One of the greatest measures of a student’s grasp on a subject is their ability to demonstrate understanding through practical applications.

In the Lyles School of Civil Engineering, the senior design course, officially known as CE 49800 Civil Engineering Design, is a rite of passage and proof that undergraduates are prepared for the workforce or graduate school.

Assignments differ every semester, but the goals and benchmarks remain the same, says Bob Jacko, professor of civil engineering and senior design instructor.

“Every semester is like a brand-new consulting job, and I am their director,” Jacko says. “I see it as my responsibility to ensure students gain as close to a real, professional experience as possible.”

For Spring 2020, senior design students are tasked with designs and redesigns in and around Purdue’s Aerospace District. Projects include utility installation, existing road and railway expansion and redesign, and drainage expansion.

Because there are nine specialty areas within Purdue Civil Engineering, the student teams mirror a professional design firm more than one might think.

Student teams are expected to incorporate high-level considerations. They must recognize ethical and professional responsibilities in an engineering situation. And they must consider the impact of their solutions in global, economic, environmental and societal contexts.

Senior Kendall Kyle says the class gave her a deeper appreciation of the amount of work needed to collaborate as a functional team.

“I’ve been involved in group projects before, but none that had me work so closely or for an entire semester,” Kyle says. “When you’re working with and managing a team, you’re faced with different challenges, but you’re also presented with ideas and perspectives you never would have come up with on your own.”

Student Casey Rodgers says the senior design class has been an eye-opening experience.

“I’ve interned for civil engineering firms, but my jobs were pretty well defined,” Rodgers says. “In this class, we must define our own duties and responsibilities and assist and support each other wherever we’re needed. You really feel like you’re on a team that absolutely is dependent on you doing your part.”

Select final presentations for the semester will be hosted on the Lyles School of Civil Engineering’s YouTube page at bit.ly/purduece-yt.