jmu honors capstone projects

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Purpose of this document, categories of computer science "honors capstones", composition of the committee, deliverables, the written document, the registration process, honors capstone guidelines.

This document contains guidelines and rules for students who are majoring in Computer Science and working on an Honors Capstone using the Departmental Capstone Pathway. For general information, see the page on honors capstone experiences published by the JMU Honors Program.

All students who major in Computer Science and graduate With Distinction are required to use the “honors capstones” to make a contribution to either the field/discipline of computer science or to make a contribution to society at large using computational thinking. These “honors capstones” usually fall into one of the following categories:

Theses : To complete a thesis, a student must make a contribution to the body of knowledge in the field of computer science. Hence, completion of a thesis involves academic research and discovery.

Theses are either theoretical or empirical . Theoretical theses generally involve formal mathematics, logic or some other formal method of analysis or description (e.g., an analysis of the worst case asymptotic bounds of a new sorting algorithm, an analysis of the strength of a new encryption algorithm, the development of a new programming language, the development of a new design notation, an analysis of the underpinnings of a software engineering methodology). Empirical theses generally employ the scientific method (e.g., an analysis of the performance characteristics of a new type of contention detection/resolution process for local area networks, an analysis of the effectiveness of a new software engineering process, an analysis of the usability of a particular product).

Projects : To complete a project, a student must create a computational system that contributes to society. Hence, completion of a project involves the design and implementation of a suitably complex system of software and/or hardware system that benefits society.

Projects usually involve software components, hardware components, or both. An example of a software-only project is the design and implementation of a new open source operating system. An example of a hardware-only project is the design and development of a new educational robot. Finally, an example of a mixed project is the design and implementation of a new biometric authentication device.

The primary contribution of the project need not be technical. An example of such a project is the creation of a social networking site for the differently-abled.

The project advisor must be a member of the Computer Science faculty. In most cases, readers will also be members of the Computer Science faculty. With the approval of the advisor, one reader may come from another department.

In all cases, students must complete and deliver a properly formatted (see the Honors College Handbook for details) written document and associated forms.

In many cases, students must also deliver the artifacts (e.g., source code, hardware, documentation, data) that were produced/developed/used during the process.

Finally, students must present their results in a public forum. Currently the venue most commonly used for this purpose is the Friday research seminar series (see the research page for more info).

The written document serves two purposes. First, it demonstrates that the student has the necessary depth of knowledge to undertake the research/development activity. Second, it describes the contribution that was made as a result of the research/development activity. The document typically contains the following chapters:

• Introduction : A non-technical discussion of the question/issue that motivated the activity and why that question/issue is important (either to the field or society at large). This chapter should also include an overview of the structure of the rest of the document.
• Literature Review : A critical discussion of the relevant literature. This chapter should demonstrate the student's knowledge.
• Problem/Project Statement : A technical description of the question/issue in relation to the existing literature on the subject. This chapter should highlight the need for the theses/project and carefully describe the undertaking.
• Analysis/Results/Findings : A discussion of the contribution itself. For a theoretical theses this will include the mathematical or logical “argument”. For empirical theses this will include the research design and the statistical analysis. For projects, this will include a detailed description of the project and the way in which it benefits society.
• Future Research : A description of the questions/issues that were uncovered but not resolved.
• References : A collection of works cited in the earlier parts of the document.

The committee will specify the style and format of the written document (including, the citation style, the footnote/endnote style, the use of first/third person). The style will be consistent with the category of the thesis/project. In addition, the committee will specify the “technology” to be used to produce the document. For example, the committee might require the use of LaTeX for a theoretical thesis and might require the use of OpenDoc for an open source project.

A template for using LaTex is available at https://github.com/JMU-CS/HonorsThesisTemplate.git . This template follows the honors college guidelines ( https://www.jmu.edu/honors/handbook/basic-guidelines.shtml#formatting ).

