Senior Design Capstone Course
The Senior Design Capstone Course is a cornerstone of the engineering curriculum, providing students with a unique, real-world experience that bridges the gap between academics and professional practice. This two-semester course is a comprehensive, multidisciplinary course that challenges students to apply everything they’ve learned during their time at CMU.
How it works
All engineering students participate in the same senior design course, fostering collaboration and cross-disciplinary teamwork. Students work in diverse teams on a prototyping project sponsored by a corporate partner. These projects reflect the multidisciplinary nature of real-world engineering, simulating the types of challenges engineers face in industries such as automotive, construction, food and beverage, process, and utilities. Practicing engineers from the sponsoring companies guide and support the teams throughout the project, providing invaluable professional mentorship.
Key benefits
Real-world experience: The capstone course mirrors professional engineering projects, offering students a chance to work in multidisciplinary teams and meet the acceptance criteria of corporate sponsors.
Skill application: Students integrate and apply knowledge gained from their entire academic journey, honing technical and problem-solving skills.
Professional preparation: By collaborating with industry professionals and presenting their work publicly, students gain confidence and experience that sets them apart in the job market.
Why it matters
The Senior Design Capstone Course at CMU will prepare you not just to enter the workforce, but to excel in it. Employers value the hands-on experience and multidisciplinary collaboration that you'll bring to the table. Completing the capstone course and participating in the Senior Design Expo will give you a competitive edge as you transition to your career.
Senior Design Expo 2026
Join us May 1st
The Senior Design Expo is the signature event of the academic year, bringing together students, faculty, industry advisors, and community partners as engineering seniors showcase their innovative capstone projects. At this public exhibition, students present their prototypes, engage in technical discussions, and demonstrate both their problem‑solving abilities and their capacity to communicate complex ideas clearly. As a communication‑intensive capstone experience, the expo reinforces the essential professional skill of conveying sophisticated engineering concepts effectively while giving students a real‑world platform to highlight their creativity, collaboration, and technical expertise.
Our 2025-26 project sponsors:
Who is joining us?
- Senior Design students presenting their projects
- Faculty advisors and mentors
- Industry advisors and technical points of contact
- Community members and guests interested in engineering innovation
Why joining us matters
- Strengthens the connection between Academia and Industry Partners
- Supports student innovation and real‑world problem‑solving
- Provides industry insight that helps shape future engineering talent
- Creates opportunities to identify and recruit emerging engineers
- Contributes to building a strong, skilled technical workforce for our region
Expo schedule:
Date: May 1, 2026, Friday
Time: 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Location: Engineering & Technology Building
School of Engineering and Technology
Mt Pleasant, MI 48859
Parking Lot: 33SC
Hallway
- Poster Presentations 9:00 - 10:45 a.m.
Break
10.45AM – 11.00AM
Room ET 116
- 1 - SAPA Transmission: Belleville Washer Stacking System
- 11:00 presentation | 11:20 Q & A
- 2 - Bradford White: Water Heaters Lift and Tilt System
- 11:30 presentation | 11:50 Q & A
- 3 - XALT Energy: Mixing Vessel Hoist and Stand System
- 12:00 presentation | 12:20 Q & A
Room ET 132
- Vantage Plastics: Extrusion Die Lift and Separation Device
- 11:00 presentation | 11:20 Q & A
- Vantage Plastics: Precision Laser Leveling System
- 11:30 presentation | 11:50 Q & A
- CFSpan: Automated Feed, Load and Run for Carbon Fiber Boards
- 12:00 presentation | 12:20 Q & A
Room ET 138
- City of Midland: Grit Removal System
- 11:00 presentation | 11:20 Q & A
- Highland Plastics: Thermal Performance Evaluation System
- 11:30 presentation | 11:50 Q & A
- Federal Broach: Media Blast Unit
- 12:00 presentation | 12:20 Q & A
Room ET 153
- Biosciences: Submersible Electrical Systems Upgrade
- 11:00 presentation | 11:20 Q&A
- Bay Cast: Cast In Steel - The Horseman’s Axe (Alpha Team)
- 11:30 presentation | 11:50 Q&A
- Bay Cast: Cast in Steel - The Horseman’s Axe (Beta Team)
- 12:00 presentation | 12:20 Q&A
InSciTE: WERC Environmental Design Contest - Logistics Containers for Artemis III Lunar Mission
- 12:30 presentation | 12:50 Q&A
Booklet: For more information, please see the 2026 Expo Booklet
or contact the Senior Design Manager
Sai Koneru, MSME, MBA
ET Building 133
Tel: 989-774-8999
