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The Integrated Design Engineering program presented their 50th project design expo on Dec. 3. The expo celebrates engineering solutions created by first, second and third-year students across majors. 

Students used a wide variety of skills to make their proposed solutions into a reality. From a vertical hydroponic garden and algae-collecting robot to a mechanical flower that blooms in the dark and a device that thwarts catalytic converter theft, the students created innovative solutions testing the skills they honed during their classes.

Integrated Design Engineering leads the college’s efforts in first-year projects courses and supports multiple classes and a major focusing on collaborative and interdisciplinary problem-solving through a hands-on approach. 

Expo participant Stefan Ferla said he appreciated the chance to work on something that could have a meaningful impact. 

"This is why we're in engineering, to create real solutions," he said. 

Ferla and his group created a prototype for a small vaccine-carrying box to keep them at necessary low temperatures when traveling the last mile to unelectrified areas that require them. 

Eighty-two teams and 415 engineering students presented their work to solve complex design problems to real-world challenges. Projects ranged from designs for sustainable solutions and specific products for local community clients to entrepreneurial innovations that contribute to the betterment of society. 

The projects were judged multiple times throughout the day. Local industry engineers gave Best in Section awards across 14 categories and visitors were allowed to vote for People’s Choice, an award for community favorite projects. 

This year, the People’s Choice Gold award was tied between team Liquid Lightning and The GEEN Team'. Liquid Lightning created a small scale hydroelectric turbine while The GEEN Team built phone-operated LED climbing handles. Team Green Seal with their Polier Alert project won runner up for People’s Choice. 

Mindy Zarske, associate director of the Integrated Design Engineering program said, "student teams across different majors are able to showcase their semester projects to judges, peers and the public. The student projects were amazing! It is fun to watch them confidently show off all their hard work to each other.”