On December 9, Capitol Tech engineering students participated in a Project Fair Showcase, presenting their semester final projects during an on-campus event. Over 48 student teams and individuals set up 14 project stations in our McGowan Building to display their creativity in not only their engineered devices, but their poster board presentations as well. Many of the students were first-year engineering students, with all participants being from one of our EL-100, EL-150, EL-200, and EL-250 class sections.
The student projects included an array of impressive devices, such as a Lightning Bolt Coil Gun, Dragon Eye Projector cosplay accessory, Log Chip PCB Board training platform, Sprout House Automatic Greenhouse, Sun-Tracking Solar Panel, Radio Frequency (RF) Based Home Automation System, Noise Maker 9001 gadget, Light Sensor System, Temperature Display Thermostat, Scaredy Cats Night Light, Automated Lighting, and more.
Student Mason Rosten explained how he used the programming language Python to code a security module facial recognition software that sends a timestamped alert notification to a registered user. This very practical design can be used as an added security feature for computers and cell phones to help prevent unauthorized access, especially for those within high security clearance environments.
Astronautical Engineering students Elijah Mister and Owen Coffee developed a Log Chip PCB Board with an interactive circuit training platform to help students learn the fundamentals of circuitry work including soldering, connectivity, voltage testing, and components identification. They wrote a comprehensive training manual as well, to help enhance the user’s understanding of the “why” behind how circuitry works. They noted that while theoretical learning is necessary, in this area of engineering and computer science, hands-on technical training is key to a fuller comprehension of the complex processes behind the scenes. This is something they experienced within their own training and as there are no comprehensive platforms like this on the market currently, they decided to fill that gap to help their fellow students who are trying to break into the field.
Students Owen Fabian and Jake Nussbaumer worked with a local high school student to develop the Sprout House Automatic Greenhouse. They sought to take the guess work out of growing your own plants and created a low maintenance, temperature-controlled greenhouse that maintains proper humidity, sunlight exposure, and heat within a customizable tank. They explained that the size of the greenhouse could be adjusted depending on your plant needs and its stages of germination or growth. They would like to expand their research into developing a manual that provides guidance on different plants and their environmental needs as part of the greenhouse’s resources if this were to enter onto the market.
During their project presentations, all students expressed a common goal in the consideration of important factors when creating their devices—factors like affordability, access to and manufacturability of parts, and ease of functionality. They wanted to ensure the applicability and marketability of their devices from a forward-thinking, user-friendly perspective. They looked for gaps in the market and aimed to improve upon and/or fill the need for updated and more progressive devices that would appeal to their target audiences. They also sought to use parts that were easy to manufacture and cost-effective to keep prices low for the customer and prevent issues with production or availability. And they looked at creating devices that would have not just one use, but multiple real-world applications, demonstrating extremely high-level thinking!
The students described their methods of troubleshooting as well, and explained how some projects required several different approaches to achieve their results. But all students were successful in their work due to their tenacity, truly exemplifying the “find a way or make one” mindset of a Capitol student!
In completing these semester projects, the students were able to practice skills in technical hands-on applications, real-world perspectives, out-of-the-box thinking, resource management, leadership, creativity, and innovation, as well as cross-functional teamwork as some teams worked with high school students and Capitol students outside of the Engineering department. Adding the “Project Fair” aspect offered them extra experience in public speaking and presenting, and their enthusiasm for their work shined through as they spoke about the impressive work they had accomplished!
In addition to the event coordinator and engineering professor, Dr. Shehata, Dr. Bill Butler and Dr. Charles Conner were also in attendance, as well as the students’ family and friends who were eager to hear about their projects and their experiences in creating them. Dr. Shehata expressed that he is extremely proud of his students and the ways in which they used their ingenuity, stick-to-itiveness, and classroom learning to develop and complete these successful projects. See his comments about the event below.
Letter from Dr. Shehata:
We are delighted to share the success of our recent Project Fair, where students from engineering disciplines showcased their ingenuity and dedication to learning. The event served as a platform for these budding innovators to present their course projects, highlighting the intersection of theoretical knowledge and practical application.
The projects exhibited at the fair were more than just academic exercises; they were a reflection of the students’ commitment to developing real-world solutions. From cutting-edge technologies to innovative designs, the fair was a testament to the diverse talents nurtured within our academic community.
One of the key objectives of the Project Fair was to provide students with an opportunity to apply classroom knowledge to tangible challenges. The fair not only encouraged them to think critically but also fostered an environment where creativity and problem-solving flourished. The prototypes presented were the result of countless hours of research, planning, and execution.
The significance of such events extends beyond the immediate academic context. They play a crucial role in inspiring our students to pursue excellence, fostering a spirit of innovation that will undoubtedly contribute to their future success. The fair serves as a steppingstone for these students, instilling in them the confidence to tackle real-world problems with the skills they have honed during their academic journey.
The presence of our esteemed guests of staff, family, and friends added an extra layer of encouragement for our students. Recognizing the practical value of these projects, their involvement underscores the potential impact our students can have in their respective fields.
As we celebrate the achievements of our students, we invite the entire university community to join us in recognizing their hard work and determination. The Project Fair is not just an event; it is a celebration of the talent and potential that resides within our academic walls.
We extend our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of the fair, from the students who passionately presented their projects to the faculty members who guided and mentored them throughout the process. Together, we continue to foster an environment that nurtures innovation and excellence.
Stay tuned for future events showcasing the talents and achievements of our students! Follow us on social media for upcoming news and events announcements and check out our Student Projects page for more information about these and other exciting projects!