A partnership for senior design projects in biomedical and mechanical engineering

A capstone design experience is considered paramount for senior engineering students, but requires a steady supply of challenging projects, advising mentors and funding to provide a quality educational experience. This paper describes a partnership that addresses these issues and has stimulated innovative research and development. A longstanding interdisciplinary collaboration between the Colleges of Engineering and Education at San Diego State University led to a unique partnership established three years ago with a group of sailors with disabilities known as Challenged America. Funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation, this partnership aims to develop technology solutions to allow physically challenged individuals to safely and independently participate in various aquatic recreational activities. Thus far, 34 engineering students have worked on 11 team-based design projects, producing designs, analyses and prototypes for innovative assistive technology. Both sailors and students evaluated the partnership as positive and beneficial.