In preparation for industrial employment, Purdue University Calumet senior engineering students are seeking employer projects to tackle.
As enrollees in a capstone course that simulates a real world, engineering environment, the students form teams of two to four members to manage and complete and/or solve an employer project. The students receive guidance from academic and industrial advisors.
Comprising the teams are students studying mechanical, electrical, civil and computer engineering.
Part of experiential learning initiative
As part of Purdue Calumet’s experiential learning initiative, capstone courses provide senior students opportunities to apply their classroom, laboratory and textbook knowledge by participating in the type of hands-on activities they are apt to face after graduation as engineers.
In addition to students gaining experience engaging in a real world project, participating employers benefit from the work of ambitious students and possible prospective employees.
Design and engineering decisions
Desired projects would require design and engineering decisions and must be suitable for a team of students able to devote approximately one day a week for nine months. Ideally, project work would begin in mid-January and conclude in December, 2015. A Purdue Calumet faculty mentor would meet weekly with the students.
Each participating employer also must be willing to provide a representative to interact with its student team on an as-needed basis. This person is expected to be available by email, attend occasional meetings, and take part in the design review and final presentations. Each project concludes with a student team presentation of oral and written reports.
Examples of projects
Examples of recent projects by Purdue Calumet student engineers include: Snap Ring Slotting Machine; Analysis of a Diesel Engine Manifold 1; Formula SAE Brake Design; Industrial Reactive Power Control; Automation of Water Pumps; Real-Time Data Monitoring for Transformers; and a water treatment plan for the town of Dyer.
Employer representatives desiring more information are invited to contact Professor Emeritus of Electrical Engineering Ed Pierson (219-989-2467, pierson@purduecal.edu).