Project Details

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AI-Powered Penn State Engineering Engagement Navigator

Company: PSU Learning Factory

Major(s):
Primary: CMPSC

Non-Disclosure Agreement: NO

Intellectual Property: NO

Companies and external organizations interested in working with Penn State's College of Engineering often have difficulty identifying the right person or office to contact. Whether they want to recruit students, sponsor capstone projects, conduct research, collaborate with faculty, engage with student organizations, or support events, Penn State's large and complex organizational structure can make finding the right connection challenging. This challenge is especially relevant as the College of Engineering's Senior Director of Corporate Engagement transitions out of the university, potentially creating an additional barrier for external groups seeking to engage with the College. We envision a student capstone team developing an AI-powered tool that helps external organizations navigate Penn State Engineering and identify the most relevant contacts, departments, faculty, student organizations, and programs based on their goals. The project could involve building a searchable knowledge base of College of Engineering departments, faculty research areas, student organizations, academic programs, capstone opportunities, research centers, and other resources. An AI-powered interface would allow users to describe what they are trying to accomplish and receive recommendations for relevant Penn State contacts and resources. For example, a company could ask: "We are interested in recruiting computer engineering students, sponsoring an AI-focused capstone project, and connecting with faculty conducting research in autonomous systems. Who should we talk to?" The tool could recommend relevant contacts, departments, faculty, programs, and next steps. Potential Capstone Deliverables: • Develop a structured database or knowledge base of relevant Penn State Engineering contacts and resources. • Create an AI-powered natural-language interface for external organizations. • Develop an AI recommendation system to identify relevant contacts and engagement opportunities. • Build a prototype web-based interface. • Develop a process for keeping information current as contacts and organizational structures change. • Test the system using real-world external engagement scenarios. The goal is to create a "front door" for companies and external organizations seeking to connect with Penn State Engineering—making it easier to find the right people and opportunities while helping the College facilitate external engagement more effectively.