching the IV system directly to the arm allows the patient to roll around in their sleep or go to the bathroom without interfering with the infusion. This makes a patient’s stay more comfortable so that they can focus on recovery.

Team 27

Project Title: Optical Catheter Adhesive Strength Testing Apparatus
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Kristin Siewert, Emily Laymon, Gabrielle Landess, Ivy Tu, Nicholas Lattig, Vicky Ma

Abstract:
In the medical field, doctors and medical technicians utilize optical catheters to look for abnormalities and for surgical guidance in narrow spaces within the body. Our client, Julien Bec, has asked our team to design an apparatus capable of testing the failure strength of the adhesive bond between a fiber optic and a micro-optic for their intravascular catheter, since they currently cannot reliably test the bond strength of something at this scale. Adhesive failure inside the patient can lead to catastrophic repercussions to the patient’s health, such as if the micro-optic detaches from the catheter and gets lodged within the patient’s body. The testing apparatus must test the failure strength of an adhesive applied to a 0.25 mm fiber optic cable up to 2 N of axial force while avoiding torsional and bending strain on the fiber optic and the adhesive, and measure the force applied to the adhesive with up to 0.02 N accuracy.

Team 28

Project Title: PGT (Power Generating Tree)
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Iman Soltani Bozchalooi
Team Members: Wesley Rather, Andrew Schumacher, Samuel Lee, Freshta Malikzada, Achuth Kondoor, Jason Kirby

Abstract:
The goal of this project is to create a solar-wind hybrid power generating tree for residential use. The tree needs to be able to produce or offset an average household’s yearly power consumption, assuming solar power is available for 5-6 hours and wind power is sporadic throughout the day. The tree will be able to withstand winds of up to 20-30 mph, in a cyclic manner. Some key attributes taken into consideration when designing the tree are affordability for an average household, accessibility, durability, and efficiency. As individuals having access to clean and affordable energy is becoming increasingly important, our group strives to create a product which encourages a green and sustainable future.

Team 29

Project Title: NG to Methanol Production
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Andrew J Towarnicky
Team Members: Yalan Wu, Hussein Alboghail, Emily B Tran, William B Dayton

Abstract:
As of 2020, the burning of fossil fuels in industry constitutes 24% of greenhouse emissions. In these gas sites, approximately one third of gas produced is flared. Gas flaring on oil production sites is responsible for 6% of greenhouse gas emissions globally. Due to the challenges of transportation and capture, stranded natural gas (NG) is not valorized to bring in the market, which results in a high lost value around the world. Our addressing problem is to convert natural gas into methanol in small-scale remote sites since this production has been well developed in large-scale industries. The goal of this project is to design a remote monitored process manufacturing methanol from natural gas with maximized automation. A new process line is connected to already existing processes to use the excess gas as its feed. This can be done through a series of reactions to hydrogenate CO and CO2 to produce methanol instead of greenhouse emissions being released to the atmosphere. Methanol is a natural resource that is used for everyday living such as fuel. It is also a precursor for the synthesis of many other chemicals.

Team 30

Project Title: Stranded Natural Gas to Methanol with Chemical Looping and COx Hydrogenation Optimization
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor: Dr. Andrew J Towarnicky
Team Members: Johnathan Rivera, Christopher Coats, Dylan Kay, Asa Goldsmith

Abstract:
Flaring and venting of natural gas, primarily methane, contributes to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions. Rather than combusting methane and emitting CO2, methane can be converted into other compounds such as methanol and dimethyl ether, and be reused or sold. This conversion can occur in different ways, including the catalytic hydrogenation of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide to methanol. This conversion requires methane reforming to produce synthesis gas. Our proposed process is designed to produce a methanol product with purity ≥ 99.85 weight percent. Chemical looping with an iron-based oxygen carrier at high pressure converts methane to syngas (CO and H2). This efficient process eliminates the need for an energetically expensive air separation unit and an external energy source. The syngas from chemical looping is then fed to a multi-tube fixed-bed reactor packed with Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst, a catalyst that has been well researched. Additionally, due to the number and distance between project operation sites, most processes are highly automated for remote operation in order to minimize the cost of on-site operators. This process offers energy and material optimization leading to a potential environmental and profitable solution.

Team 31

Project Title: Modular Production of Methanol from Stranded Natural Gas
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Andrew J Towarnicky
Team Members: Jesus Valdez, Zachary Griffin, Kyle Hoffart, Stephen Lee

Abstract:
The goal of this design project is to design a modular, remotely controlled process capable of converting a stranded natural gas stream to methanol. The purpose of our process is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions caused by the flaring of natural gas and to create value to an otherwise wasted potential. Design restrictions include no ready supply of external utilities such as electricity and water, a high degree of automation and remote monitoring, and the minimization of any potential waste or environmental hazards. Without access to electricity, some of the natural gas will be combusted in a fired heater for the purpose of generating power with a turbine. Solar panels can be used as needed to supply energy that is not supplied by the turbine to power the rest of the facility. Water from the combustion of the natural gas can be used to supplement some of the water requirements for the process. The process itself involves the reforming of the natural gas to be fed to a reactor and subsequently separated into recycling, wastewater, and product streams. The compositions of these streams were predicted using computer modeling software. Operating parameters were chosen with the purpose of limiting trace components from reacting as well as preventing undesired reactions. Wastewater will be recycled and/or treated as necessary.

Team 32

Project Title: Methanol Production from Stranded Natural Gas using Steam Electrolysis
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Andrew J Towarnicky
Team Members: Leo Jayachandran, Kellie Nguyen, Stephanie Tran, Kyle Williams

Abstract:
Methane is flared at oil wells because these well heads are at temporary sites in remote locations, prohibiting the use of the traditional units required to liquefy and transport methane. This is a loss of a valuable, non-renewable resource as well as a potential source of revenue. This work investigates the conversion of methane to methanol using modular process units that perform methane reforming, followed by catalytic carbon monoxide (CO) hydrogenation to produce methanol at these remote sites. This is first accomplished with Autothermal Reforming (ATR) to produce CO2 and the heat energy for the whole system. High temperature solid-oxide electrolysis (HTSO) then converts these products into CO and hydrogen using Nickel and Zirconium Oxide-doped Yttria (Ni-YSZ) electrodes. Lastly the CO is hydrogenated with a CuO-ZnO catalyst to produce methanol. This process is modeled using ASPEN to determine the process yield based on established rate kinetics. Success of the process is determined by both social impact and economic viability.

Team 33

Project Title: Closing the Loop of the International Space Station’s Life Support System
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason White
Team Members: Olivia Zapantis, Jonathan Elizaga, Joseph Quesada, Quinn Spooner

Abstract:
Space exploration is an important area for research, and the International Space Station (ISS) offers a place for scientists from around the world to conduct research and foster global solidarity. An integrated life support system is necessary for their survival to renew cabin air with breathable oxygen and purify wastewater to make it potable again. This project aims to improve upon the ISS’s current system by closing the mass and energy balance loops to the greatest extent possible, namely by turning waste into a valuable product. Carbon dioxide is stripped from the cabin air by adsorption onto zeolites. It is then utilized alongside hydrogen in the Sabatier reaction to produce water and methane, the latter of which is collected and used for fuel. Wastewater from sinks and baths is filtered to remove impurities, then undergoes electrolysis to provide the hydrogen needed for the Sabatier reaction and oxygen. This system will greatly reduce the ISS’s need for fresh water and oxygen from Earth.

Team 34

Project Title: Design of Integrated Life Support Systems for the International Space Station
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason White
Team Members: Cleopatra Constantin, Eva Weber, Danse Groom, Michael Glasser

Abstract:
The goal of this project is to contribute to the design of integrated life systems on the International Space Station (ISS). Specifically, we are interested in designing a system to convert CO2 rich air into a breathable atmosphere and convert wastewater to potable water. Additionally, we aim to improve the efficiency of these systems by limiting the amount of materials that need to be resupplied on the ISS. Capturing the CO2 produced by the astronauts will be done utilizing a molecular sieve known as zeolite. Aspen adsorption, a simulation software package, is used to design the appropriate adsorber size and operating conditions. From there, the H2 produced by water electrolysis and the CO2 filtered out of the air is run through the Sabatier Reactor which produces water and methane by thermocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2, using a Ruthenium based catalyst. In order to convert the water produced from the Sabatier reaction to oxygen and hydrogen, we will use a water electrolysis approach. This method works by using an electrochemical device that dissociates water into oxygen and hydrogen. Gray water treatment will be done using a series of purification steps involving an initial filter, multi filtration bed, catalytic oxidation reactor, and ion exchange bed. The overall goal of this project is to ensure this process is as economic and environmentally friendly as possible with the idea that this system can be replicated for more applications than just the ISS.

Team 35

Project Title: Flexible Process Design of Isopropanol and Acetone from Propane
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason White
Team Members: Daniel Tiffany-Appleton, Zack Knowles, Ryan Salmon, Julia McCann

Abstract:
Isopropanol (IPA) and acetone are both common chemicals with multiple uses in households and industry, with both chemicals having substantial market demand. The traditional method for synthesizing these chemicals is through hydration of propylene to form IPA which then can be oxidized to form acetone. However, the price of propylene has risen in recent years due to a reduction in supply and increased demand for propylene to produce polypropylene. The rising cost of propylene has led to alternative routes of IPA and acetone production to be examined. One such alternative is propane due to its relative abundance and low price. The propane process will be able to change the relative amounts of IPA and acetone produced through a series of two reactor sets. The first set of reactors is designed to selectively oxidize propane into IPA and acetone, and the second set of reactors dehydrates a fraction of the IPA produced from the first reactor into acetone. The desired production rate is 50,000 tonnes/year of IPA and acetone with two different product profiles: 25 wt.% IPA /75 wt.% acetone and 75 wt.% IPA/25 wt.% acetone. The purity of the IPA must be 99 wt.% and the purity of the acetone 98.7 wt.%. Economic analysis using standard economic indicators is performed on each product profile case to determine the profitability of the process. Process safety will also be examined due to the volatile chemicals and the pressures needed to liquify the gas.

Team 36

Project Title: Production of Ethylene Oxide with Zero Carbon Dioxide Byproduct
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason White
Team Members: Alyssa Cervantes, Adam Graubart, Brianna Bansraj, Matthew McPherson

Abstract:
The goal of our project is to design an economically viable and sustainable process of producing 1 million tons/year of ethylene oxide (EO) with the use of a methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) catalyst and hydrogen peroxide oxidant. The process will eliminate any carbon dioxide byproduct which would eliminate about 3.4 million tons of emissions of carbon dioxide a year which is formed in the conventional process. The design will be modeled in Aspen Plus V12 and consists of an initial epoxidation reaction reactor followed by a parallel series of 3 x 3 reactors for further conversion of the desired product and necessary decomposition of hydrogen peroxide. It is followed by four sequential distillation columns which are essential to purify the final product to 99.9% EO.

Team 37

Project Title: Green Design of Ethylene Oxide Production
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason White
Team Members: Allison Chan, Patrick Ama, Lisset Barrera, Robert Kowalski

Abstract:
Our project goal is to produce ethylene oxide with zero carbon dioxide byproduct using the methyltrioxorhenium (MTO) catalyst. The conventional process for ethylene oxide production uses a silver-based catalyst to facilitate the direct vapor-phase oxidation of ethylene while producing carbon dioxide byproduct. Our proposed process uses an MTO catalyst to perform an epoxidation reaction with hydrogen peroxide as the oxidizing agent. The process is simulated on ASPEN Plus V12, and aims to produce 1 million tons of ethylene oxide with 99 mol% purity per year. The process contains an epoxidation reaction, processes to decompose and regenerate hydrogen peroxide, and several separation units to extract the products. Economic, environmental, and safety aspects for all process units are considered.

Team 38

Project Title: Reforming Over Flaring: Production of Methanol from Stranded Natural Gas
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Andrew J Towarnicky
Team Members: Claire Wong, Will Chen, Armando Espinoza-Rodriguez, Jenessa Davis

Abstract:
According to the EPA, methane constitutes 11% of all U.S. greenhouse gasses. The main source of this emission is caused by the flaring of natural gasses. Globally, flaring contributes 6% of greenhouse gas emissions. This has raised concerns for the significance of global warming. Methane reigns second in greenhouse gas emissions - CO2 taking first with an astounding 79% emission in the US. Although methane emissions are smaller than CO2, methane is 30 times more potent as a greenhouse gas than CO2. Not only is methane a grand contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, but it is also very costly - it is estimated that the flaring of natural gasses results in a loss of $2.5 billion USD. In this project, a process is designed to tackle these issues by providing a pathway of converting methane to methanol. In doing so, methane emissions can be decreased, while also generating another revenue stream from a previously known waste stream in the form of methanol.

