DESIGN BUILD TEST
In the Senior Design capstone course, mechanical engineering students partner with industrial companies to design and prototype a technical solution to a non-critical problem at the sponsor’s site. This could be automating a process, developing a new machine or system, or improving an existing one. This is a capstone course, where students prove that they are ready to become engineers by applying prior knowledge plus independent research to solve open-ended problems in teams. The first semester is devoted to design development, analysis, and basic prototyping, while the second semester includes construction and testing of a fully functional prototype.
Why Sponsor a Senior Design Project?
The students have the benefit of working on a problem with real-world impact under the mentorship of an established engineer, while the sponsor receives a complete design and documentation package along with a prototype, at a price point excluding labor cost. Sponsors are invited to be active participants in the process to the extent they desire, and the student team will check in with the sponsor at critical points in the design process to ensure they are producing a solution that meets the customer’s needs.
Benefits to the Sponsor
- Engineered solution to a real-world problem or need.
- Low-cost access to mechanical engineering resources.
- Opportunity to screen potential employees.
- Meaningful contribution to the engineering profession and engineering education.
- Opportunity to share industrial best practices with engineering students.
Benefits to the Students
- First-hand engineering experience solving a real-world problem or need.
- Experience interacting with professionals.
- Meaningful contribution to a real industry.
- Development of skills: teamwork, design, project management, fabrication.
- Opportunity to demonstrate ability to potential employers.
Contact Us
Phone: 913-360-7959
Phone: 913-360-7960
