Senior Design Projects
Applying Academic Knowledge to Real-World Challenges
Several of the Bachelors degree programs within the College of Engineering culminate in a senior design project, in which students apply their academic knowledge to a hands-on project.
This is not the only opportunity that engineering students have when it comes to experiential learning—there is also a wide array of undergraduate research, design build teams, student organizations, and internship opportunities to explore.
But the senior design projects are unique in that they are built into the curriculum, and students spend up to a year conceptualizing and realizing a substantial engineering project with the oversight of a faculty advisor. In the process, students refine their abilities to collaborate, plan long-term projects, assess and optimize designs from a customer perspective, and present final designs.
For their Senior Design Project, ECE undergraduates work in teams over the course of the year to design and prototype systems of their own choice, ranging from diagnostic bots and assistive tools to immersive games and beyond. Last year's student projects included a forest fire detection system; a voice-activated spice dispenser that minimizes cross-contamination; an image and video authentication system that detects deepfakes and other acts of manipulation; an automated plant waterer; an automated drink mixer; a modular music sequencer; a rover that removes dew from sports fields; a driving assistant for hearing-impaired drivers; an astrophotography system; an archery feedback tool, and many more. Learn about this year's projects here.
The MIE department at UMass Amherst has a history of strong relationships with industry sponsors for its undergraduate Senior Capstone Design program. These industry-sponsored projects provide real-world experiential opportunities to our students and provide highly attractive employees to industry. The multitude of synergistic activities during the capstone experience between the diverse team of industry, faculty, and peer-students associated with the program help students to think critically, communicate clearly, work collaboratively, address global issues, and explore innovative ideas to solve practical problems—the exact suite of tools that will enable them to become future leaders.
Last year, one of the MIE student teams designed a floating offshore wind structure—then they brought it to France.
This year's BME senior projects span various biomedical clinical and research applications, including IV improvements, transportable dialysis, and biogas energy. Last year's student projects included a steering wheel cover with the ability to detect stroke, and an assistive device for cricothyrotomy developed in partnership with Baystate Health. Students also have the option to complete their senior project in partnership with UMass Chan Medical School, through the Bridging Engineering and Medicine (BEAM) program.
Watch the video below for a tour of the BME Senior Design Lab, where senior BME students work together to innovate new biomedical materials.