The JJIM Materials Science and Engineering Design Team is characterizing plant-rock bonds for use in carbon-negative biocomposite construction materials in collaboration with renewable materials startup JJ Innovative Materials. The team is specifically designing carbon-negative, renewable drywall and mortar products.

The Project Design team completed a climate vulnerability assessment and engineering design alternatives for adaptable solutions for this critical water quality infrastructure, the Back River Wastewater Treatment Plant which service 1.3 million residents. The engineering solutions included both natured based and structural options to provide coastal resilience to both built and natural infrastructure up to the year 2100 to protect against sea level rise, storm surge and increasing precipitation. The students also created a multi-criteria decision analysis for the alternatives developed to identify the most effective solutions to carry forward for further design.

Anatomic Endoscopic Enucleation of the Prostate (AEEP) is a highly effective treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia but remains challenging to master, requiring extensive practice and direct supervision by expert surgeons. This dependence limits opportunities for independent learning and slows trainee progression. To address this, we developed a hydrogel-based simulation model that replicates male pelvic anatomy, including the prostate and bladder. The model incorporates real-time force feedback using force sensors connected to a Raspberry Pi and Arduino. Trainees receive live visual cues, green (safe), yellow (near-threshold), and red (excessive), to guide safe and effective instrument use. An IMU sensor attached to the endoscope handle enables a dynamic minimap that tracks the tool’s position within the model. After the procedure, a feedback dashboard provides performance analytics for self-guided improvement. Our system promotes independent learning and enables efficient use of expert surgeon time, ultimately enhancing technical skill acquisition and clinical decision-making through simulation-based education.

We are developing a personal finance and budgeting app designed for college students to help them track expenses, create personalized budgets, and improve financial literacy. The app will feature an AI-powered assistant to answer finance-related questions and provide budgeting insights. Our goal is to create a one-stop solution for students to budget, save, and manage their money effectively.