DCU’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing Final Year Expo Celebrates Being Back on Campus

After two challenging years of separation, the Faculty of Engineering and Computing held its Final Year Project Expo with an on-campus celebration of its soon- to-be graduates and cherished links with industry.  Attended by a host of external partners and both Professor Anne Sinnott (Vice President) and Professor Dáire Keogh (President) the opening ceremony of this flagship event kicked off in the Student U Centre with a light breakfast, during which eager employers had an opportunity to meet and mingle with final year students, allowing both parties to make valuable, in-person connections.  As a result, and after a period of extended virtual interaction, the convivial atmosphere of what was formerly known as the ‘Champagne Breakfast’ was extra-special, with the buzz of excitement and sense of potential being more palpable than ever!

In a speech formally opening the event, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Computing, Jennifer Bruton, noted particularly “The commitment, effort and persistence of all of the people involved’ adding that ‘it would be remiss not to acknowledge the magnitude of the achievement of these students in making it to the milestone that is Expo 2022’.  She further alluded to the fact that, at the outset of their studies, students could never have imagined the obstacles they would face, as they pursued their degrees against the backdrop of a once-in-a-lifetime, global health emergency. However, despite the challenges presented by remote and hybrid-learning, and significant periods of physical separation from peers and the campus, the ability to maintain focus and to thrive within these unique circumstances was recognised as itself a significant accolade that each student would take away from the Expo celebration.

Enlarging on the sentiments expressed by the Executive Dean, Professor Anne Sinnott, noting the 40 year history of the event, underlined the Expo’s consonance with the mission of DCU to ‘transform lives and societies’.  Notably, Professor Sinnott remarked particularly upon the students’ projects as evidence of their ‘talent, commitment and ingenuity’ and highlighted their potential to lead in solving the ‘array of challenges’ that the modern world faces.  In addressing these challenges, Professor Sinnott also cited the ‘long-established and highly productive relationships’ between DCU and industry partners, evidenced in the long-standing INTRA internship programme and, more recently, in close collaboration on the development of four ground-breaking undergraduate programmes under the DCU Futures banner

Expo 2022 was supported by AIB, who acted as lead sponsor for the event and continue to  be a strong industry partner with DCU in many areas, including support of students and valued involvement in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing Data Science programmes.  Representing AIB at the event, Mr. Tommy Mitchell, Head of Data Engineering & Architecture in AIB, said “It is a privilege for AIB to sponsor this event, and I am very excited to be here surrounded by so many talented graduates. Engineers can change the world for the better by connecting new ideas to practical applications. They solve real-world problems, improving our society and our standard of living. Looking at the ingenuity and intent of the engineering projects on show at today's expo, it is clear that much positive change will stem from this group.”

Following breakfast and opening speeches, almost 300 final year students from both the disciplines of engineering and computing had the opportunity to showcase over 196 projects to employers, giving them the forum to display the cutting-edge skills and expertise acquired during their time at DCU. All of the students represented at the event successfully completed their projects during very challenging times and the range and diversity of projects, and the obvious commitment and effort from all participants, was amply evidenced as the morning’s events unfolded. The day ended on a high with students, staff and industry stakeholders all reporting having enjoyed a very special day at DCU.

All projects and project videos can be viewed here.

For more information contact christine.stears@dcu.ie