Authors: Jesse Frey, David Fitzgerald, Louis Heck
Advisors: Jianyu Liang
Category: Undergraduate – MQP
Abstract: Developed a mechanical separator and an eddy current separator to sort non-metallic and metallic materials in integrated circuits for recycling.
UN SDGs:
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
Authors: Alaina Ehmer, Julia Spillane, Thomas Boyle
Advisors: Alex Maag, Mehul Bhatia
Category: Undergraduate – MQP
Abstract: This research project utilizes flow reactor technology to synthesize resin out of waste cooking oil recovered from Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s dining services. The innovative concept elaborates on a past approach using a batch reaction while exploring optimization with a safer and more efficient system. We aim to produce a viable plant-based resin that is UV-curable and can be used in stereolithography printing. Our project explores a sustainable way to reduce fast food waste and promote a circular economy.
UN SDGs:
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
Authors: Kemal Rifky, Kathryn Juliuson, Nathan Rubio, Nathan O’Neill
Advisors: Aswin Gnanaskandan, Ahmet Can Sabuncu, Peter Hansen
Category: Undergraduate – MQP
Abstract: The Variable Tilt Axis Wind Turbine (VTAWT) is an innovative small-scale wind energy system designed to capture both horizontal wind and vertical thermal updrafts by dynamically adjusting its tilt angle. By optimizing aerodynamic performance across variable wind conditions, VTAWT increases energy output by up to 10% compared to conventional small HAWTs, offering a scalable, low-cost solution for sustainable, off-grid, and hybrid renewable energy systems.
UN SDGs:
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
Authors: Benjamin Coe, Pratham Patel, Marco Legros, Spencer Romain
Advisors: Soroush Farzin, Leonard Albano, Nancy Ma
Category: Undergraduate – MQP
Abstract: Hôpital Source de Vie is a conceptual hospital designed to strengthen healthcare infrastructure in Les Cayes, Haiti, a region vulnerable to natural disasters and increasing population pressures due to instability in Port-au-Prince. Developed in collaboration with Build Health International and Haitian nursing students, the design emphasizes resilience, patient well-being, and sustainability, achieving net-zero energy emissions while exceeding standards set forth by the American Institute of Architects. With a flexible interior layout and room to expand, the hospital aims to remain an important asset for Les Cayes and the broader country for years to come.
UN SDGs:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being
SDG 4 – Quality Education
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 8 – Decent Work and Economic Growth
SDG 10 – Reduce Inequalities
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 – Climate Action
SDG 15 – Life on Land
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
Authors: Julia Silvestrone
Advisors: Stephen McCauley
Category: Undergraduate – MQP
Abstract: This project aimed to understand the ways in which extreme heat impacts Worcester residents in order to inform social, environmental, and infrastructural interventions to support heat resilience. In order to capture the dynamic nuances of heat vulnerability in the city, 228 survey responses were collected from Worcester residents and sixteen individuals were interviewed regarding various sectors of heat resilience. This data was used to identify populations that feel the most heat vulnerable, which cooling resources residents rely on, and which barriers interfere with heat resilience. Ultimately, this report formulated 11 recommendations for the city, including expanding access to cooling centers and prioritizing keeping blue spaces clean and staffed.
UN SDGs:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 10 – Reduced Inequalities
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
Authors: Lydia Beers, Katherine Vieira, Vanessa Reeder, Mardin Minasian
Advisors: Beth Eddy , Michael Ginzberg
Category: Undergraduate – IQP
Abstract: Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are chemicals used within the outdoor apparel industry for waterproofing. However, the European Union has proposed a ban on their use. Collaborating with the environmental non-profit Arnika, our team distributed surveys, conducted interviews, and analyzed public data to identify alternative transition obstacles and potential solutions for businesses within the industry. We found that the main obstacles preventing companies from transitioning to alternatives were indicative of their business scale, in which outsourced production led to communication difficulties and a lack of transparency between parties. The team identified potential PFAS alternatives used on the market, including ePE Gore-Tex, ExpeDry, and Nikwax. Our research findings were condensed into an infographic pamphlet and distributed to companies by our sponsor.
UN SDGs:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production
SDG 13 – Climate Action
SDG 14 – Life Below Water
SDG 17 – Partnerships For the Goals
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
Authors: Tanner Thatcher, Mickey Mikitarian, Ella Moreau, Will Crawford, Caitlyn Dasaro
Advisors: Paul Mathisen
Category: Undergraduate – MPQ
Abstract: The project began with an assessment of the current infrastructure at WPI, highlighting the most problematic areas on campus. Locations were identified through evaluations made during storms and excess runoff was observed during and after storms, revealing specific vulnerable areas on campus. Additionally, the team researched various methods of Green Infrastructure and created designs most effective for these problematic areas.
UN SDGs:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
SDG 13 – Climate Action
Video Presentation:
https://echo360.org/media/bbfec9cd-233e-428e-8379-9aec822f9dd0/public
Poster Presentation:
Author: Maria Mishechkina
Advisors: Kevin Crowthers
Category: First Year
Abstract: About 2.2 billion people worldwide do not have access to safely managed drinking water services (WHO, 2019) and many of the earth’s freshwater sources are full of chemicals, heavy metals, and microorganisms (Khan et al., 2022). Current methods of water purification only focus on the removal of a specific contaminant and require large amounts of electricity to function, making them unaffordable and ineffective in full decontamination. Project methodology includes preliminary testing of membranes, proof of concept development to determine the effectiveness of the membrane distillation process, prototype iterations, final design construction, bacterial and chemical testing utilizing spectrophotometry, and testing with local contaminated water samples. All results after purification fit safe drinking water standards of the WHO, EPA, or the WQA.
UN SDGs:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being
SDG 6 – Clean Water and Sanitation
SSG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
Author: Varsha Alladi
Advisors: Kevin Crowthers
Category: First Year
Abstract:The overall aim of this project is to examine how GABAergic dysfunction affects sensory perception and motor activity using drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The experiment will look at the effects of bicuculline, a GABA-A receptor antagonist, on behaviors like social clustering, chemosensory responsiveness, and locomotion. The disturbance of GABAergic neurotransmission is expected to result in detectable abnormalities in these behaviors, overall providing information into the neurobiological causes of catatonia
UN SDGs:
SDG 3 – Good Health and Well Being
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
Authors: Daniel Tuladhar, Bowen Cassel,
Advisors: Stephen McCauley
Category: First Year – GPS
Abstract: Our project looked at doing a cost analysis of intercity transportation focusing on the Northeast Corridor and considering financial, user and environmental costs. The highly polluting plane travel costs significantly less than the environmentally friendlier train travel, leading us to investigate solutions that can promote the use of affordable and clean energy by balancing the three costs associated with intercity travel. We proposed both technology and policy-based solutions to use industry and innovation in infrastructure to work towards more sustainable cities.
UN SDGs:
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy
SDG 9 – Industry, Innovation, and Infastructure
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities
Video Presentation:
Poster Presentation:
