Student presentations
Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-115 on Dec. 8.
Sturgis Downtown Parking Lot
10:30 to 10:55 a.m.
Team Members:
Kelsey Seibert
Lindsay Parker
Noah Millin
Sponsor:
Matt Johnson, P.E., Fleis & VanderBrink
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Yufeng Hu, P.E.
Project Description:
An aging parking lot in downtown Sturgis had exceeded its useful life, resulting in deteriorated pavement, outdated utility infrastructure and inadequate support for current traffic demands. A complete site reconstruction was designed, including a new stormwater drainage system, replacement of lead water service lines, pavement designed for H-20 loading conditions, a concrete alley and a retaining wall. Topographic survey data were used to evaluate site grading and drainage performance, while traffic conditions were analyzed to establish appropriate design criteria for the parking layout. Alternative pipe materials, pavement sections, drainage configurations and site layouts were evaluated to identify cost- effective solutions that met municipal standards. The completed design enhanced safety, durability, drainage performance and long-term functionality for surrounding businesses, residents and visitors.
Arcadia Creek Restoration & Resilience Project
11 to 11:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Calvin Armstead
Remede Mbonyimfura
Jacob Snyder
Yousef Kamal
Sponsor:
Tom Palumbo, B.S.E.’16, P.E., City of Kalamazoo
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Decker Hains, P.E.
Project Description:
Downtown Kalamazoo’s Arcadia Creek corridor faced increased flood risk due to aging and undersized underground and box culverts that limited the creek’s ability to safely convey stormwater. Existing drainage conditions, floodplain information and site data were evaluated using GIS and hydraulic analysis to identify critical constraints and opportunities for improvement. Proposed creek and drainage improvements were developed to increase conveyance capacity and reduce flood risk along the corridor. Hydraulic conditions were analyzed under existing and proposed scenarios, while transportation, environmental, construction and cost considerations were incorporated into the overall design. The resulting design created a more resilient creek corridor with enhanced flood protection and opportunities for improved environmental conditions and greater community benefits.
Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-115 and will also be streamed on Webex.
Maple Hill Auto Dealership Site Redevelopment
9 to 9:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Coy Brown
Tyler Burr
DeVante’ Dunigan
Caden Dixon
Sponsors:
Tyler Cravens, B.S.E.’15, Mitten State Engineering
Dante Pineau, Mitten State Engineering
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Shafayet Ahmed
This project involved transforming an existing 43,000-square-foot medical facility into a 40,900-square-foot Subaru dealership. A comprehensive redevelopment plan was developed to address site layout, vehicle circulation and stormwater management. The project scope included underground utility design, 2D and 3D site modeling, and evaluation of traffic impacts associated with the new development. Construction planning and cost estimating were incorporated to ensure the project is both practical and financially feasible. The final design supports safe, efficient and sustainable site operations while demonstrating how existing sites can be successfully redesigned to meet new needs.
Reconstruction of Butterworth Street
9:30 to 9:55 a.m.
Team Members:
Lorraine Aigboduwa
Lia Goodell
Joshua Hill
Sponsors:
Chad Van Soelen, AECOM
Jim Herman, City of Grand Rapids
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Yufeng Hu
This project involved the reconstruction of Butterworth Street from Marion Avenue to Front Avenue in Grand Rapids, Michigan, creating a continuous multimodal corridor aligned with the City’s Vital Streets framework. The design emphasized bicycle and pedestrian safety through raised bike lanes, improved crossings, ADA-compliant transit facilities and coordination with Mobile GR for micromobility. Supporting work included traffic and parking studies, environmental review, railroad coordination, full water main and lead service line replacement and project cost estimating. The final design promotes a safer, more connected and resilient transportation corridor that enhances mobility for all users.
Design of Kalamazoo Parking Structure
10 to 10:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Maksym Derhachov
Nikolai Rovenko
Benjamin Stidham
Kreston Sundberg
Sponsor:
Greg Ehmke, P.E., Fishbeck
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Xiaoyun Shao
Rapid growth in downtown Kalamazoo, including a new multi-sport arena and administrative building, is expected to increase travel to the area for both work and leisure. This project developed the design of a new multi-level parking structure located between N. Church and N. Rose Street to improve access to downtown destinations. Two design alternatives were evaluated: one featuring a full roof level designed to support the future solar panel installation for long-term sustainability benefits, and another without the roof level to reduce initial construction costs. A comparative analysis examined whether long-term operational and environmental advantages justify higher upfront investment. The design process considered various civil engineering disciplines including structural, geotechnical, environmental, construction and transportation. The project integrated structural, geotechnical, transportation, environmental, and construction considerations to develop a safe, efficient, and cost-effective parking solution that supports continued downtown growth.
N. Mason Avenue Culvert Replacement
10:30 to 10:55 a.m.
