From an injectable hydrogel to heal chronic diabetic wounds, to a quantum computer emulator, a drone for disaster rescue, and a plan to clean up Miami’s canals, engineering seniors at the University of Miami presented real-world solutions at the 2025 Senior Design Expo.
A group of biomedical engineering students took the Best Overall Award for their first-of-its-kind hydrogel treatment that targets diabetic foot ulcers by increasing blood flow to the affected area, addressing the root cause of poor wound healing.
The aquatic drone project, which earned the People’s Choice Award, features a live video feed and real-time GPS tracking from a buoy tethered to the drone, which can precisely navigate underwater environments, improving safety in rescue operations.
The two solutions were part of more than 60 capstone projects that gave students the opportunity to present solutions to real-world challenges they tackled over the course of the academic year. Faculty members, industry professionals, and peers reviewed and evaluated the projects, which spanned the six departments of the college. This year, the first graduating cohort of students from the Innovation, Technology, and Design Program also presented their capstone projects.
“This event reflects the talent of our students,” said Pratim Biswas, dean of the College of Engineering. “The projects are not only technically impressive but meaningful. They show how engineering can directly improve health and the quality of life.”
Nina Miville, associate dean for undergraduate studies, noted how the Expo represents a key milestone for the students’ academic journeys.
“This is a moment of pride for our College of Engineering community,” Miville said. “Each of these projects is the result of months of hard work, collaboration, and problem-solving. It’s a chance for our students to showcase to the community what they have achieved, showing they are ready to step into role of practicing engineers.”
Each department awarded one project for its innovation, execution, and potential impact:
- In biomedical engineering, students developed a catheter attachment that provides semi-automated early screening for catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). Using a color-changing chemical solution to detect bacterial infection markers, the system offers a tool to aid physicians and can be adapted for broader urinary condition screening.
- Students in chemical, environmental, and materials engineering tackled water pollution in Miami’s Little River Canal, proposing green infrastructure solutions to reduce bacterial contamination. Their plan aims to restore the canal’s ecological balance and safeguard Biscayne Bay.
- The civil and architectural engineering award went to a team that partnered with Carson Wealth to propose a wellness-oriented redesign of the company’s Omaha, Nebraska headquarters. Their designs included schematic plans, construction documents, and sustainability-focused upgrades.
- In electrical and computer engineering, students developed a Quantum Processing Unit that simulates quantum mechanics using classical FPGA hardware. Their system allows researchers to model quantum operations without access to a physical quantum computer.
- In industrial and systems engineering, students partnered with Mediclic to design a smarter scheduling system that better matches doctor availability with patient demand. By analyzing staffing patterns and financial models, the team developed a strategy to reduce missed appointments during peak periods.
- In mechanical engineering, students optimized and tested 3D-printed dental implants using titanium alloy. The design balances durability with biocompatibility, potentially extending the life span of implants and improving patient outcomes.
- A team from aerospace engineering designed an electric vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drone for use in search and rescue operations. With long-range endurance and a suite of sensors, the drone aims to improve response efficiency in natural disasters.
- Students in the Innovation, Technology, and Design program created a travel app that uses AI to compile and organize cultural insights from blogs and verified sources. The app provides real-time, country-specific guidance on etiquette, dress codes, and communication styles.
Watch the full live stream of the 2024 Senior Design Expo:
Find the full list of winners here.
