Use of Engineering Design Competitions for Undergraduate and Capstone Projects

Authors

  • Sumit Kundu University of Waterloo
  • Michael W. Fowler University of Waterloo

Abstract

There are many professional benefits to pursuing undergraduate design opportunities and capstone projects to both students and faculty advisors. Using a case study on a group of graduates and undergraduates who took part in the Hydrogen Ambassador Competition in 2005 this study will examine the benefits and challenges from the point of view of all major parties. The study finds that engineering design competitions have many unique benefits which warrant their use as tools in engineering undergraduate education.

Author Biographies

Sumit Kundu, University of Waterloo

Sumit Kundu is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Waterloo. His research focuses on the chemical degradation of fuel cell materials and chemical degradation models. Sumit currently teaches an introductory course for chemical engineers and is an Engineer in Training with the Professional Engineers of Ontario. Sumit is also actively involved with the chemical engineering graduate student organization.

Michael W. Fowler, University of Waterloo

Michael Fowler is an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo with research interests in fuel cell system design and reliability, fuel cell materials durability, and green power systems. The University of Waterloo is one of Canada's leading comprehensive universities with extensive graduate and undergraduate programs.

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Published

2009-04-01

Issue

Vol. 43 No. 2 (2009): Spring 2009

Section

Manuscripts