Previous ASME Award Winner
Recent Departmental Runner Up Awards
Capstone Design Projects
Animal Care Processing Project (ACCP)
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 42
The Animal Care Processing Project (ACCP) is sponsored by Dr. Keith Jenné, who has served as the Executive Director of the UC San Diego Animal Care Program and Campus Veterinarian since April 2023. The primary objective of this project is to automate the dumping procedure during the pre-sanitization process of animal care cages within the Centralized Research Service Facility at UC San Diego, using a grab-dump-load integrated automation machine to reduce health hazards for facility workers.
Material Transfer Cleaning
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 2
Genentech’s manual wipe-down process for disinfecting barrels is time-consuming and ergonomically challenging. This project automates this with a semi-autonomous system for easy loading and unloading. Barrels move via an omnidirectional ball conveyor, where a misting system loosens debris before top, side, and bottom brushes ensure thorough cleaning. Operators control each cleaning substation via a control panel, enhancing efficiency, consistency, and ergonomics within Genentech’s workflow.
MRI Stereo
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 5
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) procedures can be uncomfortable due to the long duration and loud volume during operation. The project objective was to redesign Sound Imaging’s MRI headphones to improve audibility and enhance passive noise dampening. Using pneumatic sound transmission, non-ferrous, FDA-approved materials, the final design reached 116.6 dB at max volume while meeting MRI safety standards, thus improving both patient experience and SoundImaging’s current product performance.
Scripps Anemometer Drone
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 41
This project is sponsored by Dr. Jooil Kim of Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and involves mounting an anemometer on a drone to use wind speed and direction data recorded by the anemometer to determine ideal locations for air sampling in low altitudes to track greenhouse gas emissions. The final design is made of a carbon fiber and 3D printed ASA mount, air sensors, LoRa modules to transmit data live, and software to log the data to a raspberry pi, and display the data on a ground computer.
UCSD Med Nerve to Smile
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 13
The project sought to design a device in the hopes of optimizing and streamlining facial nerve repair. The first deliverable is to develop a biocompatible brace that clamps onto two separated facial nerves. The second deliverable is a test bed designed to evaluate the strength, stress, and strain of nerve analogs.
Endoscopic Multiload Clip Applier
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 5
This project developed a robotically-assisted multiload clip applier designed to close blood vessels during heart and lung surgeries. The device moves titanium clips from a cartridge into a pair of applier jaws which compress to close a clip, a process that can be repeated multiple times via an internally integrated reloading mechanism. The device fulfills the primary objective of enabling surgeons to apply multiple clips during endoscopic procedures without necessitating instrument extraction.
Quantum Engineered Nano Device
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 4
Team Members
Scott Ceklarz
Kalie Garcia
Satchin Narasimhan
Designing a procedure to fabricate 2D materials by mechanical exfoliation for the purpose of researching the quantum engineering subfield of Twistronics. Twistronics aims to study the photonic and electronic effects of stacked and twisted 2D materials. This research will aid the creation of quantum engineered nano-devices, devices which can improve current opto-electronic sensors and communication systems.
Unlocking the Door with AI
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 40
Developments in artificial intelligence (AI) and learning in robotics have opened possibilities for a “key-in-lock” challenge, an advanced version of the “peg-in-hole” challenge. The team was assigned the objective of developing a testbed capable of gathering data on the positions, orientations, forces, and torques involved in opening a lock with a key, to progress towards the goal of AI with Robot Programming by Human Demonstration (RPHD) to solve complex problems and perform difficult tasks.
UCSD Med Low Cost Microsurgery Instruments
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 14
This project aims to make microsurgical instruments more affordable for practitioners in low- to middle-income countries by using low-cost materials like plastic and stainless steel and designing for mass production. Inspired by disposable scalpels, the tools feature a 3D-printed plastic body with AISI 410 stainless steel tips. Three essential tools for microsurgery: jeweler forceps, dilator forceps, and microneedle holders are redesigned for cost-effective, scalable manufacturing.
Flow Enabled Energy Generation Device
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 4
Team Members
Ashley Campbell
Maime Grace Barnard
Gabrielle Scott
Markus Gokan
Justin Kwak
The flow of ions in salt water over a charged surface results in formation of an electrical double layer (EDL). Over long channel lengths, this results in a measurable electric potential difference. The objective for this project is to use this principle to develop a solid state transducer to generate electrical energy from ocean wave and flow dynamics.
