Online showcase highlights undergrad innovations, April 23

Each spring, Ohio State engineering students fill the Ohio Union to present their innovative solutions to real-world problems during the Engineering Design Showcase. Under normal circumstances, attendance is limited to those who can make it to campus. This year’s installment, however, will be available to an even broader audience as the showcase goes virtual for the very first time.

The online event will take place on Friday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. via an easy-to-navigate website. Hosted by the Department of Engineering Education (EED), the 14th Annual Engineering Design Showcase is a culmination of senior undergraduate capstone design projects from all engineering disciplines. More than 100 projects will be on display, as student teams present their findings via virtual “exhibit booths” during live and pre-recorded sessions. Students will share poster displays, multimedia demonstrations and prototypes for the public to view.

“We are excited to offer the showcase this year as it’s a sign of getting back to ‘normal’ as well as celebrating capstone successes,” said Bob Rhoads, director of the Multidisciplinary Capstone Design program.

As part of the College of Engineering’s focus on experiential learning, all undergraduate engineering students must spend one to two semesters tackling a real-world problem before graduation. This year’s capstone projects include using recycled plastics in concrete, an automated robotic aircraft inspection system and an app that promotes cultural awareness among health professionals. More than 30 companies have sponsored projects this year.

Shifting to an all-online format has had its logistical challenges, but Rhoads said the change has created advantages as well, including broader audience engagement and greater opportunity for innovation. Visitors now have the ability to “attend” the event no matter where they are, and with greater schedule flexibility.

“Professors, students and sponsors have created more opportunities and innovations in capstone through the virtual class environment this past year,” he added. “We have all become better communicators through virtual media and have found new ways to be effective team members.”  

Rhoads said the showcase is an important part of the undergraduate experience for Buckeye engineers as it offers students the opportunity to present their capstone project results to a larger audience compared to just their respective professor and classmates.

“We also want to recognize the strong partnerships with capstone sponsors in their support of the educational process of these young professionals before they graduate,” said Rhoads. “This year’s event represents the dedication and effort that our faculty and students have in times of adversity to be innovative.”

The showcase is free to attend, but registration is required in order to gain access to the website. Once a visitor enters the showcase “lobby” (landing page), they will be able to visit any of the 100 capstone project teams in their virtual exhibitor booths. A schedule will be posted listing each team’s availability for discussion and questions. Visit the EED website for the link to register.

Thank you to our project sponsors: Advance Auto; Air Force Research Lab; Andee Peabody; Battelle; Blossoming Minds, Inc.; Caster Connection; Chicago Cleaning Solutions; Coca Cola; DHL; Educational Solutions; Ferno Washington; Friends of Hocking Hills; Hirschvogel Inc.; Honda MAP; Honda of America Manufacturing; Honda Transmission Manufacturing; Konecranes; LBrands; League of Women Voters; Made In Space; Manhattan 2; MedForAll; Nexceris; Ohio History Connection; Ohio Sled Hockey; QleanAir Scandinavia; The Ohio State University Medical Center; Whirlpool; Wright Patterson Air Force Base; Zel Technologies, LLC.

by Meggie Biss, College of Engineering Communications | biss.11@osu.edu