Kennesaw State University and Go Studio Partner for the Senior Capstone Project at the College of Computing and Software Engineering

Technology is at the forefront of our rapidly changing world, shaping industries, economies, and societies in profound ways. In a recent interview with the Dean of the College of Computing and Software Engineering at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Georgia, we explored the significance of education fueled by real-world scenarios and how the relationship between technology and education contributes to valuable innovation for the school, the students, and technology partners.

Enter: The Capstone Project

Capstone projects and research are invaluable tools for preparing students for successful careers in their chosen fields. To participate in the capstone project at KSU’s College of Computing and Software Engineering, students must first submit a proposal for their desired topic, and upon approval, they complete a series of milestones that culminate in a final presentation of their research and findings.

Go Studio staff supports students in coming up with project concepts through weekly mentoring meetings. Each meeting focuses on providing the students with insights into innovation and emerging technology as well as feedback for ongoing project components. Throughout the semester the students are further supported by two faculty members of KSU, that offer guidance on the production of materials and ideas for project completion.

At the end of the semester, the KSU College of Computing and Software Engineering Computing Showcase (C-Day Event) is held in our Gymnasium on Marietta Campus. Register for the November 30th event here or learn more about what happens at the KSU Computing Showcase. Go Studio and other industry partners meet with the students and provide feedback and a group of judges select the best teams to receive awards. The collaboration between Go Studio and KSU ensures that technology and education work together to advance new ideas and create opportunities for the next generation.

What is the relationship between technology and education?

The goal of educators is to provide a curriculum that has practical applications for graduating students. With a variety of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, and digital twins causing sweeping changes in the business world, it is more important than ever to focus technology and education on the same innovative goals.

Go Studio reached out to Dean Sumanth Yenduri ahead of this semester’s Capstone Presentations to start a conversation around the technology-led projects at KSU and how these experiences can help the students, industry, and innovators who participate in them. The insights shared by Dean Sumanth Yenduri shed light on the importance of these experiences and the university’s commitment to using technology and education to foster innovation in the tech industry.

The Dean’s Journey into a Career of Technological Innovation

“As a student, I always had a natural talent for math and science. At the age of 13, I was introduced to desktop computers and was eager to learn more about programming. Once a month, a computer teacher would travel five hours from another city to teach us programming in BASIC. I participated in programming competitions and debates for several years. Eventually, I chose Math, Physics, and Chemistry as my main areas of interest.” Dean Sumanth Yenduri demonstrates a clear passion for the pursuit of knowledge and innovation.

A career in technology isn’t just a job. It is a lifelong calling. Innovation is a journey filled with constant learning, exploration, and fulfillment, “After passing the entrance exam, I decided to major in Computer Science and Systems Engineering for my bachelor’s degree. I am proud to say that I have also earned a Master’s and PhD in Computer Science, making me one of a few with all three degrees in Computing. A career in technology has always been my calling, and I have found it to be a very fulfilling experience.” Dean

Sumanth Yenduri’s story epitomizes the idea that innovation in technology begins with a passion that is nurtured and fueled throughout the academic and professional journey.

 

The Transformative Power of Capstone Projects

Capstone Projects are more than an academic exercise, it is often a student’s first experience of the real-world technology landscape. A sort of incubator for essential soft skills, students come out of the project with a more tangible understanding of how to engage and thrive in a business environment. “The Capstone Project was my first experience working with a team to achieve a major milestone. I gained valuable skills in team building, time management, and software project management from my participation.”

The Crucial Role of Capstone Projects in Career Preparation

Dean Sumanth Yenduri believes, “Capstone Projects play a pivotal role in preparing the tech leaders of tomorrow. They bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application, offering students a multifaceted skill set.”

Capstone Projects help develop:

• Real-world problem solving, offering students an opportunity to address real-time challenges, particularly when partnering with industry stakeholders.
• Communication skills development by encouraging effective communication and collaboration among team members.
• Exposure to project management by providing students a hands-on experience in orchestrating and managing complex projects.

These experiences not only prepare students for the rigors of their future careers but also empower them to be innovative thinkers, capable of addressing real-world challenges with competence and confidence.

