STUDENTS
STUDENTS OF INNOVATION Our students are making next-generation products
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UD MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
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hen a Maryland-based boat kit company wanted help designing a component that rowers sit in, they contacted a University of Delaware engineer with ideal expertise. JENNI BUCKLEY, an associate professor of mechanical engineering and a rower in the UD Athletics Hall of Fame, advises students in Senior Design, a one-semester capstone engineering design program.
“It exceeds my expectations a great deal,” said John Harris, CEO of Chesapeake Light Craft, from the audience. With minimal tweaks, this device could likely deliver ideal performance at a reasonable price.
A four-student team advised by Buckley developed a new sliding seat rigger unit, made largely of aluminum, for Chesapeake Light Craft. In December 2017, the team, which includes two members of the UD men’s rowing club team, presented their design to their sponsor and a panel of evaluators, alumni, and visitors. The team touted their prototype’s strengths, such as its originality, compatibility with the boat, flexion, and weight.
The mechanical engineering and biomedical engineering departments collaborate on this semester-long course. Every senior in these two departments participates, and students in other departments can choose to join as well.
“I’m very excited. I can’t wait to get it in the water,” he said. CELEBRATING SENIOR DESIGN
This boat part was just one of 40 projects UD student groups presented at the Senior Engineering Design Celebration on Dec. 13, 2017 in Clayton Hall. More than 200 participants and 300 audience members attended.