Students normally complete the capstone over the course of their last three semesters. In the first semester, students register for CS499a (which is a 1-credit course), in the second semester they register for CS499b (which is a 3-credit course), and the third semester they register for CS499c (which is a 2-credit course).

The semester before registering for CS499a, students should start thinking about a topic and talking to potential project advisors. Students must identify a project advisor who is willing to work with them on the capstone and must have a written description of what they expect to accomplish during the first semester, before they can register for CS499a. A typical CS499a proceeds as follows:

• Initial Discussion of the Topic
• Completion of an Initial Literature Review
• Refinement of the Topic
• Completion of a Detailed Literature Review
• Development of a Proposal
• Formation of Committee
• Discussion of Proposal with Committee
• Submission of Final Proposal

The tasks to be completed during CS499b and CS499c vary with the type of capstone. However, in almost all cases, the bulk of the work is typically completed during the second semester (when students are registered for CS499b), with the writing and final touches completed during the third semester (when students are registered for CS499c). Final deliverables are due at the Honors College long before the end of the semester, so it is important to not leave too many tasks until the third semester.

department/honors_capstone/start.txt · Last modified: 2023/08/16 11:41 by bernstdh

COB 300H: Honors

Creating a plan.

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Have a Question? Ask Me!

Never tackled a big project like this before? Sage Research Methods is a JMU database that can help.

Review some samples from past JMU honors students

• JMU Scholarly Commons: Honors College This link will let you browse the thesis projects submitted by previous Honors students.

What are people writing about in your subject area?

Dr. Connolly mentioned looking at recent issues of the top journals in your major to get ideas for what topic to investigate in your thesis or capstone.

• How to: Finding influential journals in Scopus This handout was created by the University of Sheffield. You must access JMU's subscription to Scopus using the link below.
• Next: Searching effectively >>
• Last Updated: Mar 3, 2024 6:33 PM
• URL: https://guides.lib.jmu.edu/cob300h

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2024 ISAT and Geography Senior Capstone Presentations

2024 intelligence analysis capstone presentations.

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Throughout the didactic portion of the curriculum, students will be guided towards the goal of completing a capstone project. The project begins to take shape in   PA 551 Medical Biostatistics ; where an emphasis is placed on bio-statistical concepts and literature search/analysis. The project continues to develop in   PA 653 Research Design & Implementation ; where students are paired together and choose a clinical question of interest.  They also formally outline and propose the concepts for their project that will ultimately result in a systematic review.  The students devise a strategy to identify appropriate literature searches, read and review the literature, and synthesize data/information. Finally, in   PA 654 Capstone Project ; students present conclusions and make recommendations in the form of a paper suitable for publication and a poster presentation. The posters are displayed and presented for JMU faculty and students. The capstone project is completed prior to students leaving for their supervised clinical experiences.

Visit JMU Scholarly Commons to take a look at  PA student capstone projects  from previous years.

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IA 450. Capstone Project in Intelligence Analysis

Home > Honors College > HONORS201019

Submission Guidelines for Senior Honors Projects, 2010-2019

Honors capstone project submission guidelines.

The Honors College requires the submissions of capstone projects electronically. Here is what to expect in the submission process. The more you have prepared properly before entering the submission site, the easier your submission will be.

• You will be asked to create a login using your full JMU email address, not eID
• Authors are encouraged to submit their primary document as a PDF document whenever possible. If you do not intend to publish your project on JMU Scholarly Commons, your primary document should consist of only your title/signature page.
• You will be asked to accept the licensing agreement related to electronic publishing and archiving of your document(s). This is a non-exclusive distribution license that allows authors to retain full copyright over their work.
• You will be asked to select from the following document availability options: no restriction, available after one year, or available after two years. You must be granted permission in advance from your Senior Project Advisor AND the Honors College with a compelling reason for an embargo. Do not select this option without advance permission. If you are submitting a title/signature page only, select "no restriction." Contact the repository administrator at [email protected] for individualized assistance.
• You will be asked to list the title of your document(s) as it appears on the title page of your document(s).
• You will need to select your academic department or school.
• You will be asked to provide keywords for your work.
• You will be asked to insert your abstract.
• You may insert any additional information that you think may be necessary.
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The Honors Capstone Project

Graduating seniors in the JCU Honors Program must demonstrate either depth or breadth of scholarship as the culminating experience of their academic program.