Random Positioning Machine 2.0
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 31
The Random Positioning Machine (RPM) 2.0 is a microgravity simulation. It is a ground analog for studying manufacturing and other applications in space. Specifically, it was designed to study the process of sintering in space. To do this, a furnace was mounted to the center of the machine. The RPM 2.0 can also be used to test any other long term processes that fit inside its generous 100 pound and 30 cubic inch loading capacity.
Cohu Temperature Gradient Tester
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 36
Cohu Inc., one of the nation's leading manufacturers of post-processing machines, plays a critical role in the semiconductor testing process. This project created a hands-free surface temperature gradient measurement tool using MLX90614-BCI sensors.
Automated Tracheal Cuff Pump
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 6
Procedures such as tracheostomies make use of tracheal tubes to apply oscillatory pressure onto stents. These tubes require long hours of manual syringe pumping which makes certain procedures difficult. The product consists of an automated pump system with advanced ASDR controls and a website UI to review and download system behavioral data.
Jacobs Hall Clock Revival
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 33
Team Members
Jonathan Dela Cruz
Irving Ding
Fatima Fazli
Fernando Gochicoa
Lacey Potter
We have proudly partnered with the student organization, Triton Restoration Initiative (TRI), Dr. Delson, and the UCSD MAE Department to repair and enhance the Jacobs Hall Clock. This includes the primary task of restoring complete and accurate functionality of the gearbox, as well as secondary tasks of improving aesthetics, creating a maintenance plan, proposing the enclosure's refurbishment, and proposing a self-correction system.
Improved Punch Biopsy Tool
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 35
A punch biopsy is a common procedure where providers excise a small column of tissue to be submitted for examination and analysis. However, current punch biopsy procedure requires three tools and often an additional assistant. This slows the workflow, increases patient discomfort and risk of suboptimal specimen sampling. This project aims to improve the punch biopsy tool by designing an all-in-one device that enables a single user to perform the procedure seamlessly.
KangaMove Parental Skin-to-skin Contact Support
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 7
The KangaMove is designed to support parents during skin-to-skin contact by providing stability for equipment and accessories while holding their child. The posable arm integrates seamlessly with vital NICU equipment, including Jet Ventilator auxiliary components, ventilator tubes, and IV lines. By securing these essential connections, the KangaMove alleviates concerns about tube displacement, allowing parents to focus on bonding with their infant.
Autogyro UAV
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 22
The project was aimed at developing a surveillance-capable autogyro UAV by modifying a hobbyist platform to support live video streaming, manual RC control, and basic autonomous compatibility using a flight controller, GPS, and telemetry system—laying the groundwork for future fully autonomous missions and advanced monitoring features like shark detection.
ATA Shock Test Table Firing Mechanism
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 1
Team Members
Manu Mittal
Nina Abraham
Marco Rincon Villanueva
Anne Marlow
Reggie Estrella
ATA Engineering aimed to develop a shock test table to validate shock analysis. The goal was to build a pneumatic firing mechanism that consistently produces accurate shock events. It launches a 1–3 kg mass at 6–13 m/s using compressed air from a tank released by a solenoid valve. A second valve vents the barrel shortly after to prevent secondary impacts. The system reliably drives the projectile into the table at the target velocity.
Unmanned Aerial Systems Hybrid Powertrain Testbed
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 3
Team Members
Daniel Cruz-Espada
Jason Holtkamp
Joud Bukhari
Kenneth Su
Shivharsh Kand
Ziad Gari
A testbed designed to evaluate the thermal behavior of PCB stators and rotors for hybrid drone powertrains. Built for modularity, it allows controlled testing under various operating conditions, providing critical insights into heat dissipation and airflow dynamics. Its adaptable framework supports iterative testing of different rotor designs and stator configurations, enabling the refinement of cooling strategies for improved efficiency.
Portable TEC-Based Liquid Cooling Garment
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 30
Team Members
Aaron Lo
Morgan Laney
Fatima Rivera
Karla Ramirez
The rise of extreme heat events from global warming drives an increase in the need for personal cooling technologies. The Portable Thermoelectric Device (TEC) Based Liquid Cooling Garment project aimed to create a lightweight and flexible solution for individuals exposed to extreme heat environments. The system features flexible tubing that delivers cool water circulation from the TEC and heatsink units, user customizability at 3 cooling levels, and is battery-powered.
