Where Engineering Meets Service: VMI students partner with QL Plus to transform veteran lives

A conversation with Dr. David M. Feinauer, Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
at Virginia Military Institute

“These projects are transformative. The students come into these partnerships as aspiring engineers and leave with a real sense of purpose.”
- Dr. Feinauer

In partnership with QL Plus, Virginia Military Institute (VMI) engineering students are diving into a unique mission: using their skills to enhance the lives of veterans through custom-designed solutions. Guided by Professor David M. Feinauer, the students are moving beyond classroom theory to address real-world challenges faced by veterans who live with physical injuries and disabilities. Each project is tailored to a specific veteran’s needs, transforming textbook knowledge into practical, life-improving innovations.

This hands-on approach is more than just an academic exercise; it’s an opportunity for VMI students to connect with veterans and understand the profound impact engineering can have. Through QL Plus, they aren’t only solving engineering puzzles—they’re developing meaningful solutions that restore independence, mobility, and quality of life to those who have served.

In this interview, Professor Feinauer shares the inspiration behind his involvement with QL Plus and the powerful lessons his students gain from designing for veterans.

How did you first hear about QL Plus, and what drew you to their mission? 

I was introduced to QL Plus when I was teaching at Norwich University. It started with a memorable visit from one of QL Plus’ team members, who came to our campus specifically to share the organization’s mission and work. They toured our engineering labs, met our students, and provided an in-depth look at what QL Plus was accomplishing through university partnerships. Their passion for using engineering as a vehicle for real-world change—especially for injured veterans—really stood out. This wasn’t just another nonprofit; it was an initiative that paired the ingenuity of young engineering minds with a purpose-driven cause. That first interaction resonated deeply with me, sparking the idea that our students could channel their technical skills into something impactful and tangible, far beyond the classroom.

How did QL Plus’s mission—improving the lives of injured veterans through student-led engineering—resonate with you personally?

Very strongly. As an engineer, I view our field as inherently service-oriented. We’re not just building systems or solving equations; we’re creating solutions for people. Engineering can sometimes feel like a purely technical endeavor, but missions like that of QL Plus remind us that our work has profound, personal impacts. When we talk about improving lives, especially those of veterans who’ve sacrificed so much, it gives each project a deeper significance. For me, seeing students apply their knowledge to directly benefit a veteran's life adds an invaluable dimension to their education. QL Plus enables these young engineers to see beyond the theory and understand the power of their work to help real individuals regain independence or comfort in their daily lives.

What motivates you and your students to take on these projects with QL Plus?

Motivation really stems from the tangible difference we can make. Many of our students come in with a desire to apply their knowledge, but these projects bring that application to life in an incredibly meaningful way. They’re not just designing for the sake of a grade—they’re designing to make someone’s life better. Each project takes on a personal dimension when the students meet or hear about the veteran they’re helping. Knowing that they can use their skills to create something that genuinely improves a person’s life, even if in small ways, is both humbling and inspiring. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a student realize the true impact of their work and that the hours they spend in the lab translate to actual quality-of-life improvements for a veteran who truly needs it. It’s a win-win in every sense.

How do projects like these contribute to the students’ education?

These projects are transformative. The students come into these partnerships as aspiring engineers and leave with a real sense of purpose. Working on a project with QL Plus means facing real-world constraints and learning to adapt and problem-solve in ways that textbooks can’t always teach. For instance, they may need to consider unique design elements tailored to a veteran’s physical needs, or work within budget constraints, or figure out solutions that are intuitive and user-friendly. This hands-on learning gives them invaluable experience, teaching them resilience, empathy, and creativity. When students see their designs being used by a veteran, they understand that engineering is about more than just solving problems—it’s about creating solutions that have a lasting impact on someone’s daily life.

What are VMI students working on this year?

This year, VMI students are focused on a computer and electrical engineering project to support veterans affected by traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Through collaboration with QL Plus, an Operation TBI Freedom case manager at Craig Hospital, and other nonprofit partners, they’re designing a custom mobile application that aims to improve memory skills for veterans with TBIs and streamline communication with their case workers. The app features a series of targeted games and exercises to enhance short-term memory, as well as tools to simplify scheduling and check-ins, making it easier for case workers to assist more veterans effectively. By honing in on the essentials, the students are building a user-friendly, intuitive tool that provides meaningful support to veterans, helping them regain independence in daily tasks and strengthen cognitive skills.

In partnering with QL Plus, VMI engineering students are gaining more than technical skills—they're learning the profound impact their expertise can have on individuals' lives. These projects provide a powerful example of how engineering can be a bridge between academic knowledge and real-world service, transforming textbook concepts into life-changing solutions for veterans who have sacrificed so much. Under the guidance of Professor Feinauer, VMI students are stepping up to the challenge, growing as compassionate engineers and dedicated problem-solvers. Their work not only honors veterans but also sets a strong foundation for a career grounded in purpose, empathy, and innovation. Through QL Plus, they are proving that engineering, at its core, is about empowering others and making a tangible difference.