Building a Mentor Network and Awareness for Internships for High School Students
Launching an Individual Giving Donor Program (IGP) in Thailand
Building Tech Capacity at Habitat for Humanity
Development of an Awareness Campaign for Unique Maker of Specialty Cookies
Development of a canine training system
Digital strategy recommendations for unique travel to Japan
Insurance for Drones
Community Engagement Program for a Major City in Central Illinois
Branding campaign for Town of Normal
E-commerce and branding for optical goods retailer
Healthcare Research and Campaign Development
Major League Professional Baseball Team: Community Relation Concept Development
Market assessment for integrated robotic welder positioners
Knight Rover Robotics Initiative
Cyberinsurance Coverage
Recycled Glass in Construction Materials
Glass is often a byproduct of many municipal recycling programs and electronics recycling facilities. However, glass collected through the local single-stream recycling system represents a significant financial burden on the program due to lack of a market for mixed glass. Recycling centers usually have to ship the mixed glass to sorting facilities where it is cleaned and separated by color. The high cost of transport and sorting fees affect recycling centers, resulting in numerous centers no longer accepting glass. According to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), 11,500,000 tons of glass waste was generated in the US in 2010 and only 27% was recycled. At the local level, recycling generates approximately 360 tons per month of mixed glass debris in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois area alone. Out of 360 tons, approximately 60 tons is trash and approximately 300 tons is a glass of various colors. Therefore, the primary objective of Phase 2 of this study (fall 2017 and spring 2018) will be to determine the feasibility of utilization of recycled glass in local construction projects. Phase 1 of this study (spring 2017) showed promising results which will be further continued in Phase 2 by working closely with Illinois Ready Mix Concrete Association (IRMCA), Town of Normal and local recycling facility.
Project Mentors
Dr. Pranshoo Solanki (Associate Professor, Construction Management, Department of Technology) Dr. Guang Jin (Professor, Department of Health Sciences) Dr. Tom Bierma (Research Professor (Emeritus), Department of Health Sciences)
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Construction – technical specifications for construction materials.
Recycling/materials processing – production of recycled glass and cleaning the material for use or sale.
Business and economics – assessing supply, demand, revenue and costs for a new business in glass cleaning.
Legal – this should be minimal – related to state and federal requirements for paving materials (probably handled under “Construction” expertise).
Final Deliverable:
The product such as low strength construction material made of recycled glass, the method for cleaning and sizing the glass.
Enhancement of Sustainability in Operations
This branded maker of consumer packaged goods would like the team to look at ways in which client could become more environmentally conscious. Currently, there are a few specific items used in their plant that are critical to production but there is no recycling program in place. These include super sacks used to transport product inputs by truck to the facility as well as linear fluorescent light bulbs. The client also would like solutions to recycle common items such as soda cans and water bottles in a feasible way that does not promote pest harborage at the manufacturing facility.
Project Mentors
Dr. Tom Bierma (Research Professor (Emeritus), Department of Health Sciences) Dr. Guang Jin (Professor, Department of Health Sciences) Missy Nergard (Office of Sustainability) Jennifer McDade
Jennifer McDade is a connector of people and ideas. As a resident of Bloomington-Normal for more than 17 years, she has been very active professionally and in the community. She has been at State Farm Insurance Company for more than five years, leading teams in communication and now in digital initiatives. Prior to that, she spent more than ten years at Illinois State University and enjoyed all of her time on campus, though her favorite role was working with students in the School of Communication. She enjoys public service, now as a Connect Transit trustee and formerly as an elected Alderman in the City of Bloomington. She serves with other community groups as well. Other interests include raising two wonderful children – both students at Metcalf School – and enjoying time with her husband, family, and friends. She enjoys running and working out, as well as shopping for vintage finds including adding to her collection of old books about nature.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Systems thinking. There are many facets to waste management which often include zoning ordinances, available space in the facility, compliance (and impending legislation), budget considerations, public perception, cost-benefit analysis, and available markets & commodity prices.
Systems thinking. There are many facets to waste management which often include zoning ordinances, available space in the facility, compliance (and impending legislation), budget considerations, public perception, cost-benefit analysis, and available markets & commodity prices.
Writing and communications skills to provide intuitive and simple manuals and processes.
Analytical skills.
Research.
Innovation and creativity.
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Identify ways in which these large super sacks can be repurposed, upcycled or recycled as well as find solutions regarding common food packaging.