Team 39

Project Title: Production of a Polydopamine-based Hair Dye Kit
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jason White
Team Members: Uyioenwongo Udoh, Maria Avelar Menendez, Tonghua Liu, Wuying Tang

Abstract:
Conventional hair dyes contain many chemicals that can be harmful to both the user and the salon workers who are exposed to these chemicals regularly. These chemicals include ammonia, p-phenylenediamine, resorcinol, lead acetate, and toluene. Ammonia is a respiratory and asthma irritant, a potential endocrine disruptor, and persists in the environment. P-phenylenediamine is associated with birth defects, skin irritation, liver and blood toxicity, increased cancer risk, and allergic reactions. Resorcinol is linked to organ system toxicity and hormone disruption. Lead acetate is linked to neurotoxicity, while toluene may cause liver damage, kidney damage, birth defects, and pregnancy loss. In addition to these short- and long-term health risks, conventional hair dyes can have other undesirable effects such as damaging hair integrity, dry scalp, and creation of split ends. Given this information, our team has been asked to design a plant that produces 20,000 tons/year of a less toxic polydopamine-based hair dye to be packaged into a user-friendly kit. Polydopamine (PDA) is a coating that “sits” on the hair without damaging the hair strand. Other desirable properties include the short dyeing time, its durability, its biocompatibility, its antibacterial properties, and its enhanced thermal insulation. As PDA only produces a black color naturally, our process will involve manufacturing at least three different hair dye colors.

Team 40

Project Title: Process Intensification Applied to Methanol and Ethanol Dehydration
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Matt Ellis
Team Members: Sean Cavanaugh, Carlos Pichon, Eric Vo, Raymond Rosales, Ruofan Shi

Abstract:
The traditional method of processing a mixed feedstock of methanol, ethanol, and water into the useful products of dimethyl ether and diethyl ether is energy and capital intensive. Via the use of block processing and reactive distillation, both operating costs and startup capital requirements can be decreased. A combination of simulations, process flow diagrams, and heuristics will indicate that both operating costs and startup capital requirements can be decreased via the use of these inherently better designs.

Team 41

Project Title: Intensification of Dimethyl ether and Diethyl ether Block Processing
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Matt Ellis
Team Members: Wynne Velzy, Jennifer Curry, Izaack DeGuchy, Mckenna Scriven

Abstract:
As efforts develop to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the demand for dimethyl ether (DME) and diethyl ether (DEE) as fuel additives accumulate. Previous systems of ether production fall short in keeping up with the demand, as they are inefficient or cost ineffective. The goal of this project is to design and model the production of both DME and DEE from a reactant stream of mixed alcohol composition. In order to reduce energy consumption and the number of production vessels, this process will utilize block processing, in which DME and DEE will be produced in two separate campaigns using reactive distillation. When DME is being synthesized, ethanol reactant will be stored, and when DEE is produced, methanol will be stored. This process aims to create a more profitable method to produce DME and DEE in order to contend with increasing demand.

Team 42

Project Title: Process Intensification in Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether and Diethyl Ether from Mixed Alcohol Feed
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Matthew J. Ellis
Team Members: Michelle W. Lo, Nathanel B. Kang, Emily Dong, Armen Nersiss

Abstract:
The energy industry currently faces challenges in addressing negative environmental impacts and market instability. Byproduct emissions have proven to result in global warming and recent events in Europe have exposed the volatility of the petroleum market. As a result, the demand for environmentally friendly fuel alternatives as ubiquitous as petroleum fuel is at an all time high. Recent studies indicate dimethyl ether (DME) and diethyl ether (DEE) both have potential to be used as fuel additives or alternative fuels, which minimize harmful emissions. This project aims to address the increasing popularity of DME and DEE by developing a process design for an ether plant located in Brawley, California.

It is desired to produce 100,000 tonnes of DME and 15,000 tonnes of DEE with a 99.5 wt% purity from a mixed alcohol feed containing 88 mol% methanol, 11 mol% ethanol, and 1 mol% water. In an effort to maximize profitability while maintaining product purity, a block feed processing strategy along with process intensification methods have been integrated into the process design. ASPEN Plus software was used to simulate this proposed ether plant. The simulation utilizes simplified power law kinetics for the reaction scheme which were validated against Langmuir-Hinshelwood kinetics from literature sources. Initial economic analysis indicates this process to be highly profitable, with a net present value of $1.2B over 30 years, and will provide a form of stability to the current volatile fuel market.

Team 43

Project Title: Synthesis of Dimethyl Ether and Diethyl Ether From a Mixed Alcohol Stream Using Reactive Distillation
Department: Chemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Matt Ellis
Team Members: Matisse Tam, Corina Magdalen, Anahut Sandhu, Amanda Coleman, Adrian Baccelli

Abstract:
In the United States, dimethyl ether (DME) is an additive in propane autogas which is the leading alternative fuel and the third most used vehicle fuel. Since more than 90% of the propane autogas supply is produced domestically, the DME produced from this process can meet the demand. Similarly, diethyl ether (DEE) is an oxygenated additive in diesel and biodiesel fuels that significantly reduce pollutant emissions. More than 65% of the total consumption of DEE is estimated to be used as engine-starting fluids as well as industrial and laboratory reagents. As a result, the DEE produced from this process can meet the need for greener fuels. To design and optimize a DME and DEE plant in Brawley, California from a mixed alcohol feed, reactive distillation (RD) will be used, to increase energy efficiency. Block processing will be used to lower capital cost and meet the annual desired plant capacities of 100,000 tonnes of DME and 15,000 tonnes of DEE. Economic impacts, social impacts, environmental impacts, and local regulations were considered when determining the viability of the Brawley plant, which confirmed the process as viable with an annual revenue of $224.5 million/year. To optimize the process design further, the upstream separation of the mixed alcohol feed will be considered, along with the RD operating parameters.

Team 44

Project Title: Techno-Economic Analysis of Industrial Enzyme Production in Escherichia coli
Department: Biochemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Somen Nandi & Dr. Karen McDonald
Team Members: Abigail Wang, Haruka Shudo, Binh Nguyen

Abstract:
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a widely used host for recombinant protein production due to its rapid growth rates, ease of transformation, and high expression levels of foreign proteins. It was desired to use E. coli for industrial production of an enzyme catalyzing cell-free protein synthesis, in which transcription and translation occur outside a cell wall. This study presents an engineering process simulation performed by SuperPro Designer of an E. coli fermentation contract manufacturing organization facility producing the biocatalyst in stabilized liquid concentration form. The unit operations, process parameters, and equipment design parameters were chosen to achieve an annual production level of 500 kg of industrial enzyme at a minimum of 10 g/L by the final product stream. The upstream process includes a seed flask, seed tank, and a production fermentor, the latter of which also operates in fed-batch mode. The model was used to assess process feasibility and economic viability by considering operating costs and the cost of goods sold. Further economic optimization was informed by sensitivity and scenario analyses on major factors contributing to the operating costs. The final base case annual operating cost is $2.5MM and the cost of goods sold is $5000/kg. An environmental health and safety analysis and process mass intensity analysis are also included. This model can be modified to assess profitability and sustainability with different designs and parameters, ultimately acting as a tool to aid in industrial bioprocess development.

Team 45

Project Title: Techno-Economic Analysis of Lactoferrin Production using Filamentous Fungi
Department: Biochemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Somen Nandi & Dr. Karen McDonald
Team Members: Anh Tran, Ana Reyes Ochoa, Varun Gore, Xuhui Wen

Abstract:
Precision fermentation technology is one of the tools of synthetic biology. It has been around for the past few decades, but only recently has it been used to produce consumables by cultivating genetically-engineered microorganisms in commercial-scale facilities with the potential for low capital and operating costs. The protein product of interest for large-scale production is recombinant human lactoferrin (rhLF), a cationic iron-binding glycoprotein with a molecular weight of 77–80 kDa. rhLF is primarily found in bovine and human milk with an antimicrobial property that aids with gut mucosal interaction and boosts immunity. In this study, we propose a detailed engineering design model and economic analysis using SuperPro Designer software to produce rhLF using recombinant filamentous fungi Aspergillus awamori. Advantages of using fungi are cost-effective media, a high level of protein secretion, scalable fermentation, and a long history of safe use. The simulation model evaluates the total capital investment, annual operating cost, and cost of goods sold as a function of expression titer (g rhLF/L) and production capacity (kg rhLF/year). With a base case of 10g rhLF/L titer, 10 tons rhLF/year production, 330 days/year operation, and 65% downstream recovery, the total capital and annual operation costs will be presented. Process mass intensity, environment, health, and safety analysis will also be presented. We were able to show that fungal-based fermentation is an efficient way of producing rhLF on a large scale, and the model can also be used to implement different process assumptions for optimization and profitability comparison.

Team 46

Project Title: Techno-Economic Analysis of Resveratrol Production Using Yeast Fermentation for Biopolymer Application
Department: Biochemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Somen Nandi & Dr. Karen McDonald
Team Members: Connor Lyon, Grace Kwong, William Dukhovny, Raymond Valenzuela

Abstract:
The emergence of genetic engineering and its application to microorganisms has made the production of proteins and small molecules more sustainable, economical, and scalable compared to alternative production methods. One such molecule of interest is trans-resveratrol (RES), a compound commonly found in plants which has promising biopolymeric potential with flame retardant properties that make it a target for large scale. However, up until now this molecule has primarily been produced by extraction from plants to meet smaller scale nutraceutical demands. Furthermore, plants require large amounts of resources and have insufficient titers of RES to meet the demands of biopolymeric applications. Our goal is to develop a model for a process that utilizes fermentation of Saccharomyces cerevisiae EFSC4687, a recombinant strain of yeast developed by Evolva with a titer of 21.6 g/L, to produce 100 metric tons of 98% pure RES annually. Additionally, we aim to analyze the facility’s associated economic potential, safety, and mass intensity. Using SuperPro Designer®, an upstream process consisting of a seed train and three staggered production fermenters along with a complete downstream process was modeled to yield our target production of RES with 232 batches per year and a downstream recovery of 72.6%. We conclude that yeast fermentation is an efficient and reliable alternative method to produce high levels of RES at sufficient purity and scale for the proposed biopolymer.

Team 47

Project Title: Design and Techno-Economic Analysis of Large-Scale Human Serum Albumin Production Using a Lemna Minor Growth System
Department: Biochemical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Somen Nandi & Dr. Karen McDonald
Team Members: Aryan Suri, Jason Wu, Daniel Wright, Samantha Wang

Abstract:
Human serum albumin (HSA) is a protein that is abundant in human blood and is important in a myriad of novel biotechnology applications used to treat various diseases, such as hemorrhage and shock. Since human blood is limited, large-scale production of HSA must rely on recent advances in protein production. In this study we propose that HSA can be efficiently produced in a novel growth system in which a genetically engineered aquatic plant, Lemna minor, grows continuously in a large controlled and enclosed raceway system. Plant-based production facilities generally require lower operating costs and offer increased scalability, but our novel growth system offers additional benefits such as reduced resources required and very low risk of viral contamination. A simulation using SuperPro Designer™ was designed, with a base case production of 12.5 metric tons of HSA per year. The facility consists of a 708 ft. raceway (365-day operation) leading into a batch downstream with an estimated 67% recovery. An extensive economic analysis was performed to determine the feasibility of this process, with calculated parameters including total capital investment, annual operating costs, and cost of goods sold. An additional analysis of mass intensity and environmental health and safety analysis was also performed, which further demonstrates the advantages and feasibility of this novel production process.

Team 48

Project Title: Passive Energy Housing for California’s Migrant Workers
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Alexander Orlando, Lizzet Sanchez-Rios, Jingxuan Wu, Jalen Rich

Abstract:
Due to California's current cramped and unsanitary living conditions for migrant agricultural workers, combined with the high demand for farm workers during harvest season, it is essential to increase safe, decent, and affordable seasonal housing within the local Davis area. Our objective is to design a 2000 - 2500 square foot housing unit that utilizes two passive energy systems to reduce the energy consumption of the building. This will, in turn, lower the cost of living and provide affordable housing for essential workers. Code compliant floor plans, architectural, and structural designs were developed on Revit for the timber framed home.The housing unit is designed to comfortably fit two families of six people each, with a communal living room and kitchen in between each private family space. Each family will have two bedrooms and one full bathroom. A wind catcher and solar roof chimney are designed into the house’s structure to facilitate passive air circulation and cooling within the building. This design is one of many that will be needed to provide safe, adequate, and affordable housing for migrant agricultural workers in California.

