Hank Scott, a lecturer in Smead Aerospace, and Kevin VanLiere (MechEngr BS'95) are working to improve the design of the middle seat on airplanes. They've received major media attention for their startup, Molon Labe Seating, which has just received FAA Certification of a new seat design to increase passenger space by utilizing a patented staggered payout.
The seats are being manufactured by Primus Aerospace in Colorado and will be available on two airlines by April or May of 2020.