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Biosystems Engineering Showcase

Every year, teams of Biosystems Engineering students, enrolled in the two-semester biosystems design capstone experience, BE 485/487, develop, evaluate, and select design alternatives in order to solve real-world problems. The projects are diverse, but each reflects systems thinking by integrating interconnected issues impacting the problem, including critical biological constraints. The engineering design process is documented in a detailed technical report. The project designs are then presented to engineering faculty and a review panel of licensed professional engineers and industry professionals for evaluation.

Download the Biosystems Engineering Capstone Design Projects brochure to learn more about the real world projects solved by student teams and advised by faculty for industry.

A Showcase of the Program and Students

Presented by:
Faculty and Students in the Biosystems Engineering Program
College of Engineering
College of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI 48840

2024 Biosystems Showcase Hybrid, April 19, 2024

116 Farrall Hall or click to join https://msu.zoom.us/j/93618840145

Link to the program with descriptions and posters.

Download the 2024 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program


2023 Biosystems Showcase Hybrid, April 28, 2023

116 Farrall Hall or click to join https://msu.zoom.us/j/93618840145

Link to the program with descriptions and posters.

Download the 2023 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program


2022 Biosystems Showcase Hybrid, April 28, 2022

116 Farrall Hall or click to join https://msu.zoom.us/j/91479516263

Link to the program with descriptions and posters.

Download the 2022 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.


2021 Biosystems Showcase Virtual, April 21, 2021

Link to the program archive with videos and posters.

Download the 2021 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.


2020 Biosystems Showcase Virtual, April 23, 2020

Link to the program archive with videos and posters.

Download the 2020 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.


Biosystems Engineering 2019-2020 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Industry Evaluators

Ice Cream Inclusion Analysis and Process Optimization (project under Non-Disclosure Agreement)

Team Tillamook – Stephanie Gardner, Esha Jain, & Alicia Ziegler
Sponsor: Tillamook Creamery
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Yan "Susie" Liu
Evaluators:  

Development of Manufacturing Model for Popped Snacks (project under Non-Disclosure Agreement)

Baby Snack Pack – Allyson Gower, Ricci Lopez, Emma McDonald, & Nama Naseem
Sponsor: Nestlé Nutrition
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kirk Dolan
Evaluators:  

HVAC Energy Efficiency at Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Plant (project under Non-Disclosure Agreement)

Sensible Energy Solutions – Mario Aliaj, Emily Peruski, Aryn Thomas, & Matthew Wholihan
Sponsor: Perrigo
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chris Saffron
Evaluators:  

Potato Storage Ventilation Analysis

Team Techmark – Amanda George, Sean Pelfery, Caroline Schuetz, & Christopher Wells
Sponsor: Techmark, Inc.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wei Liao, PE
Evaluators:  

Operational Analysis of Trident Biometrics' Drug Testing Process (project under Non-Disclosure Agreement)

Team Trident – Natalie Coaster, Scott Lyon, & Courteney Roberts
Sponsor: Trident Biometrics
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jade Mitchell
Evaluators:  

Simulation of Thermal Energy Transfer through Neurological Tissue during Electrosurgery (project under Non-Disclosure Agreement)

Phantom – Leah Allen, Peter Jansen, Rosemary Laurito, & Scott Piper
Sponsor: Stryker
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ilce Medina Meza
Evaluators:  

Blake's Hard Cider Apple Pomace Utilization and Optimization

Blake's By-product Bash – Meghan Donovan, Taylor Quillan, Anna Raschke, & Jacob Wright
Sponsor: Blake's Hard Cider Co.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brad Marks, PE
Evaluators:  

Determining Equipment and Utility Recommendations for a Food Business Accelerator

Food ACCELs – Rachelle Crow, Meredith Freeby, Erin Keller, & Alexandrea Peake
Sponsor: Food, Agriculture, Research, and Manufacturing Business Incubator - Mr. Gene Ford
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Darrell Donahue, CQE
Evaluators:  

Wastewater Optimization for Cost Efficiency (project under Non-Disclosure Agreement)

WasteWatchers – Keegan Mackin, Devin Martin, Jillian Meade, & Sydney Shellhouse
Sponsor: Large Food Manufacturer
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Safferman, PE
Evaluators:  

Pawpaw Fruit Skin Removal Improvement

Team PawPaw – Jessica Mehall, Rachel Paulson, Taylor Pelland, & Brandon Wilsdon
Sponsor: Treeborn
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dan Guyer
Evaluators:  

Tuberculosis Diagnosis using Artificial Intelligence

Team AIM – Anna Carmody, Alysa Gonzalez, Daniel Millar, & Tyler VanBuren
Sponsor: Dr. Nirajan Bhusal
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vangie Alocilja
Evaluators:  

2019 Biosystems Showcase, April 25, 2019

AW Farrall Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University

Link to the program

Download the 2019 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.


