How Bucknell University is helping injured veterans thrive through engineering ingenuity
An interview with Dr. Peter Mark Jansson, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at Bucknell
Bucknell University recently joined QL Plus as its newest participating university, marking an exciting addition to the program’s mission of improving the lives of injured veterans through student-led engineering innovation. This partnership gives students a unique opportunity to apply their academic training to real-world challenges that directly benefit injured veterans, creating both meaningful learning experiences and impactful results.
“Creating value for someone is central to what we teach in our capstone courses, which aligns perfectly with what QL Plus does.”
- Dr. Janson
To learn more about the collaboration, we spoke with Dr. Peter Mark Jansson, an Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering at Bucknell, whose students are already hard at work on their first project—designing an accessible home garden for Bonnie Robinson, a veteran facing multiple physical and mental health challenges. Dr. Jansson shared insights on why Bucknell became involved with QL Plus, how this partnership aligns with their educational goals, and the profound impact this work is having on both students and veterans alike.
Here’s what he had to say:
How did you first hear about QL Plus, and what drew you to the mission of improving the lives of injured veterans through student-led engineering innovation?
We first heard of QL Plus through one of our staff members responsible for identifying compelling projects for our courses. What was really compelling about working with QL Plus is that our students would be able to engage with the injured veteran first-hand and know that their efforts would have an impact directly on the veteran's life.
What inspired Bucknell University to become a participating university with QL Plus, and how does this partnership align with your educational goals for engineering students?
Upon learning about QL Plus's mission to improve the lives of veterans, we knew that the project would be a great learning opportunity for our students in which they could leverage their engineering training to make a tangible difference. Creating value for someone is central to what we teach in our capstone courses, which aligns perfectly with what QL Plus does.
Can you share details about the specific project your students are currently working on, and how the invention is expected to impact the lives of the veteran they're designed for?
Our team is designing an accessible home garden for Bonnie Robinson, a veteran who lives with multiple sclerosis (MS) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Bonnie is recovering from injuries and surgeries, including a reverse spinal fusion. The project focuses on creating a raised garden bed tailored to her physical needs, incorporating features like an automated irrigation system, a lift to assist with heavy objects, and inspiration from Randyland for aesthetic appeal. The garden will allow her to engage in therapeutic gardening, while also growing organic food for her own consumption. This design project aims to restore a sense of independence, promote physical activity within her abilities, and provide a space for emotional well-being.
How do you believe working on real-world challenges for injured veterans through QL Plus enhances your students’ academic experience and prepares them for their future careers?
Working on real-world challenges for injured veterans through QL Plus has enhanced the academic experience by blending theoretical knowledge with practical application. It has allowed our group to develop problem-solving skills in a way that directly impacts someone’s life, teaching us how to design solutions with empathy and real-world constraints. Our group has had a focus on hands-on experience in engineering, project management, and design, preparing us for future careers where collaboration, creativity, and social responsibility are essential. This project addresses complex challenges while making a positive, tangible difference in a veteran’s life.
What has been the response from the students so far, and what are your hopes for the long-term success of this partnership between Bucknell and QL Plus?
Our group initially responded with some uncertainty, as it differed from traditional engineering tasks we were more familiar with. As the semester has progressed, our group has responded more enthusiastically to the project scope, finding positive meaning in designing solutions that improve Bonnie’s quality of life. Working on a project with such personal stakes has motivated us to think deeply and innovate as our relationship with Bonnie continues to grow. Our hope for the long-term success of the partnership between Bucknell and QL Plus is to provide a lasting solution for Bonnie that will allow her to engage in gardening independently.
As Bucknell University embarks on this meaningful journey with QL Plus, the partnership is already making a profound impact on both the students and the veteran they’re serving. Projects like the accessible home garden for Bonnie Robinson demonstrate the powerful intersection of engineering education and social good. By equipping students with real-world challenges that require technical expertise, empathy, creativity, this collaboration is fostering a generation of engineers who are not only ready for the workforce but also prepared to make a positive difference in the world.