JCU Honors Senior Experience Expectations: Depth or Breadth of Scholarship

Graduating seniors in the JCU Honors Program are expected to demonstrate either depth or breadth of scholarship as the culminating experience of their academic program. Depth is demonstrated by completion of a capstone project in their major field. Students may demonstrate breadth of scholarship by double majoring or minoring in a field distinct from their first major area. For example, a student could major in Biology and minor/double major in Peace, Justice and Human Rights and satisfy the breadth expectation.  A Biology major who double majored or minored in Chemistry or Computer Science would not do so. Students who take the breadth track may opt out of the senior capstone experience (HP 349 and HP 450) by submitting an academic petition.

Students who opt for the Honors Capstone may choose from four tracks:

• Research: This broad category includes all kinds of conventional research and its dissemination, including but not limited to: lab work; historical research; literary studies; human subject research; lesson plans; software development; data analysis.
• Performance: This category includes, but is not limited to, creative work like fiction writing; poetry; stage performance/writing; screenplays; game development; musical performance.
• Service: For students who are engaged in a sustained community service experience.
• Applied experiences: For students involved in internships, workplace, or other “real world” settings.

The following expectations apply to all four tracks:

• All capstone students must work with a JCU faculty member as an adviser with whom they collaborate in the development of their capstone project.  This adviser may be the instructor in a departmental capstone course, or it might be an independent study or internship supervisor. If a major capstone class does not include a significant research component, a student should enroll in HP 450 and recruit a faculty member to supervise an independent research project. The current expectation for a second reader should be eliminated.
• Registration in HP 349 (Honors Capstone: Project Development) during the junior year or first semester of the senior year.
• Registration in HP 450 (Honors Capstone) or in an appropriate capstone course or independent study in their major department during their senior year.
• A written component that is appropriate to the project’s track. It must include an academic background analysis, including a literature review and a critical reflection on the experience.
• Public presentation of the results of the experience at the spring Celebration of Scholarship or other appropriate venue, like an undergraduate research conference or YouTube video (in disseminating a performance, for example).
• Submission of the final project including your signature and that of your primary advisor and the director of the honors program, and submission of the project into Carroll Collected via the Carroll Collected Submission Form (it’s the same form for both). Send completed projects to [email protected].

Capstone advisers may nominate an advisee for recognition with an Outstanding Senior Honors award. The honors faculty committee will choose up to five students to receive a $1500 award at the end of the academic year. To receive consideration, projects must go beyond expectations for major capstone classes and should demonstrate exceptional ambition, skill, and creativity.

Purdue ECE honors outstanding students at 2024 Undergrad Excellence Awards - Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering - Purdue University

Purdue ECE honors outstanding students at 2024 Undergrad Excellence Awards

Purdue University’s Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering is recognizing the efforts of undergraduate students who help out in all facets of departmental life, with annual ECE Undergrad Excellence Awards. These students help with classes as undergraduate teaching assistants (UTAs), are integral parts of research groups, embark on incredible design projects, and perform all manner of service to the department through student societies and other volunteer groups.

Dave & Marsha Meyer Undergraduate Teaching Awards

UTAs are a vital component of the teaching mission at Purdue. ECE has roughly 300 undergraduates who help out in classes as teaching assistants. They hold office hours, help design and grade assignments, and generally keep our classes running smoothly. The Dave & Marsha Meyer Undergraduate Teaching Awards recognize the top UTAs each semester who demonstrate exemplary performance and go above and beyond in their pursuit of excellence.