Measuring the Success of Capstone Projects

Assessing the success of a Capstone Project is a multifaceted endeavor, Dean Sumanth Yenduri adds, “Lessons learned, particularly from failures caused by expectations and other factors, are the best successes.” The project’s importance goes beyond the simple completion of tasks and delves further by looking into the knowledge gained and its impact on real-world challenges.

Success can be measured by the experiences of individual students. They are introduced into a world where sometimes expectations cannot be met and how they respond to those challenges leads to a greater understanding of the ambiguity of the business world. Meanwhile, they are also tasked with adhering to certain limitations, processes, and guidelines which push them to creative problem-solving and flexibility in their final vision. The best Capstone Projects make a tangible contribution to resolving complex, real-world issues through ongoing trial and error.

The Importance of Emerging Technologies in Innovation

In the vast landscape of emerging technologies, Dean Sumanth Yenduri is particularly interested in Quantum Computing. “This technology has the potential to revolutionize computing and change the way we process information, making it one of the most exciting developments in the field in recent decades.”

Go Studio is a firm advocate that emerging technologies are reshaping our world, from self-driving cars to virtual reality. They enhance user experiences and elevate service quality across sectors like healthcare and retail, and even technologies like facial recognition are already integrated into daily applications. Emerging technologies offer a world of exciting possibilities to address business challenges.

KSU’s Commitment to Emerging Technology Research

Kennesaw State University (KSU) is an institution deeply committed to advancing the frontiers of technology through research and innovation. Dean Sumanth Yenduri adds, “Our strategy revolves around investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, crafting a dynamic curriculum, hiring faculty equipped with core competencies, and fostering a culture of research and exploration through partnerships like Go Studio.” This approach ensures that KSU remains at the forefront of emerging technology research, forging new paths and contributing to the global technological landscape.

The Vital Role of Universities in Technological Discoveries

The synergy between universities, government agencies, and corporations remains a potent catalyst for technological discovery. Dean Sumanth Yenduri is proud that Kennesaw State University collaborates with the broader tech industry, “We actively engage with the regional and national community through various outreach initiatives, dynamic capstone projects, extensive internship programs, and collaborative industry-partnered research labs. These multifaceted approaches serve as meaningful conduits for the university to foster positive relationships with industry leaders, state and federal agencies, and the broader community.”

Nurturing Tomorrow’s Innovators and Advice for Students

KSU has engaged students for many years in innovative research projects and studies of actual user data. Engaging students in topics they are passionate about is a major goal of a Capstone Project and ensures that the work everyone does has the power to transform our understanding in a specific area. Understanding projects from prior years gives us insight into what to expect from new students each year.

“I can recall numerous projects, but one that particularly stood out was a data analytics study on the intricate correlation between graduation or dropout rates, and financial aid or loan payments in higher education. The research delved into various factors such as successful graduation rates, minimizing student debt, and misclassifications of students. This study was not only beneficial but also held great significance and impact.”

For current and future students embarking on their projects, the essence of innovation lies in tackling real-world problems. Kennesaw State University and Go Studio have come together to exemplify how the fusion of academia and industry fuels innovation and prepares the next generation of technology leaders.

Capstone Projects rich in their complexity and real-world relevance, are an integral part of the journey towards innovation and excellence. Our advice is simple: embrace the opportunity to solve real-world challenges, collaborate with diverse minds, and never stop pursuing innovation, for it is the key to shaping the future of the digital age.

Join Us for an Event

Go Studio’s community-focused events marry technology and education, so attendees can apply their knowledge to their industry. Find our past and upcoming events here to participate in the conversation.

Register for the KSU Computing Showcase (C-Day) on November 30th.

Register Now

Key Takeaways:

• In a recent interview with the Dean of the College of Computing and Software Engineering at Kennesaw State University (KSU) in Georgia, we explored the significance of capstone projects and how that relationship contributes to valuable innovation for the school, the students, and Go Studio.
• Investing in infrastructure around emerging technologies and leaning on industry experts, partners, and seasoned faculty keeps KSU at the forefront of innovative technology.
• The key to innovation is solving problems in the real world.
• Quantum Computing has the potential to revolutionize computing and change the way we process information, making it one of the most exciting developments in the field in recent decades.
• Kennesaw State University and Go Studio have joined forces to showcase how academia and industry can work together to promote innovation.