This project focuses on the development of a biological and environmental sensor network to monitor the health and feeding behavior of oysters. This system utilizes a specialized cage design to consolidate oysters and sensors into a single, high-precision monitoring hub. The system correlates oyster valve gape activity - specifically feeding duration and frequency - with real-time water quality parameters such as salinity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll-a. These upgrades provide a significant use case for the project sponsor, Freese and Nichols Inc., by establishing a scalable model for remote water quality monitoring that can be expanded across the Gulf and Atlantic coasts.

The increasing accumulation of plastic waste in landfills has created a need for innovative recycling solutions. This research explores the use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polypropylene (PP) waste to produce plastic-sand composite bricks, inspired by the work of Gjenge Makers. In addition to evaluating the strength and durability of these bricks, the study analyzes the amount of recycled plastic incorporated into each and its potential to be remelted and reused, continuing its lifecycle. The plastic-sand composite bricks promote sustainable building practices while removing immense amounts of plastic from local landfills.

This study presents the preliminary design and performance assessment of a 12-MW utility-scale photovoltaic (PV) solar power plant proposed for Hebbronville, Texas. The site was selected due to its high solar irradiance, land availability, and proximity to existing electrical infrastructure. Solar resource data obtained primarily from the NREL database, using two years of solar data, is used to evaluate system performance. The study analyzes plant layout, PV module and inverter selection, and the use of fixed-tilt and tracking panel configurations. Using photovoltaic performance factors (POFs) and standard generation calculations, the plant’s expected power generation and annual energy production are estimated to evaluate the anticipated performance of the system.

This project designs a 15-MW photovoltaic (PV) power plant, located just outside San Angelo, TX in San Saba County, Texas (30.98∘N, −99.00∘W), to evaluate the performance trade-offs between two configurations: a fixed-tilt stationary system and a horizontal single-axis tracking (HSAT) system. Utilizing three years of meteorological data (2021–2023) from the NREL National Solar Radiation Database, the study will perform parametric analyses on the Ground Coverage Ratio (GCR) and DC:AC loading ratios. Calculations will determine annual energy yield, Performance Ratio (PR), and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). Results will quantify the energy gain of tracking systems against increased land requirements and O&M costs, providing a technical justification for solar deployment in the Texas CREZ corridor

This poster presents the electrical and controls design of the Automated Parts Washer (APW), a senior capstone sponsored by Mary Kay and developed by engineering students at Texas Christian University. The system will integrate sensors, actuators, and a programmable control architecture to automate the washing cycle while minimizing operator intervention, designed to improve efficiency, safety, and consistency in industrial component cleaning.. A PLC control system coordinates key subsystems including fluid pumps, spray nozzles, and heating elements, and an ultrasonic bath component to ensure uniform cleaning coverage. Electrical design emphasizes safe power distribution, component protection, and reliable signal interfacing between sensors and control hardware. Control logic will be implemented to manage cycle timing, temperature regulation, and fluid circulation while incorporating safety interlocks and fault detection. Human-machine interaction is provided through a user interface that allows operators to select wash cycles and monitor system status. The resulting design demonstrates how integrated electrical systems and control strategies can transform a traditionally manual cleaning process into a repeatable, automated solution suitable for small-scale manufacturing and maintenance environments.