Alex's Senior Thesis Home Page

M a c a l l e n B u i l d i n g

B o s t o n , M A

A l e x J . K o s i s - S t r u c t u r a l O p t i o n

Reflection

ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	Outcome not able to be assessed	Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable	Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated	More than minimum level of ability demonstrated
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 and AE 482 Reflection

The AE senior thesis project was the most challenging aspect of Penn State's Architectural Engineering curriculum. It forced students to face real world problems that do not arise in the classroom. These non-ideal conditions made the process both difficult and beneficial. It also forced me to interact and work through issues with other students, faculty, and industry professionals. I grew more as an engineer through the past two semesters as a result of the thesis process than I have during any other time in my college career. My pool of knowledge and ability to work through problems is now more suited for a career as a structural engineer than it possibly could have been without the senior thesis project.

CPEP Discussion Board Reflection

The CPEP discussion board provided each student with the ability to interact with professionals of various engineering disciplines. This was an invalueable resource throughout my project. Although the university provides various tools to aid students, some issues are constantly changing or only available from experience in the field. The mentors provided an expedient method of obtaining this type of information.

The Capstone Project Electronic Portfolio (CPEP) is a web‐based project and information center. It contains material produced for a year‐long Senior Thesis class. Its purpose, in addition to providing central storage of individual assignments, is to foster communication and collaboration between student, faculty consultant, course instructors, and industry consultants. This website is dedicated to the research and analysis conducted via guidelines provided by the Department of Architectural Engineering. For an explanation of this capstone design course and its requirements click here.

Contact Alex Kosis

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 ar e solely the interpretation of Alex Kosis. 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.