Jackie Carter of PEMKO/ASSA ABLOY supported Herff students at the 2026 Senior Design Expo

(Pictured: Team High Clearance Doormen and the device they designed to test two doors at the same time.) 

The Herff College of Engineering is extremely grateful to all of the industry partners who sponsored students' 2026 Senior Design projects. The nine-month assignments serve as the capstone projects for Herff's engineering students and allow students to work hand-in-hand with industries. 

Jackie Carter of PEMKO/ASSA ABLOY sponsored Team High Clearance Doormen, who designed and built a muti-door sliding testing apparatus. PEMKO/ASSA ABLOY is a sliding and folding door hardware company based in Memphis, TN. Their products are extensively tested to ensure quality and safety before they reach consumers. PEMKO inspects their sliding doors with various tests that simulate real-world applications. When approached with the problem, the company's testing process only allowed for evaluating one door at a time. 

To address this challenge, PEMKO has tasked the senior design team with developing a sliding hardware testing apparatus capable of testing two doors simultaneously. The new proposed system must uphold the same rigorous testing standards while enabling smooth transitions between various sliding hardware styles in PEMKO’s product line. The system is required to be enclosed in a robust safety cage equipped with sensors, electronic stops, and other safety features. Team High Clearance Doormen' design is optimized to occupy minimal facility space, reducing its footprint without compromising functionality and performance. The assembly will significantly improve testing efficiency and minimize maintenance needs, providing PEMKO with a durable, long-term solution that streamlines their operations.

"This design is all about efficiency," said Dr. Seyed Hojjatzadeh, who served as faculty advisor for Team High Clearance Doormen. "We're developing a system that will allow the client to do their work at twice the speed, increasing the company's production and their profit margin." 

Thank you, Jackie Carter and PEMKO/ASSA ABLOY for supporting Herff students!