2026 Kickbox Projects
Kickbox 2026 brings together students who are designing, building, and testing original ideas across engineering, art, accessibility, and entrepreneurship. Through these projects, they are learning technical skills like coding, electronics, fabrication, and sewing, while also developing problem-solving, research, and product design experience. Together, they are using hands-on experimentation and iteration to turn ambitious ideas into meaningful, working prototypes.
Truck Bed Pop-Up Projector Screen
Preston Burnside
Major: Computer and Mechanical Engineering
Sponsor: Kyle Altmann, Associate Professor of Physics
Preston is creating a tailgate-mounted projector screen that folds up to fit in the back of his truck. By experimenting with PVC, hinges, springs, and latches, he is developing a practical, portable setup for on-the-go movie viewing.
Articulated Wings
Meghan Carraher
Major: Engineering
Sponsor: Jonathan Su, Associate Professor of Engineering
Meghan is designing and building articulated wings powered by small electronic controllers. Her project explores how controlled, flexible motion could be adapted for real-world uses such as assistive devices or remote operation in hard-to-reach spaces.
Froggy Stickers - Digital Age
Carina Kaplan, Daniel Romero, Richard Montano
Major: Strategic Communication
Sponsor: Amber Moser, Director of Internships, School of Communications
Carina is building on her previous sticker work by creating a digital sticker app and designing new individual stickers for display and sale. She is experimenting with both digital platforms and physical production to reach a wider audience.
LiDAR Feedback Belt
Joseph Lavelle
Major: Computer Science and Data Analytics
Sponsor: Ryan Mattfeld, Associate Professor of Computer Science
Joseph is exploring a wearable system that uses LiDAR technology to detect nearby objects and translate that information into vibration feedback. By integrating a camera and adjustable motors into a belt, he is exploring new ways to support spatial awareness for people with visual impairments.
Topologically Optimized 3D Printed Drone
Rebecca Troy
Major: Engineering
Sponsor: Kyle Altmann, Associate Professor of Physics
Rebecca is exploring how generative design can improve drone engineering. She is designing and building a fully functional drone with a 3D-printed, topologically optimized frame to test how lightweight, high-strength structures can enhance flight performance and efficiency.
Stereo Speakers for TV
Eddie Fermanian
Major: Theatrical Design and Technology
Sponsor: Jeremy Hohertz, Assistant Teaching Professor of Physics
Eddie is creating a pair of 2-way stereo speakers to enhance the sound output of his TV. By building and tuning the system himself, he is learning more about sound design and how audio can be more clearly and accurately translated.
Chess Board and Clock
Tyler Mastrangelo
Major: Computer Science
Sponsor: Brendan Haggerty, Instructor in Computer Science
Tyler is creating a handcrafted wooden chess board and a custom-built digital chess clock. By combining CNC machining, traditional woodworking, and electronics programming, he is learning how physical design and hardware work together to produce reliable, well-made tools for play.
NexG8
Nijayuana Gordon
Major: Doctorate of Physical Therapy
Sponsor: Dorriea Murphy, Adjunct Assistant Professor of Physical Therapy Education
Nijayuana is developing NEXG8, an assistive mobility device designed to improve comfort and stability during injury recovery. Her project focuses on creating a more supportive, practical alternative to traditional crutches using principles of biomechanics and human-centered design.
Kindly Kits
Adele Bodensteiner, Quinn Auger, Emma Luckman
Major: Entrepreneurship
Sponsor: Nicole Bergen, Program Assistant for the Kernodle Center for Civic Life
Adele and her team are designing and distributing Card Creation Kits filled with materials for making handmade cards. Their project focuses on making creativity and kindness more accessible by providing ready-to-use kits that students can pick up and use to brighten someone’s day.
Homemade EEG Headset
Sebastian Zucker-Malone
Major: Computer Science
Sponsor: Pratheep Paranthaman, Associate Professor of Computer Science
Sebastian is developing a custom 16-channel EEG headset as a more affordable alternative to commercial systems. His project focuses on understanding the full signal-processing pipeline, from detecting micro-voltage brain activity to analyzing the data through software.
Phoenix Rising
Cassidy Parrish
Major: Engineering
Cassidy is creating a set of motorized phoenix wings that can open and close through remote operation. By combining lightweight structures, movement systems, and detailed feather design, she is learning how wearable mechanics and aesthetics work together.
2D Vibration Haptic Feedback Harness for Seeing Eye Robotic Quadruped
Amalie Keefe
Major: Engineering
Sponsor: Blake Hament, Assistant Professor of Engineering
Amalie is designing a feedback-enabled harness for a robotic “seeing eye” dog. By integrating vibration motors and obstacle detection systems, she is exploring how robotic platforms can provide navigation support in a more accessible and adaptable way.
Handcrafted Hanfu
Helena Hanzal Childress
Major: International Business
Sponsor: Scott Oaks, Assistant Teaching Professor of Management
Helena is creating a handmade hanfu by studying traditional forms, adapting patterns, and sewing a finished piece from start to finish. Her project focuses on developing advanced sewing skills while learning more about the cultural and historical context of the garment.