Biosystems Engineering 2018-2019 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Industry Evaluators

Improving Potato Storage Ventilation with a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model

Super Modelers – Jacob Duckworth, Samuel Effa, Christopher Robbe, & Jessica Schultz
Sponsor: Techmark, Inc.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wei Liao
Evaluators: Michael Wozniak, PE, & Todd Forbush

Red Swamp Crayfish Control Plan Using Acoustic Stimuli

Invasive Crustacean Eradication – Megan Beaver, Douglas Clements, Henry Frost, & Xiaojing Ma
Sponsor: Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR)
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Wei Liao
Evaluators: Michelle Crook, PE, Rick Woodford, PE, & Seth Herbst, PhD

Manufacturing Chiller Operation Optimization

Energy Efficienados – Brittany Esser, Seung Lee, Karoline Russek, & Matthew Schweiss
Sponsor: Perrigo (project under NDA)
Faculty Advisors: Mr. Aluel Go & Dr. Truman Surbrook
Evaluators: Kirk Walter, Nate Wood, & Holly Bowers

Brown Kernel Rot Treatment System for Post-harvest Chestnuts

The Rot Roasters – Brigit Culkeen, Brandon Dulaney, Rebecca Jones, & Matt Kay
Sponsor: Chestnut Growers, Inc.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dan Guyer
Evaluators: Lisa Buchholz, Cassaundra Edwards, & Jessica Bruin

Trommel Cleaning System Enhancement

Trommel Cleaners - Jack Blackhurst, Kennedy Coxon, Kyle Forbush, & Chris Rybinski
Sponsor: Grobbel's
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Yan (Susie) Liu
Evaluators: Jeff Mathews, Mitch Miller, & Amber Mostiller

Sediment Management to Support Boat Traffic

The Canal Pals - Lindsey Defrain, Tyler Lahusky, Sarah Skinner, & Elizabeth Walls
Sponsor: Grand Pointe Homeowner's Association
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ehsan Ghane
Evaluators: Kevin Kowalk, PE, Rick Woodford, PE, & Greg White

Sandwich Cookie Process Line Design Improvement

Ernie's Engineers - Craig Campbell, Katie Church, Linnea Riddell, & Nicole Urrea
Sponsor: Kellogg - (project under NDA)
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Ilce Medina Meza & Dr. Kirk Dolan
Evaluators: Shelley Crawford

Adsorption Media Contact System for Michigan Winery Wastewater Treatment

Partners in Wine - Jessica Hauda, Katelyn Skornia, Thiramet (Dream) Sotthiyapai, & Corrine Zeeff
Sponsor: Michigan Craft Beverage Council
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Safferman, PE
Evaluators: Laura Doud, PE, & Jeremy Hoeh, PE

Master Plan for Red Cedar Weir Removal

Get Out Of Weir - Matt Champion, Cody Howard, Brittany Macintyre, & Sam Rolling
Sponsor: GEI Consultants
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Safferman, PE
Evaluators: Michelle Crook, PE, Eric Iversen, PE, & Scott Dierks, PE

Peer Verification Process for Livestock Anaerobic Digester Carbon Offsets

Peer Energy - Maria Barrios Arosemena, Nina Dermody, Amanda Godar, & Julia Guzy
Sponsor: Duke University Carbon Offsets Initiative
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Dana Kirk, PE
Evaluators: Laura Doud, PE, & Jeremy Hoeh, PE

Assay Development for Evaluation of On-farm Probiotic Application

Probiotic Pros - Jenna Baughman, Tess Cannon, Jill Check, & Alex Hernandez
Sponsor: Dr. Larry Walker
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Darrell Donahue, CQE, and Dr. Tim Harrigan
Evaluators: Lisa Buchholz & Larry Walker

Student Organic Farm Hoophouse Winter Internal Cover Design

Cold Hardy Greens - Kody Carpenter, David Chickering, Carly Drobny, & Jamison Midgley
Sponsor: Student Organic Farm
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Ajit Srivastava, PE
Evaluators: Michael Wozniak, PE, Rob Yoder, & Sarah Geurkink

Antibiogram-Biosensor Design to Rapidly Detect Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria

Peru Crew - Nathan Dickinson, Carly Gomez, & Cayla Harrison
Sponsor: Dr. Alex Castañeda Sabogal & Dr. Ruben Kenny Briceno
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Vangie Alocilja
Evaluators: Matt Burtt, Gene Ford, Chad Volkmann, & Eric Van Middendorp

2018 Biosystems Showcase, April 26, 2018

AW Farrall Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University


Download the 2018 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.


