Senior Thesis Reflection

This AE Senior Thesis project is the defining aspect of my architectural engineering education here at Penn State. This is not because of the amount of work it requires or because it takes an entire year to complete or even because the department allocates a substantial amount of square footage exclusively for its thesis students. No, it is solely due to the fact that this project reflects what true education is and what it still can be.

It would be incorrect to suggest that I was fully prepared to complete this thesis in September 2009. As I advanced through this project I discovered that I still had a great deal to learn about structural engineering. However this realization emphasizes the beauty of this project. I was forced to find the answers for myself. There was not a chalkboard example from my notes which directly applied to my thesis building. There was not a test from a previous year which I could study from. There was not an answer key that would judge right from wrong.

There was the foundation of structural engineering principles instilled in me throughout my previous four years of study and there was my desire to learn. These are what carried me through the project and led to an incredible growth in knowledge, understanding, and confidence. A year ago, I was not ready to enter the field of structural engineering. After completing this project, I know that I am.

CPEP Reflection

The Capstone Project Electronic Portfolio (CPEP) was a requirement for this thesis and proved to be a useful tool throughout the duration of the project. By managing this website and posting my progress along the way, I was able to easily share my thesis project with faculty advisors, future employers, family, and friends. It also allowed me to use some artistic creativity to express and showcase the University Medical Center at Princeton. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to utilize this tool as part of my thesis.

ABET Survey

ABET Outcomes for AE481W/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
ABET Outcomes for AE481W/482	Score of 0	Score of 1	Score of 2	Score of 3
An ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, science, and engineering				X
An ability to analyze and interpret data				X
An ability to design a system, component or process to meet desired needs				X
An ability to indentify, formulate, and solve engineering problems				X
An understanding of professional and ethical responsibility				X
An ability to communicate effectively				X
The broad education necessary to understand the impact of engineering solutions in a global and societal context			X
An ability to engage in life-long learning				X
A knowledge of contemporary issues				X
An ability to use techniques, skills, and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering				X
Engineering design capabilities in at least two (2) of the three (3) basic curriculum areas of architectural engineering, and that design has been integrated across the breadth of the program				X
Communication and interaction with other design professionals in the execution of building projects				X

Pennsylvania State University

Architectural Engineering

AE Computer Labs

Senior Thesis Home Page

Contact Stephen!!
sap5035@psu.edu

User Note: While great efforts have been taken to provide accurate information on the pages of the CPEP, please be aware that the information contained herewithin is considered a work-in-progress for this thesis project. Modifications and changes related to the orginial building designs and construction methodologies for this senior thesis are solely the interpretation of Stephen A. Perkins. 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.