Team 49

Project Title: Soldier Pile Retaining Wall Implementation for I-580 Trucking Lane
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Andrew Hilton, Colton Wurzel, Gurraj Purewal, Tanner Hamilton

Abstract:
A new lane will be added on I-580 Eastbound in Alameda County to reduce traffic congestion and hazards. The objective of this project was to find a retaining wall that best fits the design criterion while also being the most constructable for the site conditions.The design included the site characterization of the soil geology, seismic activity, natural hazards analysis, and environmental analysis through an LCA analysis.These environmental impacts consisted of emissions from the construction of the retaining wall and harm to surrounding wildlife. We conducted an alternative analysis to determine design specifics of the retaining wall, such as the constructability, cost, materials, time, environmental impacts, and aesthetics. Our goals were to figure out which alternatives of retaining walls will best fit the soil profile and geology of the freeway, and to figure out a final design from these alternatives. Also taken into account was the lifespan of the retaining wall and possible hazards such as earthquakes and landslides. The retaining wall types that were considered were cantilevered, gravity, sheet pile, and soldier pile. The retaining wall type that optimized the design specifics, environmental impacts, and hazards for drivers as much as possible while also being the most stable for the area was a soldier pile retaining wall. The final step of the project was to perform the design calculations for the soldier pile retaining wall to ensure a well built retaining wall for the project.

Team 50

Project Title: Recharging Merced's Aquifers using Flood Water
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Bryce Ambrose, Dang Khoa Bui

Abstract:
The historical climate of California has demonstrated extensive periods of droughts and floods. California’s Department of Water Resources (DWR) and the Merced Irrigation District (MID) have shown interest in Flood-MAR management strategies to use excess floodwater to recharge managed aquifers. The benefits of Flood-MAR include: water supply reliability, flood risk reduction, drought preparedness, subsidence mitigation, and climate change adaptation. Since Flood-MAR has recently been introduced, a Level 1 implementation plan has been developed. The Level 1 plan considers the existing infrastructure and existing operations of the system coupled with Flood-MAR strategies. There are three implementation scenarios for Level 1: initial, intermediate, and robust. The three scenarios increase in intensity with a progressively larger volume of floodwater and prolonged duration of application. In this project, MID and DWR conducted an analysis of a Level 1 Flood-MAR strategy that maximizes the performance of the Merced Subbasin, focusing on subsidence prone areas within the Subbasin. The results showed that for the unconfined aquifer layer, closest to the surface, the initial scenario yielded the least amount of subsidence. However, for the confined aquifer layers, below the Corcoran Clay (CC), a robust implementation of Flood-MAR migrated subsidence most effectively. The results can be used as a starting point for reservoir reoperation with existing infrastructures and newly-built infrastructures.

Team 51

Project Title: A Passive-Energy Upgrade on Migrant Housing
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Cham Said, Thomas Tonthat, Mili Reyes, Oscar Aguilar

Abstract:
Current migrant worker housing is inadequate as there are deficiencies in structural integrity, unhealthy surrounding environments as well as little to no privacy and safety. In response to this crisis, this project aims to provide a cost-effective and energy-sustainable residential unit design that can house two migrant families in a 2000-2500 sq. ft. wood frame structure. The selected design criteria considered the needs of families while focusing on minimizing energy consumption, enhancing the quality of life, maximizing safety and durability, and minimizing costs.

To incorporate passive energy systems in this design, a wastewater heat recovery system, located under the bathrooms, and glazing, with low emissivity properties, were implemented for energy conservation purposes. The design process adhered to the California Residential Building Code requirements and the ASCE 7-16 recommendations for gravity, wind, and seismic loads. In addition, standards and codes regarding family dwellings, primarily from the NDS for Wood Construction, were applied. The purpose of this document is to provide architectural and structural designs and drawings, 3-D renderings of the proposed structure, and cost estimates of the material and construction process to explore the possibility of implementing this design on a large-scale housing project.

Team 52

Project Title: Cool Living: Sustainable Housing for Migrant Farmworkers
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Michael Villegas, Brooke Lemke, Julia Inzerillo, Justin Pope

Abstract:
The goal of this project is to design a sustainable structure that will house essential migrant workers in the Davis region. The motivation for this design was the numerous seasonal worker housing camps that are currently unregistered and below today’s building code requirements. Issues of human rights and climate change were heavily considered and incorporated into the research phase of this project and continued to be relevant throughout the development of the design. The concern of climate change was addressed by incorporating two passive energy elements into the design of the structure to reduce its lifecycle emissions of greenhouse gasses through energy demand. Passive energy elements were chosen after considering their estimated lifetime costs, estimated energy savings, and ease of implementation. The analysis phase of this project ensured that the structure has been designed to satisfy all current California Residential Codes and standards. The research, design, and analysis of this project has resulted in a 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom structure that can comfortably accommodate two separate families (up to 6 people each) and allow them both comfort and privacy. The final product of this project is a package of architectural and structural designs of the proposed structure, as well as three-dimensional renderings and cost estimates.

Team 53

Project Title: I-580 Retaining Wall Alternative Analysis
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Magdalena Arias, Julia Lu, Peter Smith

Abstract:
Caltrans proposed adding a truck-climbing lane to the I-580 E along the Altamont Pass to reduce congestion and increase road safety in the region. Our team was appointed to design a retaining wall to accommodate this lane. The wall was designed for a stretch of road with multiple geotechnical challenges: cohesive soils leading to settlement, slope stability issues, and undulations visible on the road surface. Considering these challenges, we worked to create a design that improved road safety while minimizing costs, environmental impacts, and maintaining structural integrity. Through a site investigation, we characterized the soil conditions underlying the site. Considering the subsurface conditions, our team compiled a set of retaining wall alternatives: Standard Gravity, Soldier Beam Tie-back, and Concrete and Steel Sheet Pile Tie-back. Through an alternative analysis, we compared the wall types against the following criteria: cost, environmental impact, infrastructure protection, and impact during construction.
A soldier beam retaining wall with tiebacks was selected since tiebacks can be drilled deep into stiff soil or bedrock to increase slope stability and prevent other failure modes. The soldier beam wall allows for fast and easy construction with pre-casted concrete laggings to cut down construction time. To address concerns of instability and cost in the construction process, the soldier beam wall was installed using a stage excavation process. An engineering design was completed for the soldier beam wall along with a detailed engineering report, including an LCA, LCCA, and more.

Team 54

Project Title: Beyond the Fields: California’s Migrant Housing Issue
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Marifer Barriga, Andrea Garcia, Gabriel Damir, Joshua Vega

Abstract:
Migrant workers are crucial to the agriculture industry in California’s Central Valley. Unfortunately, they often live in overcrowded, unsanitary, poorly built homes. This project aims to design more comfortable and reliable housing for two families while meeting building codes, as well as being energy efficient by implementing forms of passive energy strategies. These objectives were accomplished by designing a home with four bedrooms and two bathrooms, between two families, and shared spaces including the kitchen, living room, and laundry room. To further increase cost-effectiveness, passive energy options that focus on natural lighting, heating, and cooling were implemented. These designs are based on following California residential and building codes and include architectural and structural drawings of the floor, roof, and elevation plans. Load calculations for wind, seismic, dead, and live loads were performed to ensure structural integrity.

Team 55

Project Title: Sustainably Housing Migrant Workers
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Colin Chan, Carlos Medina, Nathaniel McLean, Kong Hoang

Abstract:
California is responsible for a large portion of the produce in the United States. Unfortunately, migrant workers, who are the backbone to this 50 billion dollar industry, are not being treated fairly. Migrant farmworkers and their families who travel to California are not being provided with adequate housing that meet building code requirements. This project is proposing to design an affordable and sustainable 2244 square foot housing unit that would house two migrant worker families.

The key objectives of this project was to design a practical, low cost housing unit that is environmentally and economically sustainable by implementing passive energy systems. The passive energy systems chosen for our design include a trombe wall and solar tubes. The proposed design follows various California (e.g. California Building Codes) and National building codes (e.g. ASCE 7) for wood construction. After following these codes, we designed a roofing system and floor plan while considering foundation and framing that could provide families with a comfortable living environment. Overall, this design could provide migrant families with a safe, sustainable, and affordable housing unit in the city of Davis.

Team 56

Project Title: A Home For Migrant Workers: Going Green!
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Bryan Sanchez, Yem Pham, Jeff Lin, Pine Shwe

Abstract:
California is the nation’s leading agriculture producer for over 65 years. Since then, the increased need for agricultural production has also increased the demand for seasonal migrant workers. While the importance of migrant workers in the agricultural system has never been questioned, the need to provide sustainable and reliable housing design for these migrant workers has. California is no exception as the migrant population is the highest in the U.S. For decades, California migrant workers have been living in poor living conditions that do not meet international or local building codes. While an effort has been made by organizations such as Mutual Housing California to combat these issues, many migrant workers and their families still lack proper housing due to overwhelming demand. To alleviate the lack of sustainable migrant housing, the project prioritizes a safe, self-sufficient, and cost-efficient house design.

The approach employed consists of three different phases with the use of passive energies primarily involving trombe walls and clerestories: Pre-design, Design Development, and Specification Development Phase. The Pre-design phase consists of establishing parameters for design and research, the Design Development Phase consists of developing architectural and structural drawings that comply with International Residential Building Codes and ASCE 7-16 codes, and the Specification Development Phase consists of gathering relevant specifications for the project. Using this approach, the sustainable design can help mitigate the ongoing housing issue that many migrant workers and their families face.

Team 57

Project Title: Migrant Housing: A Living Conditions Improvement Project
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Sam Reynolds, Thien Nguyen, Omar Mercedes, Justin Quach

Abstract:
California does not have enough housing options to support migrant workers and their families. Many of the housing options that exist do not satisfy current building codes which has created an unsafe environment to live in. These conditions have impacted the productivity, health, and wellbeing of migrant workers. Given this need for appropriate housing for these individuals, our structural design team proposed the design of a 2,100 sq. ft. two-family housing unit. For this project, the structural engineering team completed a comparative analysis of passive energy methods, an architectural design of the structure, structural plans, a sustainability analysis, and a cost estimate.

The objective of this project was to design a structure that would be practical, cost-effective and comfortable for two families. These criteria were achieved by creating separate family spaces at either end of the building with a large shared common space in the middle. To accommodate large families the rooms were designed to be larger than normal as well as having a large storage room on either side. The structural plans that were created were detailed and follow all the current building codes. Some of the primary codes that were followed were the California Building Code (CBC), California Residential Code (CRC), (ASCE) 7-16 Standards, and the National Design Specifications (NDS) for Wood Construction. The design uses traditional light wood framing and prefabricated roof trusses making our design practical and cost-effective. Passive energy methods were also incorporated into our design to help reduce energy consumption and support California’s sustainability goals.

Team 58

Project Title: From Ground Water to Groundwater: Reclaiming Urban Stormwater to Enhance Water Supplies
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Arista Wu, Jeremy Inducil, Emil Rodriguez, Sarah Sabo

Abstract:
Climate change has magnified the current stresses on water supply systems. As a result, it has become a priority to develop a diversified portfolio of water resources that can meet the needs of cities in the future. In particular, the California State Water Resources Control Board is promoting the capture and use of stormwater to augment water supplies. Because stormwater can collect many pollutants and runoff into nearby waterways, it has typically been viewed as a problem to combat. This project aims to recommend a comprehensive design for a centralized stormwater treatment facility for the City of Davis, designed to recharge a groundwater aquifer. This process design will involve selecting efficient and appropriate water treatment technologies, assembling a treatment train, and modeling those processes. The modeling will include a physical layout, sizing, and calculations for necessary contaminant removal. In addition, the detailed design will be assessed in terms of energy use, efficiency, and environmental and social impacts. As water scarcity concerns increase and droughts intensify in California, this project aims to gain insight into how stormwater can be harnessed as a valuable water source, rather than a threat to local aquatic ecosystems.

Team 59

Project Title: I-580E Earth Retaining System Design
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Armaan Khamenian, Benjamin Blair, Ramprashanth Baskaran, Venera Mandanas

Abstract:
Altamont Pass is a popular and congestion-prone section of Interstate 580 (I-580) in unincorporated Alameda County for commuters and truckers. To reduce high levels of service (i.e. congestion), and the resulting accidents and greenhouse gas emissions, Caltrans will add a dedicated trucking lane to eastbound I-580. Our team was tasked with designing a retaining wall along the new lane to provide slope stabilization and minimize failure mechanisms.

We first characterized the site using Caltrans SPT based boring data, which revealed approximately 20ft of clay underlain by siltstone bedrock. The presence of clay poses a risk of landslide and creep failure if unsupported. Considering the site characterization, we compared five design alternatives: mechanically stabilized earth, cantilever, gravity, pile, and pile with tiebacks. We created a preliminary checklist to see which walls were compatible with the properties of our site. The compatible wall types were then analyzed based on the following criteria: constructability, construction cost, and environmental impacts. Based on the alternatives analysis, the pile wall with tiebacks is the most favorable alternative due to its minimal use of concrete, reasonable level of construction and overall cost competitive value. The final recommendation report of the pile wall includes design calculations and drawings, life cycle analysis, and life cycle cost analysis.

