EPICS Teams - EPICS - Purdue University

Aero and Astro Engineering Education (AAEE)

We are an EPICS team partnered with Purdue Space Day, Imagination Station, and Purdue's School of Aero and Astro Engineering. The goal of our projects is to educate others about different aspects of Aero and Astro Engineering. Lab times: 10:30 am - 12:20 pm

Assistive Technology (AT)

Our mission is to design and develop devices that assist caregivers and improve health care delivery.

Biomedical Engineering (BME)

The EPICS BME team is partnered with the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering to develop community-centered design projects with biomedical engineering applications.

Biomedical Engineering (BME) Outreach & Women in Engineering (WiE)

This team develops and delivers engineering outreach programming at The Children's Museum of Indianapolis and other local community partners, in partnership with Purdue's WiE Outreach and BME Outreach programs. These programs engage elementary and middle school students in engineering design through creative, hands-on activities.
Lab times: Monday 4:30 - 6:20pm

Boys and Girls Club

Partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Indianapolis for the development of underutilized spaces in one of their club locations. These spaces would be re-done for promoting STEM education and provide an environment for the youth to prosper.
Lab times: Thursday 3:30 - 4:20pm

CHEQI HER

Students are collaborating with CHEQI to develop projects that promote health and nutrition. They are creating educational content on healthy food options, offering samples, and building software to provide advice on accessing government health benefits, insurance, and affordable medications. Additionally, they are developing a tool for food pantry workers to generate new healthy recipes using excess inventory, ensuring that all food items are utilized effectively. These initiatives aim to support and educate the community through local food pantries. Lab times: Tuesday 4:30 - 6:20pm

Camp Riley & Peace Learning Center

This project works with Bradford Woods Camp Riley and the Peace Learning Center at Eagle Creek Park to enhance the camp experience. Our mission is to create more enjoyable and accommodating outdoor structures that support learning, inclusion, and connection with nature.
Lab times: Wednesday 8:30am - 10:20pm
Sponsors:

Cathedral High School

Partnering with Cathedral High School on several projects including a parking lot redesign, a classroom divider for a laboratory space, and software application interface for parents and students. Lab times: Monday 4:30am - 6:20pm

Childcare Design Solutions (CDS)

We are a multidisciplinary group of students involved in the EPICS program at Purdue University. Our mission is to provide innovative and practical solutions to issues faced by the Wabash Landing Right Steps Child Development Center. Right Steps is a daycare facility affialiated with United Way. Their mission is to provide and advocate for quality child care and early education in efforts to improve the overall well-being of the community.

Children's Educational Demonstrations (CED)

Our mission is to design and create interactive models of science to engage individuals ages 10 and up and to teach about the science that propels our society forward. We hope to help motivate children to ask questions about science, to stimulate their minds, and get them interested in science as a whole. Our team is partnered with The Children's Museum of Indianapolis. Lab times: 1:30 - 3:20pm

Columbian Park Zoo (ZOO)

EPICS ZOO team works in collaboration with the Columbian Park Zoo of the Greater Lafayette Area to design and create devices that are enriching to the zoo's animals, staff, and visitors.

Conservation (CONSERVATION)

Partnered with NICHES Land Trust to design solutions to protect, restore, and sustain Indiana's ecosystems and offering education, appreciation, and enjoyment for current and future generations.

Creating Accessible Racing (CAR)

Design and build two-person vehicles such as those used at the Challenger Division of the Soap Box Derby to accommodate a driver and a child with special needs. Sponsors:
Industry Advisor:
Corporate Sponsor:

Database and Innovative Software for the Community (DISC)

Create database applications and innovative solutions to help not for profit, educational, and service agencies.

Deaf Kids Code (DKC)

Our goal is to create innovative solutions to unique problems that the Deaf community faces. We aim to serve a purpose and use our skills as engineers, problem-solvers, and university students to fill a need. Coming from many disciplines, we all have a passion for what we do and are driven to provide these services.

Designing for Playing and Learning (PLAY)

The EPICS PLAY Team strives to create interactive toys that will encourage a love of learning through positive reinforcement. We want to improve and further enhance the experience of everyone who enters the building, contribute to children's growth, and continue to develop and strengthen skillsets. With the current team, we have been working on four main projects: Bubble Tube, Backyard, Memory Game, K-3 Curriculum.

Ed Tech Africa (EdTech)

Our mission is to develop educational software to spread literacy to all children in Nigeria. 13.2 million children are out of school. 70% of children aged 10 cannot read or write. We plan to develop ways for these children, many of whom lack a consistent internet connection, to be able to learn independently. We want to provide these children quality education that may lead them to better futures. Our solution will be non-internet based, personalized learning with data free access and adaptable to local curriculums and dialects.

