The Multidisciplinary Design Program (MDP) is an outstanding opportunity available to companies, government organizations, community members, non-profit organizations, and alumni to become more involved with University of Michigan College of Engineering undergraduate students. 

There are many ways for individuals or organizations to interact within MDP.  Sponsorships enable projects pertinent to target industries as well as through material donations and volunteer time as an advisor sharing your own hard-earned experience. An organization may also submit proposals for student projects through the MDP office by completing and submitting the online MDP Project Submission Form. 

In recent years the University community has shown increased interest and demand in industry as well as community service and outreach projects in an effort to produce more well-rounded students capable of entering an active and diverse workforce.  These projects can range from a one-semester in-class project to a multi-semester/multi-year MD project. 

Please follow the links below for some examples of past projects members at the University of Michigan.   If you are a non-profit organization, a government organization, an entrepreneur, a small start-up company, or an established corporation of any size, and are interested in learning more about sponsoring a student project in, please contact the MD Minor office at MDP-Office@umich.edu or 734-763-7421. 

Project submission timelines are as follows:

• Fall term (Sept -Dec)

Project Submission by mid July

• Winter Term (Jan – April)

 Project Submission by mid November

• Multi-term, Multi-disciplinary opportunities

Project Submission is accepted year around and are put into place at the earliest convenient semester.

Examples of student projects:

One semester Engineering Projects:

Feasability of initiating a remanufacturing of electric motors GM Hybrid-Electric Vehicles program.

Green Air Environmental – creating a standardized cleaning procedure for  HVAC units 

Visteon – Research and design an Air Intake system for a proton exchange membrane fuel cell to be used in automotive applications.

Global Health Multidisciplinary Design Minor – Tricycle Attachment for Wheelchair

Multi-Semester Projects:

Segway City Feasibility Project

UofM Transit System of the Future

Bomb Detector – AFRL Project Challenge

Whirlpool Energy Efficient Appliances

S3FL

Blue Lab

If you would like to learn more about current community service initiatives on campus, please explore the following websites.
University Community Service Opportunities
Engineering Community Service Projects

There are many other ways for companies to interact with the University through recruitment, research, licensing and education.  To find out more, contact the Business Engagement Center at (734) 647-1000 or (734) 647-7080.