Courses - Fall 2025
VIPS
Vertically Integrated Projects
Open Seats as of
05/30/2025 at 08:30 PM
VIPS208A
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; Research
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
How do undergraduate students come to see themselves as researchers? What shapes their experiences, builds their confidence, and helps them navigate challenges? Rooted in social and data sciences, the Research/Research VIP Team analyzes student experiences using multi- andmixed-methods approaches. In addition to addressing questions about undergraduate research experiences, our team works to better understand, test, and propose best practices for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance traditional qualitative research methods. Team members will develop hands-on skills in qualitative research, mixed-methods research, and experience analyzing data using AI & machine learning techniques.
How do undergraduate students come to see themselves as researchers? What shapes their experiences, builds their confidence, and helps them navigate challenges? Rooted in social and data sciences, the Research/Research VIP Team analyzes student experiences using multi- andmixed-methods approaches. In addition to addressing questions about undergraduate research experiences, our team works to better understand, test, and propose best practices for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance traditional qualitative research methods. Team members will develop hands-on skills in qualitative research, mixed-methods research, and experience analyzing data using AI & machine learning techniques.
VIPS208B
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; Biosensors
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Our research focuses on the design of nucleotide-based Biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics for human and Environmental health-related challenges. Students conduct research in the field of synthetic biology, which is an interdisciplinary field at the interface of engineering and biology. Students work in small teams to design, build, and test biosensors using molecular biology laboratory techniques. This research group actively collaborates and is co-located with a connected undergraduate research group - FIRE Molecular Diagnostics.
Our research focuses on the design of nucleotide-based Biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics for human and Environmental health-related challenges. Students conduct research in the field of synthetic biology, which is an interdisciplinary field at the interface of engineering and biology. Students work in small teams to design, build, and test biosensors using molecular biology laboratory techniques. This research group actively collaborates and is co-located with a connected undergraduate research group - FIRE Molecular Diagnostics.
VIPS208D
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; Researching Innovative Tools for Meaningful Digital Engagement
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Interested in tackling the flood of information and distractions from mobile devices and social media that challenge our engagement with important information? Join the Digital Engagement Lab to design, build, and test innovative tools for communicating multimedia to diverse audiences. Students from all majors including computer and data science, communication, journalism, business, education, psychology, and statistics research cutting-edge solutions using AI, machine learning, data visualizations, and mobile apps.
Interested in tackling the flood of information and distractions from mobile devices and social media that challenge our engagement with important information? Join the Digital Engagement Lab to design, build, and test innovative tools for communicating multimedia to diverse audiences. Students from all majors including computer and data science, communication, journalism, business, education, psychology, and statistics research cutting-edge solutions using AI, machine learning, data visualizations, and mobile apps.
VIPS208E
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; Engineering on the Edge of Space
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Design, build, test, and fly engineering experiments to the Edge of Space and beyond! Most of our flights are on latex weather balloons which can go up to an altitude of 100,000 ft or above, but we may also fly on high-altitude long-duration NASA balloons and sounding rockets. A common theme in all this research is designing light weight and low-cost experiments that can produce meaningful data and results in flight. We also like to share our enthusiasm for space engineering with kids, so we have a number of ongoing outreach activities that we encourage all participants to get involved in.
Design, build, test, and fly engineering experiments to the Edge of Space and beyond! Most of our flights are on latex weather balloons which can go up to an altitude of 100,000 ft or above, but we may also fly on high-altitude long-duration NASA balloons and sounding rockets. A common theme in all this research is designing light weight and low-cost experiments that can produce meaningful data and results in flight. We also like to share our enthusiasm for space engineering with kids, so we have a number of ongoing outreach activities that we encourage all participants to get involved in.
VIPS208F
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; Go with the Flow!
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Having a hands-on lab component to fluid dynamics courses has always been an important part of the pedagogy. Traditional instruction has required expensive room-sized equipment that is used by relatively large groups, limiting the time for exploration and real understanding of the important principles. This project is developing a series of instructional kits that can be purchased by individual students and used at home, permitting a more creative and individualized exploration of the material, and a greater sense of ownership and depth of understanding. If you have an interest in thinking about a new way of learning, and/or interest in remote-controlled vehicles and model construction/design, this project may be a good fit for you!
Having a hands-on lab component to fluid dynamics courses has always been an important part of the pedagogy. Traditional instruction has required expensive room-sized equipment that is used by relatively large groups, limiting the time for exploration and real understanding of the important principles. This project is developing a series of instructional kits that can be purchased by individual students and used at home, permitting a more creative and individualized exploration of the material, and a greater sense of ownership and depth of understanding. If you have an interest in thinking about a new way of learning, and/or interest in remote-controlled vehicles and model construction/design, this project may be a good fit for you!
