Section: Fall 2008 - 300	print | return to top
Title: NEWS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FALL 2008 --- CHECK OUT NEWLY LISTED IPRO SECTIONS 305 and 306 AND OTHERS STILL SEEKING STUDENTS (308, 309, 310, 326, 327, 336, 338, 347 and 353 )
Meeting Days/Time:
Sponsor:
Faculty:
Appropriate Disciplines:
Description: NEWS AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FALL 2008 ENROLLMENT. There are 42 IPRO sections for Fall 2008, including several that can benefit from additional students from various disciplines. IPRO section sizes are limited based on the scope of the project, although most will be on the order of 10 to 12 students. In order to assure multidisciplinarity of teams, there are restrictions that limit the number of students from any one department to about one-half of the total team size. That is why you may not be able to directly enroll in an IPRO section, if the number of students from your major have already filled the quota of slots for that major on the team. CHOOSE A PROJECT THAT YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT. This IPRO Listing provides students with information about the IPRO project topics and faculty in order to make an informed decision. We urge students to choose a project they are excited about; and for which they are prepared to make a serious investment of time and effort to contribute to its success. A student's schedule may preclude them from enrolling in what may be their top choice for an IPRO section; however, with 30+ projects to choose from each semester (except for the summer session), we feel there are viable alternatives in virtually all circumstances. Students are encouraged to contact the listed IPRO faculty to ask any questions about the project. FOLLOW IIT'S STANDARD COURSE ENROLLMENT STEPS. After studying the IPRO topics described at the IPRO web site to identify their top project possibilities, students proceed to officially enroll in an IPRO course section through the new registration process. Under the "Academics" tab, choose to look up classes, select the term, select the subject "Interprofessional Project" and then scan the listing of IPRO team course sections. Click on the Course Registration Number (CRN) to see the IPRO project title (a.k.a. Topic). Register for the CRN associated with the desired project, making sure to avoid schedule conflicts. Please note that there are no longer different IPRO designations based on academic level, as may appear in the Bulletin (i.e., IPRO 297-3xx, IPRO 397-3xx, IPRO 497-3xx or IPRO 597-3xx). For example, ALL IIT students who wish to enroll in IPRO 301 will look for the official CRN associated with IPRO 497-301. TWO IPRO COURSES ARE REQUIRED TO GRADUATE. All undergraduates must complete two IPRO courses to fulfill general education requirements (with the exception of ROTC students, who must complete one IPRO course). Generally, students can select the IPRO topics that interest them the most and fit their schedule. However, individual degree programs may specify when students should ideally enroll in an IPRO course and what type of IPRO topic they should consider. DOWNTOWN AND ID CAMPUS STUDENTS WELCOME TO JOIN IPRO TEAMS. Students from Stuart School of Business and Chicago-Kent College of Law should consult their advisers for the appropriate course designation in order to join an IPRO team. Stuart School of Business students look for "SSB 550-xxx". Institute of Design students can enroll in "IPRO 597-xxx" in consultation with their academic adviser. QUESTIONS? E-mail Tom Jacobius (jacobius@iit.edu) if you have any questions. Thanks!

Section: Fall 2008 - 301 (By Permit)	print | return to top
Title: Undergraduate Research on Interprofessional Education
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 11:25 to 12:40
Sponsor: IPRO Program Office
Faculty: Margaret Huyck (PSYC) (mhhuyck@sbcglobal.net) in consultation with Martina Nieswandt (MSE) (mnieswan@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Students of all disciplines are welcome.
Description: In the third and fourth semesters of this IPRO project, the problem focus may include the following topics: (1) interventions to improve the inter-rater reliability of IPRO Day judging and the accuracy and consistency of IPRO Day judging including real time interventions on IPRO Day; (2) analysis of the demographic factors that explain high performing IPRO teams and the construction of a model that will aid in selection of students such that more IPRO teams can reach high performing status[better real results for students and sponsors]; (3) construction and implementation of methods to measure actual improvements in ethical awareness among IIT students compared with students also using our code of ethics approach at Michigan Tech, Lehigh, Rice and Purdue; (4) continued analysis of the impact of our groupware tools on the learning environment of IPROs so that those tools can be modified to better serve IPRO faculty and students. Team goals for each research topic are: (1) Conduct and update literature searches on the interventions and relevant learning theories; (2) Research, design and test interventions or tools that will improve the IPRO experience, including computer software programs such as iGROUPS, peer review systems, forecast models or simulation models and interventions such as design and prototyping workshops, programmable chip seminars or teamwork games such as the IPRO Games; (3) Learn how to use SPSS and enough statistics to support or conduct data analysis for data collected on learning results and the effectiveness of learning interventions; (4) Write abstracts, paper drafts, grant proposals or develop and deliver presentations and participate in weekly research seminars that discuss research methodology, findings, intervention design and program evaluations; (5) Travel and participate in professional conferences that focus on the research activites of the IPRO team; and (6) Comply with all IPRO program requirements in order to build teamwork, ethical, project management and communication skills of individual team members. Designing and implementing new interventions and working with real IPRO teams offer excellent research and learning experiences. The design of the interventions must be done rigorously enough to be equivalent to senior design work both in engineering or final studio work in design or architecture. The surveys and data collection must be done at a professional level as well as it involves sharing of research results with national and international organizations. Further the IPRO team's active collaboration with Rice, Purdue, Lehigh and Michigan Tech and their project centered learning programs will add significantly to our knowledge of best practices in interprofessional education. Students interested in joining this IPRO project team are asked to contact Professor Huyck (mhhuyck@sbcglobal.net) to share their interest and qualifications. Accepted students will then be given a permit to enroll in this IPRO section.

