The winning team comprised of EEE seniors Corrina Mauss, Spencer Hickey, Robert Yoder and Heather Strathearn worked with Oscar Winski Electronic Recycling to forecast the market shift from lead-acid batteries to lithium-ion batteries for the 12-volt Starting, Lighting, and Ignition function in automobiles. This includes considerations for technology advances that will decrease the cost of lithium-ion batteries to make them competitive in the market. Additionally, the team examined possible policy strategies to employ, ensuring safe disposal and preventing possible lead leaching.

Winners of Best Senior Design Poster pose for a photo with faculty judges and a representative from Oscar Winski Electronic Recycling.
(left to right: Spencer Hickey, Prof. John Howarter, Heather Strathearn, Corrina Mauss, Thom Davis (Oscar Winski Company), Prof. Lindsey Payne, and Robert Yoder).

The Senior Design course is required for all EEE students and provides exceptional opportunities to interact with major companies and find solutions to potential environmental issues encountered by the company.

At the culmination of the academic year, students in the course present their findings to the companies they’ve worked with and during the recognition night. As part of the EEE Recognition Night, posters are judged based upon the review of two EEE faculty member judges and the team presentations during the night.

A full list of senior design projects and ways for companies to get involved is available at bit.ly/eeeseniordesign.