School of Computing and Engineering Projects Day

This research project investigates environmentally friendly alternatives for deicing road salts (NaCl or sodium chloride) to determine if these alternatives will cause the release of heavy metals from the bioswales. The study also investigates lower concentrations of sodium chloride to establish safe levels of road salt use in sensitive watersheds or ecosystems.

Student Lead: Mackenzie Guthrie

Adviser: Professor John Greenleaf

Lake Whitney Dam, which was constructed in 1860, must be rehabilitated to meet current demands and safety standards. As part of this effort, we designed a temporary cofferdam upstream of the existing dam. Soil parameters were used to calculate lateral earth pressures and ensure stability. Fill material, such as rip rap and gravel, was chosen to meet hydraulic constraints. A broad-crested weir was designed to maintain flow downstream to the water treatment plant.

Student Team Members: Joe D’Adamo, Grace Davis, Nolan Kus, Brendan McNally, Martin Radeny

Advisers: Professor Ari Perez, Professor Priscilla Fonseca

Client: Regional Water Authority

Located in Maspeth, Queens, Shaft 18B will serve as a new connection to the existing NYC Water Supply Tunnel. Our group is tasked with designing a retaining wall to protect the adjacent Long Island Railroad to ensure it can remain operational during the drilling and blasting of Shaft 18B. Our portion of wall will tie into an existing retaining wall built prior to this project. It will be extended 30 feet, turn at a 45° angle, extend another 20 feet and tie into another existing wall.

Student Team Members: Gianluca Chiodi, Jason Collett, Luca Fanelli, Stephen Schmidt, Tiana Walker

Advisers: Professor Ari Perez, Professor Priscilla Fonseca

Client: Delve Underground

Our project focuses on planning and developing the first Student Steel Bridge Competition (SSBC) Team at Quinnipiac University. SSBC is an annual competition hosted by the American Institute of Steel Construction and the American Society of Civil Engineers. Deliverables include sponsorship outreach and fundraising, cost estimates for tools, materials and travel, and an annual schedule for design, fabrication and competition. A turnover binder will be given to the leaders of the club next year. We will provide recommendations on how the team should be run to be the most successful.

Student Team Members: Matthew DeLuca, Londel Lennon, James O’Keeffe, Ryan Pajer

Advisers: Professor Priscilla Fonseca, Jon West

Client: Quinnipiac School of Computing and Engineering

In this paper, I examine the link between human and technical errors as the root causes of cyber threats in an increasingly digitized society. The paper separates the two vulnerabilities, researches the severity of damages and addresses the costs of cyberattacks. The thesis aims to provide insights for developing cybersecurity strategies to combat the threat landscape effectively.

Student Lead: James Phillips

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

This project investigates how virtual reality can expand legal practices by offering new ways to develop the courtroom and its practices, especially in the departments of legal professionals, victims and witnesses, and police training. Although implementing virtual reality offers a lot of positives, there are negatives considering not every courtroom is able to access the technology and not all court professionals are able to understand the new technology. Overall, virtual reality would be beneficial to the courtroom procedure and advancing the legal system with fair and just rulings.

Student Lead: Lauren Sloane

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

This project compares traditional approaches to sentiment analysis, namely sentiment dictionaries and NBoWs, to Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) with a financial and economic lens. Models are described and can be interacted with through a basic web application.

Student Lead: Philip Caldarella

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

This project explores the topic of artificial intelligence and its ability to generate aesthetics. This project involves the use of AI-generated images as a baseline for determining if artificial intelligence is able to generate an aesthetic and delves into a serious discussion of whether artificial intelligence can generate aesthetic in 3-dimensional sculptures.

Student Lead: Gregory Jean-Baptiste

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

The thesis critically evaluates AI in cybersecurity, contrasting its advantages for threat identification with its issues in recognizing and responding to evolving threats as well as its overreliance risks. It endorses a balanced approach, integrating AI with human discernment and emphasizing the importance of ethical practices and robust regulation.

