Chippewa Valley Times

Students at UW-Stout in manufacturing, mechanical, and computer and electrical engineering programs are deeply involved in lab-based learning experiences, with a strong focus on applied learning. The Senior Design Experience courses challenge students to work on yearlong projects sponsored by industry partners.

As the academic year draws to a close, seniors are making significant progress on their projects. According to the university, "Twelve projects from the fall are entering their final build stages, and 12 new projects are in the design phase this semester."

Companies sponsoring these projects include a diverse range of organizations such as Viracon, Graco, Fastenal, and several others. These companies provide full financial support for equipment and materials, allowing students to test ideas and build final products. The scope of the projects varies from product designs to fully integrated system designs.

Sophie Gelhar, a senior double-majoring in mechanical engineering and applied science, highlighted the practical value of these projects, stating, "An experience like this puts us in the realm of where we need to be as we prepare for our careers."

One of the projects involves developing a more efficient way to move heavy boxes for a manufacturer in Minnesota. Gelhar's team conducted thorough research, developed solutions, and presented their design using various tools like charts, graphs, and videos. The presentations, which were observed by company sponsors, professors, and classmates, aimed to simulate real-world engineering processes.

Assistant Professor Dan Bee emphasized the importance of the Senior Design Experience in preparing students for their future careers. Bee explained, "The true value of our Senior Design Experience is to allow developing engineers to practice the stage gate-driven design and project build."

Instrumentation Coordinator Paul Craig noted that the hands-on experience provided by UW-Stout's polytechnic approach gives students a competitive edge in the job market. Graduates from the mechanical and manufacturing engineering programs have reported high employment rates and attractive starting salaries.

The university's Robert F. Cervenka School of Engineering offers a range of programs, including plastics engineering, computer and electrical engineering, and engineering technology. Additionally, a master's program in manufacturing engineering is available both on campus and online.

The Senior Design Experience at UW-Stout serves as a valuable opportunity for engineering seniors to apply their skills in real-world projects, preparing them for successful careers in the industry.