Student Design and Research

Student Design And Research

What Is Student Design and Research?

Project-based learning through hands-on projects gives students a substantial understanding of their field and helps them acquire highly sought-after workplace skills like collaboration, communication and complex problem-solving.

During their senior year, students from the college of engineering and science participate in a capstone project to gain hands-on experience in applying engineering and science principles. Students organize into interdisciplinary teams to complete comprehensive projects in which they can apply the theoretical basis from their field.

Capstone projects simulate a real-world work environment in a variety of engineering and science fields. The students apply theory, think creatively and develop practical skills such as teamwork, professionalism, and leadership.  

Project-based capstone projects...

• Teaches interdisciplinary teamwork
• Applies learned engineering and science skills and knowledge
• Shows how engineering, science, and business interact in professional environments
• Creates better engineers and scientists, ready for work and graduate school
• Encourages future research and innovation
• Makes science and engineering fun

as part of their capstone experience, students...

• Participate in team goal setting
• Develop a plan to attain goals
• Conduct research
• Develop leadership by leading their own teams
• Understand team interdependencies
• Develop a winning attitude

Student Design and Research Showcase

Student design and research projects culminate with the Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase at Florida Tech, an annual event during which student teams present their work and field questions from their peers, faculty members, industry professionals and local leaders.

In 2009, a $1 million endowment gift from Northrop Grumman Corporation provided ongoing support for Florida Tech students’ work. Sponsorships from other local and national companies also assist. These gifts reflect a commitment to boosting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and the value of learning beyond the classroom.

Who Can Present?

All Florida Tech undergraduate projects are eligible to participate and compete in the NGC Student Design Showcase. Projects must be completed entirely by undergraduate students, with faculty, graduate students, and others limited strictly to advisory roles.

Information for Students

Important Dates & Deadlines (For Projects Utilizing L3HSDC Space)

Project Registration Begin Date	August 31st, 2026
Project Registration End Date	October 2nd, 2026
Faculty Budget Report Due	October 2nd, 2026
Safety Plan/ Risk Assessment Plan*	October 2nd, 2026
Check in at Design Facilities: L3HSDC**	Once Registration, Safety, and Risk Assessment forms have been submitted and reviewed Latest October 30th, 2026
First Day to Submit Purchase Requisitions***	October 5th, 2026
Last Day to Submit Purchase  Requisitions	April 4th, 2027
L3HSDC Work-A-Thon 1	March 29th 8:00am - April 4th 8:00pm
L3HSDC Work-A-Thon 2	April 16th - April 19th at Noon 2027
Last Day to work on your project (at COES facilities)	April 19th, 2027 at Noon
L3HSDC Facility Clean-Up	April 19, 2027 - April 30, 2027
Project Deliverable Handover and Check Out	April 26th, 2027- April 30th, 2027

* These are  living documents that will be updated throughout the capstone year, but initial submission is due on or before October 2nd, 2026

**Teams that have not checked in by October 30th may have their space at the L3HSDC forfeited to another team

 *** Students will not be able to submit purchase requisitions or start their projects until the following forms have been completed: Project Registration, Project Safety Plan, Project Risk Assessment, Faculty Budget Report

All other purchase requests should be from professors using  the Adviser Project Funding Application

Important Dates & Deadlines (For Projects Not Using L3HSDC Funding and Not using L3HSDC Space)

Projects that fall under this category will only need to follow deadlines for Spring Showcase 2027, which can be found below.

SPRING SHOWCASE 2027 DEADLINES

Showcase Registration	Jan 4th,  2027- March 5th, 2027
Poster/ Virtual Showcase Uploads	April 9th, 2027
Exhibit Requirements and Exhibit Safety Plan Submission	April 9th, 2027
Exhibit Set-Up	April 22nd, 2027
Exhibit Inspection	April 22nd, 2027
Northrop Grumman Student Design Showcase	April 23th, 2027
Discovery Day and Exhibit Take Down	April 24th, 2027

No late submissions or corrections will be accepted after the deadline. The deadlines are there to ensure that everything is proper on showcase day. All deadlines listed above are firm.

• Standard setup space for all projects will be one 4ft by2ft table and 1 poster hangers, please complete the exhibit requirements document if your exhibit includes fluids, live animals, public interaction, demonstrations, or requires additional space, or  electrical outlets
  
  • Any special exhibit requirements need to be put in the exhibits requirement document
• The poster templates will be distributed to all the teams. Please follow all the guidelines listed in the template.
  • Any documents not following the proper template will be rejected.
  • If you require any assistance or have any queries, please contact the Office of Student Projects at the L3HSDC.
• For more information about the showcase please visit: Student Design Website

Showcase Submissions for Students:

Registration Window: Jan 4th,  2027- March 5th, 2027

All teams must complete the official registration form to be included in the showcase program and judging schedule.

Registration Form:
https://floridainstituteoftechnology.jotform.com/252224028666153

Registration Window: Jan 4th,  2027- March 5th, 2027

All teams are required to use the official poster template linked below. This template contains the approved formatting, layout structure, and branding guidelines for the showcase.

Poster Template (Google Slides):
https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1NTmlTkW3WBkNaWjaZBfwTy6J4oXFmcid/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113384077840473988868&rtpof=true&sd=true

• Posters must be created using this template.

• Your final submission must remain in the same PowerPoint/Slides format as provided.

• Do not alter the template structure or layout.

• Any posters not following the required template will be rejected.

Poster Submission Deadline: April 9th, 2027

All finalized posters must be submitted through the official submission form below:

Poster Submission Form:
https://floridainstituteoftechnology.jotform.com/252224672152148

Showcase Schedule April 22nd 2027 (Thursday)

• Project Move-In: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM
• Checking Posters: 10:00 AM - 05:00 PM

Showcase Schedule April 23th 2027 (Friday)

• Opening: Starts at 8:30 AM
• Judging: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Engage in the evaluation of all participating projects.
• Judging Cutoff: 3:00 PM. Judging scores must be submitted before that.
• Leaving Clemente to Gleason: 3:45 PM – 4:00 PM. Transition period for moving to the Gleason Performing Arts Center for the award ceremony.
• Award Ceremony (Gleason): 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM. Announcement and celebration of the winners.
• Afterparty (Crawford Greens): 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM. An informal gathering to close out the event.

Showcase Schedule April 24th 2027 (Saturday)

• Opening: Starts at 10:00 AM
• Open to Public: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM 
• Closing : 3:00 PM (Project can be started to removed starting 2:00 PM)