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Engineering students create innovative solutions for real clients

| Students

First-and second-year engineering students worked with clients on real-life challenges, and had the opportunity to show off their design skills at the annual UPEI Engineering Design Expo and Awards ceremony on Wednesday, April 3.

First-year engineering students worked with the Island farming community to find ways in which they could improve systems and machinery used by small, mixed farming businesses on PEI. The groups produced a range of simple solutions to problems in energy use, building design, and farm equipment. The project prototypes were based on discussions the groups had earlier in the semester with Island farmers and representatives.

Second-year engineering students worked with the following clients on various engineering issues: Laurie MacDuffee, Atlantic Veterinary College; Bill Whelan, Canada Research Chair in Biophysical Optics, UPEI; Bill Montelpare, McCain Research Chair, UPEI; Alan and Travis Burland, Green Island Getaways; Alan Brown, Camp Gencheff; Raymond Loo, Springwillow Farms; Mike Cassidy, Maritime Waste Services; and Robert Bertram, Vector Aerospace.

Kelsey Baker, Andrew Doiron, Connor O'Neill, and Travis Speelman worked with Whelan to develop a hand-held package to house an optical sensor for the early detection of bovine mastitis, an inflammatory infection often found in the udder tissue of dairy cows. Whelan asked the group to come up with a means to hold a particularly delicate new research sensor his lab has developed so that it could be used on a live cow in a real-life barn setting.

Baker truly enjoyed working hands-on with a client to solve an actual engineering problem. 'I found it extremely beneficial that Dr. Whelan was right here on campus; he always found time to meet with us, and attend our presentations,' she said. Speelman also pointed out the importance of group work and honing in on each member's specific skill-set.

'Our engineering program has developed into one which enables students to explore the key skills needed by today's engineers-understanding complicated problems and developing innovative design solutions,' said Andrew Trivett, associate professor and chair of UPEI's engineering department. 'Students who have mastered these skills are on their way to reshaping the future. We are proud of the ability our students show to develop practical and sensible solutions that go beyond the classroom.'

'It's really nerve-wracking to meet with a client, especially for the first time. It makes you step up your professionalism and maturity level,' said Nathan Palmer, fourth-year chemistry student who is also working towards his engineering diploma. 'It forces you to think about what you're going to be like in the future and how you'll present yourself in your engineering career.' Palmer's group worked with Vector Aerospace to assemble and rivet sealing rings for a particular engine component in rebuilt jet engines, an area where the client wishes to improve on speed and efficiency.

Other student groups also came up with innovative prototypes for their clients, including a device to reduce or eliminate nicking or scarring of bones during surgery, a novel dynamic impact device for school children to show the effect of head impact in sports, a sustainable ventilation system, a method for safe mobility, a commercial dandelion harvester, and a waste-sorting and storage container.

The student groups had roughly six months to meet, plan, build, analyze, and present their prototypes to their clients. The Expo then provided a venue to display projects to community members and industry professionals. Engineers PEI judged the projects and presented an award to the team that best demonstrated a high level of professionalism, understanding of the client's problem, and an ability to effectively explain their designs to the general community.

Award Winners

Engineers PEI Team Design Award-This award is presented each year to the student design team that best exemplifies innovation, excellence, and professionalism in a client-oriented community-based design project. The winning team will combine creative design ideas supported by in-depth analysis, detailed design documentation, and an effective demonstration of concept. This year's recipients include: second-year class Nathan Palmer, Tyler Palmer, Daniel Ugwuja; and first-year design class Beth Giroux, Daniel Larsen, John Livingston, and Harold MacDonald.
Noel MacAleer Award-Awarded to a graduating student from the engineering class who displays the positive attributes and qualities of the late Noel MacAleer-an extremely well-liked student who was respected by his classmates, who was enthusiastic and generous, and who became a friend and motivator to all. This year's recipient is Andrew Doiron.
UPEI's Department of Engineering presents communication and analysis awards annually to individual students who display contribution and excellence in their team environment.
Communication Award-'Generally recognized as the ‘softer' skills including the ability to ‘formulate' and ‘communicate' the chosen design ‘story' using a broad selection of tools including verbal, textual, and graphical techniques. Recognizes that engineering is really the ART of applying science to make a compelling argument with a high degree of professionalism and consideration for public safety.' The communication awards were granted to first-year recipient Harold MacDonald and second-year recipient Nathan Palmer.
Analysis Award- 'Generally recognized as the ‘harder' skills including the ability to ‘understand' the clients problems and ‘analyze' the problems using a broad selection of scientific, mathematical, and engineering knowledge. Recognizes that engineers must be scientifically and mathematically capable, with an ability to translate the knowledge and skill into innovative (new territory) solutions with predictable performance. It is this predictable performance that requires a sound understanding of the problem and an ability to use engineering tools and prototyping, to predict the performance and safety of the systems.' The analysis awards were granted to first-year recipient Emma MacKay and second-year recipient Alex Wall.

Contact

Sheila Kerry
Media Relations and Communications Officer
Integrated Communications

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