student working in the Pod

First-Year Student Design Teams Solve Real-World Problems

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Featured Projects

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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.

Fat Tubes

A solution for sewer lines

Each day, millions of Americans pour fats, oils, and grease down their sinks. This happens because people are unaware, forgetful, or don’t worry about their actions.

db82

Team dispenses liquid for zero-waste store

For team members Rodrigo Guerreiro, James Koconis, and Kaitlyn Roegner figuring out how to dispense liquids for a zero-waste store was just a fraction of what they learned during their first spring semester.

group shot of students

Residential Bridge in West Virginia

A cost-effective, residential bridge that can withstand major weather events

Recent News

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outside the POD classroom

| Duke Service Learning

EGR 101 Highlighted in Service-Learning Newsletter

Engineering 101 was featured in a recent Duke Service-Learning newsletter. Click the link above to read about the "magic" that happens with STEM education meets the community.

Spring 2024 CLAMP

First-Year Design recognizes high performing student-staff with second annual CLAMP award

For the second year, the First-Year Design leadership team selected recipients of the “CLAMP” (Committed Leaders Assisting and Mentoring Peers) Award 

| Pratt Instagram

Pratt Instagram Recaps the Design Expo

From a lifting sytem for homeless shelter operations to a pitcher plant that will be used in a drama production of "Little Shop of Horrors", the Pratt Design Expo featured imaginative solutions to real-world needs in the community.    

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.