Section: Fall 2008 - 302	print | return to top
Title: Analysis of Water Recovery from Power Plants for Recycling
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: Sargent & Lundy LLC
Faculty: Don Chmielewski (ChBE) (chmielewski@iit.edu) and Myron Gottlieb (IIT Tech Transfer) (gottlieb@iit.edu) in collaboration with Paul Anderson (CAEE) (andersonp@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Students from a variety of disciplines can contribute to this team, including: Biology, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, Public Administration.
Description: The availability of water for the production of electric power is becoming a major concern for the siting of new power plants. This is of particular concern in western states where water is a premium. One option to address this shortage of water is its recovery from the flue gas. Sargent & Lundy LLC (http://www.sargentlundy.com/), located in Chicago's Loop, is excited about working with an IPRO team to explore the potential design options for recovering and recycling water for reuse in power plants. There are a variety of techniques that could be used to recover moisture from the stack. These include: (a) A direct contact cooler following a wet FGD system; (b) An indirect contact cooler following a wet FGD system; (c) An indirect contact cooler prior to a wet FGD system; and (d) Other advanced technologies (research available technologies). This project should consider a coal fired power plant using PRB coal. Sargent & Lundy will provide a material balance of the flue gas for a specific sized boiler. The IPRO team will determine: (1) the amount of water that can be recovered; (2) the range of viable advanced technologies; (3) the size and cost for each option evaluated; (4) the economics of water produced by each option; (5) the quality of the water recovered from the flue gas; and (6) any potential reuses for the water recovered and any associated economic benefits.

Section: Fall 2008 - 303	print | return to top
Title: Operational Considerations in Wind Power Generation: Cost Impact of Equipment Failures, and Opportunities for Improved Performance
Meeting Days/Time: Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: SmartSignal, Inc.
Faculty: Edmund C Feldy PE (INTM) (MDI-ecf@sbcglobal.net)
Appropriate Disciplines: Students of all disciplines are welcome, including architecture, business, design, engineering, law, professional development, psychology, sciences.
Description: SmartSignal of Lisle, Illinois (http://www.smartsignal.com) is a prominent provider of equipment failure warning systems in a variety of industries. SmartSignal's unique solution contains intellectual property that models the behavior of major individual sub-components (assets) of complex facilities and equipment such as Commercial Airplanes, Electric Power Generation Plants, Petroleum Refineries, etc. SmartSignal delivers this information via its WatchList web application. The WatchList displays actual versus modeled behavior for each critical sensor on the key operational assets in these industries. This information leads to early warning of mechanical failures, performance problems, and an ongoing indication of the condition of the facility. SmartSignal desires to apply its product in the growing Wind Electric Power Generation market. Wind Electric Power Generation is the fastest growing part of the electric power generation industry. The Wind Turbine is a complex piece of equipment that is constantly under strain due to the tremendous torque imposed by changing wind conditions. Mechanical failures drastically compromise the economic viability of wind power generation due to inaccessibility of the turbines (remote sites, great heights of the equipment) and long payback period for expensive repairs (a typical modern wind turbine only has about 1/500th of the generation capacity of a sizable coal power generation plant). Further, regular manual inspections and preventive maintenance are impractical due to the large number of turbines in a typical wind farm, and again difficulty accessing the equipment at its great heights. In order to enter this industry, SmartSignal needs detailed information on the value operators can receive from early warning of failures, including the benefits of preventing unplanned outages and addressing developing issues before they become catastrophic failures. Relevant questions include: (1) What are the equipment failures that are impacting the wind power generation industry? (2) What is the frequency and severity (length of downtime) of those failures? (3) What is the true cost impact of those failures, including cost of repairs, lost generation, and requirement to make up the generating capacity from other sources (possibly purchased on the open market)? (4) What signals does each wind turbine manufacturer provide to monitor their equipment? (5) What are the current methods being employed to analyze the operations data coming off a wind turbine and how well do they work? Industry reports are available containing large volumes of raw data, including generation information at wind farms around the world and failure data which can serve as input for questions #1 and #2 above. Translation of this raw data into a technical business case, per question #3, then becomes a significant element of the project. In addition, SmartSignal is interested in availability of sensor data and current maintenance methods, per questions #4 and #5. The IPRO final output would then provide an overview of wind turbine components and the instrumentation provided by different manufacturers for remote monitoring, and descriptions of various operational and maintenance practices in use in the industry today. Accompanying this would be detailed, clear descriptions of the true profile of failures and unplanned outages and their full cost impacts to the operators. Students who join this team may have the opportunity to be considered for an internship and for participation in potential follow-up projects.

Section: Fall 2008 - 304	print | return to top
Title: Innovating Process Improvements in Manufacturing Operations
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: A. Finkl & Sons, Inc..
Faculty: William Maurer (INTM) (maurer@iit.edu) and Sheldon Mostovoy (mostovoy@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Business, computer engineering, electrical engineering, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing technology, information technology, computer science.
Description: A.Finkl & Sons is the world's leading supplier of forging die steels, plastic mold steels, die casting tool steels and custom open-die forgings. Finkl open die forgings are produced at its fully integrated production facility in the vicinity of Lincoln Park. Finkl steels are distributed domestically and to over 18 countries around the world. (See http://www.finkl.com.) A Finkl & Sons is continuing to support the work of this IPRO team in its fourth semester. The two challenges identified by Finkl are: (1) Alerting management to the detection of broken teeth during machining; and (2) Developing spatial representations of items undergoing heat treatment. The feasibility of these two challenges has been completed. Finkl management intends to use these two issues as controls to improve the performance of their operations. The work of the Fall 2008 team involves the integration of these solutions into Finkl systems. Students will be required to work directly with Finkl staff including periodic visits to help install, test and troubleshoot the controls. Finkl will take ownership of the work and maintain full responsibility for its integration. This is a terrific opportunity for students to apply their skills for the benefit of a world class company. This IPRO team has the full commitment and interest its president, an IIT mechanical engineering alumnus. Several IIT graduates and interns are currently employed by the company.