VIPS208Q
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; Wind TERPines
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Explore wind energy and its benefits! The VIP will apply as a team and prepare a proposal for the Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition. The VIP will look at both the design of a small offshore floating wind turbine and the siting of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Oregon. UMD students in this VIP will make connections with K-12 students by building educational awareness of wind energy and implementing outreach programs. The group will also interact with members of industry and government research.
Explore wind energy and its benefits! The VIP will apply as a team and prepare a proposal for the Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition. The VIP will look at both the design of a small offshore floating wind turbine and the siting of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Oregon. UMD students in this VIP will make connections with K-12 students by building educational awareness of wind energy and implementing outreach programs. The group will also interact with members of industry and government research.
VIPS208R
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; 3D-Printed Video Game-Playing Soft Robots
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Soft robots have emerged as powerful alternatives for applications that would be difficult or impossible to realize using traditional, rigid robots. Despite a number of inherent benefits for soft robots, particularly in terms of safety for human-robot interactions, challenges associated with controlling the underlying fluidics of such systems represent key barriers to utility. Dr. Sochol's laboratory introduced a strategy for 3D printing soft robots comprising fully integrated fluidic circuitry ina single print run and demonstrated a soft robotic "hand" beating the first level of Super Mario Bros. This approach relied on an expensive (>$100,000) 3D printer. The goal of this project is to extend this strategy to inexpensive (e.g., <$500) 3D printers to support accessibility and demonstrate efficacy by engineering soft robots capable of playing video games.
Soft robots have emerged as powerful alternatives for applications that would be difficult or impossible to realize using traditional, rigid robots. Despite a number of inherent benefits for soft robots, particularly in terms of safety for human-robot interactions, challenges associated with controlling the underlying fluidics of such systems represent key barriers to utility. Dr. Sochol's laboratory introduced a strategy for 3D printing soft robots comprising fully integrated fluidic circuitry ina single print run and demonstrated a soft robotic "hand" beating the first level of Super Mario Bros. This approach relied on an expensive (>$100,000) 3D printer. The goal of this project is to extend this strategy to inexpensive (e.g., <$500) 3D printers to support accessibility and demonstrate efficacy by engineering soft robots capable of playing video games.
VIPS208T
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; TestuGo: A Bluetooth Navigation and Exploration App
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
The goal of this project is to create a location-based tool for students, faculty, staff and visitors to inform them of general information and events happening around them in real time. For example, a prospective student visiting campus can take an App guided tour based upon the major(s) they are interested in, visiting the facilities and learning about all the major has to offer. Based upon App-collected data, including where they visited and how long they spent at each location, a follow-up email can introduce them to staff that can answer questions. Another example would be letting a student passing a buildingknow that there is currently free pizza at an event inside. Current project goals include developing the prototype app, exploring the potential of sensor technologies, designing data collection processes, developing additional use cases, and setting up and conducting field tests.
The goal of this project is to create a location-based tool for students, faculty, staff and visitors to inform them of general information and events happening around them in real time. For example, a prospective student visiting campus can take an App guided tour based upon the major(s) they are interested in, visiting the facilities and learning about all the major has to offer. Based upon App-collected data, including where they visited and how long they spent at each location, a follow-up email can introduce them to staff that can answer questions. Another example would be letting a student passing a buildingknow that there is currently free pizza at an event inside. Current project goals include developing the prototype app, exploring the potential of sensor technologies, designing data collection processes, developing additional use cases, and setting up and conducting field tests.
VIPS208X
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects; Exoskeleton Explorers
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through th VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Study arthropods through 3D printing! Arthropods, including spiders, crabs, insects, and isopods, are a phylum of invertebrates with bodie built of hardened segments connected by membranous joints. These hard-soft compliant structures, which can be driven by internal hydraulic systems, are a fantastic model for bio-inspiration of soft robots and lightweight actuators.
Study arthropods through 3D printing! Arthropods, including spiders, crabs, insects, and isopods, are a phylum of invertebrates with bodie built of hardened segments connected by membranous joints. These hard-soft compliant structures, which can be driven by internal hydraulic systems, are a fantastic model for bio-inspiration of soft robots and lightweight actuators.