Team Members:
Caden Boynton
Nick Fannon
Nolan Van Loo
Sponsor:
Jarret Geering, B.S.E.’18, OHM Advisors
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Decker Hains
This project addressed the replacement of a culvert crossing Wabascon Creek along North Mason Avenue in Battle Creek, Michigan. Following significant flooding caused by snowmelt in 2023, the existing wooden box culvert—originally constructed in the 1960s—sustained damage when inlet wingwalls detached from the structure, requiring temporary repairs. Design alternatives were developed to provide a durable and reliable replacement, incorporating structural, water resources, transportation, and construction engineering considerations. The design process also addressed environmental sustainability requirements, cost-effectiveness and constructability. Final deliverables included engineering calculations, plans and specifications, a cost estimate and a project schedule to support implementation of a resilient long-term solution.
Village of Richland Intersection Redesign
11 to 11:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Grant Bachman
Johnathan Tapp
Lillian Velez
Sponsors:
Bobby Kampf, B.S.E.’23, Michigan Department of Transportation
Samuel Hall, B.S.E.’23, Michigan Department of Transportation
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Jun-Seok Oh
The intersections of Gull Road, East D Avenue and North 32nd Street in the Village of Richland were redesigned to better accommodate peak-hour traffic flow and enhance pedestrian safety. Using traffic studies and historical data, three alternative designs were developed. The alternatives were then evaluated based on efficiency, cost and feasibility. The selected solution optimizes the flow of the primary traffic route while improving safety, performance and sustainability for all modes of transportation.
Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-115. You can also watch via Webex.
Redesigning the Intersection of Kalamazoo Ave and Michigan Ave
10:30 to 10:55 a.m.
Team Members:
Martin Hoeksema
Otto Reick
Franchesca Rivera
Elena Stevenson
Sponsor:
Wightman
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Jun-Seok Oh
With the change in downtown Kalamazoo’s traffic flow, the intersection of Kalamazoo Avenue and Michigan Avenue required redesign to accommodate the new two-way lane conversion. Transportation, construction and environmental engineering principles were applied to evaluate design alternatives using historical traffic data, modeling tools and existing site conditions. Alternatives including a roundabout and a signalized intersection were analyzed and compared based on performance, safety and feasibility. The final recommendation improves traffic efficiency, enhances accessibility, and promotes safer travel for all use.
Mishawaka Multi-Family Development
11 to 11:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Miguel A. Ruiz Batlle
Coraima Tejeda
Anees Aqel
Sponsor:
AR Engineering
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Yufeng Hu
A 20-acre site at the northeast corner of Beacon Parkway and Fir Road in Mishawaka was developed into a multi-family residential community. Alternative layout designs were assessed to maximize open space while improving traffic flow and accessibility. The project involved site grading to achieve earthwork balance, soil property evaluation for settlement and slope stability, and the implementation of stormwater management through retention systems and stormwater piping. A stormwater pollution prevention plan was prepared, incorporating erosion control measures and best management practices. The completed design delivered an environmentally sustainable residential development that complies with building codes and ensures long-term operational stability.
Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-208. You can also watch via Webex.
WMU Hilltop Village Development
8:30 to 8:55 a.m.
Team Members:
Leslie Gonzalez
Keila Howard
Michelle Ng
Sponsor:
Bryan McDowell, B.S.E.’17, P.E., Fishbeck
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Xiaoyun Shao, P.E.
Located on the southern portion of Western Michigan University’s campus, Hilltop Village aims to provide a pedestrian-focused district that seamlessly integrates housing, retail, academic spaces and recreational areas. To enhance connectivity, the project features a new primary roadway, a pedestrian bridge and pathways linking Arcadia Loop Road, the Student Center and Ring Road. The design process incorporated SAP2000 for structural analysis and design, Civil3D for site design, Microsoft Project for construction scheduling, and RSMeans for cost estimation, ensuring a comprehensive engineering solution. The final design addresses the site’s topographical constraints with a large open green space and a sustainable stormwater management system to support future development.
Design of a Retaining Wall for M-10 Freeway
9 to 9:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Tony Paul
Jake Sajewski
Jessica Slagter-Enaohwo
Sponsor:
Ryan Snook, P.E., Michigan Department of Transportation
Faculty Advisors:
Dr. Valerian Kwigizile, P.E.
Dr. Yufeng Hu, P.E.
The M-10 Freeway, also known as the John C. Lodge Freeway, is bordered by retaining walls at the project location, one section of which required replacement to meet safety and serviceability standards. Located in Detroit, Michigan, this project focused on the redesign and replacement of a section of retaining wall along the southeast-bound lanes of M-10, between Curtis Street and Thatcher Avenue. The 20-foot-tall retaining wall also supports traffic loads from the overhead James Couzens Freeway. Through geotechnical and structural design, several alternatives were developed and evaluated. The optimal solution was selected for detailed analysis to ensure compliance with all safety and serviceability requirements. A comprehensive maintenance of traffic (MOT) plan was developed to maintain traffic flow during construction. Additionally, a detailed construction plan was created, addressing scheduling, planning and resource allocation. This project enhances the resilience of local infrastructure, benefiting the surrounding community.