Student Lead: Haig Mesrobian

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

Neuroscience, a rapidly growing field, often outpaces research capabilities, emphasizing the importance of reliability and validity. Human-controlled processes dominate but automation shows promise in saving time and reducing errors. Analyzing primary research and existing tools reveals a range of neural-analysis applications, primarily automated. These tools swiftly gather cell data, surpassing human abilities. Semiautomated solutions offer a balance, enhancing speed and consistency. This paper specifically demonstrates the development of a semiautomated tool for hippocampal glial cell analysis.

Student Lead: Hannah Pfersch

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake, Professor Adrienne Betz

In this project, I compare the performance of training a simple neural network on machine learning frameworks, such as Tensorflow, as well as manual implementations in both simple CPU and GPU implementations.

Student Lead: Thomas Kwashnak

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

This thesis explores the application of gamification features in the field of cybersecurity in order to promote better awareness, education and self-evaluation within users and cybersecurity professionals. It investigates how the incorporation of game elements can help reinforce engagement, motivation and change in behavior. This thesis aims to assess the effectiveness of this implementation in addressing cybersecurity challenges, provide insight for organizations looking to improve cybersecurity outcomes and contribute to a more secure cyberspace.

Student Lead: Alexander Goriup

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

In this project, I utilize an array of data sourced from the Quinnipiac University Office of Admissions to develop machine learning models. These models are leveraged to predict the likelihood of prospective students depositing toward enrollment.

Student Lead: Jacob Conrad

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

Client: Karissa Peckham, Quinnipiac University Office of Admissions

Although game development and commercial software are both developed using code, there are key differences to consider when testing the products. When it comes to game development, the process is more manual and focusedsmore on entertainment than usability. In software development, testing attempts to find bugs that can affect the enjoyment of the user. While it can be done manually, the majority of tests use algorithms and automatic test cases that lead to specific results. When looking closely at the ways these are tested, one can find similarities and question if some aspects of game development testing could be used in software development testing, potentially leading either one or both to be improved in the long run.

Student Lead: Nicholas Centeno

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

This senior thesis explores the crucial intersection between user psychology and design practices, emphasizing the need to prioritize both user engagement and wellbeing. Technology can be addicting due to its design but it shouldn’t be at the cost of the user’s mental wellbeing. There should be an intersection that allows companies to still make a profit from returning users but not to the point of addiction to technology.

Student Lead: Elizabeth Delea

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

Deep learning models lack interpretability, hindering clinical adoption. We propose an explainable approach for prostate cancer diagnosis from medical images that generate visual attribution maps elucidating model predictions. Comprehensive evaluation includes qualitative analysis of attribution maps across predicted cancer probability ranges. Our method combines high diagnostic performance with interpretability, enabling error analysis and facilitating trust in computer-aided diagnosis systems. The visual explanations provide insights into learned patterns and support improved model understanding for enhanced clinical translation.

Student Lead: Kinshu Gupta

Advisers: Professor Jonathan Blake, Professor Mehmet Gulum

This project deconstructs the components of an audit process, pinpointing areas suitable for the integration of AI and automation, either independently or with human intervention, with the overarching aim of advancing towards a seamlessly automated audit framework.

Student Lead: Taylor Lea

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

This project investigates legal infractions through the relationship of corporate practices and AI ethics, addressing algorithmic biases, confidentiality concerns and accountability gaps. Through case studies and literature reviews, it tackles how companies navigate ethical difficulties while advancing AI. Proposing forward-looking strategies, it advocates for ethical AI integration. Its aim is to advise future discussions on business ethics and AI regulations, aiming to reduce legal violations and encourage moral decision-making in corporate settings.

Student Lead: Priscilla Esteves

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

In the National Hockey League, data analysis is crucial for maximizing team performance. This study investigates if publicly available data combined with advanced analytics can identify optimal defensive pairings against opposing offensive lines throughout a season. A model will calculate defensive and offensive metrics for all pairings and lines. These metrics will then be used to determine the best defensive matchup for each opposing offensive line, aiming to provide coaches with actionable insights to enhance defensive strategies and optimize performance.