VIPS208Z
Starting with Vertically Integrated Projects
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
VIPS308A
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; Research
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
How do undergraduate students come to see themselves as researchers? What shapes their experiences, builds their confidence, and helps them navigate challenges? Rooted in social and data sciences, the Research/Research VIP Team analyzes student experiences using multi- andmixed-methods approaches. In addition to addressing questions about undergraduate research experiences, our team works to better understand, test, and propose best practices for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance traditional qualitative research methods. Team members will develop hands-on skills in qualitative research, mixed-methods research, and experience analyzing data using AI & machine learning techniques.
How do undergraduate students come to see themselves as researchers? What shapes their experiences, builds their confidence, and helps them navigate challenges? Rooted in social and data sciences, the Research/Research VIP Team analyzes student experiences using multi- andmixed-methods approaches. In addition to addressing questions about undergraduate research experiences, our team works to better understand, test, and propose best practices for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance traditional qualitative research methods. Team members will develop hands-on skills in qualitative research, mixed-methods research, and experience analyzing data using AI & machine learning techniques.
VIPS308B
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; Biosensors
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Our research focuses on the design of nucleotide-based Biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics for human and Environmental health-related challenges. Students conduct research in the field of synthetic biology, which is an interdisciplinary field at the interface of engineering and biology. Students work in small teams to design, build, and test biosensors using molecular biology laboratory techniques. This research group actively collaborates and is co-located with a connected undergraduate research group - FIRE Molecular Diagnostics.
Our research focuses on the design of nucleotide-based Biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics for human and Environmental health-related challenges. Students conduct research in the field of synthetic biology, which is an interdisciplinary field at the interface of engineering and biology. Students work in small teams to design, build, and test biosensors using molecular biology laboratory techniques. This research group actively collaborates and is co-located with a connected undergraduate research group - FIRE Molecular Diagnostics.
VIPS308D
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; Researching Innovative Tools for Meaningful Digital Engagement
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Interested in tackling the flood of information and distractions from mobile devices and social media that challenge our engagement with important information? Join the Digital Engagement Lab to design, build and test innovative tools for communicating multimedia to diverse audiences. Students from all majors including computer and data science communication, journalism, business, education, psychology, and statistics research cutting-edge solutions using AI, machine learning, data visualizations, and mobile apps.
Interested in tackling the flood of information and distractions from mobile devices and social media that challenge our engagement with important information? Join the Digital Engagement Lab to design, build and test innovative tools for communicating multimedia to diverse audiences. Students from all majors including computer and data science communication, journalism, business, education, psychology, and statistics research cutting-edge solutions using AI, machine learning, data visualizations, and mobile apps.
VIPS308E
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; Engineering on the Edge of Space
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Design, build, test, and fly engineering experiments to the Edge of Space and beyond! Most of our flights are on latex weather balloons which can go up to an altitude of 100,000 ft or above, but we may also fly on high-altitude long-duration NASA balloons and sounding rockets. A common theme in all this research is designing light weight and low-cost experiments that can produce meaningful data and results in flight. We also like to share our enthusiasm for space engineering with kids, so we have a number of ongoing outreach activities that we encourage all participants to get involved in.
Design, build, test, and fly engineering experiments to the Edge of Space and beyond! Most of our flights are on latex weather balloons which can go up to an altitude of 100,000 ft or above, but we may also fly on high-altitude long-duration NASA balloons and sounding rockets. A common theme in all this research is designing light weight and low-cost experiments that can produce meaningful data and results in flight. We also like to share our enthusiasm for space engineering with kids, so we have a number of ongoing outreach activities that we encourage all participants to get involved in.
VIPS308F
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; Go with the Flow!
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Having a hands-on lab component to fluid dynamics courses has always been an important part of the pedagogy. Traditional instruction has required expensive room-sized equipment that is used by relatively large groups, limiting the time for exploration and real understanding of the important principles. This project is developing a series of instructional kits that can be purchased by individual students and used at home, permitting a more creative and individualized exploration of the material, and a greater sense of ownership and depth of understanding. If you have an interest in thinking about a new way of learning, and/or interest in remote-controlled vehicles and model construction/design, this project may be a good fit for you!
Having a hands-on lab component to fluid dynamics courses has always been an important part of the pedagogy. Traditional instruction has required expensive room-sized equipment that is used by relatively large groups, limiting the time for exploration and real understanding of the important principles. This project is developing a series of instructional kits that can be purchased by individual students and used at home, permitting a more creative and individualized exploration of the material, and a greater sense of ownership and depth of understanding. If you have an interest in thinking about a new way of learning, and/or interest in remote-controlled vehicles and model construction/design, this project may be a good fit for you!
