Four Red Deer College graduates were awarded the Capstone Project of the Year Award by the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET).
On March 31, Connor Froc, Derek Lozinski, Blair Mulder and Patrick Martens were recipients of the inaugural Capstone Project of the Year Award during an ASET Appreciation dinner.
The Capstone project, developed in the 2015-2016 school year, was a major part of their final year of study.
The project included designing a movable solar panel mount that would tolerate a variety of roof pitches, could withstand high winds and winter snow loads and adapt to solar panels of any size.
Their prototype mounting system was designed to automatically track the sun from sunrise to sunset, while drawing its power from the solar panels. Their work was also recognized by ASET.
The RDC team’s prototype was one of seven Capstone projects from across Alberta that were considered for the award. In the end the RDC team tied with another project to be named the co-recipient of the Capstone Project of the Year Award.
Joel Gingrich, Dean, School of Trades and Technologies, said in a news release the award is a positive recognition for the quality of learning experiences provided to students at Red Deer College, and the quality of work they’re able to accomplish through the Capstone course.
Gingrich said the connection between RDC and ASET is an important benefit for student opportunities.