Section: Fall 2008 - 305 NEW!	print | return to top
Title: Impact of Emerging Internet Trends on the Media Space
Meeting Days/Time: Monday/Wednesday from 1:50 to 3:05
Sponsor: Comcast
Faculty: Matthew Bauer (CS) (bauerm@iit.edu and Jay Fisher, Corporate Relations (fisherj@iit.edu) in consultation with Dennis Roberson, Vice Provost for New Initiatives (CS) (robersond@iit.edu) and professionals and faculty members TBD
Appropriate Disciplines: A variety of disciplines are welcome, Architecture, Business, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Design, Electrical Engineering, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Technical Communication
Description: The world is changing at internet speed. In a little over a decade, the internet has become a part and parcel of everyday life. It started with simple applications such as email and has evolved to become a massive e-commerce engine. Availability of free news and ability to publish free classifieds to sites such as craigslist has undercut the viability of many of the newspapers. Today, most newspapers in the developed world are struggling to survive. Now, this phenomenon has expanded to provide Blogs, Social Networking Sites as well as access to streaming video content. Could this seal the fate of a lot of players in the traditional media space be it ISPs, content aggregators or voice communications? The objective of this analysis is to understand the usage of deep-rooted as well as emerging applications and trends that will drive internet usage over the next 3 to 5 years. These need to be personified in terms of various classes of users that will co-exist and the potential use by each. There will be users who will continue to use the internet for email whereas other will use it to get all their multi-media content and blogs with multitude of opportunities to monetize the same. The overall increase in consumption (MB) as well as the need for ever-increasing speeds (Mbps) may require ISPs to embrace technologies beyond what is currently envisioned as the industry evolves from broadband technologies to wideband technologies. This change in the environment needs to be evaluated from the view of an ISP/ content provider like a cable company and the new technologies and capabilities it needs to embrace to ensure relevance in the ever-changing world. The identified technologies should tackle all or some of the challenges identified as part of this exercise. It will be beneficial to have a cross-functional team that can help capture the psychology of the consumer of the future as well as folks who can develop technological solutions to overcome the hurdles while ensuring economic viability.

Section: Fall 2008 - 306 NEW!	print | return to top
Title: Planning for Human Implantation of a Cortical Visual Prosthesis
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesday/Thursday from 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor:
Faculty: Philip Troyk (BME) (troyk@iit.edu) in consultation with Professor Margaret Huyck (PSYC), Dr. Leo Towle (Neurosurgery, University of Chicago) and Professors Vivian Weil and Michael Davis (Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions)
Appropriate Disciplines: A variety of disciplines are welcome, Aerospace Engineering, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Design, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Technical Communication
Description: The Intracortical Visual Prosthesis project has been pursued for the past 10 years at IIT. The research and technology have emerged to the point that implantation in a human volunteer can be seriously considered. The Intracortical Visual Prosthesis is based upon the concept that by implanting a large number of sub-miniature electrodes within the human visual cortex, coordinated temporal-spatial image information can be artificially communicated to the human visual cortex in the form of electrical currents, acting as a sensory substitute for normal vision. Presently, IIT is planning for the clinical implementation of the Intracortical Visual Prosthesis within the next two years. To accomplish this goal, the project needs to be planned and examined from a combination of engineering, medical, neuroscience, image processing, psychophysical, psychological, regulatory, and ethical viewpoints. This multidisciplinary need is ideally suited for an IPRO project. Students from engineering [BME, electrical, mechanical, chemical] would combine with students from psychology, pre-medicine, law, and the humanities to approach an examination of the steps necessary to prepare for implantation of the first system in a human volunteer. It is expected that the end product would be a project road map that highlights the nature and scope of the steps needed to meet the criteria of safety and efficacy for the first implanted system.

Section: Fall 2008 - 307	print | return to top
Title: Intermodal Container Transport System Solutions for the Chicago Region
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: Mi-Jack Products, Inc.
Faculty: Laurence Rohter (CAEE) (rohter@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Students of all disciplines are welcome.
Description: Intermodal freight, i.e., the movement of containers and trailers by rail, truck, or water carriers, has been the fastest-growing major segment of the U.S. freight rail industry, rising from 3.1 million trailers and containers in 1980 to 12.3 million in 2006 (AAR statistics, June 2007). In the record-setting year of 2006, 76 per cent of the intermodal rail traffic was moved in containers, taking advantage of the efficiencies of double stacking and close coupling. Intermodal freight includes a variety of consumer goods, as well as industrial and agricultural products. More than half of U.S. rail intermodal traffic consists of imports or exports, reflecting an international role for supply chains. Indications are that all-container shipments will continue to grow rapidly. Container movements are expected to double within 10 Years. Chicago is the third largest port in the world for such operations. There are currently 19 intermodal yards in the region, comprising about 700 miles of loading/unloading tracks, spread over approximately 2200 acres. Rather than expand these in-city facilties, the current approach is to actively research improvements that can quickly optimize performance, with low capital costs and positive environmental benefits. And to explore solutions that can work within the current patchwork of transportation systems and industrial development. With the sponsorship of Mi-Jack Products of Hazel Crest, Illinois, the largest manufacturer and operator of intermodal equipment, IIT's IPRO program has reviewed their "ThroughPort" and other innovative approaches. This semester's intent is to explore their newest concept called "MiJack Pathfinder Accelerated Intermodal Terminal" which builds on previous tools like GWAN and novel new hardware. Like a supercharger makes a car go faster, this concept makes an intermodal terminal run like a race car. For example, a trucker is in and out of the terminal in about twenty minutes, not several hours as is sometimes the case in today’s terminals that are crowded with stacks of containers and racks of chassis strewn all over the terminal wasting valuable space. While the (mechanical,electrical,computer) engineering and (information, control, site) operational systems have been conceptually designed, they have not been defined for a Chicago Area prototype. Students will have meaningful developmental opportunities.