VIPS308Q
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; Wind TERPines
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Explore wind energy and its benefits! The VIP will apply as a team and prepare a proposal for the Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition. The VIP will look at both the design of a small offshore floating wind turbine and the siting of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Oregon. UMD students in this VIP will make connections with K-12 students by building educational awareness of wind energy and implementing outreach programs. The group will also interact with members of industry and government research.
Explore wind energy and its benefits! The VIP will apply as a team and prepare a proposal for the Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition. The VIP will look at both the design of a small offshore floating wind turbine and the siting of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Oregon. UMD students in this VIP will make connections with K-12 students by building educational awareness of wind energy and implementing outreach programs. The group will also interact with members of industry and government research.
VIPS308R
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; 3D-Printed Video Game-Playing Soft Robots
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Soft robots have emerged as powerful alternatives for applications that would be difficult or impossible to realize using traditional, rigid robots. Despite a number of inherent benefits for soft robots, particularly in terms of safety for human-robot interactions, challenges associated with controlling the underlying fluidics of such systems represent key barriers to utility. Dr. Sochol's laboratory introduced a strategy for 3D printing soft robots comprising fully integrated fluidic circuitry ina single print run and demonstrated a soft robotic "hand" beating the first level of Super Mario Bros. This approach relied on an expensive (>$100,000) 3D printer. The goal of this project is to extend this strategy to inexpensive (e.g., <$500) 3D printers to support accessibility and demonstrate efficacy by engineering soft robots capable of playing video games.
Soft robots have emerged as powerful alternatives for applications that would be difficult or impossible to realize using traditional, rigid robots. Despite a number of inherent benefits for soft robots, particularly in terms of safety for human-robot interactions, challenges associated with controlling the underlying fluidics of such systems represent key barriers to utility. Dr. Sochol's laboratory introduced a strategy for 3D printing soft robots comprising fully integrated fluidic circuitry ina single print run and demonstrated a soft robotic "hand" beating the first level of Super Mario Bros. This approach relied on an expensive (>$100,000) 3D printer. The goal of this project is to extend this strategy to inexpensive (e.g., <$500) 3D printers to support accessibility and demonstrate efficacy by engineering soft robots capable of playing video games.
VIPS308T
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; TestuGo: A Bluetooth Navigation and Exploration App
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
The goal of this project is to create a location-based tool for students, faculty, staff and visitors to inform them of general information and events happening around them in real time. For example, a prospective student visiting campus can take an App guided tour based upon the major(s) they are interested in, visiting the facilities and learning about all the major has to offer. Based upon App-collected data, including where they visited and how long they spent at each location, a follow-up email can introduce them to staff that can answer questions. Another example would be letting a student passing a buildingknow that there is currently free pizza at an event inside. Current project goals include developing the prototype app, exploring the potential of sensor technologies, designing data collection processes, developing additional use cases, and setting up and conducting field tests.
The goal of this project is to create a location-based tool for students, faculty, staff and visitors to inform them of general information and events happening around them in real time. For example, a prospective student visiting campus can take an App guided tour based upon the major(s) they are interested in, visiting the facilities and learning about all the major has to offer. Based upon App-collected data, including where they visited and how long they spent at each location, a follow-up email can introduce them to staff that can answer questions. Another example would be letting a student passing a buildingknow that there is currently free pizza at an event inside. Current project goals include developing the prototype app, exploring the potential of sensor technologies, designing data collection processes, developing additional use cases, and setting up and conducting field tests.
VIPS308X
Engaging with Vertically Integrated Projects; Exoskeleton Explorers
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Study arthropods through 3D printing! Arthropods, including spiders, crabs, insects, and isopods, are a phylum of invertebrates with bodie built of hardened segments connected by membranous joints. These hard-soft compliant structures, which can be driven by internal hydraulic systems, are a fantastic model for bio-inspiration of soft robots and lightweight actuators.
Study arthropods through 3D printing! Arthropods, including spiders, crabs, insects, and isopods, are a phylum of invertebrates with bodie built of hardened segments connected by membranous joints. These hard-soft compliant structures, which can be driven by internal hydraulic systems, are a fantastic model for bio-inspiration of soft robots and lightweight actuators.
