USI Center for Applied Research

So incredibly proud of this team! Our Applied Innovation project concluded today with a final presentation to leadership teams from and University of Southern Indiana. Over the course of the semester, we were tasked with creating a new product innovation... and our students delivered TWO! Major kudos to these juniors and seniors for all of their hard work!

Front (L-R) William Le (Art), Jadison Robinson (Occupational Therapy Doctorate), Lauryn Anderson (Marketing)
Back (L-R): Mason Eickhoff (Manufacturing Engineering Technology), Ethan Reherman (Studio Art and Design), Ella Rich (Marketing), Elizabeth Ketcham (Mechanical Engineering)

Dr. Luke Barr came to campus to review our modifications to his Polyform. Cameron Miles (Electrical Engineering, '26) explains the layout of the hardware while Luke tests the new functionality. This makes another great addition to the product line!

Ron Boren came out to campus to review his prototype while Jonathan explained some of the design decisions that have made it more efficient. We can't tell you exactly what it's for, but we're going to continue to work with Ron so that his invention "makes a splash."

The Center for Applied Research partnered with Cleveland Cliffs again this year for the Southwest Indiana STEM Challenge. A huge thanks to Southwest Indiana Workforce Board for organizing, Oakland City University for hosting, and the 28 teams from 9 schools who participated. A special shoutout goes to MSD of North Posey County Team #11 for winning the USI/Cliffs challenge, "Real-Life Rocket League"! We're already looking forward to next year's event!

Braden is an outstanding member of our team. We are grateful that he chose USI and is bringing his talent to the Center for Applied Research.

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Steven met with Ethan, Evalynn, and Noah this morning to finalize 's product design and begin compiling the bill of materials for a possible prototype! More updates coming soon...

The Center for Applied Research was happy to make our contribution to TEDxUSI 2026. In support of Dr. Edith Hardcastle and USI's Bee Campus initiative, Ethan and Braden 3D-printed dozens of sets of tokens to be used in Dr. Hardcastle's Discover USI session, "Build It For The Bees: A Seed Sowing and Garden Design Experience".

This morning, Ethan and Evalynn reviewed design concepts with Alisann Elpers for her new product idea. Once we finalize the design, we will compile a bill of materials and explore fabricating a prototype. We can't wait to tell you what it is!

Happy Holidays from the USI, UE, and Ivy Tech innovation crews! Such a joy to get together. Stay tuned for an exciting collaborative project that will be game-changing for the region. Ivy Tech Community College Evansville USI Center for Applied Research Center for Innovation & Change

2025 was a record year of activity for the Center for Applied Research. A huge shout-out to our students for turning so many ideas into tangible products, and a big thanks to our faculty for lending their guidance and expertise.

Most importantly, a huge thanks goes out to all of our clients for giving us the opportunity to work with each of you! We will have more amazing things to share in 2026...

While we're getting festive for the holidays, we're also excited to announce a project that will be kicking off in January with Lori LaMar and Spark City USA. Specializing in cold spark technology, Spark City USA is contracting with the Center for Applied Research for custom electronics, 3D modeling, and pyrotechnics!

Follow us for more updates in the coming weeks.