Biosystems Engineering 2017-2018 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Industry Evaluators

Oven Optimization

Tony's Kronies – Andrew Kovach, Eduardo Maya-Luevano, Monika Michalik, & Matthew Paxhia
Sponsor: Kellogg (project under NDA)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chris Saffron
Evaluators: Shelley Crawford & Louis Nelson

Nutritional Analysis Sample Preparation Optimization

The Process Professionals – Nate Garpiel, Emma Heckelsmiller, Paige Leppanen, & Serenity Skillman
Sponsor: Covance (project under NDA)
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Ilce Medina Meza & Dr. Dan Guyer
Evaluators: Matt Burtt, Eric Van Middendorp, & Chad Volkmann

Milk Plant Data Management Implementation

Milkin' It – Eric Lausch, Brock Roelofs, Melissa Schneider, & Ryan Scott
Sponsor: Meijer (project under NDA)
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Yan (Susie) Liu & Dr. Kirk Dolan
Evaluators: Matt Burtt, Eric Van Middendorp, & Chad Volkmann

Oven Operation Analysis and Optimization

L'Oven It – Morgan Harris, Eric Klein, Aleks Popovic, & Anthony Tomaski
Sponsor: Bimbo Bakeries, USA (project under NDA)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sanghyup Jeong
Evaluators: Cassaundra Edwards & Gene Ford

Poultry Sheet Meat Processing Equipment Line Optimization

Spiral – Steve Hogan, Meaghan Rea, Nicole Rigdon, & Jordan Sica
Sponsor: JBT FoodTech (project under NDA)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brad Marks, PE
Evaluator: Andrew Knowles

Manufacturing Plant Energy Audit and Optimization

Energy Pharmers – Kara Dean, Nick Servadio, Alexandra Whitman, & Emily Willis
Sponsor: Perrigo (project under NDA)
Faculty Advisors: Mr. Aluel Go and Dr. Truman Surbrook
Evaluators: Kirk Walter, John Heiser, & Holly Bowers

Red Swamp Crayfish Control in Michigan

Crayfish Will – Elizabeth Ausmus, Alexis Kontorousis, Bolun Li, & Xin Tang
Sponsor: MDNR
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wei Liao, PE
Evaluators: Michelle Crook, PE; Jeremy Hoeh, PE; & Kevin Kowalk, PE

Phosphorus Removal from Wastewater

Team OO – Emily Banach, Jessica Carleton, Anna Nelson, & Joshua Shah
Sponsor: MDOT
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Safferman, PE
Evaluators: Laura Doud, PE; Eric Iversen, PE; Rick Woodford, PE; & Dan Cotton

Germination Chamber Design and Optimization

Stem Meets STEM – Alex Darrow, Caitlin Knedgen, Linda Lay, Courtney Vanderhoof, & William Vanmaele
Sponsor: MSU Student Organic Farm
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Ajit Srivastava, PE
Evaluators: Lisa Buchholz, Rob Yoder, & Todd Forbush

2017 Biosystems Showcase, April 27, 2017

AW Farrall Agricultural Engineering at Michigan State University


Download the 2017 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.


Biosystems Engineering 2016-2017 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Industry Evaluators

Soil Phosphorus Management Strategy for Food Manufacturer

Spartan Soil-utions – Sean Brown, Dan Buhr, Nick Morlock, & Danielle Smith
Sponsor: Michigan Milk Producers Association (project under NDA agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Safferman, PE
Evaluators: Larry Stephens, PE, David Filipiak & Gasper Calandrino

Sugar Recovery from Kellogg's Cereal Waste

Sugar BAE's – Joey Carroll, Andrew Juergens, Karis Middleton, & Renee Schwartz
Sponsor: Kellogg (project under NDA agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Yan (Susie) Liu & Dr. Kirk Dolan
Evaluators: Steve Richey, Shelly Crawford, & Kevin Ullrey

Water and Wastewater Reduction at a Food Manufacturing Facility

Meijer Water Unicorns – Sarah Dobrenski, Holly Hsiung, Becca Prouty, & Olivia Wodek
Sponsor: Meijer (project under NDA agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Safferman, PE
Evaluators: Kevin Blue & Mitch Miller

Development and Implementation of Energy Conservation Protocol at a Food Manufacturing Facility

Meijer Energizers – Jiaming Li, Kyle Nussdorfer, Ben Vanzweden, & Eric Wiitanen
Sponsor: Meijer (project under NDA agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Aluel Go and Dr. Truman Surbrook
Evaluators: Kevin Blue & Holly Bowers

Waste Handling Process Design Considering Food Safety and Volume Reduction

Meat The Spartans – Hannah Baker, Lauren Costantini, Dennis Reaume, & Jillian Toaso
Sponsor: Grobbel's (project under NDA agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dan Guyer
Evaluators: Gene Ford & Amber Mostiller

