Here is some information about how software and hardware projects merge and CWRU Engineering students work on relevant projects:
http://engineering.case.edu/NASA-PTC-project. Students use PCT Windchill software and PTC Creo software for CAD to design space vehicles , satellites etc.
Here is another exciting project on water purification with NASA Glen in Cleveland:
http://phys.org/news/2015-12-nasa-cwru-fusion-ways-commercialize.html
http://www.cleveland.com/metro/index.ssf/2015/11/nasa_glenn_case_western_reserv.html