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Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Projects - An Industry-Education Partnership

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Conference

2006 ASEE Midwest Section Conference

Location

University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri

Publication Date

September 15, 2006

Start Date

September 13, 2006

End Date

September 15, 2006

Page Count

9

DOI

10.18260/1-2--51755

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/51755

Download Count

2

Paper Authors

author page

Robert Edwards Pennsylvania State University at Erie – The Behrend College

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Abstract

At Penn State Erie, the Behrend College, Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) seniors are required to successfully complete a senior design project for graduation. The vast majority of these projects are industrial based design and/or analysis projects which are sponsored by local and regional industries. They are part of a two semester capstone course for seniors. Typically two students and a faculty advisor are assigned to a project however more students may be part of a team for larger projects. A sponsoring industry pays a nominal fee to participate, and covers the costs for any materials that are needed to complete the project.

Both the students and the sponsoring industry benefit greatly from this experience. The students are exposed to industrial practices, and gain valuable experience which help them to find employment upon graduation. Sponsoring industries are able to take advantage of the program to get help with “back burner” projects that they do not have time for. They also get a pre-graduation look at potential employees. There are many examples of projects that have saved sponsors money through redesign of old products, or have given the industry an insight into factors associated with the design and development of new products. Additionally, the University benefits by exposing on campus resources to local and regional industry occasionally resulting in future funding for faculty research.

This paper outlines the industrially sponsored senior project program for MET students at Penn State Behrend. This includes the roles of the various participants in the project, the limitations placed on project scope, and most importantly, the responsibilities of the students. Examples are given of typical projects.

Edwards, R. (2006, September), Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Projects - An Industry-Education Partnership Paper presented at 2006 ASEE Midwest Section Conference, University of Missouri - Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri. 10.18260/1-2--51755

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