Linear Conveyor Hygienic Design

The Conveyors – BreEarls, Joey Kretowicz, Phil Steinbrunner, & Shuman Zhang
Sponsor: JBT FoodTech (project under NDA agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brad Marks, PE
Evaluators: Andrew Knowles, Cassaundra Edwards & Dylan Comer

Pharmaceutical Machine Internal Cleaning

Go Clean – Hunter Hoogakker, Yanni Papoulis, Rachel Streufert, Zhe Wang, & Madison Wheeler
Sponsor: Perrigo (project under NDA agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Vangie Alocilja & Dr. Tim Whitehead
Evaluators: Kirk Walter & Norm Lenhart

Evaluation and Reduction of Hazardous Waste Generated During Pharmaceutical Operations

PNL – Rachel Baker, Kayla Cascarilla, Michael Kalabat, & Nate Majeski
Sponsor: Perrigo (project under NDA agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Darrell Donahue, PE & Dr. Jade Mitchell
Evaluators: Kirk Walter & Kevin Muckey

Red Cedar River: Restoration and Naturalization

Destination Restoration – Connor Bartle, Jake Cochrane, Paul Fowler, & Hannah Guyer
Sponsor: Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Pouyan Nejadhashemi
Evaluators: Michelle Crook, Rick Woodford, PE, & Patrick Ertel

Urban Storm Water Management and Beneficial Reuse in Urban Agriculture

Runoff Rangers – Peter Drogosh, Mitch Kelley, Megan Morley, & Justine Williams
Sponsor: Milton Manufacturing
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Matt Herman & Dr. Fei Pan
Evaluators: Ashley Julien, PE, Jim Green, Steven Brown, & Bob Olinger

Tractor Seat Modification for Farmer with Leg Injuries

Eleven – Yara Fakhoury, Patrick Keane, Matt Vasher, & James Wan
Sponsor: Easterseals Michigan – AgrAbility
Faculty Advisor: Mr. Phil Hill
Evaluators: Rob Yoder, Eric Van Middendorp, & Ned Stoller

Development of a Potable Water Treatment System for a Small Farm and Children's Home in Belize

Team Hope – Carly Daiek, Madeline Labelle, Injoon Oh, & Ryan Ziegler
Sponsor: Hopewell, Belize
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wei Liao, PE
Evaluators: Jeff Mathews, Bryce Feighner & Chad Volkman

Mackinac Island Biosolids Management

Mackinac Biosolids Initiative – Holly Halliwill, Anna Oslapas, Maddie Padilla, & Scott Schultz
Sponsor: Mackinac Island Department of Public Works
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dana Kirk, PE
Evaluators: Ashley Julien, PE, Laura Doud & Michael Olson

Irrigation System for Vegetable Production in Burkina Faso

Burkina Faso Friends (BFF) – Iember Hemben, Taylor Koonce, Hannah Robar, & Davis Roeser
Sponsor: USAID Appropriate-Scale Mechanization Consortium (ASMC)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ajit Srivastava, PE
Evaluators: Lisa Buchholz & Phillip Horsager

 

2016 Biosystems Showcase, April 21, 2016

Kellogg Center at Michigan State University


Download the 2016 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.


Biosystems Engineering 2015-2016 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Industry Evaluators

Industrial Biosolids Digestion Project

WasteWater Warriors - Alex Bricco, Christine Isaguirre & Michal Mulik
Sponsor: Dow Chemical (project under Non-disclosure)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Safferman, PE
Evaluators: Shane Bennett, PE & Bryce Feighner, PE

Pilot-scale compost unit design: Monitoring chemical degradation

Compost Kings - Benjamin Bailey, Josh Boucher & Yifeng Hu
Sponsor: Dow AgroSciences (project under Non-disclosure)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dawn Reinhold
Evaluators: Lisa Buchholz, Sara Linder & Larry D. Stephens, PE
Food Waste Management: Generating a Waste-to-Resource Product
Waste Watchers - Larry Buckner, Nathan Sobczak, Lauren Strange &
Austin Wissler
Sponsor: Meijer (project under Non-disclosure)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ajit Srivastava, PE
Evaluators: Diana Bach, Kevin Blue, Mitch Miller & Dr. Erik Petrovskis, PE

Bio-oil Upgrading Through Continuous Electrocatalytic Hydrogenation

R-Oil - Angela Hoang, Aubrey Proctor, Jack Stephan & Stephen Wilson
Sponsor: Tenneco
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chris Saffron
Evaluators: Holly Bowers, Andrew Granskog, PE & Rob Yoder

Designing a Sustainable Conveyor System: A Frozen Food Application

Froz-hen - Austin Ebeling, Nicholas Niedermaier, David Olson & Jackie Thelen
Sponsor: JBT FoodTech (project under Non-disclosure)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brad Marks, PE
Evaluators: Dylan Comer, Cassaundra Edwards, Gene Ford & Andrew Knowles

