Computing students showcase industry-sponsored projects

A chatbot for Proctor and Gamble, an app that recommends restaurants based on personal preferences, and a new program for employees to track hours were among projects presented April 25 at an end-of-the-semester event hosted by the School of Computing and Information Systems. 

About 59 students majoring in computer science completed their last semester as undergraduates by presenting their senior capstone projects in the Kirkhof Center. Students on 17 teams gave three-minute "lightning" talks to an audience of students, professors and project sponsors.

Each semester, students enrolled in the computer science capstone course work in teams with companies to solve assigned problems. The companies sponsor the projects and professionals mentor students during the process. This semester, students worked with companies such as Spectrum Health, Proctor and Gamble, Consumers Energy and Atomic Object. 

"In total, students logged more than 9,000 hours working hard on their projects," said computing professor Jonathan Engelsma. 

Instead of a company-sponsored project, some students with an entrepreneurial spirit opted to build technology for their own startups. Projects included a program to design interactive experiences like a Christmas light show and a mobile platform for families to communicate about events, share photos and ask questions. 

Paul Leidig, director of SCIS, said many computing students receive job offers before they graduate. 

"Enrollment in computing-related majors and minors at Grand Valley is at an all-time high and we're working to fill the demand from employers for more computing professionals," he said. 

Learn more about the School of Computing and Information Systems at www.cis.gvsu.edu.