Computer Science Infusion in K-5
Infuse coding/computer science concepts and opportunities into K-5 curriculum with likely K3-K5 focus.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Understanding of state and other instructional requirements for elementary students
Research ability & Ability to summarize findings
Open mind, critical thinking, emotional intelligence and a motivational mind set
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
A report containing a survey / comprehensive list of all possible curriculum programs, instructional models and examples of systems that are able to achieve this into a day or other curriculum. Examples of programs used by other schools should be backed by some research to show if implemented with some degree of precision, that a particular program demonstrates student achievement gains. The Client uses in the K-12 environment the What Works Clearinghouse to determine the existence of data linking a particular program to student achievement gains.
Building a Mentor Network and Awareness for Internships for High School Students
Goal is to have high school students (juniors or seniors) at this client completing internships at local B-N organizations.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Understanding of internship course or program
Creativity
Marketing concepts/skills
Basic software skill to develop creative materials
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Create a database of willing and able organizational partners in addition to a marketing awareness campaign to build mentor network and establish willing partners.
Launching an Individual Giving Donor Program (IGP) in Thailand
The low investment high impact plan primarily through the use of social media, an Individual Giving Donor Program (IGP) in Thailand to recruit monthly, quarterly, annual donors. Plan should include identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship (including retention of donors).
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Marketing communication and messaging
Research Skills
Knowledge non-profit organizations (NGO’s) and public fund-raising
Digitial Marketing and Social Media skills
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
A plan to recruit and retain new donors.
Building Tech Capacity at Habitat for Humanity
Currently, we have a fairly basic access database that houses information on potential lots (parcels) that might be donated to our organization or are owned by our organization. There is a spreadsheet with a lot more information client would like to associate with the database. Need business analyst to help define the requirements for the revised system and then one or more Access developers who can code the solution defined by the users and the business analyst.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Business Analysis
Softwarwe Requirements Engineering
Softwarwe Desgin, Development, Testing and Deployment
Web Development
Communication Skills
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Added functionality to access application built in-house with appropriate data added to the system from an existing spreadsheet. “How to” documentation of various functions available in the application.
Development of an Awareness Campaign for Unique Maker of Specialty Cookies
Build awareness of the cookie card with millennials. The maximum budget for advertising is $10,000. The deliverables should include an expansion of sentiments that are relevant to the marketing including renderings of suggested graphics and marketing campaign with social and grass roots recommendations. Another component could be ideas on how to change the packaging to bring down the costs.
Project Mentor
Kerry Keller Kerry Keller has over 12 years of experience in the human resources field working in both the healthcare and insurance industries. She has a BA and MBA from Illinois State University and is the current President of the Bloomington-Normal Human Resource Council. Originally from the suburbs of Chicago, Kerry has found Bloomington-Normal to be a great place to spend time with her husband and raise their 3 kids.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Graphic Design
Research and Communication Skills
Creativity and Innovation
Merchandising and Logistics
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Written report and presentation to include merchandising and marketing plan including line assortment and marketing spend allocation.
Development of a canine training system.
Develop a piece of equipment to aid in scent detection training for use with canines. The device helps shape trained final response without having direct human involvement. The current systems involve a lot of human interaction which can cue the dog impairing training.
Project Mentor
Dr. Joan Brehm (Sargent of K9 team for Emergency Management Agency and Professor of Sociology)
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Engineering
Research and Communication Skills
Knowledge of the psychological concepts of learning in canines such as shaping
Creativity and Innovation
Willingness to work with dogs and their handlers
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
A portable remote-controlled device that can deliver a treat of toy to a dog.
Digital strategy recommendations for unique travel to Japan
Understand the culturally curious traveler and the high-income traveler. Looking at prior successful companies targeting these audiences. Following this, evaluate this client’s digital marketing and how to best target these 2 groups and make recommendations for potential adjustment to client organization strategy and adjustment to client’s digital efforts.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Research
Creativity and Social Media skills
Japanese Language (optional)
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Written report and presentation that provides research on prior successful campaigns targeting the cultural curious traveler and the high-income traveler. Specific recommendations to a client on why and how it can adjust its digital efforts to increase success in its targeting of these two groups.
Insurance for Drones
As FAA guidelines for uses of drones become more clear, there is a growing demand for drone flying academies used be real estate agents, fire & police departments and public safety organizations, and farmers. However, insurance for drones has lagged behind as insurers still struggle to properly underwrite the drone exposure. Some considerations they need to be understood include:
What are the things most likely to cause loss? What are loss types most demanded (i.d. liability coverage for property and bodily injury? First part coverage for damage to drone? Defense against lawsuits for invasion of privacy?
Quality of drone – what are the basic differences between different types of drones. Do they differ in purpose? How much does a good one cost? Etc.
Drone operator – what level of training should we require? How is training quality verified?
What are the minimum acceptable components of a Standard Operating Procedures manual? Are there best practices that need to be followed?
Can drones be operated in all types of weather? Heat/cold, wind speed, precipitation, etc?