Ultrafiltration of Anaerobic Digestion Effluent for Sustainable Management

Nutrient Moo-vers - John F Everett, Robert Munro, Shane Peterson &
Charlotte Thomas
Sponsor: MSU Land Management
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Wei Liao, PE & Dr. Tim Harrigan
Evaluators: Michelle Crook, PE, Ben Darling, Richard Woodford, PE & Amy Yoder

Optimizing Heat Transfer for Food Industry Application

Efficientneers - Brendan Cloonan, Michael Conklin, Natsuki Ikeda & Christopher Walker

Sponsor: Major Food Manufacturer (project under Non-disclosure)
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Kirk Dolan & Mr. Phil Hill
Evaluators: Marialuci Almeida & Steve Richey

Optimizing Purified Water Use for Pharmaceutical Tank Cleaning

PharmaCleanse - Joseph Commane, Jason Petros, Sydney Preston &
Jake VanKeulen
Sponsor: Perrigo (project under Non-disclosure)
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Susie Liu & Dr. Jade Mitchell
Evaluators: Thomas Cornish & Ashley Julien

Label Quality Vision Inspection System

Envision Engineering - Alexis Baxter, Anna Brunsman, Kyle Brunsman & Paige Crosset
Sponsor: Perrigo (project under Non-disclosure)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dan Guyer
Evaluator: Dr. Jeffrey Mathews, Chris Rivard & Kirk Walter

 

2015 Biosystems Showcase, April 16, 2015

Kellogg Center at Michigan State University


Download the 2015 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.

 


Biosystems Engineering 2014-2015 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Industry Evaluators

Anaerobic digestion: A pre-feasibility study

Mariana Madrigal Martinez, Taylor Folkertsma & Lauren Prochazka
Sponsor: Granger
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dana Kirk
Evaluators: Mr. Bryce Feighner & Mr. Tim Krause
 

Utilization of Chitosan as a Bio-pesticide Extracted from Sugar Beet Pulp

Samantha Walby, Elizabeth Gregory & Andrew Brown
Sponsor: Michigan Sugar
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Susie Liu
Evaluators: Mr. Gene Ford, Ms. Danielle Habitz & Dr. Jeff Mathews
 

JBT FoodTech Continuous Freezer Conveyor Belt Cleaning System

Stephen Jones, Scott Rubin & Danielle Boileau
Sponsor: JBT Food Tech
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Sanghyup Jeong & Mr. Phil Hill
Evaluators: Ms. Cassaundra Edwards & Mr. Andrew Knowles

 

Torrefaction of Biomass

Lucas Flynn, Xuhao Dai & Mackenzie Tocco
Sponsor: Heat Transfer International
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chris Saffron
Evaluator: Mr. Bob Ellerhorst & Mr. Dave Prouty

 

Wearable Phototherapy Device for Jaundice Treatment

Alexis Wloch, Celina Merhi & Sarah Buchholz
Sponsor: Biosystems & Agricultural Engineering
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tim Whitehead & Mr. Steve Marquie
Evaluator: Mr. Ralph Elias & Mr. Steve Steffes

 

Integrating Water and Energy Engineering with Ecotourism in a Costa Rican Aboriginal Community

Gina Masell, Nicole Kruse & Brian Smith
Sponsor: EPA
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dawn Reinhold
Evaluator: Mr. Larry Stephens & Mr. Rick Woodford

 

Green Infrastructure Design Project

Alex Whitlow, Chris Ross & Andrew Stoffel
Sponsor: Tetra Tech
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Pouyan Nejadhashemi
Evaluator: Mr. Andrew Granskog & Ms. Ashley Julien
 

Wastewater Treatment Electrocoagulation

Hannah Pichner, Dimitrius Innis & Andris Grinvalds
Sponsor: Bellingar Packing
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wei Liao
Evaluator: Ms. Michelle Crook & Mr. Mitch Miller
 

Optimizing Wastewater Irrigation for Food Industry Application

Quincy Brissette, Kyle Guyer & Brody Lawrence
Sponsor: Major Food Manufacturer
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Safferman & Mr. Steve Miller
Evaluator: Ms. Lisa Buchholz, Mr. Nick Tipper & Mr. Keith Tinsey

 

Reducing Spoilage Microorganisms in Cherry Pomace

Caleb Bruhn, Rachel Kurzeja & Kristine Nguyen
Sponsor: Food Processor (under Non-Disclosure Agreement)
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kirk Dolan & Dr. Dan Guyer
Evaluator: Mr. Steve Richey, Mr. Steve Mohr & Mr. Muluken Tilahun

 


2014 Biosystems Showcase, April 17, 2014

Download the 2014 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.