Electric Vehicle Event Infrastructure (EVEI)

The EVEI team is working on the development of an electric remote-controlled go-kart. We are determined to spark a passion for engineering amongst high schoolers and inspire the next generation of engineers. Sponsors:

Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) Outreach

This team is working with the Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) at Purdue Indianapolis to provide outreach to K-12 students & prospective student visitors to educate them about engineering in ECE. Lab times: Tuesday 1:30 - 3:20pm

Engineers Without Borders (EWB - West Lafayette)

Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Purdue University Chapter is a student chapter of Engineers Without Borders USA, which is an organization that partners with communities around the world to meet their basic human needs. Lab times: 10:30am - 12:20pm Sponsors:

Family Ark (paused in Indianapolis)

The organization collaborates with students to foster stronger family relationships, with the overarching goal of building healthier communities. The teams are actively engaged in developing inclusive environments within the premises to promote a more supportive and positive atmosphere for all individuals involved. Lab times: Indy team not meeting Fall 2025. WL team still meeting.

Global Active Problem Solving (GAPS)

GAPS students work with international project partners on interdisciplinary projects. More recently, the team has been working with Universidad del Norte (Uninorte) and various initiatives on their campus in Barranquilla, Colombia. In recent past, the team also collaborated with the Mebêngôkre-Kayapó peoples of Brazil's Amazon.

Global Air Quality Trekkers (GAQT)

The Global Air Quality Trekkers (GAQT) team is a part of Purdue's Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) program and Innovation for International Development (I2D) Lab. GAQT is an interdisciplinary team of undergraduate engineering, science, and environmental health students.

Greater Lafayette Area Special Services (GLASS)

Develop hardware, electromechanical and software solutions which enable students with disabilities ages 3 to 21 to function more independently and to enjoy a better quality of life. This includes projects aimed to accomplish daily living tasks, assist with communication, or to help participate in educational or recreational activities. Technologies: electronics, computer controls, software development, electromechanical systems, motors, structures, and actuators.

GreenCampus (Green)

Sustainability and environmental awareness are key values that we at EPICS Green Campus hold within our work on the Green Wall Project and the Smart Dumpster Project. At EPICS Green Campus, our goal is to promote a clean and more environmentally conscious place on campus.

Habitat for Humanity (HFH - West Lafayette)

The mission of the Habitat for Humanity Epics Team is to use our skills and innovation to address housing challenges effectively. We strive to enhance the efficiency of Habitat for Humanity by developing and implementing technological solutions and strategic initiatives. Our goal is to contribute to the organization's mission of providing safe and affordable housing, making a lasting and positive impact on communities. We focus on improving warehouse operations, ensuring resources are optimized to support our mission and empower individuals and families for a better future. Sponsors: Industry Advisor:

Harnessing Data Revolution (HDR)

Our mission is building capacity for harnessing the data revolution at the local, state, and national levels to help unleash the power of data in the service of science and society. HDR is currently working with partners in the Standing Rock Community to display environmental data and allow tribal leaders to make data-driven decisions regarding their land.

Imagination Station (IS)

EPICS IS team designs and builds interactive exhibits for our project partner Imagination Station using technologies that would invoke curiosity in science. The mission of Imagination Station is to promote Science, Technology, and Mathematics amongst early age students (elementary school and younger). EPICS IS has supported this effort by delivering many exhibits to Imagination Station in the last 20 years. We are pleased to have this partnership with Imagination Station. Sponsors:

India (West Lafayette)

The INDIA team collaborates with other EPICS University institutions in India to address problems in communities near them. The team is currently working with students from IIT Delhi and IIT Tirupati in educational and farming solutions for community partners those universities support. Lab times: 8:30 - 10:20 am

India 1 - not offered Fall 2025 (see other India teams)

Lab times: Not Meeting Fall 2025

India 2 is now Regional AI for Integrated Needs (RAIN)

The team is collaborating with 2 global community partners, aiming to solve pressing issues like reforestation and empowerment of regional communities, in line with the United Nations SDGs. Lab times: Friday 8:30 - 10:20am

India 3 is now Health Enhancements for Accessible Living (HEAL)

A multicultural team involving students from institutions in India collaborating with Purdue students on prototyping detachable modules on a wheelchair that provide features like spO2 monitoring, pulse monitoring, as well as physical therapy. Lab times: Wednesday 8:30 - 10:20am

India 4 is now Sustainable Waste Management (SWM)