Team 60

Project Title: Harnessing the Sun for Sustainable Migrant Family Housing
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Alex Chan, Vincent Mendoza, Weihua Jiang, Melesio Ballardo

Abstract:
There is a growing crisis in California regarding the inhumane living conditions of seasonal migrant farmworkers in the state’s Central Valley. By providing a building design that will significantly reduce utility costs, this project will provide incentives to local relevant governments and farm owners to implement safe and sustainable housing for migrant workers. Research in five alternative energy sources (clerestories, solar chimneys, solar water heaters, advanced wood framing, and water conservation systems) were conducted to conclude which alternative systems would be implemented in the structure's final design. The design approach taken included a cost-benefit analysis of the passive energy systems selected, floor plans and architectural renderings of the final structure, and a structural load analysis for the design. Various passive energy systems and sustainability elements have been considered to create the most sustainable multi-family home possible while also reducing emissions during the use of the home.

Team 61

Project Title: Sustainable Home: Providing an Improved Quality of Life for Migrant Workers
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Noemi Chavez, Thelma Carrillo, Jose Fonseca, Hannah Wong

Abstract:
Migrant workers and their families frequently live in overcrowded, hazardous, and unsanitary housing that often falls below building codes. These conditions are associated with respiratory and infectious diseases and psychological conditions. The objective of this project was to design a safe, sanitary, and cost-effective two-family wood-frame house that included two passive energy systems. The design sought to provide privacy and independence for the two families, energy savings through passive heating and cooling systems, and to comply with relevant regulations (2019 California Residential building codes, ASCE 7-16 standards, and the California Environmental Quality Act). The passive energy systems chosen for the design were Clerestory Windows and Trombe Walls based on cost, energy efficiency, constructability, and maintenance. A Cool Roof was incorporated into the design as required by California’s Title 24. The design approach consisted of creating architectural designs and drawings and performing structural analysis. Following a top-down design approach, the roof was designed first, followed by the wood framing and foundation designs. All lateral and gravity loads were given specific considerations based on the ASCE 7-16 standards. The final step in the design process was to create a 3-D model of the structure that included the Clerestory Windows, the Trombe Walls, and a Cool Roof. The proposed design can reduce the house’s energy consumption by up to 30% by implementing the two additional passive energy systems and provide an improved quality of life for the migrant workers and their families.

Team 62

Project Title: Migrant Farmworker Family Housing
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Paulina Martinez, Derrick Frassi, Royce Salah, Chidubem Nnaji

Abstract:
The Migrant Worker Family Housing Project examined the strenuous living conditions that roughly 40,000 migrant workers face due to high poverty rates, overcrowding, housing instability, and low homeownership. In response to this issue, the project delivered an economically and environmentally sustainable wood-based, single-story home design that could house two migrant families. The home is roughly 2,300 square feet consisting of 4 bedrooms and 4 bathrooms. Project deliverables include structural calculations as well as 3D architectural and structural renderings. The design met five LEED new construction requirements, incorporated an angled cool roof and louvre shading, and utilized ASCE 7-16 to satisfy the California Residential Code, and National Design Specifications for Wood Construction. The project implications indicate improvements can be made on a larger scale to existing and future housing conditions that improve the health, safety, and quality of life of migrant farmworkers. Recommendations for new sustainable migrant worker family housing projects include additional research on the impact of alternative passive energy options, input from current Office of Migrant Services (OMS) tenants, and value engineering for material specificity beyond wood construction.

Team 63

Project Title: Tackling the Drought with Reclaimed Water
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Jessica Ha, Monet Kunz, Edith Rodriguez, Helena Chu

Abstract:
As the drought continues in California, the demand for solutions to supplement current drinking water sources is higher than ever. One solution is to treat stormwater for indirect potable reuse to recharge groundwater sources through injection. Overdrawing from groundwater sources can result in reduced storage capacity of the groundwater aquifer. Effective management of the aquifer could replenish drinking water supply. Stormwater is collected as runoff from impervious surfaces around the City of Davis to be treated as reclaimed water instead of directly entering surface water sources (e.g. Putah Creek, Arboretum, etc.). Through the design of a centralized treatment facility, the team gained public acceptance and met the client’s needs by efficiently removing contaminants to bottled water standards. This was done by following the standards and regulations set by the EPA and the State Water Board. Public acceptance was attained by implementing stakeholder feedback and educating the community on reclaimed water best management practices. The design was analyzed for risks, impacts, costs, energy usage, and greenhouse gas emissions to determine an appropriate fit for established criteria. Based on historical precipitation data, the team operates our facility with a median flow rate of 0.83 million gallons per day (MGD). The proposed design has aided in a time of need as the drought continues to lower the water supply. This is the start of finding innovative water source solutions in Davis, CA.

Team 64

Project Title: Time To Recharge: Flood-MAR in the Merced Irrigation District
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Jefferson Nguyen, Timothy Arcaya, Eugelyn Lopez, Abril Perez Torres, Grace Yang

Abstract:
California has infamously been suffering from long periods of drought which have drastically reduced surface water levels. In order to supplement water for residents and agriculture, local agencies tapped into their groundwater aquifers. These aquifers were quickly overdrafted since they were not naturally refilled as quickly as surface water, and the ground surface began to show signs of subsidence. At the same time, climate change continues to worsen with every year, causing changes in snowpack, sea level, and river flows to become more unpredictable, making both droughts and flood events more common. The 2012-2016 drought was immediately followed by a period of extreme rain, ending the drought but also triggering floods across the state. In response, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) enacted the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) and began research on the implementation of Flood-MAR, a new managed aquifer recharge strategy designed to use excess water from flood events to recharge aquifers. This project used simulated groundwater data from DWR to compare four Flood-MAR strategies (baseline, initial, intermediate, and robust) in the Merced Irrigation District over a 100-year period. This analysis considered groundwater levels, ground subsidence, economic cost, and disadvantaged communities in specific zones of interest. We anticipate that our Level 1 scenarios will increase groundwater levels in Merced County to benefit special management zones. From the resulting data, we will choose the scenario that best fits into SGMA criteria.

Team 65

Project Title: Flood-MAR Analysis for Merced Irrigation District
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Lily Langes, Ava Lancaster, Fatima Segoviano, Matthew Chen

Abstract:
The severe droughts in California have created an unsustainable reliance on groundwater. Therefore, to alleviate the negative effects of groundwater overdraft, Flood-MAR is designed to augment groundwater recharge in selected regions by diverting excess flood waters to existing canals and privately owned farm-land. This project aims to analyze the implementation of Flood-MAR in the Merced Irrigation District (MID) and its impact on groundwater systems by evaluating three Flood-MAR scenarios varying in aggressiveness from initial, intermediate to robust. The Flood-MAR metrics analyzed in the MID includes basin-wide water supply reliability, as well as in disadvantaged communities (DAC’s), groundwater dependent communities (GWD), and in subsidence zones. Pumping costs in subregions above and below the Corcoran Clay layer were also analyzed. Python was used to organize, clean, and analyze modeled groundwater elevation data for both the confined and unconfined aquifers toward these metrics. It was found that at the end of the 100-year simulation period, the robust Flood-MAR scenario showed the best mean increase in annual-average groundwater levels compared to the baseline, followed by the intermediate and initial scenarios. The unconfined aquifer showed an increase of +4.3ft, and the confined aquifer improved by +10.5ft. Similarly, performance in groundwater recharge to GWD zones, DAC’s, subsidence zones, and pumping costs improved significantly with increasing aggressiveness of the modeled Flood-MAR scenario.

Team 66

Project Title: Comparative Analysis of Flood-MAR Implementation Scenarios in Merced, CA
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Alexandra Rivas, Eliana Beziner, Victoria Wong, Nathan Lemos

Abstract:
Merced, CA has suffered from groundwater overdraft resulting in a decrease in water availability and an increase in subsidence for the region. Extreme weather conditions including long periods of drought coupled with intense precipitation events have exacerbated this issue and prompted research into the implementation of the Flood-MAR (Managed Aquifer Recharge) strategies. These strategies could bring long-term benefits to California’s water landscape including increased water supply reliability, economic savings, and reduced rates of subsidence.

The objective of this project is to select a Flood-MAR strategy that maximizes the basin-wide performance while meeting Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) regulations and the minimum requirements of special management zones (SMZ) within the Merced Irrigation District (MID). This work will be conducted by meeting the design criteria including water supply reliability, disadvantaged communities, subsidence, groundwater dependent zones, and groundwater pumping costs. To achieve the objective, our group created a weighted evaluation system that considered the relative importance of the design criteria that correspond to the benefits of Flood-MAR. The system was then applied within a tradeoff analysis to compare the baseline case to the three scenarios: initial, intermediate, and robust. These scenarios increase in intensity with prolonged duration and larger volume of flood water application. The results of this evaluation helped determine the most optimal scenario. We found that the robust strategy will be the most effective in improving water management sustainability in the Merced region.

Team 67

Project Title: The Road to Recharge: Implementation of Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge (Flood-MAR) in the Merced Irrigation District
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Kimberly Tran, Julian Lopez, Andrew Fung, Alexis Rouza, Yi Yang

Abstract:
The Merced Region in California has been consistently impacted by climate change, including persistent droughts and extreme flood events. To improve water security and drought preparedness within this region, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) has decided to implement Flood-MAR, an integrated and voluntary resource strategy that utilizes excess flood water for managed aquifer recharge in agricultural lands and working landscapes. Our team evaluated three Flood-MAR strategies, provided by DWR, to find the most suitable recommendation that maximized basin-wide performance and best aligned with DWR’s interests. This project focused on analyzing and comparing the groundwater levels for current conditions and three different Flood-MAR scenarios for the basins in the Merced Irrigation District. First, we provided a comparative assessment of the improvements, benefits, and tradeoffs for each of the three scenarios: Initial, Intermediate, and Robust. These scenarios differed by increasing flow triggers, diversion amounts, time frames, and recharge locations. The analysis highlighted our selection of prioritized special management zones, consisting of disadvantaged communities and subsidence prone zones. Other special management zones in this region included groundwater-dependent zones and economic groundwater pumping zones. Second, we created a scoring system to compare each of the design strategies and present the advantages and disadvantages of each Flood-MAR strategy. This scoring system subjectively ranked the design alternatives through a great amount of evaluation and consideration. Based on the data analysis and scoring system, the Robust Scenario was the most desirable strategy.

Team 68

Project Title: Flood-MAR: A Groundwater Sustainability Strategy for Merced Irrigation District
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Citlalli Corro, Zhiyuan Wei, Nina Price, Ruby Telfer

Abstract:
The Merced Irrigation District (MID) is seeking a recommendation for the implementation of Flood Managed Aquifer Recharge (Flood-MAR) to help improve water security and ensure sustainable groundwater extraction. The aquifers in the MID are critically overdrafted due to dependence on groundwater extraction. Additionally, climate change is predicted to increase the frequency of severe flooding events and drought conditions. Flood-MAR may improve the stability of the Merced Subbasin by diverting floodwaters to locations like agricultural fields where percolation to aquifers can occur.

Three potential implementation scenarios – initial, intermediate, and robust – that increase in intensity of flood duration and volume of application were analyzed for their ability to meet the design criteria of the project. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) provided 100 years of simulated groundwater level data from the Merced Groundwater-Surface Water Simulation Model, FM2Sim, for each scenario in the entire Merced Subbasin. FM2Sim identified special management zones which include groundwater dependent zones, disadvantaged communities, subsidence-prone zones, and groundwater pumping regions. Each Flood-MAR strategy was compared to the baseline groundwater levels over time for design criteria such as cost of implementation, subsidence mitigation, and groundwater supply to disadvantaged communities, tree species, and groundwater dependent zones. Through comparative data analysis and alternative analysis with a Kepner-Tregoe matrix, the robust Flood-MAR strategy was determined to best meet the needs of MID overall. While less cost-effective, the robust scenario better serves disadvantaged communities and limits further subsidence while providing the same limited benefits to the environment as the smaller-scale alternatives.

Team 69

Project Title: Comparative Analysis for Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge in the Merced Irrigation District
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner & Dr. Verónica Morales
Team Members: Tony Radtkey, Taylor Lithgow, Laura Wadsworth, Pierce Pennington

Abstract:
The Merced Irrigation District (MID) is responsible for providing water to Merced County agriculture operations and Merced residents. Greater water demand and increasingly dry years has required more water extraction from the Merced Groundwater Sub-basin which has resulted in the sub-basin becoming critically overdrafted. Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge (Flood-MAR), a water resource management strategy, redirects excess flood water to agricultural lands and working landscapes to supplement groundwater recharge. Three Flood-MAR scenarios were considered: initial, intermediate, and robust. These three scenarios increase in frequency and intensity by prolonged duration of diversion of flood waters. To assess the effectiveness of each scenario, the three scenarios were modeled using the Merced Groundwater-Surface Water Simulation Model (FM2SIM) resulting in simulated historical water levels from 1900 to 2000 with each implemented scenario. The resulting changes in groundwater levels for each scenario were compared to each other and a groundwater level baseline in the “disadvantaged communities” special MID management zone. The groundwater level data in each special management zone was ranked and compared through a scoring matrix to determine which scenario is the best implementation of the Flood-MAR project. The data analysis and scenario ranking informed the final design recommendation presented to MID.

