Academics

Penn State Harrisburg engineering students to present capstone design projects

Senior engineering students are required to complete a capstone project, which combines classroom learning with real-life applications and is the culmination of their educational experience. Credit: Penn State. Creative Commons

Engineering students will display innovative technologies representing the future of their field at Penn State Harrisburg’s third annual Engineering Capstone Design Conference from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Friday, May 9, at various locations on campus. 

Senior engineering students are required to complete a capstone project, which combines classroom learning with real-life applications and is the culmination of their educational experience. In addition, students often collaborate with industry sponsors on projects of interest to these businesses. A few of this year’s more than 40 projects include:

-- A design of the Penn State Harrisburg Educational Activities Building (EAB) from the student’s perspective.  The EAB will be home to a new 51,500 square-foot addition that will accommodate the laboratory needs of the School of Science, Engineering and Technology.

-- An alternative energy workstation, in which energy can be generated by solar panels and a wind turbine to power electrical devices such as cellphones, computers and stereos. The workstation will remain at Penn State Harrisburg to benefit future students.

-- An early detection system for the formation of a torque or loop in the flexible line of a colonoscope, a deformation that is a common complication in routine endoscopies and could cause potential harm to the patient. The detection system would allow the physician to make the necessary procedural adjustments to prevent these complications.

(See the conference program for a full list of the projects.)

In addition to project presentations, featured speakers include David P. Wirick, general manager, ArcelorMittal Steelton LLC, and Rob Shaddock, executive vice president and chief technology officer, TE Connectivity.

The Engineering Capstone Design Conference is supported in perpetuity by an endowment created by TE Connectivity. Additional sponsors include ArcelorMittal, Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, Daisy Data Displays Inc., Lobar Associates Inc., Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center – Surgical Innovations, Hirschmann Automation and Control Co., Case New Holland Co., Buell Fisher-Klosterman, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, Pfizer Inc., Newton Engine Corp., Dr. Peter Alagona, Carlisle Construction Materials and Manitowoc Cranes. 

Area businesses interested in sponsoring a project for next year's conference can find more details and submit a proposal online.

Last Updated May 8, 2014