Supporting the Engineering Design Conference
Once again, alumni and organizations stepped up and put engineering students to work solving problems and designing solutions during the Spring 2021 Engineering Design Conference. As a result of this generous support, students were able to put their academic skills to the test, addressing real challenges and providing solutions—solutions that companies implement.
From impact testing of golf bunker sand to redesigning a pier damaged by rising water and storm surges to creating an online engineering management degree program to a comprehensive strategic plan for reducing the carbon footprint of Allegan (Mich.) County, this spring’s 79 projects represented varied industries and fields.
“As a student, I didn’t quite realize how unique Western’s approach to the senior design program actually is,” says alumnus Dustin Black, who supported the spring conference through his role in the Michigan Department of Transportation. “As an industry practitioner, this is not only a great way to recruit future employees, but it is an incredible opportunity to help shape the minds of incoming professionals. Pushing the students to see the why in what they’re doing is helpful to getting them started in a career they will truly find rewarding.”
In response to COVID-19 restrictions, the spring conference was live-streamed the student presentations—and those presentations are still available for viewing. The college will continue streaming live presentations this year along with hosting the in-person conference. The next conference is set for December 7.
The WMU College of Engineering and Applied Sciences Senior Design Conference showcases the captivating work of graduating seniors as they begin their transition to the practice of engineering and applied science in their chosen fields. Students work in teams to complete a capstone design project that requires them to connect classroom theory to practice. The students’ increase in technical expertise is complemented with further development of critical interpersonal, teamwork and leadership skills.
If you are interested in working with students in an upcoming Senior Design Conference, please contact the program coordinator.
Curious about the solutions our students developed? Project information and presentations are still available for viewing by major.