Any knowledge of formal marketing surveys done by drone owners? What are their coverage requirements and how much would they be willing to pay? Not just premium, perhaps, but deductibles, coinsurance, etc. also, what limits are needed?
Cyber risk. Can a drone he hijacked?
What is preferred coverage feature? For example, one insurer provides coverage by the hour using an app.
Project Mentor
Sharon Rossmark l Chief Operating Officer, AeroVista Innovation Mr. Jim Jones
Heather Harcar
Heather Harcar has 12 years of experience in the insurance industry with work focused on human resources. She has worked in various areas of HR including: benefits, compensation, HR policies, project analysis, and talent management. She earned her B.S. from Illinois State University majoring in Economics. Interests include exercise, travel, and listening to live music.
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Competencies needed by the students involved
Insurance
Drone technology and automation
Political science and legal studies
Analytical skills – manipulate data and apply statistical analysis
Drafting Surveys
Research – Extant literature
Innovation and creativity – curiosity to try different approaches
Community Engagement Program for a Major City in Central Illinois
The objective is to develop a strategy, tactics, and preliminary execution of a grassroots community engagement program, involving elements such as an ice cream truck, as utilized in Oak Park, Illinois, and other communities. Current examples of Normal engagement programs are “Coffee with the Council” and “Shop with a Cop.”
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Research Skills
Creativity and Social Media skills
Strong oral and written commuication skills
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
The minimum deliverable is the development of a comprehensive presentation and written report of the project’s objectives, elements, budget, and rationale for evaluation of success, for presentation to the Normal Town Council for adoption as policy.
Branding campaign for Town of Normal
The Town of Normal and Illinois State University have a cordial relationship but have not developed or implemented a joint or cross-marketing effort. ISU is Normal’s largest employer, and the University annually contributes millions of dollars to Normal’s economy. Town of Normal has invested heavily in blocks adjacent to the University, particularly in Uptown Normal. This investment enhances the viability of the Town’s core and provides an “urban” neighborhood as a seamless extension of ISU’s campus. The Town is seeking a joint branding and marketing strategy to promote Normal as the proud home of a successful university which has benefited from the Town’s strategic investments.
Project Mentor
Andrew Bordewick
His experience in the financial services industry with work focused on marketing and product development. He has an MBA from Illinois State University and has consulted with primary and secondary schools on marketing, advancement, and development efforts. Other interests include playing music, running, and coaching junior high cross country.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Research skills
Creativity & Curiosity
Marketing concepts/skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Propose branding and marketing strategy
E-commerce and branding for optical goods retailer
The goal is to expand and add an e-commerce portion to their business. They would like this brand to be separate from the current brands that they operate. They are looking for initial strategy, market positioning, and a brand direction concept.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Research skills
Graphic Design
Creativity & Curiosity
Branding and Marketing skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Initial brand strategy and concepts for name and brand identity.
Healthcare Research and Campaign Development
Understand what the younger generation would like in terms of health care. This includes a number of different areas of focus including:
How does the younger generation want to hear about health care services (types of social media, other forms of marketing, what types of messages resonate with them)
What types of healthcare services are they interested in learning more about (preventive services, only want services when needed, primary care, etc.)?
How do they want to access health care (establish a relationship with a primary care physician in their office, immediate care only when needed, Skype visit 24/7 from their living room, etc.)
Project Mentor
Krista Spader Krista Spader has more than 17 years of leadership experience in a fortune 500 company with responsibility for elements such as business operations, planning, and strategy and change management. Krista has a number of business designations as well as Master of Science in Management Degree with an emphasis on Leadership. She has served on the board for both public and private organizations and has a long history of mentoring both individuals and groups.
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Research skills
Graphic Design
Creativity & Curiosity
Branding and Marketing skills
Good oral and written communication skills
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Research conducted leading to campaign development.
Market assessment for integrated robotic welder positioners
The company is based in Illinois (2 hours from ISU) and designs, manufactures, distributes and supports positioning equipment for manufacturing industries in North America. Positioners are devices that manipulate metal components to facilitate welding and assembly into structures and subassemblies for a variety of industrial products. Positioners help to significantly improve worker productivity and process efficiency as well as lower manufacturing costs. Importantly, worker and job safety and ergonomics are vastly improved. The company is a small specialty, niche manufacturer with over 20 employees and over $7M in annual sales. The company is highly profitable and manufactures both standard and customized positioners for specific customer requirements. The company is known for innovation and rapid response to its customer needs.
