Mechanical Engineering Technology Senior Projects - An Industry-Education Partnership

At Penn State Erie, the Behrend College, Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET) seniors are required to successfully complete a senior design project for graduation.The vast majority of these projects are industrial based design and/or analysis projects which are sponsored by local and regional industries.They are part of a two semester capstone course for seniors.Typically two students and a faculty advisor are assigned to a project however more students may be part of a team for larger projects.A sponsoring industry pays a nominal fee to participate, and covers the costs for any materials that are needed to complete the project.Both the students and the sponsoring industry benefit greatly from this experience.The students are exposed to industrial practices, and gain valuable experience which help them to find employment upon graduation.Sponsoring industries are able to take advantage of the program to get help with "back burner" projects that they do not have time for.They also get a pregraduation look at potential employees.There are many examples of projects that have saved sponsors money through redesign of old products, or have given the industry an insight into factors associated with the design and development of new products.Additionally, the University benefits by exposing on