The Avangrid Foundation’s continued investment in the Thomas J. Watson School of Engineering & Applied Science’s Senior Capstone Design experience at Binghamton University enables students to gain practical design and professional engineering experience by addressing complex challenges in energy and the environment. Capstone teams address cross-disciplinary challenges to bridge the gap between the traditional classroom and industry-based design processes, teamwork and the expectations of practicing engineers and computer scientists.

“Binghamton University is dedicated to providing high-impact learning experiences for our students. As an engineer – and someone deeply committed to building a green future – this program is phenomenal for its reach and impact. AVANGRID is opening doors for our students and our future. Bravo!” HARVEY G. STENGER President, Binghamton University

In 2018, the Avangrid Foundation grant provided project support for 11 teams made up of 56 undergraduate students from six disciplines, resulting in:

• a human-powered USB charging station for Kopernik Science Park
• an electric powertrain for the Formula E electric vehicle and an integrated chassis and body for the Supermileage vehicle for for Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) competitions in the U.S.
• a “facial recognition” application to identify yellow-spotted salamanders
• an artificial waterfall for Binghamton’s Nuthatch Hollow nature preserve

HUMAN-POWERED VEHICLE

In underdeveloped parts of the world, human-powered transport is often the only type of transportation residents have, and if well designed, “can be an increasingly viable form of sustainable transportation” (Watson School). The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) provides students with the opportunity to “demonstrate the application of sound engineering design principles in the development of sustainable and practical transportation alternatives”. Working in teams, students design and create sustainable, efficient vehicles for every day use!

MARS ROVER

What if we really do have to colonize Mars one day? That’s the question these students had when they teamed up to create the Mars Rover! In their capstone class, students built a “rover that can not only survive conditions on Mars, but can also run through a checklist of things that a Mars outpost might need.”

According to the Thomas j. Watson School of Engineering & Applied Science, “the rover needs the ability to help with scientific discoveries by drilling, taking and analyzing samples and using that information to detect any signs of life.” Take a peek at the video below to see this team hard at work!

Via Binghamton University YouTube

The reach of this program continues to expand and inspire. This grant has indirectly touched more than 20,000 individuals annually through competition, community engagement and implementation of ideas.