Team 70

Project Title: Sustainable Migrant Worker Housing Development
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Ramses Perez, Timothy Jakell, Diego Curiel, Muhammad Arshad

Abstract:
It is essential to ensure the safety and satisfaction of the workers involved in the crop production in California. A majority of these workers are undocumented and require proper housing with a healthy living environment in terms of security, privacy, and hygiene. To address this problem, this project’s main objective was to provide a sustainable design recommendation of a housing structure, with the purpose of improving the standards of living conditions for migrant workers in California, while also including forms of passive energy innovations. This objective was carried out through a number of different phases, the first one being research on passive energy options that could be implemented on the structure.

Once two energy options were selected, an architectural layout design was created. This layout then guided the project into the structural design process which involved a top down approach and followed guidelines from ASCE 7-16 and the California Residential Code. The project’s design process was then finalized through the creation of a 3D model of the structure. With the incorporation of the silica aerogel insulation and the clerestory window, C02 emissions from this house are expected to be much less than a standard living space of the same size. This will then help influence other farmworking companies to implement these options into their homes since emissions are reduced, and money is saved from less power being used to heat and cool the structure. Ultimately, the workers found themselves feeling safer in their homes, and much more comfortable due to the improvement of privacy and hygiene regarding their living situation.

Team 71

Project Title: Drinking Water Facility for the City of Davis (New Project Title)
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Sergio Jimenez, Matthew Hoffman, Caroline Chihak

Abstract:
The goal of this project is to design a water treatment facility for the city of Davis that will provide potable water to the community. The project focused on the design of the process units including their dimension size, flow schematic, pipes, and pumps. However, it did not include design of the intake system, distribution system, or construction plans. Design choices were steered by regulatory compliance and public acceptance. The final design of the treatment facility met relevant regulatory standards for drinking water, limited greenhouse gas emissions, and minimized operational costs.

Team 72

Project Title: Flood-MAR: Journey to Replenishing Merced
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner & Dr. Veronica Morales
Team Members: Shambhavi Thite, Sonia Uppal, Iris Chi, Isabella DeGraca

Abstract:
Inevitable effects of climate change have made a detrimental impact on the field of water resource management. The hydrological cycle is heavily reliant on climatic variables such as temperature and precipitation. Shifts in these variables lead to fluctuations in the magnitude of runoffs, soil consistency, water levels, and water quality. Growing water demand in Merced, CA has caused overdraft conditions and made the region vulnerable to subsidence, aquifer depletion, and increased pumping costs which inadvertently affects the environment and the agricultural community amongst several others. This has called for implementation of flood water known as Flood-MAR (Managed Aquifer Recharge). The goal of this project was to select a Flood-MAR strategy which maximizes the basin-wise performance while meeting the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) regulations in the Merced Irrigation District (MID). This report includes research on the same and discusses strategies that can be recommended to the Department of Water Resources for implementation in the MID. This was accomplished through evaluation of existing reservoir operations and infrastructure for four special management zones: disadvantaged communities, subsidence prone regions, groundwater dependent zones, and regions with existing pumping wells. A comparative analysis of three Level 1 Flood-MAR scenarios: initial, intermediate, and robust was performed for different climate change scenarios. This report concluded that the robust scenario was the best case scenario as implementation would result in an increase in groundwater levels.

Team 73

Project Title: Dehydrated Aquifers: A Spatiotemporal Analysis On Groundwater Levels in the Merced Irrigation District
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Daniel Chekal, Martin Liu, Thomas Wong, Zhiyuan Jiang

Abstract:
Over pumping and climate change has significantly impacted water supply in the Merced Irrigation District (MID) with the groundwater basins being unable to recharge. The Department of Water Resources (DWR) requested a strategy that optimizes the implementation of Flood-MAR in the MID to help with climate change. Flood-MAR is the implementation of excess flood water to recharge aquifers through a suite of strategies. This project was conducted to suggest the level of Flood-MAR intensity to use to increase water reliability and groundwater levels in the MID.

Results from the Flood-Mar Merced Groundwater-Surface Water Simulation Model (FM2Sim) were used to analyze the development of constant groundwater in the current baseline. The model simulates groundwater flow, interactions between surface water and groundwater, and replenishment of the aquifer. Our team assessed three strategies from the model with increasingly aggressive operations: initial, intermediate, and robust, each triggered by Merced River flow conditions.

Each strategy was scored based off the following performance metrics: subsidence rate and groundwater depth, with a higher score given to strategies that benefited Special Management Zones (SMZ). These zones were characterized by subsidence, groundwater dependency, disadvantaged communities, and economic benefits for pumping. Areas that were characterized by multiple zones were given priority through higher score values. A final strategy was recommended based on the data analysis and scoring system for the SMZs.

Team 74

Project Title: Stormwater Treatment for Groundwater Recharge in Davis, California
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Michelle Zhang, Noah Krasner, Carwyn Gambling, Kendall Galvez

Abstract:
As California experiences increasing water scarcity, the capture and use of stormwater can be a potential solution to augment and diversify drinking water supplies. In particular, treating stormwater for indirect potable reuse (treated water stored in natural reservoirs, then later used for drinking) can lead to sustainable alternatives for groundwater resupply. This project aimed to design a centralized treatment facility to treat stormwater for groundwater aquifer recharge in the City of Davis, California. In order to satisfy client considerations, a literature review was performed to understand relevant treatment methods, stormwater quality and quantity variations, and associated regulations. Based on conducted research, a conceptual model was developed to guide preliminary design of alternative stormwater treatment processes using specific technologies. An alternatives analysis was performed according to developed evaluation criteria to select the optimum design, specifically focusing on meeting necessary treatment standards, maximizing effluent quantity, minimizing financial costs, and other design parameters. In-depth life cycle and quantitative risk assessments were then conducted to ensure the delivered project efficiently meets technical requirements and minimizes ethical, social, and environmental impacts. The result will lead to an optimized, sustainable process design for a stormwater treatment train in the City of Davis. For future applications, this project may serve as a starting point to determine the potential of stormwater treatment for indirect potable reuse in similar areas or areas that require additional support for groundwater recharge.

Team 75

Project Title: The Wall to Hold it All
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Phu Pham, Tingxian Liu, Kathy Luong

Abstract:
The road section on route I-580 in Alameda County from post mile 4.9R to post mile 8.2R is known for its high congestion during peak hours and frequent fatalities. The overall project aims to alleviate this problem with an additional truck climbing lane and an accompanying retaining wall. The first step to the design was characterizing the site. A list of possible alternatives was compiled considering the site characterization. The following wall types were considered: conventional concrete gravity, anchored soldier beam and lagging, and sheet-pile. An alternative analysis of the retaining wall types was performed to find the optimal solution by comparing the external, environmental, construction and economic impacts.

The alternative analysis revealed that an anchored soldier beam and lagging wall best satisfied the above criteria for the project. The recommended design considered a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA), seismic hazard analysis, and factors of safety against failure. The recommended design addressed differential settlement and slope stability concerns. Even though it came at a higher initial cost, it required minimal maintenance and had the longest expected life.

Team 76

Project Title: Eastbound I-580 Retaining Wall
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Mariangel Ramones, Ryan Hochstatter, Jasmine Moldovan

Abstract:
Caltrans plans to widen the eastbound portion of I-580 in Livermore, CA over the Altamont Pass by adding a truck climbing lane. The purpose of our project is to design a sustainable retaining wall to improve slope stability and support the added lane. The primary design criteria included improving the flow of commuter traffic, reducing the potential for traffic hazards and accidents, and minimizing the design cost and implementation time. Environmental factors, such as greenhouse gas emissions and impacts on the natural habitat, were also considered. Our design methods included a geotechnical site characterization, an alternative analysis of four retaining wall types (Gabion, Counterfort, Anchored, Mechanically Stabilized Earth), a risk assessment of failure modes (eg. overturning, sliding), a Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), and a Life Cycle Cost Analysis (LCCA) considering design and construction phases.

A Soldier Pile Retaining Wall with anchors best met our design criteria. For example, this design adequately met the technical demands of the site (e.g. addresses landslide concern), resulted in a lower environmental impact, and was most cost effective.

Team 77

Project Title: Combating Climate Change Through Flood-MAR Implementation
Department: Civil Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Colleen Bronner
Team Members: Elliot Austin Austin, Zhiyang Chen, Chris Wiest, Henry Reich

Abstract:
Continued drought conditions and flood risks in California have exacerbated issues of groundwater overdraft and land subsidence, sparking the need for better integration of flood and groundwater management systems. The goal of this project is to deliver a data-driven Flood-Managed Aquifer Recharge (Flood-MAR) strategy for the Merced Irrigation District (MID) that maximizes basin-wide performance in compliance with the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) for the Merced Region. Flood-MAR is a sustainable flood management solution that uses excess flood water for groundwater recharge.

The three provided Flood-MAR scenarios were categorized within Level 1, which refers to implementation using existing reservoir operations and infrastructure. The scenarios (initial, intermediate, and robust) increase the intensity of application of floodwaters and were analyzed to highlight the benefits and challenges of integration of flood and groundwater management systems in the greater Merced Region relative to the baseline conditions. There are two fixed criteria that are to be compared between each of the Flood-MAR scenarios: water supply and ecosystem management. A quantitative analysis is implemented to ensure that the groundwater level is increasing in these areas based on the groundwater level and associated nodes with the special management zones. These special management
zones are critical areas in the Merced Region that have specific criteria for how high the groundwater level needs to be for demands to be met.
The robust scenario was identified as the best scenario based on comparative data analysis of groundwater depths, land subsidence, and annual water pumping costs.

Team 78

Project Title: The GWAHN: Early Detection of Patient Falling
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Naijing Guo, Kajetan Wysoczynski, Jeannette Alaves, Abigail Humphries, Brian Ngo

Abstract:
Patient falls occur in hospital settings between 3 to 5 times per 1000 bed days. In order to reduce the incidence of falls, we designed a device to assess fall potential early. The GWAHN is a system which includes an inertial motion unit (IMU) and an audiovisual alert system. The device acquires information about the patient’s position and motion in order to predict whether a fall is likely at any given time. If the device determines a fall will happen, it alerts hospital staff to attend to the patient while calming the patient with a gentle prerecorded reminder to lay back down. The GWAHN achieves this result through machine learning. It employs a multilayer perceptron neural network, which takes in 20 sampling points within 2 second overlapping windows as inputs. The device has been thoroughly tested, where the battery life, durability, and trends of the IMU data has been verified to meet the target values. Additionally, the software has been verified to handle the IMU data and output an indication of fall risk that is highly specific and sensitive after hyperparameter tuning. The GWAHN will compete with currently existing technology in sensitivity, specificity, and early detection potential. The design was restricted to a 500 dollar budget and was achieved at only 87 dollars. The resulting prototype is lightweight, portable, able to detect a fall early, and is expected to be easily implemented in a clinical setting.

Team 79

Project Title: SPD: Dual Component Autoinjector
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Daniel Mistir, Zachary Blundell, Nicolas Radoc, Jesus Cervantes, Ridwanul Haque

Abstract:
With the risk of bioterror attacks growing, it is important to have a readily made remedy to counter the effects of nerve agents. While traditional methods rely on hospital care, the rapid onset effects of these agents and toxins cannot be ignored, especially in large scale events such as concerts and sporting events. Our novel, dual autoinjector device, holding the novel (2R,3R)-SPD powder, will be able to do just that. Our device will be stored in these venues and be able to be readily used at a moment’s notice in case of these attacks. Military personnel around the world will be introduced to a new counteragent to nerve toxins causing epileptic seizures. Our device would cut out the need for extra medical attention, providing an easy, quick, and reliable device that anyone can use. Our problem, however, lies in the fact our SPD compound is not soluble and needs to be held in a separate compartment before being applied. Our liquid solution would mix with our dry SPD compound through a button mechanism and with agitation, our device would mix both components and hold the dry component in suspension. The dry component would need to be in suspension before injection. Its insolubility doesn't allow for the dry compound to be able to mix in the patient without it first being held into suspension with our liquid solution. We have tested the different parts of our design through CAD simulations and physical verification tests. Through the use of different coatings and iterations crafted via trial and error testing, our prototype has been created.