Section: Fall 2008 - 308	print | return to top
Title: Developing An Artificial Pancreas
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: In collaboration with Louis H. Philipson, MD, Ph.D (The University of Chicago) and Sasan Bakhtiari, Ph.D. (Argonne National Laboratory)
Faculty: Emmanuel Opara (BME) (opara@iit.edu) in consultation with Ganesh Raman (MMAE) and Ray DeBoth (IPRO" Engineer-in-Residence")
Appropriate Disciplines: Business, design, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, electrical engineering, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing technology, computer science, physics
Description: Two current methods of intensive insulin treatment are multiple (three or more) daily injections of insulin and insulin pumps. However, intensive insulin treatment as currently available is difficult to use because of the increased risk of low blood sugar. There is therefore an urgent need to design an effective artificial pancreas that will regulate blood sugar with little or no risk of low blood sugar. In two previous semesters, IPRO teams have designed a promising prototype for an artificial pancreas that involves non-invasive blood glucose measurement and administration of insulin. The previous Fall 2007 and the current Spring 2008 IPRO teams have beenengaged in the practical assessment of the workability of the different components of the prototype, such as the extraction of interstitial fluid by a vacuum with a combination of sonophoresis and reverse iontophoresis, the measurement of glucose levels using electrical- or spectroscopy-based sensors, and delivery of insulin by iontophoresis. It is anticipated that the current IPRO team will finish the practical assessment and optimization of these different techniques for incorporation into a working prototype. The Spring 2008 and Fall 2008 teams are advancing toward a final design and development of a working prototype of an artificial pancreas, including design of the integration of the extraction and measurement of glucose levels to the insulin delivery system by computerization, assess safety issues, aesthetics, miniaturization and commercialization potentials of the final prototype.

Section: Fall 2008 - 309	print | return to top
Title: Educational and Technical Support of Orthotics and Prosthetics Training Programs in Latin America and the US
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesday/Thursday 8:35 to 9:50
Sponsor: Cooperating Organizations consist of Universidad de los Andes, Bogotá, Colombia; La Escuela Colombiana de Rehabiltacion, Bogota, Colombia; Centro Don Bosco, Bogota, Colombia; Laboratorio Gilete, Bogota, Colombia Bioconcepts, Inc., Burr Ridge, IL; Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics, Houston, TX; Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago, IL; Joliet Junior College Tech Prep Program, Joliet, IL; Northwestern University Prosthetics and Orthotics Center, Chicago, IL
Faculty: Kevin Meade (MMAE) (meade@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Students of all disciplines are welcome.
Description: There is an unusually large need for creating and supporting educational opportunities in orthotics and prosthetics in Latin America as well as the United States. In the last five semesters, IPRO 309 teams have developed 19 educational modules treating many of the topics required for training prosthetic/orthotic technicians. These materials are currently being utilized in new programs at Centro Don Bosco in Bogotá, Colombia and at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois. The program at Centro Don Bosco is subject to the curricular requirements of the International Society for Prosthetics and Orthotics (ISPO). The program at Joliet Junior College is subject to the curricular requirements of the American Board for Certification in Orthotics and Prosthetics (ABC) and the National Commission on Orthotics and Prosthetics Education (NCOPE). The ISPO, ABC, and NCOPE requirements are very similar for programs designed for prosthetic/orthotic technicians. Each organization sets the curricular content as well as the specific learning objectives. In the past, the IPRO 309 teams have concentrated on developing the content of the theoretical portion of the curriculum for prosthetic/orthotic technicians. In the proposed continuation of IPRO 309, the emphasis will be on synthesizing the materials already developed into forms specifically addressing the learning objectives (see attached document). This will involve not only technical content but also explicit inclusion of principles of management, teamwork, communications, and ethics for a clinical treatment team consisting of medical professionals, allied health professionals, and engineers. An additional essential aspect will concern the business aspects of delivering clinical care. Students interested in joining this IPRO team are asked to contact Professor Meade (meade@iit.edu) in order to share interest and qualifications.

Section: Fall 2008 - 310	print | return to top
Title: Assistive Devices for Blind Swimmers and Other Exercise Activities
Meeting Days/Time: Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind; Collaboration with Irish Aquatics Masters/Paralympic Swim Team[a masters swim program at the University of Notre Dame]; Collaboration with electrical engineering design teams at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
Faculty: Ken Schug (BCPS) (kschug@msn.com), Frank Lane (PSYC) (lane@iit.edu) and David Gatchell (BME) (dgatchel@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Architecture, business, design, engineering, aerospace engineering, biomedical engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, professional development, manufacturing technology, psychology, biology, journalism, mathematics education, physics, political science, professional/technical communication, science education
Description: Building on the previous/future work of Rose-Hulman ECE student teams and working with greater Chicago blind and visually impaired residents, the Irish Aquatics Masters/Paralympics Program at the University of Notre Dame and The Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind, IPRO 310 at IIT proposes to continue its work to develop, test and implement active and/or passive assitive devices for all visually impaired individuals, the first example being blind swimming aids and expanding in AY 08/09 to other forms of independent exercise. Current infrared and sonar devices built by ND, IIT and Rose Hulman to aid blind swimmers to locate themselves in a pool, while partially functional, do not filter out all the noise and signal attenuation caused by water and swimmers using different strokes. Substantial testing on blind swimmers [at IIT and Notre Dame] and device modification will be carried out by multiple teams at Rose-Hulman and IIT in the summer, fall and spring terms of academic year 08/09. Design and testing will include multiple active and passive devices. A primary goal for the summer IPRO will be to build and install a device at a School for the Blind in Indiana, Illionis or Wisconsin in order to test the duarbility and reliability of the device over time. Additional goals of the teams are twofold: 1., construct devices which are simple in operation and low in cost to assist the 3-10 million plus individuals in the North America with significant sight impairment, of which over 1 million are low income individuals and 1.5 million are totally blind and 2. raise awareness at IIT and on college campuses and in the general public of the need for blind and visually impaired individuals to exercise through swimming and other physical activities so that they can live healthier and more active lives.