Lifesaver Project Rover Module
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 39
The Lifesaver Project redefines traditional healthcare infrastructure by miniaturizing essential medical equipment into a portable pod capable of being deployed in diverse environments. Our team developed a remote operated rover base to traverse uneven terrain to carry the lifesaver pod to its patients.
GA - Foam Shell Culling Station
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 1
Team Members
Tobin Boshaw
Matthew Pope
Collin Huang
Samuel Hasegawa
Kenny Ochoa
Brandon Lopez
This project designed, built, and tested an automated Foam Shell Flow Culling Station for inertial fusion energy (IFE) research at General Atomics. The system inspects and sorts delicate foam shells (3–6 mm) in a submerged fluid environment, using a converger, sensor-camera module, and diverter. It improves inspection speed, ensures safe handling, and enhances research efficiency, supporting the advancement of IFE as a clean, sustainable energy source.
Bidirectional Guide for Treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 21
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) often necessitates surgeons to perform procedures in two directions, which traditionally requires a second incision, as current tools are unidirectional. We developed the Bidirectional Guide, a single-use transition accessory for vascular tools, which enables the insertion of a second guidewire in the opposite direction in the artery through the original point of entry after initial treatment.
Kinetic Craft Center Sign
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 6
The UCSD Craft Center offers a wide range of hands-on creative workshops, yet many students are unaware of its presence and offerings. To address this visibility challenge, a dynamic and interactive sign was developed to capture attention and promote engagement. The final design features light carts that move in the shape of the word "CRAFT" to produde the illusion that light is flowing through the sign. Layered acrylic and poured epoxy resin produce the front facing lettering of the sign.
Automated Cognitive Touchscreen Training System for Mice
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 8
Mental illnesses are a rising problem that must be addressed through thorough studies. Researchers can draw parallels in behavior between mice and humans, making mice an appropriate medium of study. Training these mice is a rigorous and long process. To reduce the burden on researchers, we formulated an automated system, reducing the training time while improving data analysis and visualization. The system administers training tasks and rewards, collects data, and visualizes metrics.
Cell Stretcher 2.0
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 29
This project aimed to create a device that could apply three mechanical stressors (shear, normal, and stretching) to cultured endothelial cells in a decoupled manner, with the ultimate goal of quantifying their effects on genetic expression to better understand Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Design and Analysis of a Mode-Transitioning Robotic Leg and Test Bed for a Hexapod Rescue Robot
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 37
Team Members
William Harris
Lucas Yager
Giovanni Bernal Ramirez
Hwuiyun Park
Elias Smith
As ARCLab works to create a legged robotic rescue platform for extracting casualties, a leg mechanism capable of transforming between a high speed mode to reach the casualty and high force mode to drag the casualty to safety needed to be developed. This project focuses on augmenting the lengths of a five bar linkage leg in order to change the mechanical advantage of the leg.
Endovascular Device for Rapid Blood Clot Removal
2024-2025 - Winter
Team: 12
Our project aimed to create a safer & more efficient endovascular thrombectomy device for dialysis patients, which are susceptible to blood clots. Unlike existing devices that risk tip breakage & require multiple procedures, our design incorporated a novel non-driven tip mechanism to enhance safety & reliability. The device features a three-speed drive unit and to evaluate its performance, we developed a vascular testbed with a camera-based clot quantification system to uphold safety standards.
Carbon Blade Carbon Capture
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 15
Team Members
Ian Cosgrove
Charlie Frank
Juncheng Li
Alexandra Rodriguez
Konrad Stromayer
Technologies aimed at reducing global atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations have grown more popular in recent years, but high capital costs hinder implementation. Our project developed a passive carbon capture system compatible with Carbon Blade’s CAPTUS system, a compact carbon removal unit powered by onboard renewable energy. This Direct Air Contactor requires less energy and is more cost effective than large-scale facilities, while promising competitive capture rates.
Materials Break Up
2024-2025 - Spring
Team: 16
Genentech, Inc. has a process that breaks down medicinal powder and processes them through their pipes to be able to create drugs. These powders are delivered in sealed bags that can clog processing pipes. This project aims to develop an automated, sanitary, and safe solution for filtering out and breaking down clumps that form due to moisture exposure. It is made up of three parts: the mechanical frame, the motorized mechanism that targets clumps in the neck of the bag, and a filtering clip.