Team 80

Project Title: THF: Radiolucent Hand and Wrist Fixation Device for Intraoperative Fluoroscopy
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Jennifer Choi P.hD and Robert M. Szabo, M.D., M.P.H., FAOA
Team Members: Nicholas Quiogue, Xiangyu Liao, Anqi Zhang, Josh Siegel, Han Zhang

Abstract:
Recent invasive upper extremity surgical procedures have increasingly relied on the application of intraoperative fluoroscopy. Currently, there are no available precedents on the market used to maintain patients’ upper extremity with proper anatomical positioning under intraoperative fluoroscopy. The majority of the available substitutes are either not radiolucent, or cannot support multiple anatomical positions required for fluoroscopy. As an alternative, surgeons have to sacrifice their own hands to stabilize patients’ upper extremities, which places hand surgeons under higher risks of radiation-induced stochastic effects.

THF is a radiolucent hand and wrist fixation device that stabilizes patients’ upper extremity to prevent surgeons’ hands from radiation exposure while not compromising the image quality or anatomical accuracy. Various mechanical structures and simple adjusting mechanisms are incorporated in the THF to accommodate the different anatomical positions used in fluoroscopy, so that our adjustable device has capacity of manipulating the degrees of freedom and anatomical movement range associated with the forearm, wrist, palm, and fingers. The materials used for THF, Surgical Guide Resin and Silicon Rubber, guarantee the radiolucency, sterilizability and water resistance, as well as biocompatibility of our design to be viable in the fluoroscopic surgical operations while also allow it to be lightweight and durable from an end-user-need perspective.

Team 81

Project Title: SIID: Sec-butylpropylacetamide (SPD) Intramuscular Injector Device
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Cristina Ochoa Cortez, Marlene Flores, Hyunsoo Han, Anthony Medina, Travis Wood

Abstract:
SIID is a mechanical autoinjector device that provides reliable, quick, and easy administration of the novel drug SPD, meant to treat seizures induced by toxic nerve agents. Due to the need for powdered SPD to be reconstituted into a suspension prior to a parenteral intramuscular injection, SIID is designed with two chambers, allowing for long term storage of powder and diluent, which can also allow for easy reconstitution of the drug. This device can be used in the context of military and a mass civilian nerve attack, exhibiting durability, cost-efficiency, and safety to effective deployment of the device in emergency situations.

Team 82

Project Title: SAS
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Sita Sanigepalli, Adam Herrera, Brandon Zabaneh, Gonzalo Bernal Morhaim, Arielle Lazovsky

Abstract:
There is a need for an ergonomic auscultation device that will amplify and broadcast internal sounds of mammalian patients for use during routine examinations and auscultation instruction. Our broadcasting handheld auscultation device is able to broadcast sound 6-10ft from the device such that veterinary students can hear the same as the professor can to avoid any confusion and fully understand the animal patient’s auscultation sounds. It is portable, durable, and has consistent readings such that professors can opt for a more innovative teaching approach.

Team 83

Project Title: XtraLength Tracheoesophageal Voice Prosthesis
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Melinda Quan, Tabitha Lew, Christina Davis, RJ Billena, Skylar Foust

Abstract:
Tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEPs) direct air from the trachea to the esophagus where it passes through a vibratory section, allowing patients who underwent a total laryngectomy to produce speech. Current TEPs on the market have static sizes, making it difficult to accommodate for the dynamic nature of the tissue party wall length that it sits on. The XtraLength TEP uses a screwing mechanism to adjust its shaft length in order to minimize complications and frequent replacements due to an ill-fit.

Team 84

Project Title: LapClean-A Laparoscopic Lens Cleaning Device
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Zhuowen Kong, Jianing Chen, Anqi Liu, Emily Ventura, Gabriella Lai

Abstract:
In small incision laparoscopic surgery, laparoscopic lens fogging and debris fouling are reoccurring view obstruction issues for the surgeons. There is a need for a method aimed to maintain and improve the visibility of the laparoscope lens from fog and debris fouling in order to raise the surgeon’s efficiency and experience. Our team proposes to design a laparoscope cleaning device that can clean the debris and fog in less than 10 seconds and is compatible with a 5 mm shaft with different angled lenses. Our device, LapClean, is a laparoscopic lens cleaning device that cleans the lens by flushing water on the lens surface. It consists of an IV bag with sterilized water, IV set, irrigation channel, and a 3D printed irrigation tip with biocompatible material, SurgicalGuide. The flow of water is controlled by an IV roller which gives surgeons complete control over volume and speed. The water system is gravity driven which reduces the footprint in the operating room since our device can be hung on an IV pole that is already available in the operation room. LapClean is a safe, convenient, reusable, and user-friendly laparoscopic cleaning device that maintains and improves the visibility of the laparoscope lens from fog and debris fouling.

Team 85

Project Title: BioCath: Early Detection of Central Line Infection
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Yashvi Deokule, Derini Lincoln, Katie Kim, Isabelle Crisostomo, Tarushi Verma

Abstract:
Central lines are often used by doctors to administer various medical treatments directly into patients’ bloodstream. Approximately ⅓ - ¼ of all patients in a hospital at a given time will have a central line. Central line infections occur in about 1 in 20 patients each year with a 25% mortality rate. Each case costs approximately $48,000 to treat, and most cases are preventable. Current methods of detecting central line infections are limited, as they require the appearance of clinical signs and symptoms in a patient prior to any conformational testing. Consequently, this method of detection is subject to high variability and can be employed only after the patient has become infected, contributing to high mortality rates. Since there is a relationship between pH change within an infected environment, our objective is to create a visual monitoring system based on pH detection to rapidly alert central line users. To do this, we are creating a three component system consisting of 1) a pH sensitive natural color-changing dye 2) a hydrogel which encapsulates the dye and 3) a camera color sensor reporting system. When an infection arises and changes the pH, the dye in the hydrogel changes color. The user will take an image of the hydrogel and the program will determine if an infection is likely. Furthermore, the data collected from our device can be used in future investigations of the relationship between skin pH and the presence of an infection.

Team 86

Project Title: AdjusTEPle
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Ashenden Salazar, Sarthak Rishi, Alexio Pedruco, Cuauhtemoc Gonzalez, Gabriel Ketron

Abstract:
AdjustTEPle is an adjustable tracheoesophageal voice prosthesis (TEP). It is designed to adjust to inflammation and prevent periprosthetic leakage for laryngectomy patients getting a TEP for the first time, or patients with chronic throat inflammation. We aim to reduce the frequency of clinic visits which will reduce the travel burden and costs associated with replacing expensive static-sized TEPs. Our design uses a telescopic shaft with an elastic cover to adjust to changes in tracheoesophageal wall thickness. The working prototypes are manufactured from 3D printed molds for use with room temperature vulcanizing (RTV) silicone.

Team 87

Project Title: VitaMon 3000
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Mikaela Nicole Gomez, Hayley Law, Stephanie Leon, Adam Shishani, Paul Chak Mou Ngai

Abstract:
The VitaMon 3000 is a device that is capable of continuously monitoring a patient’s EKG via the esophagus. Designed for patients with compromised skin, this device integrates into a standard NG tube and is inserted inside the patient’s esophagus where it can be positioned directly behind the heart. We aim for our device to be safe, accurate, and show vital sign measurements in real-time. By designing and manufacturing the VitaMon 3000, doctors will be able to monitor their patients anytime to ensure their patients are stabilized.

Team 88

Project Title: BOAS Buddy: Supportive Frame for Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome Surgery
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Philipp Mayhew, Dr. Ingrid Balsa, Dr. William Culp
Team Members: Jaeziel Clark, Pablo Ramirez Gonzalez, Andrew Heying, Christopher, Heying, Zachary R. Hicks

Abstract:
Veterinarian surgeons must perform Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome (BOAS) surgery on brachycephalic dogs to remove elongated tissue. This elongated tissue is present in brachycephalic dogs due to selective breeding and is responsible for causing mechanical blockage of the airway leading to the condition known as BOAS. This condition causes breathing problems for affected brachycephalic dogs. Due to a lack of reliable brachycephalic head support devices on the market, our team has created a BOAS frame that is capable of providing stable head support to improve surgery safety and efficacy. Our device also provides several useful features such as an endoscopic camera support arm and a tongue depressor arm to maximize the surgeon’s visual field of the surgical site and working space within the dog’s oral cavity. The BOAS frame is also capable of affixing to many different operating table shapes, sizes, and designs so that surgeons may use this frame in a variety of different operating rooms around the veterinary clinic.

Team 89

Project Title: LaparoJust: Adjustable, Conforming Handle for Laparoscopic Suction Tool
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Brady Beach, Liz Metzger, Alaia Sima, Erica Tapia, Sophia Wilhelmi

Abstract:
We are addressing the need for improved laparoscopic suction and irrigation tools to decrease the risk of laparoscopy-based patient injury during operation. Laparoscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure where surgeons can get stuck holding tools in uncomfortable positions for extended periods. This can lead to chronic pain conditions for the surgeon and a higher risk of injury for the patient. To address this we are working to design and build a laparoscopic suction irrigation handle that is more ergonomic and universal to decrease surgeon fatigue and improve device handling. Our device will be able to cater to both small and large hand sizes, remain comfortable to hold for long periods of time, and preserve a neutral hand/wrist position.

By creating a pistol grip handle orientation using an adaptor, our device will decrease surgeon fatigue as the pistol grip keeps the most neutral hand positioning. Our device also features a self-adjusting ratcheting system to change the height of the device. After the device is set to the ideal height, it will lock in place. In addition, the device has a silicone insert to provide a conforming and more comfortable grip. All of these aspects add to the device without compromising its functionality and dependability. In the future, the height adjustment system and silicone grip could be universally applied to other laparoscopic tools.

Team 90

Project Title: SPORT (Surface Properties of Racetracks) Device
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Fiona Swift, Natalie Wilkerson, Jennifer Martinez, Carly Hilvert

Abstract:
In December of 2020, Congress passed the Federal Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act (HISA) with the goal of standardizing thoroughbred racetracks across the country. The regulation of equine racetracks has become an important issue in the thoroughbred horse racing community due the high prevalence of injuries and fatalities amongst equine athletes. Currently poor and unstandardized surface properties are thought to be a major contributor to musculoskeletal overuse injuries in racehorses, particularly due to the high impact forces experienced by the lower limbs of the horse. Furthermore, many tracks are built in such a way that impact increases with compaction as the horses race around the track many times. Therefore, our team designed a device to measure the vertical ground reaction force caused by different tracks around the country such that data can be collected, analyzed, and used to aid HISA in standardizing surfaces at the national level. After further investigating the needs of our client, we determined that the device should be portable and user-friendly such that it can be used on a daily basis by minimally trained racetrack personnel. In order to complete these goals, we devised a design that is small, lightweight, easily transported, provides a valuable onsite readout, and can store data for future analysis by researchers and engineers in the industry.

Team 91

Project Title: CathAlert: A Flow-Sensing Assist Device for Central Venous Hemodialysis Catheters
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Simran Marok, Savita Pereira, Parneet Kaur, Caleb Morrill, Joakin Ejie

Abstract:
Hemodialysis is a medical treatment that emulates the kidney’s function of blood filtration, in which a large-bore catheter is inserted in a patient. A catheter allows a hemodialysis machine to pump blood out of one port of the catheter and through a dialyzer within the machine, after which the filtered blood is pumped back into the patient through the other port of the catheter. To ensure adequate blood flow rates and pressure values for successful hemodialysis, the catheter must be properly placed within the subclavian vein. However, with the current procedure, it is difficult for medical professionals to assess whether the catheter placement is both achieving and maintaining proper blood flow due to a lack of placement experience. Additionally, there is currently no device that can confirm the blood flow rate before catheter placement is finalized. Complications like blood circuit clotting and bloodstream infection arise when a poorly placed catheter is not detected before the medical professional sutures the insertion wound and turns on the hemodialysis machine. This device failure eventually leads to major discomfort for the patient and results in requiring additional hospital time, care, and equipment. Therefore, there is a need for an effective and reliable method to determine the proper placement of a catheter for medical professionals to use in ensuring adequate blood flow rates shortly after catheter implantation in hemodialysis patients.