Section: Fall 2008 - 311	print | return to top
Title: IIT Campus Sustainability Branding: A Greenstallations Competition
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: IIT Communications & Marketing
Faculty: Nancy Hamill Governale (hamill@iit.edu or 312.567.7755) in consultation with Rae Mindock, Specialist in Renewable Energy & Sustainability
Appropriate Disciplines: Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Design, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Environmental Engineering, Internet Communications, Law, Law and Financial Markets, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Engineering, Math & Science Education, MBB, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Technical Communications
Description: IIT's Office of Communications & Marketing is working with the IPRO Program to develop a visible image of the IIT Main Campus that defines IIT's prominance in the realm of energy and sustainability. The Spring 2008 IPRO 311 team defined the problem, came up with an overall master plan for implementation and developed a concept and roadmap for creating sustainable installations on campus called "GreenStallations". GreenStallations will be conceptualized by students within the IPRO Program. A competition will be developed that forms a number of interdisciplinary teams to create concepts rather than individuals, which is typically the case in most architectural and student competitions. The creation of GreenStallations through a "sustaining" team design process gives the university a vehicle to get students involved in creating the message and transforming their designs into reality. The IPRO 311 team will undertake several tasks during the summer and fall semesters: (1) Design a creative array of energy and sustainability kiosks, sculptures, educational tours and visitor center experiences that celebrate inventions and innovations associated with IIT's history and its community of people. (2) Capture lost historical information and create an educational pathway through campus dotted with Greenstallations that portray elements of energy and sustainability. GreenStallations may be operable, may be powered by renewable energy, may be interactive in nature, may seek answers and are of interest to visitors, students, staff and faculty. They will be designed to attract visitors and the university community to experience and learn new things. During the first semester of this project in Spring 2008, IPRO 311 teamed with Disney Imagineering to brainstorm concepts for enhancing the visibility of the IIT Main Campus with a focus on sustainability. The team will comntinue to bring in external points-of-view to stretch its imagination. In addition, the team will strive to integrate new products on the market today within GreenStallations. This offers the potential of inviting various organizations to sponsor materials and advertise the installation after it is completed. Our aim is to create a "buzz" in the energy and sustainability community and create a compelling opportunity for those who live or work in Chicago or visit the City to visit the IIT Main Campus to experience our GreenStallations. The Summer 2008 IPRO 311 team will actively develop potential GreenStallations concepts. The Fall 2008 IPRO 311 team will build at least one installation. The Greenstallation methodology is envisioned as an ongoing learning, exploration, design, build and demonstration process that actively engages the entire IIT community and those who visit our campus in the world of renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability.

Section: Fall 2008 - 314	print | return to top
Title: Integrating Building Greening, Adaptive Reuse and Alumni Social Networking for Queen of Peace High School
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 1:50 to 3:05 (Tentative)
Sponsor: Ellen Jordan Reidy, IIT & Queen of Peace Alumnus
Faculty: Jim Braband (SSB) (braband@iit.edu) and Nancy Hamill (ARCH) (hamill@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Business, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Design, Electrical Engineering, Engineering Management, Environmental Engineering, Information Technology Management, Internet Communications, Math & Science Education, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Technical Communication.
Description: Queen of Peace High School, located in south suburban Burbank, is excited about the prospect of working with an IPRO team to explore creative solutions in a variety of areas that can benefit the students at Queen of Peace in the years ahead. This project is being supported with a generous donation by IIT Trustee, Ellen Jordan Reidy, an alumnus of IIT's Institute of Psychology and Stuart School of Business as well as Queen of Peace. Several Queen of Peace alums on the IIT campus also have an interest in this IPRO project, including Jackie Sokolowski and Lauren Joyce. It is important to note that the following topic areas will still be refined and focused through a meeting between IPRO instructors and Queen of Peace by the end of the spring semester. If there are any questions, please contact Tom Jacobius (jacobius@iit.edu) who can keep everyone apprised of the latest developments. It is clear, however, that there is a terrific opportunity to provide a service to Queen of Peace High School and to engage its students in the work of the IPRO team in meaningful ways. GREENING PROJECT. Queen of Peace High School aspires to become an institution that is both “Green” and “Fair Trade” within the course of the next year. This project entails completing an audit of present policies and practice, identification of practices and products that need to be adapted, creating educational modules for students, teachers, parents and alumni, and estimating investments for both short and long term transformation. Ideally, this project would engage students who are already involved in environment and fair trade activities within Queen of Peace. ALTERNATIVE USE OF BUILDING FACILITIES. Queen of Peace presently has a wing of the facility that housed the sisters who taught in the school. This space is used now for meetings and some meals but mostly for storage and is hugely expensive to maintain. This project would involve a feasibility and marketing study to investigate possible alternative uses, whether for for-profit and/or non-profit purposes, as well as looking at remodeling and design for these functions. One idea is to explore the possibilities of establishing an international boarding high school for adolescent women who are living in crisis areas or who are deprived of access to education. Another idea is to explore leasing as an elder care, day care center or perhaps a pre-k community center. Yet another idea is to explore alternative uses with the local Burbank community. INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT VIRTUAL COMMUNITIES. The concept of an alumni-focused social networking initiative could possibly support the implementation of any greening or adaptive reuse projects that require investment. This would involve establishing an on-line alumni community as well as expanding the present outreach projects in order to build relationships and financial support for the school. Update of records, development of new ways for engagement, electronic activities, networking, on-line auction and other approaches to fund raising could be considered as well as all aspects of public relations including news bulletins, postings on free spaces, annual reports and virtual meetings.

