Olivet Nazarene University

What value does a real-world project bring to the students?

A real-world project challenges students to consider the end user in a way that a theoretical project cannot by requiring the consideration of client needs, time constraints, and buildability. Students also learn to communicate with the “real world,” preparing them for their future engineering careers.

How do you decide which projects to work on?

Projects are either developed in the engineering department or, as in the case of this Shine FM project, are received from outside parties interested in engaging the students in an engineering challenge.

How did this project prepare students for professional practice?

As noted in question one, students are required to consider client needs, time constraints, and buildability. Students also must communicate effectively with their client and meet the client’s needs. These are invaluable lessons for future careers.

What advice do you have for other programs wanting to add similar collaborative projects to their curriculum?

I would advise other programs to start small and improve each year. A small but comprehensive project helps students learn the intricacies of design for all building systems. Then tackle a larger project each year. This builds a library of successful projects for future students to study before tackling more complicated projects.

What did you like best about participating in this project?

What I liked most was how real and collaborative the project felt. It involved all major engineering disciplines and required us to work together as a professional design team. As an electrical engineer, I had to coordinate with mechanical, structural, and architectural teammates, which made the experience both challenging and rewarding. Having real stakes and support from professional engineers gave the project a sense of purpose beyond the classroom.

What did you learn?

I learned how to work productively across disciplines, especially with mechanical engineering, since our systems often overlapped. Coordinating electrical needs with HVAC and building layout taught me the importance of timing, sequencing, and clear communication. Since this was my first building project, I also learned a lot about electrical riser design, code compliance, and system integration within a full structure.

How did the participation of professional engineers improve the experience?

Working alongside two professional engineers with over 50 years of combined experience made a huge impact. Their mentorship helped me understand how professionals approach design decisions, code compliance, and project documentation. They were always willing to answer questions and gave feedback that pushed our work to a much higher standard. It made the entire experience feel more like a real-world job.

What do you think the engineers learned from working with students on this project?

I think they gained insight into how students apply theory and where we need more real-world context. They also likely saw the importance of patience and teaching—especially when answering a lot of questions. The engineers I worked with were respectful and encouraging, which made learning easier. I hope they also found value in mentoring and seeing our growth throughout the project.

What did you like best about participating in this project?

I like being able to work with professional engineers and getting to learn more about job opportunities outside of school.

What did you learn?

I learned that it is ok to make mistakes throughout the design process and learn from those mistakes.

How did the participation of professional engineers improve the experience?

Being able to work with PEs helped with being able to learn more about the code and how to interpret it.

What do you think the engineers learned from working with students on this project?

I think the engineers learned how to teach the future generation and learn new teaching techniques.

What did you like best about participating in this project?

I liked being able to apply what I’ve learned in class to a real building. It felt good to design something that could be used and working with my team to make everything fit together was a great experience.

What did you learn?

I expanded my knowledge on how to design an HVAC system from start to finish, including zoning, ventilation, and choosing equipment. I also got better at using Revit and working with a multidisciplinary team.

How did the participation of professional engineers improve the experience?

The engineers that we worked with gave us helpful advice based on real-world experience. They showed us things we didn’t always think about and that a professional with years of experience can see.

What do you think the engineers learned from working with students on this project?

They probably saw how students bring new ideas and energy. I think it also gave them a chance to practice mentoring and see how future engineers think through problems.

What did you like best about participating in this project?

What I enjoyed most about participating in this project was the opportunity to work on a real building with real-world constraints and responsibilities. It wasn’t just a classroom exercise, we had to think about building codes, the needs for the client, and the budget. This project allowed me to develop both technical skills and leadership abilities.

What did you learn?

I learned how to apply engineering concepts in a practical, real-world setting. I gained valuable experience using Revit to develop a comprehensive building design. I also learned how to balance technical requirements with client expectations and manage a project timeline.

How did the participation of professional engineers improve the experience?

Working mainly with the licensed architect and structural engineer brought a level of realism and accountability to the project that I wouldn’t have experienced otherwise. They provided constructive feedback, industry insights, and practical expectations that helped us bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice.

What do you think the engineers learned from working with students on this project?

I believe the professional engineers appreciated our fresh perspectives and creative problem solving. They gained insight into how the next generation is trained, especially with tools like BIM. As an international student, I also brought unique viewpoints that introduced different design and cultural approaches. This cross-cultural exchange was valuable for everyone involved.

What did you like best about participating in this project?

I really enjoyed the real-world experience that I got from a project of this size and type. I felt like I was getting a glimpse into my own future of how working in the engineering field of my choice would be. I loved learning as much as I could about what it takes to design a building in the real world.

What did you learn?

I learned a lot about the real world of engineering and how collaborative it is. Each concentration of engineering had to work with each other to build something, and it took a lot of people to get there. Not only that, but I learned a lot about my own concentration and what goes into making a building structurally sound.

How did the participation of professional engineers improve the experience?

I would not have learned nearly as much if it wasn’t for working closely with a licensed engineer in my field. I learned so much about the design process through someone who had decades of real-world experience, which was extremely valuable to me as a budding engineer.

What do you think the engineers learned from working with students on this project?

I think the engineers learned about teaching their skills to the next generation. I hope that when I am a professional engineer, I get a similar opportunity to share the knowledge I will gain with those just starting out.