Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Robert Michael, Gannon University; David Gee, Gannon University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Senior Capstone ProjectAbstract: This paper presents the results of a real-world design project involving both undergraduateengineering and business students. The project involves the design, development, andprototyping of a next generation pallet rack column guard. The guard allows for the engagementand protection of a storage rack upright (column) from an impact force by an external objectsuch as a forklift. The guard protects the storage rack by absorbing and damping the resultingimpact force. The guard is constructed from an injection-molded thermoset elastomer.Elastomers can store and release more potential energy per unit mass (or volume) than steel andplastic guards. This translates to greater energy absorption which will help preserve

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Punya A Basnayaka, Cuyahoga Community College, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Science

Tagged Topics

Diversity

responsibilityregarding sustainability. As can be seen, 8% of surveyed students responded neutrally. Thisresult indicates that the lecture or case study should highlight the importance of ethical and socialresponsibility in engineering, particularly concerning sustainability and sustainable productdesign. Capstone project/machine design course is another excellent course to reinforce whatstudents learn at the entry level to solve real-world problems, enabling them to think holisticallyand consider the broader implications of their work. Do you believe engineers have a significant role to play in promoting sustainability

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Rick Hill, University of Detroit Mercy; Vanessa Burrows, University of Detroit Mercy; Linda Slowik PhD

Tagged Topics

Diversity

impact practicesIntroductionAcademic support systems are being implemented in colleges and universities as a response tounderrepresentation of minorities in science, especially those requiring a graduate degree [1].Integrated enrichment programs have succeeded by increasing student’s sense of integration intoboth academic and social aspects of college life – namely, by providing communities forlearning, collaboration, and career development. Programs such as the Meyerhoff ScholarsProgram at University of Maryland, Baltimore County [2] [3] [4], the Howard Hughes MedicalInstitute’s (HHMI) Capstone Institutions [5], the Biology Scholars Program at University ofCalifornia, Davis [6], and the Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the