Section: Fall 2008 - 315 (CE and ARCE by Permit)	print | return to top
Title: Design of a Large-Scale Structure
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: TBA
Faculty: Jay Shen (CAEE) (shen@iit.edu) in consultation with Jamshid Mohamadi (CAEE) (mohammadi@iit.edu) and Jeff Budiman (CAEE) (budiman@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Students from all disciplines are welcome to join this team.
Description: This project integrates various aspects of a civil engineering design in a single capstone project. The specific large-scale structure that the team will focus on is yet to be determined. The elements of teamwork, design responsibility, multi-disciplinary requirements (structural, architectural, foundation, transportation, designs as well as building cost estimating and project management) and professional ethics are stressed. The objective is to develop a major experience in civil engineering design among seniors in civil engineering as well as students from other disciplines with interest in contemporary civil engineering projects. The design issues may further be enhanced with such considerations as “green design concepts,” energy sustainability, post-occupancy comfort, traffic congestion around the facility, social issues such as equity in the case of public projects, health issues (abatement of mold and allergy- causing agents, if the project involves buildings), accessibility issues following recommendations set forth in the Americans with Disability Act (especially for public projects), etc. Students from a variety of disciplines such as architeture, engineering (civil, electrical, materials, mechanical), political science and business will be able to make contributions to this project. In addition to design, the elements of management, leadership, teamwork and ethics responsibilities are covered. Expertise in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning from mechanical engineering; and electrical engineering as related to systems used in buildings will be helpful. Architectural design and expertise in health issues related to “sick buildings syndrome,” may also be helpful. This IPRO project satisifies the civil engineering capstone design requirement. As a result, civil engineering seniors will be given special permits from Professor Ralph Muehleisen (muehleisen@iit.edu) to enroll in this IPRO section. Civil engineering juniors are encouraged to select other IPRO sections, particularly those outside of CAEE. Architectural engineering majors may join this IPRO team with permission from Professor Ralph Muehleisen. Students from all disciplines are welcome to contact Professors Mohammadi and Muehleisen to learn more about how their discipline can contribute to the success of this project.

Section: Fall 2008 - 317 CANCELLED	print | return to top
Title: Dynamic Scale Model of Downtown Chicago for Disaster Simulation
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: Chicago Fire Department
Faculty: Ahmed Megri (CAEE) (megri@iit.edu or 312.567.5713)
Appropriate Disciplines: Design, aerospace engineering, architectural engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, psychology, applied mathematics, computer science, computer information systems, political science, professional/technical communication, public administration
Description: This is the third phase of this project as a continuation of Spring and Summer 2008 IPRO 317. The focus for Fall 2008 is on completing the model, developing a suite of scenarios, developing and executing a functionality test and obtaining user feedback. The objective of this project is to design and construct a 3-D scale model for the second portion of downtown Chicago (downtown Chicago has been subdivided into 6 portions). The model will be used to simulate and test the effectiveness of fire defense strategies to address fire or other catastrophes related to public health and safety. This model will include streets, buildings and detailed information that help the Chicago Fire Department in planning interventions, considering various scenarios and case studies. The model is being built in phases, with the overall design incorporating a sophisticated, computer-driven illumination scheme built within the model base. The model thus will be able to display animated scenarios of virtually any depth and focus, by means of time-varying color and brightness. CAD Computer-generated images and laser-cutting methods are the main techniques used to design and build the model, but hand craftsmanship is also necessary. The completed model will be fully modular, designed to transport easily to various facilities. The usefulness of the model thus will extend to many needs of the Chicago Fire Department and City of Chicago, as an educational tool within the department and for community outreach. Possible additional uses for the model will be wind tunnel measurement of pressure distributions to inform building design and City infrastructure needs, as well as the study of urban microclimates and the impact on building energy demand. There is also the potential for this model and its design approach to inform the development of scale models to depict the venues associated with the proposed 2016 Olympics along the Chicago lakefront. This project will include: (1) Identification of the scale, materials, technologies, and strategies for construction; (2) Physical mapping and computer modeling of the downtown built environment; (3) Design of the physical model and computer/electronic components; and (4) Construction of a reduced-area mock-up for final review and approval by the City of Chicago. Students interested in joining IPRO 317 should contact Professor Megri before registering. The model will be built in phases, with the overall design calling for a sophisticated, computer-driven illumination scheme built within the model base. The model thus will be able to display animated scenarios of virtually any depth and focus, by means of time-varying color and brightness. The final model will be fully adaptable and demountable, and will be designed to transport easily to various facilities. The usefulness of the model thus will extend to many areas of the Fire Department and city, as an educational tool within the department and for community outreach. CAD Computer-generated images and laser-cutting methods will be primary among techniques used to design the model, but hand assembly will also be a part of the project. Possible additional uses for the model will be wind tunnel measurement of pressure distribution, as well as the study of urban microclimates impact on building energy demand. This project will include: (1) Identification of the scale, materials, technologies, and strategies of construction; (2) Physical mapping and computer modeling of the downtown built environment; (3) Design of the physical model and computer/electronic components; and (4) Construction of a reduced-area mock-up for final approval by the City of Chicago. This fall the focus will be on the final construction of the model. The interface between the computer and the model as well as the scenarios of evacuation will be tested. Students interested in joining this IPRO team are encouraged to contact Professor Megri (megri@iit.edu) to share their interest and qualifications.

