Engineering students show off for Design Day
Hannah Ridings / Staff Photographer
Associate Dean for undergraduate studies Vijay Vaidyanathan wanted to help engineering students by displaying their talents, so he created Design Day, the idea that he calls “his baby,” which started six years ago.
The humble beginnings of Design Day have far outreached Vaidyanthan’s expectations.
Pepsi Cola challenged students to build a solar cooler that would attach to bikes with $10,000. Pepsi was having trouble breaking into markets like India where most roads are undeveloped, so a team of engineering students designed and built the cooler for $6,000, returning the extra cash to Pepsi as a thank you.
Pepsi was so impressed, they returned to the UNT engineering department with three other project ideas.
Three of the makers of Mavis stand behind their new bike proudly. From left to right Xavier Carr, Michael Hartzler and Nadiyah El-Amin are seniors studying mechanical and energy engineering.
This year many students focused on transportation, outdoing themselves by creating what they call, “Bike on Steroids,” or it’s official name, “Project Mavis.”
David Bounds, Xavier Carr, Nadiyah El-Amin, Michael Hartzler and Sara Mcutt were all a part of the dream team that made Project Mavis happen.
For the last three years, students before them attempted the concept of Project Mavis. All three attempts failed due to mechanical issues.
The vehicle was made for people in developing nations who struggle with
means of transportation.
Associate Dean for undergraduate studies Vijay Vaidyanathan
Unlike other bikes, Mavis offers a laid back setting, allowing the driver to pedal with little strain or effort. The bike was made out of carbon fiber to keep it light while also protecting the driver from weather conditions.
The bike will also feature a compartment for groceries or luggage.
The team will battle other human-powered vehicles in a competition on May 8. If Project Mavis succeeds, $2,000 will be awarded to the UNT College of Engineering.
The inside of the bike is spacious, leaving room anything you might need to bring along with you on your ride. The seat is in a reclined position, which makes your drive to work or the grocery store as comfortable as possible.
Featured Image: The complete version of the Mavis bike will feature a windshield to protect the driver from weather and bugs
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