I’ve had the privilege of serving as a professor for senior design projects in the Department of Engineering at Slippery Rock University. It’s been inspiring to watch our talented students apply what they’ve learned in their engineering courses—transforming concepts into real-world designs through these hands-on projects.
Dylan Cujas, Eoin Rossman, Cory Riley, Greg Scolieri, Spring 2025
This project presents the comprehensive design and planning process for the proposed Construction Management (COMG) Lab addition. Building upon initial architectural concepts, the project evolved through detailed structural analysis using RISA software, manual verification, foundation design, and structural drawing development. A clear-span steel structure was optimized for strength, cost-efficiency, and sustainability. The project includes a $5.4 million cost estimate covering all construction phases and integrates sedimentation and environmental control plans to ensure regulatory compliance and minimize environmental impact. The report demonstrates an integrated approach to construction management through technical, financial, and environmental strategies.
Dylan Cujas, Eoin Rossman, Cory Riley, Greg Scolieri, Spring 2025
This study evaluates the use of modular steel bricks in place of traditional reinforced concrete (RC) for nuclear containment structures. Simulating wind, hydrostatic, dead, and seismic loads per ASCE 7-16, the analysis compares RC and steel brick wall sections for structural performance, cost, and safety. Results show that while RC fails in shear, all steel brick models exceed required capacities, thanks to welded shear studs. With potential for 50% faster assembly and strong structural integrity, modular steel bricks offer a promising, efficient alternative to conventional RC construction.
Scott Hust, Steven Green, Logan Slagle,
Josephine Reott, Jeremey Franciscus , Spring 2025
This capstone project by the T.E.C. team at Slippery Rock University focused on replacing the aging SR2002 bridge over Neshannock Creek and addressing traffic and parking challenges in Harmony Borough, PA. Commissioned by PennDOT and Harmony Borough, the team designed a 90-foot steel girder bridge with full structural plans, environmental controls, and a total cost estimate of $1.85 million. Additional solutions included truck turning improvements, parking policy recommendations, and infrastructure protection strategies—balancing design standards with community needs and budget constraints.
Scott Hust, Steven Green, Logan Slagle,
Josephine Reott, Jeremey Franciscus , Spring 2025
This project, led by the T.E.C. team at Slippery Rock University, addresses two pressing issues in Harmony, PA: semi-truck navigation hazards at the Main and Mercer Street intersection and overflow parking from the popular Harmony Inn restaurant. Constraints include limited land, tight budgets, and outsourced enforcement. Through site visits, stakeholder engagement, and creative design strategies, the team proposed cost-effective, non-intrusive solutions such as revised signage, traffic control measures, and parking policy improvements—all tailored to the unique needs of this small historic borough.
Anthony Gualtieri, Carol Abboud, Lina Strellec, Kylie Procknal, Brendan Walker, Spring 2025
Elite Engineering designed a replacement for the aging S.R. 0058 bridge over the Clarion River, originally built in 1893. The new steel girder bridge improves safety for vehicles, pedestrians, cyclists, and Amish buggies while preserving the existing road alignment. The project included structural plans, detour routing, and environmental protection strategies, with a total estimated cost of $5,085,492.56. This design balances durability, constructability, and minimal disruption for the local community.
Anthony Gualtieri, Carol Abboud, Lina Strellec, Kylie Procknal, Brendan Walker, Spring 2025
Tasked with creating a landmark for the SRU School of Engineering, Elite Engineering developed a sculpture symbolizing collaboration across engineering disciplines. After evaluating three creative concepts, a gear-based robot design was selected for its engaging and inclusive representation. Built from weather-resistant materials, the sculpture is intended for long-term campus installation. The estimated project cost is $8,174.40, offering a meaningful and lasting tribute to SRU’s engineering community.
Joseph Beil, Karah Donahey, Aaron Jones, & Christian Torres, Spring 2024
Slippery Rock Solutions developed three innovative civil design concepts for a new Health Science Facility at Slippery Rock University, addressing both current academic needs and future program growth. The team adopted a ground-up approach—beginning with site analysis and culminating in structural, landscape, and stormwater planning. Centered on the East Campus, the design maximizes natural light, environmental harmony, and ADA compliance. Structural analysis was performed using hand calculations and RISA 3D. With a projected cost of $9.48 million, the proposed 30,768-square-foot facility and 157-space parking lot offer a sustainable, functional, and forward-thinking solution for healthcare education.
Jack Armstong, Braden Astolos, Matthew Von Kaenel, Richard Chase, Devin Velez , Spring 2024
As part of the senior capstone course at Slippery Rock University, Prime Force Solutions was tasked with assessing and revitalizing a historic barn located on the Slippery Rock Middle School property. This first-semester report outlines three design options for stabilization or replacement, addressing structural integrity, water runoff, and site constraints. Deliverables include foundation wall repair plans, runoff analysis, topographic mapping, material specifications, technical drawings, and a comprehensive cost analysis. The proposed solutions aim to preserve the site's cultural significance while ensuring long-term stability, safety, and sustainability.
