Engineering Design Projects
Sediment Microbial Fuel Cell
What: The goal of this project was to design and implement and microbial fuel cell that would produce 1 Watt per cubic anode of volume. Our design was created and implemented in a pond on campus and data and results were found.
So what: Through this project I was able to learn the simplicity behind clean energy. I was also able to practice process design, implementation, and data analysis
Now what: By doing this project I gained experience in real life applications and correct, ethical, data analysis.
Balloon Biodegradability
What: One of the biggest pollutants on Clemson's campus occurs on football game days with the release of hundreds of balloons during the opening of every home football game. These balloons travel all over the state and even end up polluting our oceans. Since it seemed irrational to push for a ban of this famous tradition I began looking at alternative materials for the balloons. I decided to test the degradation rates of rubber balloons versus lamb skin and found that lamb skin was a much better alternative.
So what: Through this project I was able to analyze a real problem that is directly affecting my immediate community. It also allowed me an introduction into alternative design options and further refinement of my data analysis abilities.
Now what: This project shows my ability to think of reasonable alternative design options for a seemingly simple problem. It also shows my ability to design and implement a project from scratch.
Oyster Reef Restoration Creative Inquiry
What: Since my Sophomore year I have been a part of an undergraduate research course working to restore oyster reefs in the A.C.E. Basin. Over the last few decades due to overfishing and wildlife devastation the oyster population has decreased by 85%. Oysters are the natural filters of the ocean's ecosystem and vital to their sustainability. In this course prototypes were developed and tested for oyster attachment and reproduction. Field work was performed and lab data was calculated in order to solve the crisis the marsh ecosystems are facing
So what: During this course we designed and tested multiple different options for oyster attachment and breeding. These were all tested in a lab setting and then later implemented allowing me to practice data analysis and comparison of real life implementations compared to lab results.
Now what: The course allowed me to work in a larger group lab setting and practice brainstorming and group project work. It also taught me skills to be used for field work and general worker relations.
A link to more information on this research product can be found by clicking here.
Pipe Heat Exchanger
What: In this project we designed a pipe heat exchanged and analyzed how flow rates effected the rate of temperature change over time. A pipe heat exchanger was placed into a tank and the change in temperature over time was analyzed using HOBO sensors.
So what: This project allowed me to show my ability to implement a design and correctly perform data collection as well as draw reasonable conclusions. I enjoyed designing a simple system that worked well under a multitude of conditions and results could be viewed plainly.
Now what: By completing this project I learned how to use and analyze data from HOBO software as well as continued implementation of project design, implementation, and data analysis.
Ethanol Extraction of Cannabidiol
What: This project is what has inevitably led me to what is now my passion. For this project we were assigned to model a system with a series of bioprocesses. My group and I decided to model the extraction of cannabidiol from hemp with the use of ethanol.
So what: This project allowed me to learn and utilize skills in SuperPro and portray these bioprocesses, as well as predict extraction numbers and percentages.
Now what: This began my research into the CBD nutraceutical and is what compelled me to continue into researching further extraction methods in my senior design project.