MSU Union at Michigan State University, 49 Abbott Road


Biosystems Engineering 2013-2014 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Industry Evaluators

Design of a Fiber-optic Treatment for Infant Jaundice
Oliver Bloom, Vu Hoang & Alexa Jones
Sponsor: Sygiene
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tim Whitehead
Evaluator: Mr. Steve Steffes
 
Wastewater Treatment Using Anaerobic Digester
Evan Austin, Danielle Brickner, Matt Coleman & Allison Vanderkolk
Sponsor: Technova
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wei Liao
Evaluator: Ms. Michelle Crook & Mr. Bryce Feighner
 
Student Organic Farm Cold Storage Design
Robert Kraemer, Andrew Plouff & John Venn
Sponsor: MSU Student Organic Farm
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tim Harrigan
Evaluator: Mr. Andrew Granskog & Mr. Todd Forbush

 

JBT FoodTech ProMix/ABC-III Viscosity Control
Keely Chandler, Kirk Gowen & Christopher Taylor
Sponsor: JBT FoodTech
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gail Bornhorst
Evaluator: Mr. Andrew Knowles & Mr. Bob Stacy

 

Biomass Power: Torrefied Wood Briquettes as Stationary Power Fuels
Zach Carter, Nichole Erickson, Cody Matthews & Rachael Sak
Sponsor: Heat Transfer International
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Chris Saffron
Evaluator: Mr. Dave Prouty & Mr. Jeff Mathews

 

Design of a LED Treatment for Infant Jaundice
Tim Lauth, Jessica Palmer & David Stromberg
Sponsor: Sygiene
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Tim Whitehead
Evaluator: Mr. Muluken Tilahun & Mr. Ralph Elias

 

Algal Photoreactor System for Nitrogen Removal
Rick Avery, Anh Bui, Julia Otwell & Pat Sheridan
Sponsor: Quantalux, LLC & USAID GCFSI Student Challenge Award
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Susie Liu & Dr. Jeff Li
Evaluator: Mr. Larry Stephens & Ms.Valerie Novaes
 
Value-Added Fruit Leather Process Line – Ghana
Matt Gammans, Kelly Rossi & Royce Sperry
Sponsor: Blue Skies & USAID GCFSI Student Challenge Award
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brad Marks
Evaluator: Mr. Steve Richey & Ms. Danielle Habitz
 
Grape Tomato Harvest Production Improvement
Daniel Holmes, Matthew Walch & Wilson Yee
Sponsor: Mastronardi Produce
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dan Guyer
Evaluator: Ms. Juanita McCann & Mr. Eric Toye

 

Solar Vapor-Absorption Refrigeration
Travis Collings, Steven Cumming, Alex Rowland & Jessica Warvel
Sponsor: MI Agricultural Energy Council
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Truman Surbrook & Mr. Aluel Go
Evaluator: Mr. Gene Ford & Mr. Mitch Miller

 

Pork and Bean Process Optimization
Ashley Andreski, Michael Gisler, Charlsey Hoehn & Lisa Moncznik
Sponsor: ConAgra
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kirk Dolan
Evaluator: Ms. Cassaundra Edwards & Mr. Daniel Holcomb

 


2013 Biosystems Showcase, April 18, 2013

Download the 2013 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.

Kellogg Center at Michigan State University


Biosystems Engineering 2012-2013 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Industry Evaluators

Redesign of ProMix Batter Mixer Cooling Mechanisms

Adrienne Bunce, Michael O'Meara, Lucas Poquette & Stacey Stark

Sponsor: JBT Food Tech
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Bradley Marks
Industry Evaluators: Mitch Miller. General Mills
Muluken Tilahun, Kraft Foods

 

Emission Mitigation from Confined Animal Feeding Operations (CAFO) Using Wet Scrubbers and an Algae Culture
Elyse Kutsche, Benjamin Thomas & Yingkui Zhong

Sponsor: MSU Extension, Dr. Wendy Powers
Faculty Advisors: Dr. Yan “Susie” Liu
Dr. Jeff Li
Industry Evaluators: Michelle Crook, MDA
Juanita McCann, USDA-NRCS

 

Water Quality Best Management Best Practices Design for a City of Lansing Re-Development Project

Maureen Berryman, Matthew Herman & Joshua Wolter

Sponsor: Tetra Tech, Inc.
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Pouyan Nejadhashemi
Industry Evaluators: Bryce Feighner, MDEQ
Valerie Novaes, Tetra Tech

 

Dried Blood Spots Optimization for DNA Extraction

Steven Archer, Kunal Choubey & Kayvon Parvizi

Sponsor:

Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics,
Dr. John Gerlach

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Evangelyn Alocilja
Industry Evaluators: Steve Steffes, Perrigo Company

 

Evaluating and Modeling of a Plastic Bottle Rinser

Matthew Crowder, Jena Laur, Tyler White & Paul Zeltzer

Sponsor:

