BW engineering expertise unites eight students in grant-funded research

Seven BW undergraduates and a Princeton University intern are taking a deep dive into Lake Erie. Not literally, of course — but through grant-funded research showcasing why Baldwin Wallace's engineering program is an impressive regional resource.

Engineering students — In addition to field and lab work, the summer interns visited sites like the University of Michigan's Aaron Friedman Marine Hydrodynamics Laboratory, where they learned about experimental techniques for testing wave energy devices.

The three grant-funded projects include:

Mobile Wave Tank for Marine Technology Outreach, sponsored by Port of Cleveland Community Investment Fund.
User Centered Design of Marine Energy for Lake Erie (UCD4LE), funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.
Continuous Live Effluent Assessment and Reporting (CLEAR), funded by Ohio Sea Grant.

The projects, under the direction of Drs. Jeff Dusek and Jonathon Fagert, are part of new and ongoing initiatives that make BW's engineering major a standout for hands-on and real-world-focused learning.

engineering students in Hokoken NJ — (l-r) Research students Nick Koerber, Emmalie Mitzel, Lucas Frye and Brayden Beggs attended the 2026 University Marine Energy Research Community Conference at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, N.J.

Summer research builds on previous student work

Both the mobile wave tank and CLEAR projects began in 2025. When the initial groups of student researchers working on the projects graduated in May, new individuals were added to the projects to build on their predecessors' success.

BW students Connor Awad, Ryan Wodzisz and Brynn Bonnell are focusing their summer studies on designing and testing a mobile wave tank that can be used for teaching and outreach. The portable wave tank will have a computer-controlled wave maker at one end, a demonstration wave energy converter device and a "beach" at the other end to absorb waves.

Bonnell, an engineering major, is excited about the experience she has gained through the project. "Working closely with faculty on a hands-on project converts learning from a passive lecture into active problem-solving. Instead of just studying concepts in a book, we are right there in the lab testing hypotheses, optimizing designs and getting immediate feedback. It makes our education at BW practical, collaborative, and much more engaging," she believes.

Engineering students design mobile tank — (top, bottom l-r) Ryan Wodzisz, Brynn Bonnell and Connor Awad focused their summer studies on designing and building a mobile wave tank.

"My career goal is to secure an engineering role where I can apply practical problem-solving to real-world technical challenges. Opportunities like building this wave tank prepare me directly for that because textbooks can only teach you so much theory," noted the Olmsted Falls, Ohio, senior.

"Working on this project forces me to deal with real engineering constraints — like structural tolerances, material selection for aquatic environments and troubleshooting 3D prints — which teaches me how to adapt, solve unexpected problems and manage a technical project from concept to finish," she added.

The CLEAR project is a continuation of research BW students did in collaboration with the Port of Cleveland on dredge monitoring. The summer students include Matt Hamad and Elise Taylor, a Princeton University student who is working in the BW lab as an intern for Cuyahoga County's Fresh Water Institute and the Student Conservation Association's Water Economy Workforce Fellowship Program.

Baldwin Wallace is a founding member of the Fresh Water Institute. The summer Fellowship represents a collaborative effort to develop the region's freshwater stewardship.

Engineering students doing field work — *(l-r) Matt Hamad, Elise Taylor and the Port of Cleveland's Gabriella Eisel visited the Port's Sediment Processing and Management Facility for research on dredging as part of the CLEAR project.*

New project lays groundwork for future research

Also keeping engineering students busy this summer is initial work related to a $500,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant awarded to BW to design and test marine energy technologies with real-world applications for Lake Erie. Three BW students — Lucas Frye, Emmalie Mitzel and Brayden Beggs — are working on the UCD4LE project this summer.

"Summer research experiences are especially valuable because they allow students time and resources to deeply explore topics in a way that is not possible during the busy academic year," believes Dusek.

"Externally funded projects provide opportunities to develop new experimental skills, engage in iterative technology development and practice scientific communication through community outreach events," he added.

"In the Laboratory for Adaptation, Inclusion, and Robotics this summer, we have three projects with a common theme of marine technology — connecting BW students to Lake Erie, one of Cleveland's most vital resources," he noted.

"With our partners — Cuyahoga County Fresh Water Institute, Cleveland Water Alliance, Argonaut, Freeboard Technology, the Port of Cleveland — we are preparing students for careers in water technology and the Blue Economy," he said.