VIPS408A
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; Research
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
How do undergraduate students come to see themselves as researchers? What shapes their experiences, builds their confidence, and helps them navigate challenges? Rooted in social and data sciences, the Research/Research VIP Team analyzes student experiences using multi- andmixed-methods approaches. In addition to addressing questions about undergraduate research experiences, our team works to better understand, test, and propose best practices for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance traditional qualitative research methods. Team members will develop hands-on skills in qualitative research, mixed-methods research, and experience analyzing data using AI & machine learning techniques.
How do undergraduate students come to see themselves as researchers? What shapes their experiences, builds their confidence, and helps them navigate challenges? Rooted in social and data sciences, the Research/Research VIP Team analyzes student experiences using multi- andmixed-methods approaches. In addition to addressing questions about undergraduate research experiences, our team works to better understand, test, and propose best practices for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance traditional qualitative research methods. Team members will develop hands-on skills in qualitative research, mixed-methods research, and experience analyzing data using AI & machine learning techniques.
VIPS408B
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; Biosensors
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Our research focuses on the design of nucleotide-based Biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics for human and Environmental health-related challenges. Students conduct research in the field of synthetic biology, which is an interdisciplinary field at the interface of engineering and biology. Students work in small teams to design, build, and test biosensors using molecular biology laboratory techniques. This research group actively collaborates and is co-located with a connected undergraduate research group - FIRE Molecular Diagnostics.
Our research focuses on the design of nucleotide-based Biosensors and point-of-care diagnostics for human and Environmental health-related challenges. Students conduct research in the field of synthetic biology, which is an interdisciplinary field at the interface of engineering and biology. Students work in small teams to design, build, and test biosensors using molecular biology laboratory techniques. This research group actively collaborates and is co-located with a connected undergraduate research group - FIRE Molecular Diagnostics.
VIPS408D
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; Researching Innovative Tools for Meaningful Digital Engagement
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Interested in tackling the flood of information and distractions from mobile devices and social media that challenge our engagement with important information? Join the Digital Engagement Lab to design, build and test innovative tools for communicating multimedia to diverse audiences. Students from all majors including computer and data science communication, journalism, business, education, psychology, and statistics research cutting-edge solutions using AI, machine learning, data visualizations, and mobile apps.
Interested in tackling the flood of information and distractions from mobile devices and social media that challenge our engagement with important information? Join the Digital Engagement Lab to design, build and test innovative tools for communicating multimedia to diverse audiences. Students from all majors including computer and data science communication, journalism, business, education, psychology, and statistics research cutting-edge solutions using AI, machine learning, data visualizations, and mobile apps.
VIPS408E
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; Engineering on the Edge of Space
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Design, build, test, and fly engineering experiments to the Edge of Space and beyond! Most of our flights are on latex weather balloons which can go up to an altitude of 100,000 ft or above, but we may also fly on high-altitude long-duration NASA balloons and sounding rockets. A common theme in all this research is designing light weight and low-cost experiments that can produce meaningful data and results in flight. We also like to share our enthusiasm for space engineering with kids, so we have a number of ongoing outreach activities that we encourage all participants to get involved in.
Design, build, test, and fly engineering experiments to the Edge of Space and beyond! Most of our flights are on latex weather balloons which can go up to an altitude of 100,000 ft or above, but we may also fly on high-altitude long-duration NASA balloons and sounding rockets. A common theme in all this research is designing light weight and low-cost experiments that can produce meaningful data and results in flight. We also like to share our enthusiasm for space engineering with kids, so we have a number of ongoing outreach activities that we encourage all participants to get involved in.
VIPS408F
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; Go with the Flow!
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Having a hands-on lab component to fluid dynamics courses has always been an important part of the pedagogy. Traditional instruction has required expensive room-sized equipment that is used by relatively large groups, limiting the time for exploration and real understanding of the important principles. This project is developing a series of instructional kits that can be purchased by individual students and used at home, permitting a more creative and individualized exploration of the material, and a greater sense of ownership and depth of understanding. If you have an interest in thinking about a new way of learning, and/or interest in remote-controlled vehicles and model construction/design, this project may be a good fit for you!
Having a hands-on lab component to fluid dynamics courses has always been an important part of the pedagogy. Traditional instruction has required expensive room-sized equipment that is used by relatively large groups, limiting the time for exploration and real understanding of the important principles. This project is developing a series of instructional kits that can be purchased by individual students and used at home, permitting a more creative and individualized exploration of the material, and a greater sense of ownership and depth of understanding. If you have an interest in thinking about a new way of learning, and/or interest in remote-controlled vehicles and model construction/design, this project may be a good fit for you!
