Paul Plotkowski

Dr. Paul Plotkowski

[email protected]

A message from Dr. Paul Plotkowski, Dean of the Seymour and Esther Padnos College of Engineering and Computing

In the early 1980s, a group of West Michigan industrialists approached GVSU with the request to introduce engineering programs. That was the first step in a tremendous partnership between Grand Valley and our industrial partners in producing outstanding engineering professionals.

Since then, the program has seen remarkable growth in the number of students and graduates, in how we prepare them and in the facilities and resources to support student learning, industrial and community engagement.  

Along the way, we were very proud when The National Academy of Engineering recognized our unique partnership naming the GVSU School of Engineering as one of twenty-nine “Exemplars of Real World Engineering Education.” Recognizing a partnership that continues to flourish.

I am pleased to welcome you to the annual GVSU Engineering Design Conference. I look forward to this daylong celebration of our student’s accomplishments, and the ever-thriving public-private partnership that makes the GVSU School of Engineering so unique and effective.

 


2021 Industry-Sponsored Senior Project Teams

Click on the industry sponsor logos to see the corresponding project page. Available August 6!

People's Choice Award

Vote for your favorite project!

Instructions for voting are on each project's page. The winning team will be announced at the Order of the Engineer Ceremony.

Team 2

Varroa Mite Monitoring System

Team 4

Embedded loT OTA Platform

Team 5

EMC PCB Design Study

Team 6

Dual-Lane Slab Forming Line


Team 7

Modular Heat Sink Design and Optimization

Team 8

GE Memory Characterization System

Team 3

Fluorescent Decay Measurement Device

Team 9

Solar Panel Coating Evaluation

Team 10

Cold Rolling Mill

Team 11

Muscle Memory


Team 12

HCI Direct Vent Termination

Team 21

Pin Insertion Process

Team 14

Cable Management System Evolution

Team 15

Marking Cell and Barcode Integrations

Team 13

The Rocket Stove

Team 26

Confidential Project


Team 16

Magna Door Handle Inertia Tester

Team 19

Micro Valve

Team 20

Adventure Gear Repair and Prep Station

Team 25

Mid Frequency Power Control

Team 24

ExactDraw Blood Sampling

Team 22

Automated Life Testing Machine for the Sterizone VP4


Team 17

Hook Handle Bender

Team 18

Electric Scooter Alternative

Team 23

Mobile Application Controlled Mesh Network


Do you have an engineering problem that requires resources you currently don't have?

We have three possible avenues for sponsored projects:

  1. Senior project is an 8 month (Jan-Aug) student capstone project.
  2. The DOER center provides expert assistance on a contract basis.
  3. Smaller-scale projects can be completed as course projects.

More information about the Engineering Industry

 

DOER Center

Contact: Karl Brakora, (616) 331-6824 or [email protected]

 

Senior Project

Chris Pung, (616) 331-6262 or [email protected]

Wendy Reffeor, (616) 331-6010 or [email protected]



Page last modified May 22, 2025