Description
Industrial OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) are working with their manufacturing equipment suppliers to integrate technologies and innovations into their factory processes to drive higher levels of productivity and profitability through process efficiency and cost reduction. Client company designs and delivers solutions that help their industrial customers do that today by automating manual, expensive (and unsafe) processes. Client company hopes to expand its current solutions portfolio to include the integration of robotic welding arms with its existing hydraulic positioners to significantly improve manufacturing productivity, efficiency, and safety at critical “pinch points” in manufacturing processes. This innovation would enable client company to add significant new value for its customers as well as drive market differentiation and competitive advantage.
Client company needs help from a student team to assess the market (structure, size, application segments, competitors, trends, factors of influence, etc.) for integrated robotic-welder positioners. This information will help refine product design and engineering. The client company and student team will use this base knowledge to develop a marketing (introduction and development) strategy including a target marketing framework of an integrated marketing communications plan. Additional outcomes could include the development of marketing content for the training of channel sales and distribution partners. Consulting team work will include customer site visits as well as trade show attendance (FabTech 2107 in Chicago).
Project Mentor
Mr. Tom Trone (Instructional Assistant Professor & former executive at John Deere Corporation)
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Knowledge of, or experience with, industrial manufacturing processes including welding, robotics and manufacturing technology integration
Knowledge of, or experience with, industrial product development and/or marketing
Knowledge of, or experience with, market assessments, marketing strategy development, target marketing and integrated marketing communication
Creativity, strategy, interest in community development and sports
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Final Deliverable
Developed concepts
Knight Rover Robotics Initiative
When you want to learn about robotics where do you begin?
The Mind Project’s “Knight Rover Robotics Initiative” has the goal of generating a robotics kit and curriculum modules that will enable students (a) to learn many important principles of robotic design and (b) to construct and program their own complex robots. Making use of low-cost, readily available hardware (including sensors, motors, and a Raspberry Pi for a brain), our new open source software – the “RObotics Orchestration Kit” (ROOK for short) – is designed so that students at every level of expertise in computer programming, from novice to experienced programmer, will be challenged as they learn to design increasingly complex robots and, thereby, to contribute to the community’s expanding inventory of hardware and software tools.
Phase one of the Knight Rover Initiative was completed in the spring of 2017. The GoPiGo hardware kit and the ROOK software were evaluated for their educational potential and passed with flying colors.
Phase two of the project and are recruiting new students and faculty to join the team. The two primary objectives of this phase are
Create a “hierarchy” system within the ROOK software so that all users (regardless of skill level) can rank order sensory-motor behaviors
to create intelligent robots using a “bottom-up” design.
Develop a design strategy for controlling Knight Rover robots from an AI engine in the cloud to create intelligent robots using a
“top-down” architecture. Join our team to be a part of this exciting adventure.
Project Mentors
Dr. David Anderson (Philosophy)
Eric Thill (ISU, B.S. 2010)
John Kuk (ISU, Master’s Candidate)
Recruitment Status:
Closed
Competencies needed by faculty and students involved
Students: Students majoring in IT (esp. programming) or technology will bring skills for robotic enhancement. Students in education (esp. technology education) will help design activities to meet educational standards. Business majors will help develop a marketing strategy to promote our educational products. Computer Programming: Students with programming talents in front-end, integration, back-end, and micro-controllers are highly valued. Among programming languages used will be Java 8, JavaScript, HTML5, and a background in Python and C++. Students without experience in programming will begin to learn to program in Python.
Faculty: We are still seeking new faculty mentors with expertise in the following areas: computer programming, engineering, machining & fabrication, 3D printing, technology education, and business.
Final Deliverable
Create, test, and refine frontend for behavior-based (“bottom-up”) robotic design.
Create online curriculum modules where users discover principles of behavior-based robotic intelligence while tackling hands-on robot challenges.
Evaluate prospects for serving the ProtoThinker software from the cloud to give Knight Rover robots “top-down” intelligence.
Evaluate other available AI software (both local & web-based) to enhance intelligence of Knight Rover robots.
Cyberinsurance Coverage
Description
The rise in cyber attacks recently like the one on Equifax, along with numerous others are examples of cyber risks that are potentially covered by cyber risk insurance policies. The global cyber insurance market is dominated by North American insurance companies and is expected to generate $14 billion in gross premiums by 2022, growing at a compound annual growth rate of nearly 28% as insurers expand coverage to other regions. Mandatory legislation regarding cybersecurity in several U.S. states has led to higher penetration of cyber liability insurance policies.
Client
Global insurer HSB/Munich Re is looking for students to conduct an analysis of current and prospective cyber risks and comparison of how well the insurance market products are meeting those are and what gaps may exist. This project would involve a multidisciplinary team comprised of majors in cybersecurity, computer science, and risk management and insurance Funding for students to attend cyber insurance conference exists for team members involved in this project.
