Real-World Design
The Senior Design Program in mechanical engineering integrates all phases of a real-world
engineering design project—from the concept to the final client presentation—into
a meaningful, hands-on undergraduate experience. Student teams work with an industry
client, and under the direction of a faculty advisor, to solve an engineering problem,
delivering a new product, process, or system at the conclusion of their yearlong project.
The R. L. Smith Building houses a host of synergistic, professional-caliber facilities
equipped to support all the facets of a Senior Design engineering capstone project.
Cuskie Design and Creativity Center (SCD)
RL Smith 209; Bill Endres
The Cuskie Design and Creativity Center features student design studios, where Senior
Design teams have ample space for collaboration and access to a high-end computer
station with the specialized software needed to develop their engineering-project
designs. The computers are connected to the department network, so teams can send
their designs to the Rivard Product Realization Center for parts fabrication, or to
the John Deere Multimedia Center for videoconferencing with a design sponsor.
The center includes the Monica Resource Library, which provides a central location
for engineering reference data; the John Deere Multimedia Center; the Ford Rapid Prototyping
Center; and a small conference room.
Senior Capstone Design Assembly Lab
RL Smith B002A, B003, B004; Bob Page
The Senior Capstone Design Assembly Lab is a space dedicated to prototype assembly.
A Senior Design team often comes together to finalize a product design at the facility,
which also serves as a storage space for project components and tools.
RL Smith B002; Marty Toth
The Research Machine Shop supports the design and fabrication of prototype research
equipment. The facility also offers precision setup, welding, and consulting services
for University projects, including Senior Design projects.