Sreevickrant "Vickrant" Sreekanth: For taking a lead role as UTA for ECE 46100 in redesigning and porting the project autograder from Java to Python.

Zoe Drechsler: For taking on time-sensitive responsibilities above and beyond the UTA role in ECE 20001.

Arpita Rattan: For leadership in the TA training program and for mentoring junior UTAs in ECE 20007.

Yashar Nishaburi: For helping students above and beyond the regular office hours, and for being among the most appreciated UTAs as measured in the performance surveys.

Mihir Bhandarkar: For his proactive initiative in motivating students to take on mini-projects in ECE 36200 and for providing design review support to the project teams.

Justin Hatter: For his exceptional dedication in answering student questions on Piazza, his proactive involvement in lecture assignments, and his excellent execution of lab TA responsibilities.

UTA Honorable Mentions

Jacob Michael Chappell: For his dedication to helping students in ECE 33700 and contributing to the course development effort to improve the students' ASIC design experience.

Elizabeth Grace Riegle: For her initiative in developing team quizzes as part of ECE 20001 active learning exercises and for her effort above and beyond the normal UTA responsibilities.

Undergraduate Research Awards

Purdue ECE runs the largest research program of any School at Purdue, and undergraduates play key roles in our research agenda. These students design and run experiments, write papers, present results, and support our top 10-nationwide program. The Undergraduate Research Awards recognize the top undergraduate researchers, as measured by drive and accomplishment.

Adam Piaseczny: For his work on evaluating the impact of adversarial node placement in decentralized federated learning networks

Kyle Robinson: For his work on preventing supply chain vulnerabilities in Java.

URA Honorable Mentions

Shubham Saluja Kumar Agarwal: For his work on the design of a high precision frequency counter as part of a battery sensing system.

Zachary Au: For his work towards enabling simulation of large-scale multi-robot teams in dynamic missions and environments. 

Undergraduate Service Award

Through organizations such as the ECE Student Society and HKN, Purdue undergraduates provide camaraderie, advice, tutoring, mentoring, and coffee and donuts to the ECE community. The Undergraduate Service Award recognizes students who have performed extraordinary service to the School over the year.

Aidan Prendergast: For his years of service to ECE by serving as an ECE Ambassador, Undergraduate TA for ECE 33700 and the STARS summer program, and for always doing far more than is ever expected.

Senior Design Awards

Senior Design is a required capstone experience which allows students to apply the knowledge they have gained from their ECE courses to a semester or year-long project. Through this project, students gain hands-on experience, enhance their written and oral technical communication skills, and develop their team work abilities. The Senior Design Awards recognize teams that achieved excellence with their projects.

Atlas Sentinel: Ben Taylor, Adi Bhatnagar, Faaiz Memon, and Ali Shah

For their design and implementation of a single-properller drone which substitutes expensive mechanical components with sophisticated control algorithms.

Magnetohydrodynamic Watercraft: Joshua Hanback, Gergo Petruska, Michael Ferconio, and Lance Li

For their design and implementation of a remote-controlled cargo ship with an innovative magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) propulsion system.

Smart Air Hockey Table: Alan A. Chung Ma, William V. Dobert, Trevor A. Moorman, and Benjamin C. Owen

For their design of a smart air hockey table with a matrix of RGB LEDs under the playing surface that react to the position of the puck and pushers.

Hardware Emulated NES: Antonio P. Butera. Grant A. Daniel, Aidan Prendergast, and Eric Rodenkirch

For their design and implementation of a FPGA-based hardware emulation of the original NES platform, released by Nintendo to US markets in 1985. 

Software: Pranav Chintareddy and Brock Jacob Holman

For their design and implementation of a single-shot (low cost) AI-based image generation service

Photos from the 2024 Undergrad Excellence Awards can be found here .

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2024 Honors & Awards Ceremony

Welcome to the 2024 Honors & Awards Ceremony page. Awardees will be listed under their award category. Congrats to all of our winners!

Here are pictures from the event.