FOX IV Technologies, Inc., has been a long-time supporter of technical education through their participation in trade association student days, university partnerships, and employing interns. Recently, FOX IV partnered with Franciscan University of Steubenville in Ohio and Professor Jose Lopez on capstone projects for their engineering students. The capstone projects encompassed two semesters and focused on specific equipment design criteria set by FOX IV.
Two groups of Senior engineering students worked on separate projects: one looking at a new method of label application and the other focused on the applicator design itself. Both groups were tasked with producing working prototypes for their project supported by testing data. As part of the process, the students evaluated the existing design, brainstormed ideas, created prototypes, and tested their designs, documenting each step in the process and the results of each iteration of prototype. The groups held weekly meetings with FOX IV to discuss their progress and challenges.
FOX IV VP of Engineering, Rick Fox III, was impressed by the engineering teams.
“The students worked in a methodical and professional manner, brainstorming creative solutions and testing them using engineering design principles. They asked great questions along the way and were dedicated to the process and providing solutions that could be applied to future equipment designs.”
The capstone projects culminated in an in-person presentation of groups’ findings and final designs to the FOX IV team. Through a visual presentation and design demonstration, the groups were able to convey the scope of the work, their processes, and final results.
By participating in the capstone projects, these engineering students developed important professional skills and gained critical real-world experience.
Nina Granger, the project manager for both groups agreed, saying,
“Working with FOX IV Technologies gave our students the chance to experience what real engineering projects look like outside the classroom. They learned a lot about teamwork, communication, problem solving, and how to adapt throughout the design process while working with industry professionals.”
FOX IV looks forward to future collaborations with Franciscan University of Steubenville’s engineering department and helping to shape engineering students through capstone projects and internships.