Month: March 2025

Author(s): Kurt Lindenthal, Tyler Riggs, Edward Miller, Jaqueline Simon Villacis

Advisor(s): Adam Powell

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: Magnesium is a very common and highly reactive metal that is primarily found in our oceans, and in metal scrap. Magnesium is commonly used to produce metal alloys, but its reactivity makes it useful for power generation. This project focuses on the development of a magnesium-air fuel cell for use in grid storage and cargo ship engines. Magnesium has more energy density, but less output, than lithium, so it can be used for long-term power. The project focuses on studying the corrosion of the battery cathode and surrounding insulation under standard operating conditions. These conditions included an operating temperature of 550 Celcius and with molten salt as a working fluid. Several types of materials were tested, and each material was studied under a microscope for physical damage and corrosion. The project also includes an FMEA analysis of the proposed pilot battery.

UN SDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

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Author(s): Matthew Adam, Ryan Antes, Eli Hoffberg, Connor Gaudette

Advisor(s): Isa Bar-On, Erin Solovey, Tess Meier

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: Southern Arava Research and Development studies agricultural practices on Medjool dates to support local farmers and protect the industry from water shortages and plant diseases. At Southern Arava Research and Development, the previously used data collection processes consumed much of the researchers’ time, so in order to help researchers use their time more efficiently, the project team retrofit an existing machine so the machine could automate both the classification of dates based on weight and maturity and the exporting of classification data on individual dates to Excel sheets. The workings of the machine that were learned or added during this project were documented in a manual to allow researchers to use the machine for years to come.

UN SDGs: SDG 2- Zero Hunger, SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 15 – Life on Land

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Author(s): Cesar Guillen and Giampaolo Maneri

Advisor(s): Rosanna Garcia

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract:

Universal Education Initiative (UEI), is a student-run nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering vulnerable communities through project-based education.

We are currently working on implementing STEAM programs in local and international global communities, particularly those in the most need. Our organization aims to increase access to quality education at all levels, including technical and vocational education and training (TVET). We believe that education is key to addressing poverty and inequality and hope to create a brighter future for vulnerable communities.

UN SDGs: SDG 4 – Quality Education, SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 17 – Partnerships for the Goals

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Author(s): Katie Bowles, Trevor Drane, Adam LaBombard, Charles Ritchie

Advisor(s): Dominic Golding and Bruce Bursten

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: The goal of our project was to create a plan and set of materials for the nonprofit Sustainable Nantucket to use to negotiate with the Nantucket Board of Health and other entities for the approval and implementation of a mobile poultry processing unit (MPPU) to encourage sustainable poultry farming on Nantucket. We observed an MPPU in operation on Martha’s Vineyard and evaluated regulations, farmer interest, operational logistics, and estimated costs on Nantucket. We concluded there is sufficient farmer interest to proceed and recommended the type of MPPU Sustainable Nantucket should consider purchasing and implementing. We developed a financial plan, operating manual, and other materials to help Sustainable Nantucket achieve regulatory approval at the state and local levels.

UN SDGs: SDG 1 – No Poverty, SDG 2 – Zero Hunger, SDG 13 – Climate Action

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*Project presentation starts at 7:10

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Author(s): Maggie Paratore, Randy Dyer, Kendall Haddigan, Avery Purtell

Advisor(s): N/A

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: Hawai’i’s freshwater is a limited resource facing multiple threats. The Honolulu Board of Water Supply works to spread the importance of water conservation to residents through educational outreach and communication methods. The challenge is to convey the same water conservation message to reach varying age groups. Our project focused on identifying potential barriers that prevent people from conserving water and addressing them through the creation of communication tools. Our research was completed through data analysis, surveys and semi-structured interviews. The results were used to develop proposals for targeted age groups of K-12 and 18-45, which the BWS can use in its efforts to enhance their future outreach methods to further encourage water conservation.

UN SDGs: SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production

*video presentation omitted as this group opted out of the competition judging*

Poster Presentation:

Author(s): Joelis Velez Diaz

Advisor(s): Heather LeClerc, Michael Timko, Alex Maag

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: The research domain is chemical engineering, mechanical, and materials engineering, accompanying the focus of guaranteeing everyone inexpensive, trustworthy tenable, and modernized electricity with the use of green waste by converting it to energy creating no contamination. The substantial motivation for this research is the planet earth and all organisms that coexist in it, climate change is a threat to all and now more than ever we must combat using knowledge, research, and STEM to acquire a better future. Therefore, the purpose of this research is to achieve green waste characterization to obtain an affordable and sustainable form of energy promoting environmental justice. Through hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL), bio-oil can be produced from energy-dense green waste feeds such as yard clippings and agricultural waste. This research aims to convert lignocellulosic wastes for energy production into usable energy by auto-thermal HTL. An aqueous phase with a sizable amount of useable carbon is a byproduct of HTL. Existing studies only quantify total carbon, leaving the chemical identity of the carbon unknown, and a significant gap in our understanding of aqueous analysis. After separation with vacuum filtration and solvent extraction, the resulting oil and aqueous products will be analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), identifying the mechanism at the molecular level. By evaluating various reaction times and percentages of imputed solid waste, a feasible system that maximizes oil production and quality will be created, hence producing clean energy.

UN SDGs: SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy

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Link: https://wpi.instructuremedia.com/embed/3d97c1be-2682-499c-b5bc-529bd080bd73

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Author(s): Sol Giesso and Patrick King

Advisor(s): Robert Traver and Carol Stimmel

Category: Undergraduate

Abstract: The project will improve a local sustainability certification, “Hecho en Monteverde” (HEM). The certification will foster long-term economic resilience through circular and orange economies. The project made the current certification criteria more measurable, feasible, and relevant for food sector businesses. Thirty-three interviews with food businesses, applicants, HEM administrators, and associated organizations informed and reviewed revisions. The twenty-three new food sector criteria can model criteria revisions for other sectors and areas of concern. HEM needs to replicate this criteria revision process and improve application accessibility/marketing.

UN SDGs: SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth, SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 13 – Climate Action

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