Ocean Spray, Ferhan Ozadali

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kirk Dolan
Industry Evaluators: Gene Ford, Nestle Nutrition
Steve Richey, Kellogg Company

 

Torrefaction Process Improvement

Kristen Henn, Jinsha Li, Kaitlin Ward & Jamie Yeung

Sponsor:

HTI, Inc.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Christopher Saffron
Industry Evaluators: Dave Prouty, Heat Transfer Int'l (HTI)
Chad Ducey, C-JET Energy

 

Integration of Aquaculture, Anaerobic Digestion, and Hydroponic Systems

Derek Hladki, Nathan Jandernoa & Kristin Sanburn

Sponsor:

Aquaculture Research Corp.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Dana Kirk
Industry Evaluators: Larry Stephens, Stephens Consulting, Inc.
Michelle Crook, MDA

 

Hydroponic Processing Optimization for Mung Bean Sprouts

Kelsey Downey, Ander Rochefort, Maddie Saylor & Sarah Steudle

Sponsor:

ConAgra Foods

Faculty Advisors: Dr. Shiny Mathews
Dr. Ajit Srivastava
Industry Evaluators: Cassaundra Edwards, ConAgra Foods
Scott Millsap, JBT Food Tech

 

Electrocoagulation-Flotation Treatment System for Anaerobic Digestion Effluent

Luke DeSmet, Younsuk Dong, Ryan Gardne & Robert McGuire

Sponsor:

DQY Agriculture Co., LLC

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Wei Liao
Industry Evaluators: Chad Ducey, C-JET Energy
Andrew Granskog, USDA, RD

 

Chestnut Chip Dehydration System Design

James Burns, Kyle McLachlan, Ethan Nussdorfer & Jacob StLouis

Sponsor:

Chestnut Growers, Inc.

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Daniel Guyer
Industry Evaluators: Dave Prouty, Heat Transfer Int'l (HTI)
Jeffrey Mathews, PespiCo

 

 


2012 Biosystems Showcase, April 19, 2012

Download the 2012 Biosystems Engineering Showcase Program.

The Union at Michigan State University


Biosystems Engineering 2011-2012 Capstone Design Projects, Sponsors, Teams, Faculty Advisors and Faculty Evaluation Board

Project: Eutrophic Pond Restoration and Toxic Cyanobacteria Mitigation
Sponsor: FBI Assistance Dogs
Team: Emily Campbell, Jeff Crandell, Joe Horbatch, Bill Stieber & Gretchen Merkel
Advisor: Dr. Reinhold
Co-Advisor: Dr. Safferman
Faculty Evaluation Board: Dr. Harrigan, Dr. Nejadhashemi, Dr. Alocilia, Dr. Loudon, graduate students*

Project: Automated Aquaculture Feeding System for Yellow Perch
Sponsor: Tecumseh Industries
Team: Andrew Franco, Tara Sliwinski, Kevin Swahn
Advisor: Dr. Liu
Co-Advisor: Mr. Marquie
Faculty Evaluation Board: Dr. Harrigan, Dr. Reese, Dr. Kirk, Dr. Reinhold, graduate students*

Project: Beneficial Utilization of Apple Pomace by Means of Extrusion and Tray Drying MethodsSponsor: Quaker Oats
Team: Juliana Henriques, Pawel Kargol, Phil LaMothe, Claire Schuurmans
Advisor: Dr. Dolan
Co-Advisor: Dr. Marks
Faculty Evaluation Board: Dr. Hodge, Dr. Renfo Lu, Dr. Steffe, Dr. Jeong, graduate students*

Project: Water Purification System for a Developing CountrySponsor: Aqua Clara International
Team: Sarah Fink, Lindsey Reynolds, Megan Robb
Advisor: Dr. Loudon
Co-Advisor: Dr. Liao
Faculty Evaluation Board: Dr. Dolan, Dr. Marks, Dr. Alocilia, Dr. Srivastava, graduate students*

Project: Tank Cleaning System Optimization
Sponsor: Perrigo
Team: Dylan Comer, Ian Hildebrandt, Michael Huarng, Michael Zanotti
Advisor: Dr. Steffe
Co-Advisor: Dr. Dolan
Faculty Evaluation Board: Dr. Guyer, Dr. Jeong, Dr. Reese, graduate students*

Project: Model of Torrefaction Bioenergy System and Supply Chain
Sponsor: MSU Extension
Team: Lara Ejups, Jessica Emery, Kevin Messing, Corey Scheffler
Advisor: Dr. Saffron
Faculty Evaluation Board: Dr. Liu, Dr. Pan, Dr. Liao, Dr. Srivastava, graduate students*

Project: Integrated Solar Heated Anaerobic Digester and Treatment Wetland
Sponsor: Department of State
Team: Katie Balaze, Lauren Deitz, Dave Hochhalter, Miranda Sperry, Eric Werner
Advisor: Dr. Liao
Co-Advisor: Dr. Reinhold
Faculty Evaluation Board: Dr. Guyer, Dr. Hodge, Dr. Surbrook, Dr. Kirk, graduate students*


2011 Biosystems Showcase, April 21, 2011


Download the 2011 Biosystems Design Project Showcase Program.

