Capstone

For those of you unaware of the ME program at BYU all seniors take part in a program called capstones. Groups of engineers (between 5 and 7 usually) work on projects sponsored by engineering firms or organizations. It is a two semester class that meets for two hours a day, five days a week. So as you can imagine, Ken's project has become a big part of our lives!
Here is the final product:



Cool, huh? It is a radio-frequency beam steering device. In layman's terms, it is an alternate to this:



They built it for L-3 Communications (a defense contractor) and they were really impressed. The engineers on Ken's team basically proved the feasibility of a new antennae technology. It is better because it is smaller, more aerodynamic and can hold a point even if it is moving. They can put it on a tank or a plane and be able to stay in radio contact without transmitting their message everywhere!
Now I've always thought that Ken got a pretty cool group project. It was better than the cardboard bio-hazard trashcan or the new design of moving pallet. But other engineers LOVE this project! Ken and his group have been asked to present their project a total of three times outside of class requirements (to next years capstone engineers, to BYU's chapter of American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and to the bigwigs at L-3). When I saw him present it, the other engineers seemed intrigued and impressed and asked quite a few questions about their project.
Also, Ken and his team received an award from BYU Capstone for Excellence in Design Approach. And (surprisingly?) they don't give out awards like a little league soccer team.
I couldn't be prouder of all the hard work Ken and his team members put into this project!