Dennis -
I’m currently undecided on a specific senior design project, but I do know that I want to either join the computer science or join a team that requires strong programming support. Since the beginning of last year, I’ve realized that my true passion lies in software engineering rather than computer engineering. This summer, I’ll continue sharpening my skills by building apps and improving my programming proficiency. Ideally, I hope to join a team that aligns with my strengths and where I can make a meaningful technical contribution.
Strengthen software development skills through personal projects or focused learning (e.g., backend systems, DevOps, APIs).
Begin researching components or prototyping if a project idea is already in progress.
Schedule a meeting with a faculty advisor to get early feedback and confirm technical feasibility.
Draft a basic timeline to outline major phases of the project (planning, development, testing, etc.).
Address any missing technical capabilities by learning new tools or technologies over the summer.
Finalize the project’s problem statement and clarify the core objective.
Translate the concept into specific technical requirements (e.g., performance targets, resource constraints, system specs).
Break down the system into defined subsystems with clear responsibilities assigned to team members.
Establish a structured development workflow to guide progress throughout the semester.
Dritan -
At this stage, I haven’t locked in a specific senior design project, but I’ve identified a few key areas that align with my interests and strengths. I’m currently leaning toward a project that falls within the domain of VLSI and integrated circuit design. Working with hardware description languages like Verilog appeals to me because it offers the opportunity to engage deeply with digital logic and low-level system architecture. I’m also drawn to Embedded Systems due to their critical role in real-time applications like smart appliances, automotive control, and medical devices. In addition, I have a strong interest in hardware development more broadly, particularly in areas such as IoT, robotics, and custom hardware solutions using FPGAs or GPUs. While I’m still evaluating my options, these fields reflect the kind of technical challenges and hands-on engineering I enjoy, and I plan to explore them further as I shape the final direction of my project.
Deepen my understanding of HDL tools and simulation environments
Begin small-scale FPGA or embedded development projects to strengthen practical experience
Research potential project ideas and identify use cases within VLSI or embedded hardware domains
Meet with potential advisors or mentors to get early input and guidance
Create a preliminary outline of project phases and resource needs
Finalize the problem statement and define a realistic, impactful goal
Determine system-level requirements and performance targets
Choose between VLSI, embedded systems, or custom hardware as the core project path
Divide the project into modules (e.g., logic design, testing, hardware interface)
Set up tools, repositories, and workflows for collaboration and tracking progress