Team 92

Project Title: Myasthii: An Improved Diagnostic Method for Myasthenia Gravis
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Victoria Pierce, Emma Kniseley, Kendall Seifert, Robert Golinksi, Daniel Chorn

Abstract:
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction that causes rapid fatigue of muscles with use; this often disproportionately affects the much-used muscles of the eye. Around ten percent of cases are seronegative, meaning they cannot be confirmed with a blood test. Ocular-dominant seronegative myasthenia gravis presents a considerable diagnostic challenge for neurologists, as the only tests available are either low in sensitivity and specificity or are time-consuming and difficult for most physicians to perform. Our objective is to develop methods to replace the electrophysiological tests currently used to diagnose ocular seronegative myasthenia gravis with a procedure that is faster, simpler, and easier to perform, making our test more accessible to patients and providers. We propose a video-oculography diagnostic test, dubbed Myasthii, that employs eye tracking technology to detect characteristic and confounding patterns of periodic ocular muscle fatigue that can be used by a physician to diagnose myasthenia gravis. This solution will consist of an eye-tracking camera mounted to a computer, a computer monitor display, diagnostic analysis software, and a graphical user interface. Patients will be presented with stimuli such as changing light conditions and moving targets to follow with their eyes, and the velocity gain of eye movements will be plotted and calculated for a physician to interpret. This test requires far less time and specialist training to perform and is far less invasive than the electrophysiological tests that have thus far been the gold standard in the detecting seronegative ocular myasthenia gravis.

Team 93

Project Title: Spinal Protective Implant for Neonatal Enhancements in Spina Bifida
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Maya Mysore, Shannon Lamb, Rajul Bains, Joseph Morrison, Natalie Kelly

Abstract:
Spina bifida is a condition in which the fetal neural tube does not close completely during gestation. In the United States, 1,427 children are born with spina bifida each year, with 87% of those children having the most severe case—Myelomeningocele (MCC). In MCC, the lack of closure to the neural tube causes a missing vertebral arch and other support structures that protect the meninges and spinal cord. As a result, these structures balloon out of the gap and can break through the epidermal layer. When this happens, the amniotic fluid causes damage to the spinal cord, which can lead to paralysis, lack of control of bowels and bladder, hydrocephalus, and Chiari 2 Malformation.

Our objective is to create an implantable device that will protect the neurons of the exposed spinal cord and provide mechanical support at the gap between vertebrae for patients with spina bifida. Our device is designed to be implanted in utero to prevent damage to the spinal cord. This will mimic the natural environment of a healthy spine, resulting in a safer and more effective treatment for spina bifida.

To develop a device that mimics the missing vertebrae, our team aims to combine a suitable biomaterial, the appropriate cell type, and the needed growth factors in order to create a full tissue engineered vertebrae. Specifically, we aim to recapitulate the bone mechanical properties through additive manufacturing of a composite alginate-hydroxyapatite scaffold seeded with placental mesenchymal stem cells that are intended to differentiate into the appropriate bone tissue.

In developing such a device, we hope to improve the long-term quality of life for fetuses diagnosed with spina bifida.

Team 94

Project Title: CAT: An Autonomous Handheld Auscultation Device
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Shixian Du, Jiecheng Gu, Xinyan Li, Xinning Li

Abstract:
Veterinary auscultation teaching is limited by the current auscultation devices available. Neither acoustic nor digital stethoscope is capable of directly broadcasting the patient heart sound. Thus, an autonomous handheld auscultation device is needed to make the auscultation teaching more interactive and time-saving. The goal of the CAT device is to design and manufacture a more easy-to-operate device for veterinary instructors to share patient heart sound in the veterinary teaching room. The CAT device removes the traditional tubing and earpiece design of a stethoscope so that the device is labor-saving and time-efficient to operate. Reducing the enclosure size and weight allows the device to be held in one hand. Lastly, the mini speaker is fixed to the device interior to display sound, with a circuit powered by replaceable batteries. The number of steps to set up the device is recorded together with the auscultation teaching time. Then, a comparison of the teaching time before and after the usage of CAT will evaluate the performance of the CAT device to improve auscultation teaching. Other values such as costs, weight, total operating time, and amplification also contribute to the qualitative and quantitative assessment of the value added by the CAT device. Overall, auscultation with CAT can improve veterinary teaching by involving more students in one teaching session while being less time-consuming.

Team 95

Project Title: RadOx: Perfusion-Based Screening Device for Critical Congenital Heart Defects
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Cole Armstrong, Srikanth Pillai, Matthew Kim, Denise Zhong, Bryan Anggito

Abstract:
The goal of this project is to design, prototype, and test a device for improved detection of critical congenital heart defects (CCHD) in infants. The current gold standard in CCHD screening is pulse oximetry which, alone, misses defects that affect blood perfusion. This leads to 51.2% of all CCHD cases being detected too late. There is a need to improve the sensitivity of CCHD screening such that healthcare providers can more reliably detect CCHD in newborns and expedite surgical intervention in order to increase patient survival. Our device uses a novel biomarker, radiofemoral delay, in conjunction with pulse amplitude index to provide a more sensitive test for CCHD when compared to the clinical standard.

Team 96

Project Title: Early Wildfire Detection and Real Time Tracking Sensory Node Network
Department: Mechanical Engineering
Advisor(s): Nathan Metzler
Team Members: Liliana Figueroa, Emerald Nash (from UC Merced)

Abstract:
Our project involves an Early Wildfire Detection and Real time Tracking sensor node network to help detect wildfires as well as provide real time tracking data to monitor wildfires which may save lives and prevent substantial damage to infrastructure. Research indicated that there is no efficient early warning system for firefighters that will provide real time data about the wildfires. With such a sensory system, civilians would no longer need to worry about the possibilities of their property or even livelihoods being destroyed because of out-of-control wildfires. The goal of our device is to assist firefighters in receiving vital information on the location of where the wildfires are in remote areas where there is a lack of cellular service. Each individual node is equipped with a suite of weather sensors. The sensory data will be sent via a novel wireless transmitter module capable of transmitting over long ranges. The electronics enclosure and modular structure will have the novel capabilities in surviving harsh weather conditions. This project overall would save lives, improve firefighting in wildfires and make California a safer place for everyone.

Team 97

Project Title: Mouth Prop with a Feedback Mechanism for use in Small Animal Oral Surgeries
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Nathan Metzler
Team Members: Natalie Schmier, Ashraya Kumar, Deesha Patel, Karen Zhao, Ethan Chu

Abstract:
Current devices used in oral veterinary procedures have a lot of drawbacks. They cause too much strain on animals’ jaws or are prone to falling into the mouth. There is also no way of providing feedback with regards to the animal’s jaw tone. The goal of our device is to assist veterinarians in oral procedures on small animals. Our device includes a visible feedback mechanism that indicates when the anesthesia is starting to wear off. It adjusts for multiple jaw sizes in order to fit a variety of mouth sizes comfortably. Additionally, our device is resistant to falling into the animal’s mouth because it is on the exterior side.

Team 98

Project Title: A Novel Telescoping Jaw Prop Device For Animal Oral Surgery
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Nathan Metzler
Team Members: Anton Block, Simran Marok, Savita Pereira, Tina Le, Khushi Patel

Abstract:
During oral surgery procedures, felines and canines are put under general anesthesia. To perform these surgeries, doctors must prop open the jaws of these animals for three or more hours using various on-the-market medical devices. Having their jaws opened via a rigid device such as a spring-loaded mouth gag for this extended period of time puts these animals at risk of muscle strain and jaw fracture. In felines, constant pressure on the maxillary artery for extended periods of time during surgery can lead to temporary or permanent blindness post-anesthesia. Additionally, current devices on the market lack a feedback mechanism that assists animal physicians in detecting jaw tone. Therefore, there is a need for a mouth propping device featuring a jaw tone feedback mechanism for animal physicians to gauge the level of general anesthesia in animals during oral surgery. In the BMES 2022 Make-A-Thon Competition, our team designed a novel medical device in under 38 hours that helps veterinarians keep the mouth of an animal open safely for oral surgery. Additionally, the device has a feedback mechanism using jaw tone to indicate level of anesthesia. We developed a working 3D-printed prototype under the guidance of UC Davis faculty and industry professionals, then ran the prototype through various performance tests to demonstrate functionality. CITRIS and the Banatao Institute generously funded the further development of our device due to its implementation of several advantageous features such as jaw tone feedback, adjustability for different mouth sizes, and the ability to set a maximum and minimum jaw opening size. Here we demonstrate the development process of our novel device.

Team 99

Project Title: Eye Motion Tracking Solution for a Virtual Neurological Exam
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Surya Vishnubhatt, Anton Block, Samih Amer, Nathan Hui, Constantine Yerocostas

Abstract:
Eye tracking is one of the strongest indicators of neurological disease with abnormal eye movements being strongly associated with ALS, Alzeihmer’s, and Parkinson’s. Diagnosing neurological disorders in-person currently involves the use of a penlight wherein the neurologist performs a smooth pursuit test and carefully observes the patient’s eyes for saccades or other abnormalities. However, this exam is entirely qualitative and depends entirely on the neurologist's skill. Therefore, this exam can be conducted with greater accuracy due to the plethora of eye tracking hardware and software based approaches which can detect eye movement. There is a need for neurologists and patients taking the neurological exam to have access to accurate eye-tracking during a virtual neurological exam in order to facilitate the diagnosis of neurological disorders during: a shortage of neurologists, the prevalence of an online format during the pandemic, and a global rise of neurological disorders. Our objective is to develop a scalable, inexpensive, and accessible virtual platform for quantifying abnormalities in smooth pursuit using handheld devices. With signal processing and machine learning techniques, we believe that our solution has the potential to accurately and rapidly detect abnormalities in smooth pursuit. Currently, we are utilizing mediapipe, a proprietary machine learning pipeline platform created by Google, and its established facemesh solution to target and track pupil location via positional landmark information. We then use machine learning techniques (e.g. binary SVM) to classify the positional data obtained to differentiate between individuals with abnormal smooth pursuit (saccadic pursuit) and individuals with no oculomotor abnormalities. What sets our solution apart from the current healthcare standard is our purely quantitative approach which not only offers a more accurate analysis but also holds the potential for an earlier detection of neurological disease.

Team 100

Project Title: NeuroVA: the Neurological Virtual Assessment for Face Asymmetry
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Gabriella Bond, Sahand Salari-Nami, Alex Estrada Berlanga, Kelsey Crist, Lauren Demele

Abstract:
Given that access to neurologists is not expected to match demand anytime soon, it is necessary to develop solutions aimed at maximizing the abilities of doctors to reach a greater number of patients in a timely manner without sacrificing treatment quality. Visits for general evaluation of neurological diseases are time-consuming and severely limited by the number of physicians, their schedules, and associated costs for the patient. In addition, current neurological assessment methods rely on human senses, which cannot quantify neurological disorder changes. There is a need to provide new screening solutions in order to increase patient access to neurological care and in turn more efficiently track the progression of neurological disorders.

NeuroVA addresses these challenges as a virtual diagnostic aid that effectively quantifies patient face motor function through a guided exam on a mobile application. This exam analyzes various facial expressions of the patient using a facemesh taken from the open source site MediaPipe. The landmarks from this are used with a geometric computational model that we have designed to determine locations of asymmetry and their severity. The analysis will be formatted into intuitive and clinically-relevant results for the neurologist to use alongside other data to come to a diagnosis or track the progression of an existing neurological condition.

Team 101

Project Title: Early Detection Device for Catheter Associated Urinary Tract Infection (CAUTI)
Department: Biomedical Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jennifer Choi
Team Members: Jasleen Sohal, Sruthi Kaushik, Isha Date, Zainab Choudhery, Noorul Huda

Abstract:
Analysis of urine samples, number of white blood cells analysis, and even chest x-rays help to determine if a patient is ruled in for CAUTI. A practice that assists in the prevention of CAUTI includes scheduled checking to test the performance of patient installed catheters. Currently, there is not a CAUTI early detection device on the market. Our team has thus determined that the detection mechanism/device must be early enough to effectively avoid and or treat the severe infection. This CAUTI early detection device (CAUTI EDD) will permit efficiency for the healthcare workers while simultaneously ensuring safety for the primary stakeholders, patients. There is a need for a CAUTI early detection mechanism/device so that clinicians can treat the patient’s infection promptly to effectively prevent patients from advancing to severe symptoms. The objective of an early detection device concerning CAUTI is to develop a detection mechanism or device that will be safe, durable, and compact in size. A CAUTI early detection device will allow clinicians to monitor signs of bacterial pathogen-associated infection in real-time within a hospital setting and the early detection mechanism will effectively minimize the pathophysiology of CAUTI and warrant patient welfare. In this context, patient welfare is avoiding the systemic pathophysiology of CAUTI that can affect the apt functioning of organ systems such as the heart and lungs. Thus, the systemic response of CAUTI would be alleviated and potentially prevent a patient from experiencing septic shock.