Section: Fall 2008 - 319	print | return to top
Title: New Technologies to Serve Cardiac Arrest Victims
Meeting Days/Time: Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor:
Faculty: Francisco Ruiz (MMAE) (ruiz@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Design, Electrical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics, Physics, Psychology
Description: The Fall 2008 IPRO 319 team will work on nee or more concepts that emerged through the work of the spring team for use in the resuscitation of cardiac arrest victims. In this second semester, the team will design, build and test (to the extent feasible) a complete solution for use in the field and hospitals, involving body cooling as well as periodic oscillation. The goal is to have a prototype working and interested contacts for further development. Even when resuscitation is successful, brain damage often occurs as a consequence of sudden reperfusion of brain cells after a period of prolonged anoxia. It has been known for a while that reducing brain temperature prior to return of spontaneous circulation has a protective effect on patients. The team will study the state of the art and develop a device that emergency personnel can use in this stressful situation. The device may include an inflatable collar to cut circulation to the scalp, as well as a helmet (externally or internally cooled) to lower cephalic temperature safely and in a short time. Design as well as computer simulation are planned. The project will encompass interviews with emergency personnel as well as a review of appropriate legislation on the subject and information on the FDA approval process. We anticipate that the project will continue for several semesters, subject to good progress. Results from the team's work will be incorporated in technical publications and funding proposals (NIH), in collaboration with researchers at the University of Chicago.

Section: Fall 2008 - 320	print | return to top
Title: Socio-Professional Networking: An Online Teachers Community
Meeting Days/Time: Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: In collaboration with Chicago Public Schools
Faculty: Jim Braband (SSB) (braband@iit.edu) and Scott Gehrs (ITM) (gehrs@iit.edu) in consultation with Kevin Hall, CPS
Appropriate Disciplines: Architecture, business, design, computer engineering, professional development, information technology, psychology, computer science, internet communication, journalism, mathematics education, science education
Description: Schools and teachers are under tremendous pressure to improve performance as measured by standard test scores. With tight budgetary constraints and a difficult set of demographics, the Chicago Public School System is particularly challenged. In this environment the 50,000 K-12 teachers in the CPS program carry a significant burden which puts a big strain on their personal time and resources. The problem is exacerbated by the large number of new teachers entering the system each year and a high turnover rate. Little time exists in the course of the school day to provide effective face-to-face mentoring or for established teachers to share best practices, class management techniques, etc. with each other. Continuing education courses are highly treasured for their networking value, but these are few and far between in the normal course of one's teaching career. The problem begs for a virtual solution. The purpose of this IPRO is to establish a self-sustaining online community of CPS teachers which could be expanded in the near term to include all K-12 programs in the State of Illinois. This online community of teachers would allow virtual mentoring and electronic sharing of best practices, classroom experiences, individual teaching materials, etc. It would also provide social networking with one's professional peer group (teachers). The team will investigate establishing this as a not-for-profit business outside the auspices of the respective Boards of Education.

Section: Fall 2008 - 322	print | return to top
Title: Growing Water: 31st street Eco-Boulevard and IIT Pavilion Prototype
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:00 to 6:15
Sponsor: IIT Facilities and in consultation with the City of Chicago, Mayor’s Office and Department of Environment, Chicago Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Environmental Protection Agency of Chicago, Chicago Environmental Fund, University of Illinois at Chicago and Archeworks.
Faculty: Martin Felsen (ARCH) (felsen@iit.edu)
Appropriate Disciplines: A variety of disciplines are welcome.
Description: The Growing Water project envisions Chicago developing over time into an international model city for “growing” clean water by creating a series of ”Eco-Boulevards” spread democratically throughout the city. The Eco-Boulevard concept strives to expand Chicago’s existing network of boulevards, parks, greenways and waterways; and the concept endeavors to compliment and add to city wide goals of improved environmental and social sustainability. The project has received strong interest from Mayor Daley, and the city has recently formed a collaborative team to investigate implementation of a demonstration Eco-Boulevard. We believe the project is a potential catalyst for sustainable revitalization of several neighborhoods within the city, and a “Green Legacy” for all Chicagoans. The project could also have a lasting impact on raising the public’s awareness of the issues surrounding water usage, management and conservation. The general goal of this IPRO project is to join the pre-established interdisciplinary team to further conceptualize and ultimately implement the larger Growing Water project. The specific goal of this IPRO project is to design and engineer an Eco-Boulevard along 31st Street, and a "Growing Water Pavilion" that will contain a mix of social and ecological programs. Social programs include research and learning spaces, a cycle station, and a recycling center. Ecological programs include a “Living Machine” and a constructed prairie landscape. Living Machines are ecological treatment systems that make use of natural bioremediation processes such as wetlands to remove contaminants from sewage, storm water and other wastewater sources. The Growing Water Pavilion will be ultimately sited and constructed on the IIT campus (adjacent to gray and black water sources); the exact location will be determined by IPRO participants. The first IPRO team (Spring 08) conducted preliminary research of existing projects around the world that have similarities to the Eco-Boulevard concept. These case study analyses were important to give the IPRO team a critical understanding of best practices and performance criteria that other designers and engineers have successfully implemented. To date, the IPRO team has organized a comprehensive case study list of the multiple natural and artificial systems that makeup sustainable, self-supporting Eco-Boulevard-like environments. This information (including all IPRO activities and findings) have been catalogued on the team’s ongoing website growingwater.com. The website is also a user-friendly tool-box for the general public to learn about green infrastructure in general, and Eco-boulevards and Living machines specifically. The Fall 08 IPRO team will continue work on the 31st Street Eco-Boulevard and Living Machine concept and project development. Goals for Fall 08 include: (1) Continued research, design and engineering of the various ecological and community-based elements of the 31st Street Eco-Boulevard; (2) Continued research, design and engineering of a prototype hydroponic greenhouse, or “Living Machine” sited on the IIT campus; (3) Preliminary documentation related to community involvement, including improving the growingwater.com website to assist community based informational efforts.

