Cathy's Thesis Page

Below is my reflection AE Sernior Thesis. Notice first there is an ABET Outcome Survey which represents how I feel about what I learned in AE 481W/482 Senior Theisis. Then there are two written narrative reflections about the thesis courses and my CPEP webpage.

ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	Outcome not able to be assessed (Score 0)	Level of ability demonstrated but below acceptable (Score 1)	Minimum acceptable level of ability demonstrated (Score 2)	More than minimum level of ability demonstrated (Score 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/482 Course Reflection

AE 481W and AE 482 are the two courses that make up the Architectural Engineering Senior Thesis. Throughout these two courses we students choose a building and decide three or four topics or systems we wish to concentrate on and study.

A lot was learned throughout this process but I think one of the most important lessons I have taken away is how to talk to professionals via telephone and emails and trying to get the information I need. This is something I will have to do everyday when I graduate and appreciate the opportunity that senior thesis has provided me in doing so.

Also another lesson learned is the ability to take the significant amount of information I had and compiling it into one report. I learned much through my research, breadth assignments and my depth topic, but one of the hardest parts of senior thesis was compiling my report. Senior thesis has allowed me to gain much experience that I will use when I become a professional in the construction industry.

CPEP & Discussion Board Reflection

My Senior Thesis website, also known as my CPEP page, was a great tool to allow others to see what I was doing throughout the course of the school year. It gave both professionals and people in my personal life a chance to evaluate my research and help me along the way.

The Discussion Board that we used to communicate with professionals was a great tool to contact people when we needed information. Not only did these professionals know where to find the information we were looking for, but they were very prompt in their responses and helped both me and my senior thesis students.

Senior Thesis | The Pennsylvania State University| Architectural Engineering | AE Lab | Contact Me

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 Catherine Neiderer. 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.