In partnership with 2 international community partners, the team’s objective is to address issues relating to waste management and tackle them by developing eco-friendly solutions. Lab times: Wednesday 8:30 - 10:20am

India 5 is now Building Beyond Borders (3B)

The team is partnering with students at JSPM College of Engineering to develop a cost-effective and sustainable method for brick production, which achieves a two-fold objective – first, it empowers women in the community to work, and second, it reduces plastic waste in rural areas through a plastic recycling system that minimizes negative impact on environment. Lab times: Thursday 8:30 - 10:20am

Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired (ISBVI)

The goal of this team is to work with the Indiana School for the Blind and Visually Impaired to create assistive devices for their students. The team is currently working on a device to assist the students in band with placing their reeds onto their mouthpieces and a brail typewriter to enhance student communication. Lab times: Friday 10:30am - 12:20pm

Indiana School for the Deaf (ISD)

The team has partnered with the Indiana School of Deaf to design applications that make it easier for parents and teachers to monitor students' growth. Lab times: Friday 1:30 - 3:20pm

Indiana State Museum

This team is working on Interactive Displays on Agriculture for the Indiana State Museum. Lab times: Wednesday 8:30 - 10:20am

Indianapolis Fire Department

The Indy Fire Department has a comprehensive interactive village that needs to be updated. Lab times: Monday 1:30 - 3:20pm

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (Speedway)

Working with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to educate young children about the science and engineering that goes into racing by utilizing interactive and engaging learning aids. We aim to help our stakeholders develop a better understanding of the components used to make such vehicles and the history and purpose behind them. ​

Indianapolis Zoo

The EPICS Indianapolis Zoo team works in collaboration with the Indianapolis Zoo and the Global Center for Species Survival. We work with leading conservation experts to design and create devices that support their efforts in tackling critical planetary issues leading to biodiversity loss. Lab times: Monday 10:30am - 12:20pm

Information Management Systems (IMS)

This team is currently working on a portal that will connect the people of Purdue to the community via the web. It will serve as a means through which the community will be better able to connect with the resources of Purdue and all of the valuable clubs and service learning opportunities available.

International School of Indianapolis (ISI)

Students are updating and enlarging a concession stand to accompany their 8-lane track with an international-sized soccer field. Students are also working on creating shade for a large outdoor multi-use concrete area that students use as an outdoor classroom and extracurricular activities including student dances. Both projects are at the Michigan Road location of ISI. Lab times: Thursday 8:30 - 10:20am

Lakota (LAKOTA)

Purdue and South Dakota School of Mines team up to work with the Technology and Oglala Lakota College on Pine Ridge in South Dakota focusing on food growth, housing, and energy.

Live Like Lou (see Shafer Leadership Academy)

Known for its association with the “Ice Bucket Challenge” foundation, Live Like Lou has partnered with students in Indianapolis to enhance community engagement. The teams are focused on developing improved workflows between volunteers and individuals in need, aiming to streamline support efforts and increase the impact of volunteer work. Lab times: Friday 10:30am - 12:20p

MSE Bronze (MSE)

The team works with local community organizations in projects considering material selection and engineering processes to fabricate artisan items, such as commemorative plaques for historical landmarks. The projects may provide the students with relevant experiences in local history, materials science, and engineering.

Mechanical Engineering (ME) Outreach

The ME Outreach team is working with the Mechanical Engineering Department at Purdue Indianapolis to provide outreach to prospective students visiting the campus and engage them by educating them about mechanical engineering principles through fun activities. Lab times: Wednesday 1:30 - 3:20pm

Medical Design Projects (MED)

Designing technology to support medical professionals in a clinical setting and medical education in the community.

Mobility (MOBI)

The Mobility team focuses on developing innovations that enable individuals with impairments to actively engage in sports and various other activities. The current focus is on developing sound-based sports equipment for visually impaired athletic teams as well as creating an interactive accessibility map of the Purdue University West Lafayette campus.

Motorsports Outreach

This team is working on projects that can be taken to schools and to recruiting events to build awareness of and interest in Motorsports Engineering. Current projects include: 1) Portable Driver Simulator 2) Wind Tunnel model Lab times: Tuesday 10:30 - 12:20pm

NABL (NABL)

Partnering with Grants House to create accessibility solutions for individuals with disabilities in Greater Lafayette.

Neighborhood Energy and Climate Advancements

The team creates innovative, sustainable solutions that address environmental challenges and expand educational opportunities in communities. By working with nonprofit organizations and local partners, we design and implement projects that enhance accessibility, promote awareness, and support learning experiences. Our work focuses on fostering long-term community resilience and ensuring neighborhoods have the opportunity to benefit from a more sustainable future.