Amber Scott , Brooke Lively, Dan Foust., Ethan McDeavitt , Spring 2024
BEDA Engineering, a senior capstone team at Slippery Rock University, was tasked with designing an addition to the Harmony House at the Macoskey Center to address the need for expanded indoor classroom space. After evaluating three layout options, the team developed a 2,000 ft² ADA-compliant structure featuring a spacious first floor, usable basement with lab and office space, and rooftop access. The selected design aligned with the Macoskey Center’s sustainability mission and aesthetic goals, making it suitable for grant applications. The total projected cost is $715,186.21.
Amber Scott , Brooke Lively, Dan Foust., Ethan McDeavitt , Spring 2024
In support of SRU professor's honeybee research, BEDA Engineering also designed a standalone lab facility located near existing hives at the Macoskey Center. The medium-sized, ADA-compliant design provides dedicated lab and storage space tailored to research needs. With a total estimated cost of $42,117.40, the lab reflects the same sustainable values as the classroom project. The team also recommends future enhancements such as a nearby pond and solar panels to further support ecological research.
Grayson Schaefer, Madison Cox, Daniel Meager,
Colton Trush, Malachi Acrie, Brendan Beall, Spring 2023
The Macoskey Center at SRU challenged Underdog Engineering, a team of senior civil engineering students, to design a classroom addition. This addition aims to enhance learning opportunities for both students and the community. The project involved developing three layout options, designing structural components, and estimating costs. Option 3 was chosen, featuring auditorium-style seating, a vaulted ceiling, and a basement lab space. The building totals 2021 sqft and meets ADA requirements. Its aesthetic exterior includes large windows for outdoor lecture integration.
Jacob Southwick , Deon Waldmeier, Alexa Diven , Cullen Williams Kyle Fitzroy , Spring 2023
CKD Engineering Consultant was tasked with designing two projects for the Capstone Design Course. The first project involved designing a School of Engineering building for Slippery Rock University's campus. This is crucial due to the increasing number of students in the program and the need for dedicated space. Currently, engineering majors are spread across multiple buildings, hindering access to resources. Three preliminary designs were proposed, with the final design meeting all functional requirements. The report outlines the design of structural members such as columns, beams, girders, and foundations, supported by calculations and modeling in RISA and Revit. Additionally, the report includes a cost analysis for the entire building and materials. Extensive research and review were conducted to ensure compliance with standards and codes, resulting in a comprehensive and effective design for the School of Engineering.
Christian Lepinske, Cole Meyer,Nathan Virgin, Donovan Kilker, Senior design team, Spring 2019.
Rolling Hills Church of Platteville, Wisconsin requires a larger area for worship. This project included designing optimal placement for structures and supporting elements, design solutions for building, parking lot, and stormwater structures (Co-advised by Dr. Amr A El Ragaby).
Keaton Verhoeven, Jordan Parker, Nic Matter, Ben Mogilevsky, Senior design team, Fall 2018.
There is currently an existing Varco Pruden metal storage building located in Appleton, Wisconsin. The owners of this building require additional space and have requested that an addition to the building be made. In order for the addition to be completed, modifications to the existing structure must be made (Co-advised by Dr. Hanwan Jiang).
Eric Henschel , Ross Kahler, Drew Lindh,
Tyler Zettl, Senior design team, Spring 2019.
Sanders Creek in Boscobel, WI has historic flooding events over last couple of years. This project objective was to determine alternatives to Highway 61 culvert and downstream channels to prevent overflowing river on top of Highway 61 (Co-advised by Dr. Austin S Polebistki)
Ian Breitlow, Bijoy babu, Mitchel Daharsh, Senior design team, Fall 2019
The City of Dodgeville has required several alternatives for designing a splash pad with concrete slab including specific design, layout, location, materials list, part list, maintenance/staffing plan, cost estimation and renderings of the final product. Additionally, the group will investigate the feasibility of each alternative to provide a technical report to the City of Dodgeville, Wisconsin (Co-advised by Dr. Christina Curras) .
Austin Andrews, Drew Adel, Garrett Hefter, Rakan Alharbi, Spring 2020
The design for the Glenwood Park Restoration performed by Kendall Engineers. The focus of this project was on developing drainage alternatives, a new pavilion design, and preparing a logical phasing plan with cost estimate. Based on feedback from the Village of Kendall, the design has been altered as appropriate. Taken into consideration in this design are the building codes, floodplain development codes, and best practices for park design. Kendall Engineers’ interpretation of the floodplain development code was verified in conversations with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to ensure the conclusions reached were code-compliant. Loading calculations were performed on the new pavilion design (Co-advised by Dr. Robert Schmitt,).
Ann Beyer, Hunter Ellenbecker, Ryan McClure, Spring 2020
Platte River Engineers has completed the requested design of a private bridge over the Little Platte River at 1722 CTH B, Platteville, Wisconsin. The bridge will be used to allow access for emergency and construction equipment, as well as any resident of the home across the river at regular and flood levels (Co-advised by Dr. Hanwan Jiang). .