Shane Helm's BAE Senior Thesis Reflection

Grunenwald Science and Technology Building
Clarion University
Clarion, PA

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Senior Thesis e-Studio

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
ABET Outcomes for AE 481W/482	(Score of 0)	(Score of 1)	(Score of 2)	(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

Reflection of AE 481W/482

Over the past year, including the Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 Semesters, I have gained valuable experience about the design and construction processes associated with successful completion of a project. The ability to be able to read and examine construction documents was needed in order to investigate the current systems implemented in the building giving me the ability to analyze the systems that were already designed for the building. I was able to take the background knowledge that has been learned throughout my career at Penn State, especially in the Architectural Engineering Department, allowed for the redesign of the buildings systems using creative engineering solutions to provide the best possible alternative design.

The ability to create and follow a work schedule during the second semester showed the impact of either an item on the schedule taking longer than anticipated or if the schedule was not followed each week and how this would effect each of the following schedule items and the overall time frame for the project. The ability to work independently in the redesign of the building systems has shown that my educational background has prepared me for what will be encountered in my future engineering career.

Reflection of CPEP

The creation of the CPEP web site has shown the importance of providing an easy way to share the work that has been completed with the faculty and even to family and friends. The web site did have to be well maintained and easy to navigate in order to provide clear answers while working towards the completion of the Thesis Poject. The ability to gain information from engineers that have implemented many of the design ideas into actual projects was a valuable tool that the Mentor Discussion Board provided to me throughout the second semester.

"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 Shane
Helm. 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."