Student Research Symposium Program Portal: Submission #195

Primary Student Contact First Name: Krieg
Primary Student Contact Last Name: Conrad
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Primary Student Contact FSU Student Email: kc22bq@fsu.edu
Photo of all individuals presenting this work: https://pc.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/research_portal/9043/Profess.jpg
Major(s) of all individuals presenting this work: Krieg Conrad-Mechanical Engineering, Case Dyer-Mechanical Engineering, Jonathan Serbest-Mechanical Engineering, Austin Zaal-Mechanical Engineering, Mathew Wilson-Electrical Engineering, Jayden Duarte-Business Administration
Bio of all individuals presenting this work:
Krieg Conrad
Mechanical Engineering student at Florida State University–Panama City focused on hands-on problem-solving, systems thinking, and real-world engineering. Interested in applying engineering and leadership to practical projects.

Jonathan Serbest
Mechanical Engineering junior, Honors student, Vice President of RAM, and SAME Chapter President. Gaining hands-on experience through an MEP internship and pursuing a future master’s in Systems Engineering. Passionate about leadership, innovation, and continuous growth.

Case Dyer
Motivated Mechanical Engineering student with experience in SolidWorks, 2D AutoCAD, and hands-on mechanical work. Developed a passion for engineering by diagnosing and rebuilding a failed diesel engine. Seeking a hands-on summer internship.

Austin Zaal
Senior Mechanical Engineering student interested in applied problem-solving, leadership, and operational environments. Pursuing an officer commission as a Naval Aviator while remaining open to engineering roles with real-world impact.

Jayden Duarte
Senior at Florida State University and Student Government Representative focused on leadership and project management. Skilled in team coordination, communication, and keeping projects organized and on schedule.

Matthew Wilson
Electrical Engineering student focused on embedded systems and applied electronics. Enjoys hands-on design, troubleshooting, and team-based engineering work. Seeking practical EE opportunities; IEEE and SAME member.

Poster Title: Terra Nova Project - NASA USLI
Abstract:
The mission of the Terra Nova Project is to design and manufacture a high-powered rocket able to successfully carry and deploy the HAUS payload, the Terra Inquisitor. The Terra Inquisitor will be designed and fabricated to collect and test a sample of soil for pH within 15 minutes of landing. This will be achieved with commercially available and in-house manufactured components. The design of the recovery system is to safely reach ground level within 80 seconds of apogee. The safety of the landing is based on all individual rocket sections sustaining no more than 65 ft-lb of energy without causing irreparable damage. The design and manufacturing of all recovery system components shall meet all specified safety criteria and NASA launch rules and guidelines. Custom bulkheads will be used to absorb forces imparted on the recovery system and manufactured using the new form of additive manufacturing, 3D metal printing. 

Research Mentor Name: Twan Capehart
Research Mentor's College (or High School): Florida State University
Research Mentor's Department (or Subject): Mechanical Engineering
Research Mentor's Email: tcapehart@pc.fsu.edu
Additional Research Mentor(s): Elizabeth Gildersleeve - FSU PC Mechanical Engineering Graduate
Co-presenter(s): Case Dyer, Jonathan Serbest, Austin Zaal, Mathew Wilson, Jayden Duarte
Keywords: High-Power Rocketry; Aerospace Systems Engineering; Recovery System Design; Autonomous Payload Deployment; Flight Testing & Verification
Poster Session/Number: {Empty}
Work: Exploratory (the research question has been identified and design of approach is outlined)
Presentation Modality: Face to Face Poster session
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Poster Thumbnail: {Empty}
I will be printing my poster: No
Year: 2026
Annual description: 5th annual Undergraduate Research Symposium, April 17, 2025
Update URL: https://pc.fsu.edu/student-research/symposium/research-symposium-program-portal?element_parents=elements/student_photo&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=l5ObmTFME1irikEef-xpJwKl4XT4sm10W2_ocd-dyK4
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