Student Lead: Dylan Widecki

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

In this project, I explore the nature of creating art using prompts. The project will show that art is not all about tangible products but recognize that digital art is a form of art that is growing in today's world. Throughout the project, I aim to solidify that digital art is a valid form of expression. Overall, the project will highlight the use of prompts in art and the difference it has made.

Student Lead: Ohm Patel

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

In this research paper, I analyze the use of the software development framework “SCRUM” and how it is used in game development.

Student Lead: Aidan Mountain

Adviser: Professor Jonathan Blake

Introducing AccessiMove: revolutionizing computer control for users with disabilities or limited hand mobility. By harnessing facial tracking and gesture recognition technologies, AccessiMove enables hands-free mouse control through facial positioning and eye blinks. Built with MediaPipe libraries, it interprets facial landmarks to map user states to customizable inputs. With an intuitive interface and adaptable settings, AccessiMove facilitates diverse computing tasks and simple gaming experiences, promoting inclusivity in technology.

Student Team Members: Jack Duggan, Michael Ruocco

Adviser: Professor Chetan Jaiswal

Clients: Professor Brian O'Neill (School of Computing and Engineering), Professor Karen Majeski (School of Health Sciences)

Eye tracking technology has typically been limited by the necessity for expensive and specialized hardware. Our project, AITracker, aims to revolutionize this field by introducing an affordable and accessible alternative. AITracker utilizes deep learning algorithms to accurately detect eye movements in real-time, enabling seamless interaction with external devices using only the eyes. This innovative system tracks eye movements in eight directions — and blinks — effectively transforming a standard webcam into a powerful input device.

Student Team Members: Emilio Cruz, Jacob Hogrefe

Adviser: Professor Chetan Jaiswal

Client: Professor Jose Riofrio (School of Computing and Engineering)

Code Forge is an online Java code editor with a unique set of features. In addition to a code editor and an interactive console, we offer a whiteboard linked to each file for planning and notes. Each project can be shared with other users where you can both code and use the whiteboard at the same time. This sharing functionality is perfect for beginner programmers collaborating without having to learn Git.

Student Team Members: Ty Hutchison, Joshua Reed, Nicholas Tourony

Adviser: Professor Chetan Jaiswal

Clients: Professor Christian Duncan (School of Computing and Engineering), Professor Robin Chataut (School of Computing and Engineering)

In large organizations, access to accurate simulation resources can be limited due to the number of people that depend on them to meet ongoing professional practice evaluations (OPPE) requirements. The Quinnipiac Virtual Medical Simulation aims to address these issues, offering a solution for creating highly customizable VR simulations that mirror real procedures. The application supports loading models and assets, building and creating scenarios, practicing inside simulated scenarios, and reviewing results through replays and performance statistics.

Student Team Members: Jonathan Mason, Matthew Merritt, Michael Merritt

Adviser: Professor Chetan Jaiswal

Clients: Michael Russo, PA-C, Thomas Nowicki, MD, FACEP, Hartford HealthCare (CESI Division)

Partnering with Union Community Health Center to enhance staff and patient satisfaction, this project focuses on transitioning dental staff from Dentrix to athenaOne, with goals such as customizing training videos, implementing patient satisfaction KPIs and addressing Dentrix system gaps. Through careful analysis, these efforts aim to streamline operations, ensure a smooth transition and improve staff proficiency and overall efficiency.

Student Team Members: Briana Blanco, Alex Fraser, Ryan Faherty

Adviser: Professor Corey Kiassat

Client: Union Community Health Center

Striving to offer Wepco Plastics a standardized process to streamline scheduling through Python programming, the team aims for an optimal solution across multiple machines. This involves balancing deadlines and minimizing unnecessary material and frame changeovers for injection molding machines. By automating the scheduling process, the EDD based scheduling algorithm will significantly reduce the need for manual intervention which currently consumes around two hours each week. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces the risk of human error, ensuring more accurate and timely schedules.