VIPS408Q
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; Wind TERPines
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Explore wind energy and its benefits! The VIP will apply as a team and prepare a proposal for the Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition. The VIP will look at both the design of a small offshore floating wind turbine and the siting of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Oregon. UMD students in this VIP will make connections with K-12 students by building educational awareness of wind energy and implementing outreach programs. The group will also interact with members of industry and government research.
Explore wind energy and its benefits! The VIP will apply as a team and prepare a proposal for the Department of Energy Collegiate Wind Competition. The VIP will look at both the design of a small offshore floating wind turbine and the siting of an offshore wind farm off the coast of Oregon. UMD students in this VIP will make connections with K-12 students by building educational awareness of wind energy and implementing outreach programs. The group will also interact with members of industry and government research.
VIPS408R
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; 3D-Printed Video Game-Playing Soft Robots
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Soft robots have emerged as powerful alternatives for applications that would be difficult or impossible to realize using traditional, rigid robots. Despite a number of inherent benefits for soft robots, particularly in terms of safety for human-robot interactions, challenges associated with controlling the underlying fluidics of such systems represent key barriers to utility. Dr. Sochol's laboratory introduced a strategy for 3D printing soft robots comprising fully integrated fluidic circuitry ina single print run and demonstrated a soft robotic "hand" beating the first level of Super Mario Bros. This approach relied on an expensive (>$100,000) 3D printer. The goal of this project is to extend this strategy to inexpensive (e.g., <$500) 3D printers to support accessibility and demonstrate efficacy by engineering soft robots capable of playing video games.
Soft robots have emerged as powerful alternatives for applications that would be difficult or impossible to realize using traditional, rigid robots. Despite a number of inherent benefits for soft robots, particularly in terms of safety for human-robot interactions, challenges associated with controlling the underlying fluidics of such systems represent key barriers to utility. Dr. Sochol's laboratory introduced a strategy for 3D printing soft robots comprising fully integrated fluidic circuitry ina single print run and demonstrated a soft robotic "hand" beating the first level of Super Mario Bros. This approach relied on an expensive (>$100,000) 3D printer. The goal of this project is to extend this strategy to inexpensive (e.g., <$500) 3D printers to support accessibility and demonstrate efficacy by engineering soft robots capable of playing video games.
VIPS408T
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; TestuGo: A Bluetooth Navigation and Exploration App
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
The goal of this project is to create a location-based tool for students, faculty, staff and visitors to inform them of general information and events happening around them in real time. For example, a prospective student visiting campus can take an App guided tour based upon the major(s) they are interested in, visiting the facilities and learning about all the major has to offer. Based upon App-collected data, including where they visited and how long they spent at each location, a follow-up email can introduce them to staff that can answer questions. Another example would be letting a student passing a buildingknow that there is currently free pizza at an event inside. Current project goals include developing the prototype app, exploring the potential of sensor technologies, designing data collection processes, developing additional use cases, and setting up and conducting field tests.
The goal of this project is to create a location-based tool for students, faculty, staff and visitors to inform them of general information and events happening around them in real time. For example, a prospective student visiting campus can take an App guided tour based upon the major(s) they are interested in, visiting the facilities and learning about all the major has to offer. Based upon App-collected data, including where they visited and how long they spent at each location, a follow-up email can introduce them to staff that can answer questions. Another example would be letting a student passing a buildingknow that there is currently free pizza at an event inside. Current project goals include developing the prototype app, exploring the potential of sensor technologies, designing data collection processes, developing additional use cases, and setting up and conducting field tests.
VIPS408X
Leading with Vertically Integrated Projects; Exoskeleton Explorers
Credits:
1 - 2
Grad Meth:
Reg, P-F, Aud
Restriction: Permission of department. Students must apply through the VIP@Maryland application process in order to join a VIP team.
Study arthropods through 3D printing! Arthropods, including spiders, crabs, insects, and isopods, are a phylum of invertebrates with bodies built of hardened segments connected by membranous joints. These hard-soft compliant structures, which can be driven by internal hydraulic systems, are a fantastic model for bio-inspiration of soft robots and lightweight actuators.
Study arthropods through 3D printing! Arthropods, including spiders, crabs, insects, and isopods, are a phylum of invertebrates with bodies built of hardened segments connected by membranous joints. These hard-soft compliant structures, which can be driven by internal hydraulic systems, are a fantastic model for bio-inspiration of soft robots and lightweight actuators.
Flagship Institution of the University System of Maryland
University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA
/
Phone:
301.405.1000
Copyright
© 2025 University of Maryland
/
Privacy /
Web Accessibility
Contact us
with comments, questions and feedback
/