Featured Projects
Through Duke University’s First-Year Design (FYD) program, students gain early experience as they work in multi-disciplinary teams to design and build prototype solutions to solve real-world, client-based problems.
Residential Bridge in West Virginia
A cost-effective, residential bridge that can withstand major weather events
Storage For Bikes
A storage system for adaptive sports equipment for those with physical challenges or disabilities
Shipping Container
An efficient and productive makerspace from a 40-foot-long converted shipping container
Recent News
December 7, 2021
Solutions for Seedling Sunburn, Runaway Trash Bins and Other Woes
First-year design teams develop solutions for real clients with real problems, like crop loss and decreased mobility
November 8, 2021
Incorporating Ethics Into Engineering
Undergraduate Reya Magan joined a Bass Connections team to help prepare the next generation of engineers for their careers. The team designed modules for Engineering 101
November 4, 2021
How Freshman Engineers Solve Real-World Problems in EGR 101
From reducing injuries from intubations to helping elderly residents with their garbage bins, students in EGR 101 are as busy as ever.
Inspiring Engineers
Duke Engineering offers students a progressive immersion in engineering design, from the first-year overview to capstone design projects in their chosen disciplines.
Be part of the excitement
You have the opportunity to support bright students and to benefit from their ideas!
Project Idea
When you see a need or problem, submit the idea as a project.
Provide Support
Share you knowledge as an expert in the engineering field as a team mentor
Pay It Forward
Support components of the First Year Design program to ensure student success
Explore our impact Map
Click the pins to see First-Year Design clients and projects by location