Publication

The goal of this project was to continue to investigate methods and means to further the SERC Capstone Marketplace that was established in 2013 and refined in 2014. Previous SERC research in RT-19/19a, RT-43, & RT 105 has shown that multidisciplinary capstone programs can enhance development of systems engineering competencies. 

The Capstone Marketplace is an online tool intended to match multi-disciplinary student teams with challenging engineering projects. While web based tools exist for matching students to projects at individual institutions, the Capstone Marketplace is intended to enable broader participation and as such is open to all institutions with the capability of participating in undergraduate level capstone projects. The marketplace project sponsors and/or mentors provide domain expertise and advice, students research the project details and work towards solutions, while faculty supervisors help guide the teams and grade their work. The Capstone Marketplace makes it easier for sponsors to reach out to a broad pool of students and provide them with the added benefit of an engaged and knowledgeable mentor. Students can more easily find projects best matched to their interests and needs and faculty have an open source for student projects that can lead to new research partners and collaboration.

The project consisted of four phases:

1. Initiating and supporting a third year of capstone marketplace projects
2. Marketing the Capstone Marketplace to attract additional sponsors and participating schools
3. Refining the Capstone Marketplace website/portal
4. Development of support materials for sponsors and schools that use the marketplace

Activities of these phases overlapped, but initiation and support of the third year and marketing for future projects were mostly separate.