West Michigan Industrial Fire Pump House
9:30 to 9:55 a.m.
Team Members:
Andrew Long
Cameron Mundt
Montserrat Tejeda Mirambeaux
Sponsor:
Paul Pagano, B.S.E.’10, Walbridge, Inc.
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Shafayet Ahmed
In this project, a fire pump house was designed for an industrial setting, serving as the primary line of defense against fires and other industrial hazards. The purpose of the structure was to provide additional water pressure to fire protection systems in the event of a fire. The fire pump house consisted of a steel frame and a concrete pad, housing pumps and pumping equipment with an attached water tank supplying water directly to the pumps. The completed design ensured a safe environment and facilitated a rapid response to incidents within the supported facilities, helping to protect both workers and the environment.
Algoma 52: 10 Mile Road Over the Rogue River Bridge Design
10 to 10:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Tyler Appelgren
Justyn Kreps
John Schmuhl
Sponsor:
Erik Easterly, P.E., Kent County Road Commission
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Yufeng Hu, P.E.
The Algoma 52 Bridge in Rockford, Michigan, is in a state of failure due to the deterioration of its concrete beams, necessitating a redesign to restore the bridge to a satisfactory condition. The redesign process considered various civil engineering subdisciplines, including structural, transportation, geotechnical and water resources, to develop a solution that prioritized safety and sustainability while meeting MDOT specifications. Tools such as Civil 3D, HEC-RAS, Bentley Leap Bridge Concrete Software, MERL and REGIS were used to assess the cost-effectiveness and adequacy of the proposed design. The completed redesign features a structurally sound bridge capable of withstanding future traffic demands along with a reduced curve to improve overall safety and performance.
Bachman Fields Site Design
10:30 to 10:55 a.m.
Team Members:
Connor Kidwell
Kolin Goss
Sam Heston
Jack Bialek
Sponsor:
Jon Male, P.E., Exxel Engineering
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Hexu Liu
Bachman Fields is a large, 40+ acre parcel located in Hastings, Michigan. Currently vacant, the site will be subdivided into approximately 100 single-family homes. The project involved the completion of a comprehensive site design, addressing key environmental and sustainability concerns, such as wetland fill and erosion control. A public road and utilities were designed to service the new lots, alongside a sustainable stormwater management plan. An earthwork analysis was performed to ensure balanced cuts and fills during construction. Additionally, a construction schedule and cost estimate were developed. This project will provide the city of Hastings with much-needed additional housing options.
Leoni Township Main Wastewater Pump Station
11 to 11:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Alejandro Guevara
Greg Kettwich
Logan Plumley
Sponsor:
Matthew Johnson, P.E., Fleis & VanderBrink
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Decker Hains, P.E.
The township of Leoni needs to replace its aging wastewater pump station with several new buildings and upgraded utilities. This project focused specifically on the redesign and reconstruction of the wastewater pump house. A detailed site layout was developed, followed by a structural analysis and design of the two-story building. Multiple alternatives for the building structure were evaluated and the optimal option was selected. A comprehensive construction schedule and cost estimation were provided. The upgraded pump station is anticipated to significantly improve public health in the area.
Scoping the Ravine Road Bridge Over US-131
11:30 to 11:55 a.m.
Team Members:
Anthony Gazzarato
Jared Hough
Erin Pietruszka
Drew Bielawski
Sponsor:
Mike Halloran, P.E., Michigan Department of Transportation
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Yufeng Hu, P.E.
A hands-on inspection was conducted to evaluate the condition of the Ravine Road bridge over US-131, south of the Kalamazoo Speedway. Several repair options were assessed, and the most effective solution was recommended. A comprehensive bridge scoping report was created, incorporating structural design, traffic control, construction scheduling and cost estimation, all in accordance with AASHTO and MDOT bridge specifications and standards. The project aims to extend the bridge’s service life while ensuring the safety of the traveling public.
Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-115. You can also watch via Webex.
F&V Utility Building and Site Design
11 to 11:25 a.m.
Team Members:
Matthew Bergstrom
James Peter
Jessica Schneider
Sponsor:
Matt Johnson, P.E., Fleis & VandenBrink
Faculty Advisor:
Dr. Yufeng Hu, P.E.
Fleis and VandenBrink, located in WMU’s Business Technology and Research Park, currently owns a 210-square-foot storage shed that no longer meets their needs. To address the requirements for additional space, improved vehicle accessibility, and enhanced protection for high-profile documents, a new utility storage building was designed along with additional parking spaces in the general lot. The building’s design includes a comprehensive foundation and structural analysis to ensure safety and longevity, with provisions for potential expansion to meet future needs. The proposed construction plan focuses on sustainability and aims to minimize disruptions to office operations.
Presentations will take place at Floyd Hall in room D-115. You can also watch via Webex.