Neighborhood Sustainability (NS)

This team will partner with City of Lafayette to develop strategies to enhance neighborhood sustainability, especially for homes and neighborhoods in lower income areas. Sponsors:

Optimization of Food Pantries

The team is committed to combating hunger in Indianapolis by improving the efficiency of food distribution. Supported by the Toyota Foundation, the initiative leverages autonomous vehicles to ensure faster and more efficient food deliveries. Additionally, the IU Eskenazi School of Art is contributing by focusing on human-centered design to enhance the functionality and user experience of these autonomous vehicles. Lab times: Tuesday 10:30 - 12:20pm

Our Lady of Grace Elementary School

Students work with the engineering and science teachers, in conjunction with a master gardener, to update a student designed and built greenhouse. Lab times: Monday 10:30 - 12:20pm

Peace Learning Center (see Camp Riley)

Lab times: Wednesday 10:30 - 12:20pm

Pets in Action With Shelters (PAWS)

This team works with the area shelters to assist in the adoption of animals by using technology.

Pharmacy (PHARM)

This team works on design and production of various projects to aid the Purdue University Pharmacy. Sponsors:

Purdue ASME Student Chapter (ASME)

The EPICS ASME team is a design team affiliated with the Purdue chapter of ASME. Our team is developing an automated, low-cost, and high-yield hydroponic system to be implemented in community centers in Indiana through our partners at the Marion County Farm Bureau (MCFB). Our project aims to address and help address the issues of food-insecurity and food-deserts that exist in these communities by growing fresh produce that may not be available in those areas.

Purdue Engineering Outreach (PEO)

Lab times: 3:30 - 5:20pm

Saint Vincent de Paul (SVdP)

Center for Health Excellence, Quality and Innovation (CHEQI) - we are supporting the expansion of clinical pharmacy initiatives aimed at incorporating a wider range of social determinants of health into clinical pharmacy practice to better serve medically underserved populations. Lab times: Tuesday 4:30 - 6:20pm

Scan (SCAN)

Design systems for tracking bicycle and pedestrian traffic using RFID technology.

Shafer Leadership Academy & Live Like Lou

Live Like Lou (LLL)—widely recognized for its affiliation with the "Ice Bucket Challenge"—and Shafer Leadership Academy are both seeking to enhance their operational efficiency through improved web applications. LLL is in need of a streamlined, user-friendly application to facilitate faster and more accurate matching processes. Meanwhile, Shafer Leadership Academy aims to integrate legacy data into a modernized workflow structure, enabling better data organization and usability. Lab times: Tuesday 8:30 - 10:20am

St. Joseph's Hearing and Speech

The main challenge is to improve the acoustic environment (reducing noise bleed between classrooms and reducing reverberation) in their therapy spaces. Lab times: Wednesday 10:30am - 12:20pm

Sustainable Infrastructure for Small Communities (SISC)

Formerly NDP (Natural Disaster Preparedness), the team works with communities and organizations to address challenges with basic services, such as water, power, and communications, which may affect the well-being of small communities with some degree of isolation; the team seeks to co-operate with the community and partners in achieving a sustainable infrastructure.

Urban Farm (UF)

The Urban Farming team is focusing on the issue of food insecurity in the Midwest. Food insecurity is the lacking of consistent access to healthy food options. The goal of the UF team is to improve the availability of fresh produce through indoor hydroponics in a designated food desert, and the team is currently focusing on Broad Ripple, IN, where many elderly community members face challenges in accessing healthy food. We are working with Jovial Family Farm to develop a multifunctional hydroponics system that provides food that is beneficial and accessible to all members of the community, regardless of age or mobility level. The team is also looking to foster intergenerational experiential education through the development of educational programs that utilize an urban farming context. Our community based agriculture sub-team is developing a framework to distribute the produce grown to community members and start healthy and positive eating habits. Finally, the UF team hopes to create a reproducible framework for other groups to follow for further development of hydroponics systems in Midwestern food deserts. Lab times: 10:30am - 12:20pm

WIEP Outreach (see BME Outreach)

Partnered with Purdue's Women in Engineering program to create and execute free outreach programming where elementary and middle school students can explore engineering principles through creative and innovative hands-on learning. Lab times: Wednesday 1:30 - 3:20pm

Wabash Center (WC)

The WC team designs and develops devices that enable new tasks or enhance the productivity, safety, and efficiency of WC employees, many of whom have disabilities. Sponsors: Industry Advisor:

Wolf Park (WOLF)

Working at Wolf Park to design a fox enclosure and develop educational displays for their education center.