Team 102

Project Title: BeeGee: Novel Canard Configuration Remote Controlled Aircraft Designed by Advanced Modeling Aeronautics Team at UC Davis
Department: Aerospace Science and Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Jean-Jacques Chattot
Team Members: Napsia Buddhamatya, Duha Bader, Kelden Ben-Ora, Matthew Pena, Ryuya Iwase, Cameron Mccown, Loveleen Kaur, Erwin Jimenez

Abstract:
Blended-wing body aircraft offer a pivotal solution to increasing aircraft efficiency. The canard configuration used in this project offers a stepping stone to this future. The additional lifting fuselage also aims to further bridge the gap between conventional aircraft and blended-wing bodies. Canards provide an extra upward-lifting force near the nose of the fuselage which differs from a traditional conventional plane that has a downward-lifting force at the tail. For the SAE AeroDesign West competition, the main goal is for the aircraft to take off within 100 feet. To make the take-off easier on a short runway, a canard would increase the amount of lift the plane would have. A remote control aircraft was built to demonstrate and prove this concept while meeting the take-off and stability requirements of the competition to cruise between 100 and 250 feet in altitude. Several programs such as PATRAN, SolidWorks, and XFOIL were used alongside custom Python scripts to analyze and predict the structural and aerodynamic properties of the canard configuration design. Solidworks simulation was used to visualize the flow distribution over individual airfoils and the aircraft as a whole. PATRAN was used to ensure the spar and landing gear would not fail under load. XFOIL and custom scripts were used to predict the aerodynamic performance and stability. The final aircraft model exhibits excellent flying characteristics and stability despite the known challenges in stability associated with canard configuration aircraft. The model will be refined for efficiency and improved manufacturing methods.

Team 103

Project Title: Centralized Automation of THz and Femtosecond Laser Experiment System
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. J. Sebastian Gomez Diaz
Team Members: Scott Bricker, Theodora Triano, Ian Ramos

Abstract:
Modern advances in ultrafast laser systems and THz domain transmitters have provided multipurpose tools that can perform characterization of exciting new materials. These tools have further been popularized with the discovery of graphene in 2010 and other 2-D materials that have extremely unique properties when perturbed with THz band transmitters and ultrafast lasers systems. Literature has shown this through THz surface plasmons being supported with graphene, and through the response of graphene to high intensity ultrafast lasers. The collection of data for experiments without a centrally automated process can be extremely tedious and time-consuming. This is due to the complexity of our system and the complexity of processing data collected during the process. This simplification of controlling the system will directly intrigue researchers examining the behavior of graphene. The interest lies within understanding the behavior of a variety of samples when exposed to the simultaneous collision of a THz beam and a femtosecond laser pulse. The THz gap has well-known issues with implementations, at these frequencies, water vapor in our atmosphere begins to resonate too aggressively to allow for any currently developed technology to produce or detect any reasonable signal. We therefore introduce the ultrafast laser pulse in order to reveal changes that occur in the sample, which are simultaneously collected by the THz beam to process the information in our experimental apparatus. Samples will be housed in isolation within nitrogen, in order to prevent any external resonance to interfere with data collection.

Team 104

Project Title: Hawkeye II: An Autonomous Inspection Robot
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Rajeevan Amirtharajah
Team Members: Jocelyn Park, Dzmitrij Sysou, Brian Shimabukuro, Devon Liu, Vanessa Liera, Victoria Liera

Abstract:
Due to the significant cost, time, and safety risks of pulse power engineers performing in-person visual inspections in the capacitor bay at the National Ignition Facility (NIF), Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) in 2020 sponsored a senior design project to create an autonomous robot platform, Hawkeye, to perform remote visual inspections. Hawkeye II is the second iteration of the robot that is focused on improving the mechanical and electrical designs of Hawkeye I, implementing autonomous navigation, and creating a graphical user interface (GUI) for manual control and viewing inspection images and other data. Hawkeye II also implements an inspection pan-tilt-zoom camera that flags a failed circuit breaker or LED through image processing and machine learning, a thermal camera that detects abnormal rising heat, and proximity sensors for collision avoidance. Testing and performance evaluation of the robot at NIF is expected in April and May, 2022.

Team 105

Project Title: Real-Time Video Processing System Implemented on FPGA Hardware
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Bevan Baas
Team Members: Thomas Abbott, Daniel Vallejo, Jefferson Chhen, Raihana Yarzada

Abstract:
Aggie Snap and Play (ASAP) is a real-time hardware video processing system implemented on the Terasic DE1-SoC FPGA using a D8M–GPIO camera and VGA video interface. The AR application allows for users to explore a variety of features ranging from multiple video processing functions (brightness, contrast, gaussian blur with convolutional 2D filter, grayscale, edge detection), an interactive Davis themed asteroid game, and wand detection.

Team 106

Project Title: TeamSprout
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Rajeevan Amirtharajah
Team Members: Dhakshi Vannithamby, Varsha Senthil, Carmen Ced

Abstract:
The intention behind designing TeamSprout is to expose users of any age to the habit of growing plants on their own, with ease. TeamSprout was created with the implementation of C programming into the PSoc microcontroller, PCB designing on Altium Designer, and 3D modeling on AutoCAD. It is powered and run by water pumps, a filter, a power plug, and the PSoc. The water pumps and filter are responsible for the clean automatic growth of the sprouts. Our 3D printed CAD model was designed such that this filtering process can take effect continuously within the apparatus itself. Our use of the power plug, instead of batteries, increases the user-friendliness of our prototype (as replacing the batteries within our compact design would be quite inconvenient). TeamSprout is designed to appeal to people of all ages, especially for families with young children to see where the food they eat comes from.

Team 107

Project Title: Growful: An Intelligent Home Plant Monitoring System
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Rajeevan Amirtharajah
Team Members: Vincent Huynh, Justin Lee, Christina Zheng, Ankit Ohri, Parinaz Mahrouyan

Abstract:
The purpose of this project is to give people the freedom to go wherever they want without worrying about their houseplants. Growful is a microcontroller-based indoor irrigation system that monitors relative humidity and ambient temperature and automatically waters a houseplant based on its current soil moisture level. Growful displays environmental readings on an OLED display so that the user can check on their plant at a glance. A smartphone interface allows users to monitor and water their plants from anywhere. From now on, people do not have to worry about their plants when they have Growful in their hands.

Team 108

Project Title: Helping Hand
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Andre Knoesen
Team Members: Christine Mitroff, Brandon Potter, Willie Feng-Liu, Brian Nguyen, Sejal Karanjkar

Abstract:
As the supply chain gets deeper in complexity and the need to meet consumer demands grows, the process of automating tasks has never been needed more than now. Helping Hand enters the field of automation in a different way by allowing a task to be automated without sacrificing the specific wants and needs of the user. Helping Hand is a robotic hand that utilizes computer vision through edge machine learning to mimic the gestures of its user. By copying the user's motions Helping Hand allows one to avoid unsafe work environments while still having full control over tasks. With all decisions being made directly by the devices itself, Helping Hand is a stand-alone, portable device that does not require wifi for cloud computing. This was an important design decision as it would allow the device to have more versatility than other devices currently available. In order to do this the Helping Hands team identified and implemented many different approaches to computer vision with this design constraint in mind before settling on a method. This required assessing each approach’s efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness under different environmental conditions. This ultimately resulted in the Helping Hand team using Convolution Neural Networks (CNN), which is the software responsible for the object detection and movements of Helping Hand.

Team 109

Project Title: Candy Robot
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Andre Knoesen
Team Members: Louis Valenzuela, Celia Murillo Amezcua, Hualong Yu, Jay Chen, Emily Hoang

Abstract:
The last decade has seen the demand, miniaturization, and reduction of cost for 3D printing which has allowed users endless possibilities for rapid engineering prototyping and creation of unique pieces of art. However 3D printer applications seldom extend beyond creation of three dimensional objects and are typically limited to users with a strong technical background. Proposed is a project that extends an off the shelf 3D printer to an application that appeals to an audience that does not need a strong technical background. Utilizing a camera interface, a vacuum system, and a microcontroller, a user can control the movement of the proposed 3D printer to pick up and sort a piece of candy of a specific color.

Team 110

Project Title: Aetherharp
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Andre Knoesen
Team Members: Thomas Wicklund, Isaiah Heidrick, Zbynka Kekula, Pratham Goradia, Srinidhi Perugupalli, Jan Truong

Abstract:
Music has been an important part of culture since the dawn of humanity: from primitive percussion and vocals to high-tech synthesizers, humans of all eras have created ways to manipulate sound to make music. The Aetherharp is a unique musical instrument inspired by classical harps that detects the height of a user’s hand instead of using plucked strings to play notes. The Aetherharp design utilizes seven distance sensors to produce a full octave of notes and a height of a hand above a sensor determines the pitch to play. A real-time audio processing device called the Bela Board is used to process inputs from each of the seven sensors to produce a variety of sounds, from harp-like tones to electronic synth notes.

Team 111

Project Title: Interactive Clock
Department: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Andre Knoesen
Team Members: Damien Scholzen, Waylon Pattison, Ivan Joshua Espiritu, Kelvin Truong, Sabrina Noorahmad-Yarzada, Htet Myat

Abstract:
Time is one of the fundamental concepts of the modern day, used to quantify rates of change and define a sequence for the existence of events. Defining and setting standards for time has been a topic perfected over centuries with the use of timekeeping technologies. Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) is currently the universal standard for time, used by all modern-day clock devices. Since antiquity, the passage of time has been measured through a variety of different methods, most of which involve physical, mechanical, and electronic elements. The project, “Interactive Clock,” presents the display of time through two means in parallel: an infinity mirror replicating an analog clock and a Lixie clock. The analog clock displays time by lighting LEDs in the corresponding positions of the hours, minutes and seconds instead of using traditional clock hands. Its front display has a semi-reflective mirror, whereas the back of the clock has a fully reflective mirror. This causes light to reflect back and forth infinitely in the clock, allowing the resulting light passing through the semi-reflective acrylic to show an infinite array of LEDs cascading in the background, hence making an infinity mirror. The other clock, the Lixie, takes inspiration from Nixie tube clocks. Nixie tube clocks use high voltage and chemical reactions to display number-shaped filaments inside tubes using a glow discharge. The Lixie clock is similar, except that it uses low voltages to illuminate packed acrylic panes engraved with numbers. In conjunction with using an infinity mirror and a Lixie clock to display time, the clocks are interactive by allowing the user to change to a corresponding time zone in the United States by selecting an input.

Team 112

Project Title: Artificially Generated Slow Motion Video (Artificial Slow Motion Video)
Department: Computer Science and Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Xin Liu
Team Members: Max Molchanov, Luka Nixon, Sean Hingco, Joshua Sanchez

Abstract:
In recent years, being able to capture slow-motion video has been an important objective for a multitude of tasks across various industries. In particular, entertainment broadcasting requires slow-motion for seamless delivery of highlight clips and critical replay analysis. Traditional slow-motion video can be captured by using high-fps cameras. When the playback speed frame rate is slower than the capture rate, the video appears to slow down. However, this poses two problems. The amount a captured video can be slowed down is throttled by the fps capability of the camera that captured it, and high-fps cameras are non-trivially expensive. Our project aims to alleviate the extent of these two problems and offer a solution that is not dependent upon state of the art camera equipment. We employ recent deep learning techniques to create an arbitrary number of intermediate frames between the ones captured in the video, allowing us to slow down the video while simultaneously maintaining pixel continuity and accounting for occlusion reasoning. We utilize Nvidia’s Optical Flow SDK to generate flow vectors (data representing pixel movement between two adjacent frames), and implement our version of a flow interpolation model refined by prior work. In doing so, we offer a proof of concept: Artificially Generated Slow Motion Video (Artificial Slow Motion Video); a Windows application built with a functional front-end that offers full control for video manipulation and exporting. The application comes built with features allowing users to manipulate replays and port them to social media or news outlets.

Team 113

Project Title: Deep Learning for Predicting Psychotic Episodes in Children
Department: Computer Science and Engineering
Advisor(s): Dr. Xin Liu
Team Members: Soumil Shekdar, Hiroshi Sakakibara, Linhao Chen, Ruyi Yang

Abstract:
Psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) in children are indicative of future mental health problems. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans experienced Mental illness in the last year, so by predicting psychotic-like experiences in children we can help millions live healthier and happier.

We use the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study to build deep learning models that can predict these experiences accurately, and provide insights into the determining factors that result in these experiences. The ABCD data is heterogenous sparse with different datasets (brain image and environmental) available for different patients. In addition to this, the categorical dataset outcome of the 3-year distress z-score trajectory is imbalanced with <5% of the samples having persistent distress. Lastly, given the medical health context of the problem our client is more interested in determining all persistent distress cases with high precision, rather than merely building the model with the highest accuracy.

Given the challenges in the dataset, our project is a comprehensive analysis of Machine Learning algorithms that can be effectively used on this dataset. Along with this we also determine the best feature engineering, pre-processing, sampling, and validation methods to address the imbalanced outcome, and emphasize optimizing recall. We also implement explainable AI solutions that use the model and features to determine how each prediction is made, and what features are emphasized by the model across the dataset.