Student Team Members: Joe Fragoso, Bill Regan, Emre Topcu, Kevin Tuohy

Adviser: Professor Justin Kile

Client: Wepco Plastics

Design a frame, front/rear suspension and steering system for the next-generation QU Baja car. The design must integrate the new drivetrain and brake system that will be designed by the other Baja design team. The design must address the main shortcomings of the current car, comply with all SAE Baja regulations and be finalized by May 2024.

Student Team Members: Justin Goodwin, James Kiernan, Forrest Paradise, John Stewart 

Adviser: Professor Jose Riofrio

Client: QU Baja Team

Design an all-wheel-drive drivetrain and brake system for the next-generation QU Baja car. The design must integrate with the new frame that will be designed by the other Baja design team. The design must address the main shortcomings of the current car, comply with all SAE Baja regulations and be finalized by May 2024.

Student Team Members: Keith Bauer, Marcus Fabiunke, Jake Fitzpatrick, Rob Jata

Adviser: Professor Jose Riofrio

Client: QU Baja Team

Work with the Hartford HealthCare Center for Education, Simulation & Innovation to design and implement an ability for a patient simulator manikin to eject stomach contents through the mouth (vomit).

Student Team Members: Vicky Adigolo, Owen Coates, Ariel Khemraj, Andrew O’Keefe

Adviser: Professor Mary Phillips

Client: Hartford Healthcare Center for Education, Simulation & Innovation

This project develops a test fixture that will aid in testing Medtronic’s laparoscopic ports for seal damage and leakage rate. The fixture will use linear actuators to insert surgical instruments into laparoscopic ports at varying speeds, angles and distances. It will also measure the leakage rate of air from the ports using a pressurized chamber. This device will help in streamlining and automating the laparoscopic port test.

Student Team Members: Luc D’Amelio, Michael DiZenzo, Lucas Morello, Ty Pierson, Meg Spielmann

Adviser: Professor Mary Phillips

Client: Medtronic

Stanley Black & Decker produces and sells tools in cases that are molded to hold the tools in place. The team will design and build a test rig to measure the insertion and removal force of tools which are stored in these blow mold cases.

Student Team Members: Shivani Bhagania, Dylan Donnery,  Anna Hartzheim, Charles Okang

Adviser: Professor John Reap

Client: Stanley Black & Decker

This project's purpose is to create a new Electronic Health Record (EHR) system for the Nursing Department at Quinnipiac University to use in their simulation labs. An EHR is an electronic version of a patient’s medical history maintained by a healthcare provider. The main goal is to develop a new, improved and more user-friendly version of the University’s current system that fulfills the necessary requirements and enhances its functionality. This is a web-based EHR system that can dynamically handle patient records and live updates and synchronize instructors to student user accounts across various simulation lab sections.

Student Team Members: Matthew Nova, Christopher Rocco, William Siri

Adviser: Professor Ruby ElKharboutly

Client: Quinnipiac Nursing Department – Liana Kappus, Bridget Rich, Darlene Rogers, Teresa Twomey

The goal of this project is to develop a web application featuring two distinct dashboards tailored to Wepco Plastics' supervisors and operators. These dashboards will provide real-time visibility into machine activity on the manufacturing floor and assess machine efficiency, indicating if a machine is operating below or above the quoted cycle time. This product serves as an upgrade to the current Amper Machine Monitoring site, enhancing user experience and accessibility for production supervisors and operators to track current machine activity and efficiency effortlessly.

Student Team Members: Emily Balboni, Humna Hanif, Rion McLaren, Julia Woeste

Adviser: Professor Ruby ElKharboutly

Client: Mike Cwirka, Director of Manufacturing Support of Wepco Plastics, Inc.