Below are the skills needed for this project. Students with the following relevant skills and interests, regardless of major, are encouraged to apply! This is a team-based multidisciplinary project. Students on the team are not expected to have experience in all areas, but should be willing to learn and will be asked to perform a breadth of tasks throughout the two-semester project.

Full Stack Developer (3 students)

Specific Skills: Creation of integrated system (front end, back end, database, and UI) to support enhanced marketing efforts 

EECS 281 (or equivalent) is required.  

The system will be built in C#/.NET

Likely Majors: CS, CE, DATA

User Experience (2 Students)

Specific Skills: Experience in UI/UX design, including developing needs statements, personas, storyboards, high-fidelity prototyping (e.g., Figma)

Likely Majors: SI, CS, ARTDES, COGSSCI

Data Analytics (1 Student)

Specific Skills: Analyze food ordering trends and peak usage times to guide mobile ordering features and timing, develop demand models to optimize support staffing, and support infrastructure with actionable insight

EECS 280 or equivalent is required

Likely Majors: DATA, IOE, STATS, CS

Business Analyst/Operations Strategist (1 Student)

Specific Skills: Conduct business analysis, map food service workflows, recommend operational improvements, and support team coordination

Students will also be required to do development/programming.

Likely Majors: BBA (TO focus), IOE

Additional Desired Skills/Knowledge/Experience

Strong candidates will have familiarity or experience with some of the following items, and a positive attitude to learn what is necessary, as the project gets underway.

• Proactive, self-motivated individuals with strong problem-solving skills, ready to learn new skills as required throughout the project
• Interest and ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment
• Knowledge/experience with business operations, customer service, restaurant management
• Practical experience with UX design
• Experience/interest in data analytics applied to a business environment
• Interest in learning techniques of AI implementation is desired
• Front End: HTML/CSS and JS/jQuery 
• Backend tools (Microsoft SQL Server, C# .NET 8
• Cloud-based deployment (Azure)
• GitHub for version control (Azure DevOps)

 Sponsor Mentor

Brian Pasmanter

Director of Application Development

Brian has been with MotorCity Casino Hotel since 2006, and is a life-long Michigan native. He currently leads a team of developers that create software solutions to tackle the ever-changing business needs of the competitive gaming industry. Brian and his team have designed and developed several key systems used by both guests and employees, including Mobile Apps, Guest Kiosks, Company Intranet, Hotel Booking Engine and Data Analytics Tools. Outside of work, he enjoys woodworking and brewing beer.

Lauren Hooton

Lauren joined MotorCity Casino Hotel in 2023 as a web developer. She leverages her strong problem-solving skills and analytical mindset to approach each project with curiosity and creativity. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and restoring her historic home, pursuits that reflect her dedication to detail and continuous improvement.

Executive Mentor

John Policicchio

General Manager of MotorCity Casino Hotel

As General Manager of MotorCity Casino Hotel, John Policicchio oversees casino and hotel operations, including gaming, hospitality, marketing, workforce management, human resources, and information technology. John also oversees the exploration of new growth opportunities.   

John Policicchio has been with MotorCity since 2010. During his tenure, John has overseen all marketing strategy and brand development, and has been integral in the execution of business development projects and partnerships, including the 2021 launch of online gaming and sports betting.

John attended the University of Michigan, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Mathematics. He is a past presenter at several seminars and conventions, including the Global Gaming Expo (G2E), and is a member of the Global Gaming Business Magazine “40 under 40 Emerging Leaders” class.

Faculty Mentor

Professor Jeff Ringenberg

Jeff is a professor in the Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Department. His research interests are mobile learning software development, tactile programming, methods for bringing technology into the classroom, and studying the effects of social networking and collaboration on learning. Jeff is a long time MDP mentor.

Project Meetings
During the winter 2026 semester, the MotorCity Casino team will meet on North Campus on TBD day and time.

Work Location
Work will take place on campus in Ann Arbor. There will be periodic field trips to the MotorCity Casino location in Detroit to get a better understanding of the facility logistics, interview stakeholders, and develop a better understanding of the business environment. MDP will provide transportation to the Casino as required. 

Course Substitutions: CE MDE, ChE Elective, CS Capstone/MDE, DESCI 503, DATA Capstone, CoE Honors

Citizenship Requirements:

• This project is open to all students.
• Note: International students on an F-1 visa will be required to declare part time CPT during Winter 2026 and Fall 2026 terms.

IP/NDA: Students will sign IP/NDA documents that are unique to the MotorCity Casino.

Summer Project Activities:
No summer activity will take place on the project.