Student Design And Research
What Is Student Design and Research?
Project-based learning through hands-on projects gives students a substantial understanding of their field and helps them acquire highly sought-after workplace skills like collaboration, communication and complex problem-solving.
During their senior year, students from the college of engineering and science participate in a capstone project to gain hands-on experience in applying engineering and science principles. Students organize into interdisciplinary teams to complete comprehensive projects in which they can apply the theoretical basis from their field.
Capstone projects simulate a real-world work environment in a variety of engineering and science fields. The students apply theory, think creatively and develop practical skills such as teamwork, professionalism, and leadership.
Project-based capstone projects...
- Teaches interdisciplinary teamwork
- Applies learned engineering and science skills and knowledge
- Shows how engineering, science, and business interact in professional environments
- Creates better engineers and scientists, ready for work and graduate school
- Encourages future research and innovation
- Makes science and engineering fun
as part of their capstone experience, students...
- Participate in team goal setting
- Develop a plan to attain goals
- Conduct research
- Develop leadership by leading their own teams
- Understand team interdependencies
- Develop a winning attitude
Student Design and Research Showcase
Student design and research projects culminate with the Northrop Grumman Engineering & Science Student Design Showcase at Florida Tech, an annual event during which student teams present their work and field questions from their peers, faculty members, industry professionals and local leaders.
In 2009, a $1 million endowment gift from Northrop Grumman Corporation provided ongoing support for Florida Tech students’ work. Sponsorships from other local and national companies also assist. These gifts reflect a commitment to boosting interest in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) programs and the value of learning beyond the classroom.
Information for Students
Safety Video Training
All students using the student design center must complete the following safety courses before utilizing the L3Harris Student Design Center:
Slips, Trips, and Falls Overview
Emergency and Fire Preparedness
Hazard Communication Overview
Fire Extinguisher Safety
Personal Protective Equipment (7-lesson bundle into a single course)
Risk Assessment
Hand and Power Tool Safety
Please follow the link below to sign into your account:
Online Training System Account
Steps to enroll in courses:
1. Search the name of the course and enroll in it
2. Complete the videos and quizzes
3. Download completion certificates
4. Upload documents to CANVAS per instructor's instructions
*Other safety training may be assigned by the staff of the L3Harris Student Design Center or student instructors depending on students use with machines in the building.
Important Dates & Deadlines (For Projects Utilizing L3HSDC Space)
| Project Registration Begin Date | Rolling |
|---|---|
| Project Registration End Date | Rolling |
| Faculty Budget Report Due | September 22nd, 2023 |
| Safety Plan/ Risk Assessment Plan* | September 22nd, 2023 |
| Check in at Design Facilities: L3HSDC** | September 2nd, 2023- October 6th, 2023 |
| First Day to Submit Purchase Requisitions*** | September 25th, 2023 |
| Last Day to Submit Purchase Requisitions | April 1st, 2023 |
| L3HSDC Work-A-Thon (204 Hours) | March 29th 8AM - April 6th 8PM |
| Last Day to work on your project (at COES facilities) | April 15th, 2023 |
| Project Deliverable Handover and Check Out | April 29th, 2023 |
* These are living documents that will be updated throughout the capstone year, but initial submission is due on or before September 22nd, 2023
**Teams that have not checked in by October 6th may have their space at the L3HSDC forfeited to another team
*** Students will not be able to submit purchase requisitions or start their projects until the following forms have been completed: Project Registration, Project Safety Plan, Project Risk Assessment, Faculty Budget Report
All other purchase requests should be from professors using the Adviser Project Funding Application
Important Dates & Deadlines (For Projects Not Using L3HSDC Funding and Not using L3HSDC Space)
Projects that fall under this category will only need to follow deadlines for Spring Showcase 2022, which can be found below.
SPRING SHOWCASE 2024 DEADLINES
| Showcase Registration | April 24th, 2023- February 1st, 2024 |
|---|---|
| Poster/ E-Book/ Video Submission | April 12th, 2024 |
| Exhibit Requirements and Exhibit Safety Plan Submission | April 12th, 2024 |
| Exhibit Set-Up | April 18th, 2024 |
| Exhibit Inspection | April 18th, 2024 |
| Northrop Grumman Student Design Showcase | April 19th, 2024 |
| Discovery Day and Exhibit Take Down | April 20th, 2024 |
No late submissions or corrections will be accepted after the deadline. The deadlines are there to ensure that everything is proper on showcase day. All deadlines listed above are firm.
- Standard setup space for all projects will be one 4ft by2ft table and 1 poster hangers, please complete the exhibit requirements document if your exhibit includes fluids, live animals, public interaction, demonstrations, or requires additional space, or electrical outlets
- Any special exhibit requirements need to be put in the exhibits requirement document
- The poster and eBook templates will be distributed to all the teams. Please follow all the guidelines listed in the templates.
- Any documents not following the proper template will be rejected.
- If you require any assistance or have any queries, please contact the Office of Student Projects at the L3HSDC.
- For more information about the showcase please visit: Student Design Website
JUDGING CRITERIA
Engineering Criteria (80-Points Total)
Project Definition: The team/individual defines the overall problem, and the need for the problem to be solved. The presenter was able to explain the engineering, science or technical approach used for the project. (10 Points) 12.5%
Requirements: The team/ Individual has a proper set of requirements that are quantitative, measurable, and rational (10 Points) 12.5 %
Overall Presentation: Students are able to give a cohesive oral presentation of their project. The poster tells a story, is clean, and easily readable. Additional props on display have a reason and are used to better explain details of the project. Students are able to field questions and give adequate response and reason. (15 Points) 18.75%
Classroom Knowledge: The team effectively presented the use of knowledge from the classroom to solve their given problem. Students can describe specific classes from their curriculum that they used to solve the problem (15 Points) 18.75%
Engineering/ Scientific Design Principle: The team/ individual was able to identify alternatives and use engineering design/ scientific methods and principles to solve their problem. Students were able to use proper analysis techniques to solve their problem. (20 Points) 25%
Team/ Project Management: The design was successfully completed in a given time frame and met milestones. Multi-year projects have documented and prepared the project for future research. The team responsibly used resources provided and money (5 Points) 6.25%
Project Impact: The students are able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact their project has on their field and/or in society (5 Points) 6.25%
Science Criteria (60 Points)
Statement of Problem: Is the problem well defined? Although there are many ways to state the problem (in abstract, or in title, or in introduction, etc.), is the problem ultimately stated clearly? Is the presented research concise and to the point? Is there evidence of knowledge gained? (10 Points) 16.67%
Validity of Methodology & Conclusion: Are the conclusions and/or results clear? Are they supported by the research content of the poster? Is the method sound? Are there any limitations and assumptions in reaching stated conclusions and/or results? Did the poster tell a complete story? (15 Points) 25%
Overall Presentation: Students are able to give a cohesive oral presentation of their project. The poster tells a story, is clean, and easily readable. Additional props on display have a reason and are used to better explain details of the project. Students are able to field questions and give adequate response and reason. (15 Points) 25%
Classroom Knowledge: The team effectively presented the use of knowledge from the classroom to solve their given problem. Students can describe specific classes from their curriculum that they used to solve the problem (15 Points) 25%
Project Impact: The students are able to demonstrate an understanding of the impact their project has on their field and/or in society (5 Points) 8.34%