AE Senior Thesis Reflection

ABET Outcome Survey

The following chart is a survey evaluation completed for the ABET organizational requirements. The boxes indicate what I learned in senior thesis compared to the ABET Outcomes.

ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	Outcome not able to be assessed (Score of 0)	Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable (Score of 1)	Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated (Score of 2)	More than minimum level of ability demonstrated (Score of 3)
a. An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering				X
b. An ability to analyze and interpret data				X
c. An ability to design a system, component, or process to meet desired needs			X
e. An ability to identify, formulate, and solve engineering problems				X
f. An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility				X
g. An ability to communicate effectively				X
h. The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context			X
i. An ability to engage in life-long learning				X
j. A knowledge of contemporary issues				X
k. An ability to use the techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice				X
o. Engineering design capabilities in at least two (2) of the (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program				X
p. Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects				X

AE 481W/897G Course Reflection

AE 481W/897G, or more commonly referred to as Senior Thesis, provided me the opportunity to gain valuable knowledge through interactive learning. AE 481W comprised the first semester of Senior Thesis. In this class I developed technical analyses related to my research model. This helped me learn as much about the medical center as I could through reading drawings, searching the specifications, and communicating with the project team. This review of the project allowed me to understand the project scope and grasp the concepts for which the framework of the building systems and components were developed.

The second semester, 897G, allowed me to further develop my own research and solutions to potentially enhance the value of the project. The course was individually intensive and created an atmosphere of personal responsibility. It gave me the opportunity to work at my own pace without anything but a final deadline. Through my research I was able to contact members of the industry and create a working relationship with them. This strengthened my communication skills and helped with the full development of my ideas. Overall, I will leave Senior Thesis with a sense of self accomplishment, increased knowledge, and valuable industry contacts.

CPEP & Discussion Board Reflection

The Capstone Project Electronic Portfolio (CPEP) proved to be very helpful in communicating and sharing my thesis work throughout the year. The CPEP was helpful in referring others to my building for further clarification in question response. It also serves as an electronic portfolio for friends, family, and potential employers to view the work I have performed. The discussion board was a tool for us to easily contact industry members and, in theory, a tremendous communication tool. However, through my use of the system I found it very difficult to elicit a response to my questions. I am fully aware of the industry members work load and accept the busy environments they are in. I hope that future discussion boards will provide more open lines of communication and valuable responses.

Washington County Health System

Gilbane Building Company

M&CA Architecture

Penn State

Architectural Engineering

Senior Thesis e-Studio

AE Computer Labs

Contact Scott

User Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate and complete information on the pages of CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewith is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the original building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis project are solely the interpretation of Scott Earley. Changes and discrepancies in no way imply that the original design contained errors or was flawed. Differing assumptions, code references, requirements, and methodologies have been incorporated into this thesis project; therefore, investigation results may vary from the original design.