Section: Fall 2008 - 324	print | return to top
Title: Power Measurement for Road Bicycles: Toward a Universal Solution
Meeting Days/Time: Mondays/Wednesdays 5:00 to 6:15
Sponsor: Software Technologies Group, Inc.
Faculty: Dietmar Rempfer (MMAE) (rempfer@iit.edu) in collaboration with Sheldon Mostovoy (MMAE) and Guillermo Atkin (ECE)
Appropriate Disciplines: Aerospace engineering, applied mathematics, biomedical engineering, computer engineering, design, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, psychology.
Description: Professional athletes as well as many serious hobby athletes and recreational cyclists have great interest in measuring their mechanical power output on the bicycle (see, e.g., "Training and Racing with a Power Meter" by Hunter Allen & Andrew Coggan). A number of solutions to measure this quantity are available, but all of them have at least one or more drawbacks. Almost all of the solutions require a very substantial investment of up to several thousand dollars, and the ones that are inexpensive are of questionable accuracy. In addition, most of the systems that are available on the market cannot be retrofit to existing complete bicycles, but require the replacement of parts like the rear wheel, or the crankset. For a high-end road bicycle these parts alone are typically worth a couple of hundred dollars themselves. The IPRO team will work to develop a system that measures the applied torque at the crankset. In contrast to existing solutions, the aim of this project is to retrofit a system to existing cranksets, obviating the need to abandon parts that the bicyclist already owns. According to preliminary tests done in the MMAE department, this can be done, in principle, using sets of quite inexpensive strain gauges. Obtaining accurate torque measurements will require some advanced processing of the signals from the strain gauges. These signals can then be transmitted wirelessly to a bicycle computer like the Edge 705 that Garmin has announced for this spring. There is a defined wireless protocol (ANT+Sport) that has been developed specifically for the purpose of transmitting exercise data (including power output, heart rate, etc.) to small computers. Chipsets and development kits for this protocol are also available commercially. The IPRO team will therefore work toward an optimal configuration of strain gauges that will be attached to the crankset, and develop an algorithm to process the strain gauge data in order to isolate a signal that is proportional to the applied torque. This signal will then be transmitted to the bicycle computer for display and storage. It is anticipated that the IPRO team will be able to assemble a power measurement system based on the ideas outlined above that should cost a small fraction of what currently available systems retail for. In addition, it is expected that our system can easily be used with any existing bicycle, without the need to replace parts. Ultimately, if this development is successful, we may be able to explore the market potential of a commercial product in a follow-up EnPRO project.

Section: Fall 2008 - 325	print | return to top
Title: Developing Affordable Water, Energy and Shelter Solutions for the World
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30
Sponsor: In collaboration with Professor John Duffy at the University of Massachusetts Lowell with established experience in Peru as well as collaboration with David Gullett, VP of the Newton/San Juan del Sur Sister City,
Faculty: Ken Schug (BCPS) (kschug@msn.com) and Faculty TBA
Appropriate Disciplines: Students from all disciplines are welcome, architecture, business, design, engineering, aerospace engineering, architectural engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, professional development, manufacturing technology, psychology, science, biology, chemistry, computer science, computer information systems, journalism, mathematics education, molecular biochemistry/biophysics, political science, professional/technical communication, science education
Description: IPRO 325 in AY 08/09 will focus on three main design problems for the two billion world's rural poor that live on $3.00/day-water. energy and shelter solutions- to help design, build and field test solutions that can be built, used and maintained by local people with local materials and with construction cost of less than $5.00. One subteam will focus on solar oven and rocket stove designs and field testing, while a second subteam focuses on composting toilets, water filtration, water cleansing and water cachement systems and the third subteam focusses on adobe construction and evaporative cooling. Basic research to understand the water/energy/shelter problems of the world's poor is followed by prototype design, building and testing against purchased benchmarks with additional field testing of prototype solutions in Nicaruagua, and villages in two different sites in the Andes in Peru in January and June. Overseas travel by interested team members is supported 50 percent by an anonymous donor and 50 percent by students or student fundraising. Additionally, all three subteams are concerned with raising awareness at IIT of the problems of the world's poor. Either continual prototype testing and development and field testing and training materials or a new energy, water or shelter problem is selected as the primary focus of each subteam for each new semester.

Section: Fall 2008 - 326 (CE and ARCE Majors by Permit Only)	print | return to top
Title: 2009 Steel Bridge Competition Design & Business Planning
Meeting Days/Time: Tuesdays from 6:25 to 9:05 pm
Sponsor: American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Fabricators and Suppliers
Faculty: Chad Fischer, S.E., P.E., Senior Consultant, Engineering Systems, Inc. (CAEE) (crfischer@esi-il.com)
Appropriate Disciplines: Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Business, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Engineering Management, Journalism, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Technical Communication and others interested in designing a bridge and organizing a marketing and business development effort.
Description: The Student Steel Bridge Competition is an annual inter-collegiate challenge that requires students to design, fabricate and construct a steel bridge. The competition is sponsored by the American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC) and co-sponsored by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This IPRO team will focus on the structural design and construction aspects of designing a steel bridge as well as business planning and marketing associated with a construction project and needed in order to secure sponsorships. The efforts of the Fall 2008 IPRO team will establish the design, communication and sponsorships that support IIT's entry in the Steel Bridge Competition that wi