Engineering Design Expo to show off latest Trine student innovations

ANGOLA (04/17/2019) — Covering projects from proposed Steuben County road improvements to a smart lawn sprinkling system, Trine University's 17th annual Engineering Design Expo offers the public the opportunity to learn more about the latest innovative solutions developed by university students.

Hosted by the Allen School of Engineering and Technology from 1-3 p.m. Friday, April 26, the free expo will feature 51 senior projects on display throughout the hallways of Fawick Hall and the Jim and Joan Bock Center for Innovation and Biomedical Engineering.

Those who attend can learn more about the process student engineers used to suggest improvements to Steuben County Road 100N, including a proposed roundabout at the intersection with CR 200W. They also can learn about suggestions for replacing Bridge 51 on Old State Road 1.

Updated versions of past projects will be on display, including the newest iterations of an ice resurfacing machine and year-round toboggan, both for use on the toboggan run at Pokagon State Park. A design team will showcase advances in the SmartMed case, a device that eventually will allow multiple blood tests to be performed at home.

Student engineering teams also will show off new ideas, including a "smart" lawn sprinkler system and a machine to help maintain trails at Pokagon State Park.

A. Allen Hersel, Ph.D., dean of the Allen School of Engineering and Technology, said the Engineering Design Expo gives the Trine community and the general public the opportunity to see how Trine engineering students have applied what they have learned at Trine to real-world projects.

"These projects aren't pie in the sky. They will be used by area businesses and community organizations, and even on our roads," he said. "They are the culmination of the practical experiences Trine students receive, and the final opportunity for our seniors to demonstrate the knowledge and skills they have gained before they begin their careers."

Industrial partners for the expo include Blaire Biomedical, the Trine University Doctor of Physical Therapy program, Parkview Innovation Center, Satek Winery, Citizens Energy Group, Rise Inc., Steuben County Highway Department, Timothy L. Johnson Academy, Matt Viele - LCH Productions, Franks School of Education, Benchmark/AWS, Marathon Oil Company, Mastercraft Inc., North American Stainless, Pokagon State Park, Jerry Allen, Dave Glass and Matt Viele, Salak Mubarak, NASA, Apple Rubber Products, Brackway, Dunham Motor Sports, Goodyear, JTC Telecom, IMP, Indiana Space Grant Consortium, Legends Running Shop, Line X, Midas Auto, PHD, Trine State Recreation Area, Mike Ferrell and ME Alumni Donors Jordan Lelito, Mitch Rhodes, Caleb Stoffel; Polymer Science Inc.; ProFab; Sherman Williams; SOS; Tower Advertising Products Inc.; UWBA Design LLC; and Vestil.

The university invites area businesses and organizations to submit projects for senior-level business and/or engineering students to complete during the 2019-20 school year. For more information, contact Jason Blume, executive director, Trine innovation 1, at 260-665-4265 or blumej@trine.edu.