BE Showcase 2011

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2010-2011 Biosystems Engineering Design Projects/Teams/Clients/Advisors

Site Evaluation and Design Plan for a Created Forested Wetland Student
Team: Alyse Egner, Kevin Koryto, Hanna Miller
Client: Michigan Department of Transportation
Faculty Advisor: Dawn Reinhold, Ph. D.
Industry Advisory Board Advisors: Michelle Crook and David Hamilton

Best Management Practice Recommendation for Escherichia coli in the Red Cedar Watershed
Student Team: Catherine Dudgeon, Jennifer Jury, and Cody Kurzer
Client: Ingham County Health Department and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Faculty Advisor: Pouyan A. Nejadhashemi
Industry Advisory Board Advisor: Valerie Novaes

Wastewater Treatment System Upgrade for a Small Cheese Producer
Student Team: Megan Buhl, Shannon Henderson, Stepfanie Shaulis
Client: Small Independent Cheese Processor
Faculty Advisor: Larry Stephens
Industry Advisory Board Advisor: Juanita McCann

Developing Process Alternatives to Produce Consistent Meatless Burgers across Multiple Production Lines
Student Team: Ellen Bornhorst, Cassie Giacobassi, James MacLellan, Drew Selden
Client: Major Food Processor
Faculty Advisor: James Steffe
Industry Advisory Board Advisors: Scott Millsap and Kevin Evans

Urban Aquaculture Modeling and Feasibility
Student Team: Qudus Ahmed, Michael Holly, Blake Lougheed, and Andy Tran
Clients: Pingree Farms, Aquaculture Research Corporation, and Urban Agricultural Initiatives of Detroit
Faculty Advisor: Yan "Susie" Liu
Industry Advisory Board Advisors: Paul Eisele and Mike Potts

Sustainable Heat Systems: Investigating the Feasibility Corn Drying using Biomass Combustion
Student Team: Sam Prentice, Shaun Madsen, Kyle Fischer and Nick Steo
Client: Dr. Ajit Srivastava, Michigan State University
Faculty Advisor: Larry Klope
Industry Advisory Board Advisors: Andrew Granskog

Escherichia coli Source Identification and Detection in Recreational Waters
Student Team: Asmaa Abdel-Azim, Bridget Bednark, Drew Coatney
Clients: Ingham County Health Department and Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment
Faculty Advisor: Evangelyn Alocilja
Industry Advisory Board Advisors: Rebecca Leaper and Steve Steffes

Bio-Fuel Source Optimization through Torrefaction
Student Team: Spencer Beatty, Ryan Black, Ryan R. Rochelle, Jason S. Smith
Client: Dr. Chris Saffron, Michigan State University
Faculty Advisor: Chris Saffron
Industry Advisory Board Advisor: Chad Ducey

Preview select 2011 Senior Design Projects. Click on any thumbnail below to view a short video summary.

2011 Forested Wetlands Senior Design Team
Site Evaluation and Design Plan for a Created Forested Wetland (wmv - 10MB)

2011 Cheese Processor Design Team
Wasterwater Treatment System Upgrade for a Small Cheese Producer (wmv- 3.5MB)
2011 Food Processor Design Team
Developing Process Alternatives to Produce Consistent Meatless Burgers across Multiple Production Lines (wmv - 4.5MB)
2011 Biomass Combustion Design Team
Investigating the Feasibility of Biomass Combustion in a Corn Drying System. (wmv - 3MB)

Ecoli Monitoring Team

E. Coli Monitoring and Detection in Recreational Waters (wmv - 3.5MB)

 

2010 Biosystems Showcase, April 15, 2010

Download the 2010 Biosystems Design Project Showcase Program.

Biosystems Engineering 2010 Senior Design Showcase

Six teams presented the following projects:

  • Nestle Aseptic Filler
  • Integrated Anaerobic Digester and Treatment Wetlands for Pasture Based Dairy Farms
  • Determining Restriction Potential and Engineering Alternatives for Carcinogenic Substances
  • Design for Improving Air Exchange in Potato Storage
  • Sustainable Urban Detroit Goat Farm
  • Pilot Bioengineering for Stabilization of the Red Cedar River

Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, 216 Farrall Hall, East Lansing, MI 48824-1323, phone 517/355-4720, fax 517/432-2892, e-mail seloskes@msu.edu.