News

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Mechanical Engineering (ME) students Nikolai Careaga, Isaac Herrera, Joel Krueger, and Ethan Smith presented their senior cap-stone design project at the Harley-Davidson Product Development Center on Nov. 19 in Milwaukee, Wis. The senior design project was sponsored and funded by Harley-Division company. In collaboration with Harley-Davidson engineers, the ME design team was tasked to deliver a professional, engineering-driven solution. According to the client, their design delivered on expectations.

“Throughout the project, the team developed strong competencies in establishing project definition, implementing a professional workflow, and using structured decision matrix methods to guide engineering choices,” said Terry Yan, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering.

“The team and I are very grateful for Harley-Davidson and SIUE to allow us to do this project. This was an incredible learning opportunity; we were able to work with the Harley-Davidson engineers and learn how to apply our theoretical learnings from class to industry applications. The tools and skills we learned throughout this project will be prevalent throughout our entire careers,” said Careaga.

They created detailed CAD (3D Modeling) models and applied principles of designing for manufacturability, including injection-molded component design. 

Advanced analytical tools such as FEA (Finite Element Analysis), both stress and modal analysis, were used to validate the design.

The team also conducted a DFMEA (Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis), developed a comprehensive test plan, performed a cost analysis, and produced a realistic manufacturing timeline.  

"Congratulations to Nikolai, Isaac, Joel, and Ethan! Harley-Davidson is so proud to sponsor a Senior Design Project with SIUE," said Gretchen Borden, Harley-Davidson Chief Engineer. "Your Senior Design Project was an outstanding example of applying the Engineering Design Process—from defining the problem to prototyping, testing, and delivering a solution. Your teamwork, technical expertise, and commitment to structured problem-solving truly stood out. As you step into full-time engineering roles, these qualities will make you incredible assets to any organization. Well done, and best of luck in your careers!"

PHOTO: (left to right) Harley-Davidson Vice President of Engineering Brian Ginther, SIUE ME students Nikolai Careaga, Joel Krueger, Ethan Smith, Isaac Herrera, Peter Rasmussen, Mentor, Harley-Davidson, Gretchen Borden, Chief Engineer, Harley-Davidson