Think & Drink: Tortellini the Turtle

What does national defense engineering have to do with helping an injured sea turtle swim? More than you might think. When Tortellini, a sea turtle at the Kansas City Zoo, developed a buoyancy disorder known as “Bubble Butt,” she lost the ability to dive and swim normally. The condition, caused by trapped air under the shell that makes the turtle float unevenly, can seriously impact a turtle’s health and quality of life.

In an unexpected collaboration, engineers and scientists from the Kansas City National Security Campus partnered with the Kansas City Zoo to tackle the problem. Using the same advanced manufacturing techniques, design tools, and problem-solving approaches that support national defense missions, the team developed a custom weighted harness that restores Tortellini’s balance in the water and allows her to swim naturally again.

This talk tells the story of that partnership, from diagnosing the challenge and designing prototypes to testing and refining a solution that keeps Tortellini comfortable today and adaptable for the future. Along the way, we’ll explore how engineering innovation, interdisciplinary teamwork, and a little creativity can improve animal care and lead to solutions in the most unexpected places.

Don’t miss this free Think & Drink lecture which is open to all ESU members and the public, but registration is required. You will also receive at least one reminder email about the event when you register.

When: Thursday, April 16, 2026, 6:00 pm

Location: Casual Animal Brewing, 1725 McGee Street Kansas City, MO

Tickets: Free admission but registration is required.

Guest Speakers:Dan Bowen, Ph.D. – Sr. Fellow & Chief Scientist
Dan Bowen, a subject matter expert in polymer chemistry, material science, and additive manufacturing, helped organize the effort and worked with KCNSC Sr. Leadership.

Neiko Levenhagen, Ph.D. – Lead R&D Scientist Advanced Technology Development
Neiko Levenhagen, an expert in additive manufacturing technologies of 10+ years, led the technical side of the team in the design, fabrication, and assembly of the custom harness.

Peter Roth – Sr. Mechanical Engineer
Peter Roth, employed at KCNSC for 8+ years, performed the 3D scanning of Tortellini’s shell and created the mechanical design profile of Tortellini’s weighted harness.

Holly Weber – Principal R&D Scientist, Materials Aging and Compatibility
Holly Weber, employed at KCNSC for 20+ years, initiated and led the KCNSC/Zoo collaboration to design and manufacture a custom weighted harness for Tortellini.