Valedictorian Unveils Educational Robot as Part of Research Symposium

Keiser University Flagship Campus Valedictorian Theodor Myklebusthaug recently unveiled a Delta Educational Robot as part of Keiser University’s Research and Creative Inquiry Week and 5^th Annual Symposium.

Garnering the event’s Peoples Choice Award, the technology came to life thanks to Myklebusthaug’s lifelong quest to understand how things work along with his desire to develop a demonstrative tool. “Nowadays, 3D printing has become very popular and affordable. Therefore, I decided to use this technology to customize certain parts of the robot, and to demonstrate how others can customize it as well,” said Myklebusthaug of his creation. Inspired by a platform that allows one to build robots, the tool includes many 3D printed components that can be redesigned to fit other applications which will allow it to draw, pick up additional items, and more.

Having also served as Captain of Keiser University’s NAIA Champion Swim Team, Myklebusthaug will leave a lasting legacy at Keiser University’s Flagship Campus. He sends special thanks to his ‘super supportive’ family, professors, and coaches. After completing his Master’s degree in Intelligent Robotic Systems at Kennesaw State University, he looks forward to learning more about employment opportunities in Florida.

Keiser University’s West Palm Beach Flagship Campus event was held under the direction of Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Jennifer Peluso. “The annual symposium is a great example of what we strive to provide to our students across all of our degree programs. There is a unique added value to our students’ learning when we give them the chance to DO the things that they are learning about. When they get to dig into the practicalities and challenges of actually analyzing, designing, implementing, and delivering what they are reading and hearing about in the classroom, their learning comes alive, makes more sense, excites them, and inspires lifelong learning and lasting knowledge and skills. They get a chance to ‘try on’ the careers they are aspiring to and gain confidence in their choices of their disciplines of study. We are extremely proud of our student’s accomplishments and enjoy celebrating with them the fruits of their educational labors,” said Peluso.

Learners enjoyed faculty presentations and presented a variety of prototypes, posters, and multimedia projects as numerous areas of study were explored including Applied Engineering, Business Analytics, Chiropractic Medicine, Exercise and Sport Science, Psychology, Political Science, Sport Management Operations, and more. Winners included:

1^st place

Cameron May – Religion and Homosexuality: Is Declining Religiosity Driving Greater Tolerance in American Society?

 2^nd place

Caitlyn Yarbrough & William Abreu – Model & Simulation of Solar Cell

3^rd place

Sophia Nduwayo – Student-Athlete Health and Wellness Study: Perception of Anxiety and Depression

People’s Choice

Theodor Myklebusthaug – Delta Robot for Educational Use

Honorable Mentions

Hannah Heide – Volleyball Antenna Alert System

Jalen Weekes – Solar Portable Water Heater

Thelma Bakke-Lindblom & Elias Jassim – Elderly Safety Alarm

Student Showcase

1^st Place – Natania Breines – Homemade Dynamite

2^nd Place – Meadow Pacher – Tides of Imagination 

3^rd Place – Rianne Gietman – My Muse and I

Audience Award – Natania Breines – Special Delivery

Honorable Mention – Devonta Mobley – Birds

Photography

Julia Camara

Marine Lecomte

Meadow Pacher

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Engineering prepares students for entering the workforce as skilled and highly trained technicians and problem solvers with an understanding of advanced engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, installing, calibrating, modifying and maintaining electrical, mechanical, aerospace, agricultural, transportation, and biomedical systems. This includes instruction in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA); computer systems; electronics and instrumentation; programmable logic controllers (PLCs); electric, hydraulic, and pneumatic control systems; actuator and sensor systems; process control; robotics; applications to specific industrial tasks; and report preparation.

Keiser University is a private, independent, non-profit university serving nearly 20,000 students at 21 Florida campuses, online, and two international sites. Founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, Keiser University currently offers more than 100 degrees from associate to doctoral level. Keiser University is a designated Hispanic-Serving Institution, a member of the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, and was ranked No. 21 in the U.S. in Social Mobility by U.S. News and World Report in 2023-24.

Myklebusthaug (right) presents the technology to judges (L-R) Alida Bowman, Robin Schupper and Megan Lounsbury

Valedictorian Theodor Myklebusthaug celebrates commencement with father Vegard Myklebusthaug, sister Mia Kristin Myklebusthaug and stepmother Annett Myhre.