DCU students dazzle at huge final year Expo

THE ICT sector in Ireland is thriving, with exports and employment in both local and multinational firms continuing to grow, so it should be no surprise to hear that this year’s DCU’s Faculty of Engineering and Computing final year project Expo was its biggest ever.

Over 207 projects from over 220 graduating students were on show at the event that took place at the School of Computing building in the Northside university on May 24.

On the day, employers came to view the projects from 8am and the campus was buzzing with atmosphere right through to lunchtime.  

“It is clear from the number of employers present we have an exceptional group of talented students who continue to innovate and deliver futuristic ideas,” said Prof Barry McMullin, Dean of the Faculty.

“An endless mix of project types and various technologies is testament to the quality of students here in the Faculty of Engineering and Computing.”

Projects on view ranged across mobile and web apps, e-learning technology, video games and a dyslexia testing app.

Cillian Lambe a Computer Applications student displayed his ‘Virtual Reality Science Lesson’ project.

He demonstrated how virtual reality can play a greater role in a learning based environment and not just in the gaming World.

3D printers are improving on an almost daily basis and David McGlynn, a mechatronic engineering student, highlighted the advantages and disadvantages of building and setting up a printer from sourced components against buying an expensive ready to print device.

He researched techniques and theory, followed by building his own 3D device by creating and calibrating his own printer.

During the final year event many of the students were offered directly the opportunity of interviews and employment. 

Some of the employers  attending sponsored great prizes for best projects such as iPads, laptops and vouchers.

Once again, and for the fifth year running, SAP sponsored the overall event.

Aisling Mulholland, a previous graduate from DCU’s BSc in Computer Applications, said she was delighted to come back on behalf of SAP and support the event with great enthusiasm.

A booklet of all the 2016 Expo projects by DCU students can be viewed online at www.computing.dcu.ie/fyp/booklet.pdf.

The Faculty of Engineering and Computing Expo runs every May.