Automated Feed Bin Gate Design

Reflection

            When I entered the BSEN 4310 Senior Design class, I was very nervous. I had never taken on a major project of such magnitude before and I did not know what to expect. I had also heard stories from alumni that made me very nervous about the class. However, my experience in the class has been very beneficial and has also been very helpful for me. I have learned many skills including how to proficiently use Autodesk Inventor, how to develop cost estimates, and how to create professional engineering presentations. All of these components of our project can be seen throughout our site. I have also greatly improved my skills as a speaker and technical writer. This class required almost weekly informal presentations of the development of our project and also required formal presentations to our clients, professors, and other professionals. Presentations of this magnitude have always been difficult for me because I have never been an excellent public speaker but this project has allowed me to further my skills in that aspect of my education as well. One major aspect of this project has been much more prevalent than I had ever imagined and I am extremely grateful for it. I never thought about how involved the design process was and I have learned that it is a major undertaking. When Trey, Holly and I took this project I immediately had an idea for the design and I thought it would be perfect. We are now on our fifth design idea. Being a part of the development of this project has greatly prepared me for my professional career.

 

Personal Interest

One thing my parents instilled into me that has stuck with me more than anything else is a hard work ethic. They taught me from a very young age that I must work for what I get and I should never expect to have anything handed to me. This has served me well in all areas of my life, including sports, schoolwork, and the various jobs I have had over the years. One area of my life that specifically required a special level of hard work was my time working at Journey’s End Farm in Hawkinsville, Georgia. During my time there I was exposed to the rigors of the poultry industry and I experienced firsthand how difficult the job of a broiler breeder is. When I saw the automated feed bin gate project as an option for senior design, I immediately knew it was the project I wanted to take on. The amount of time and effort it can save farmers everywhere is invaluable. If farmers did not have to worry about checking feed levels on a regular basis, they could focus their time and efforts on another aspect of the farm. This project can have a major impact on the poultry industry worldwide and the opportunity to be a part of this development was a major factor in my deciding to take on this project.

 

Moving Forward

            Moving forward, I am excited about the opportunities I will have for taking on new projects. I have truly enjoyed my experience in this class and I have enjoyed working with Trey and Holly. I believe I am a much better team member now than I was when we started this project and I know this skill will help me tremendously in my professional career. I have also learned that having people on your team who look at a project from a different point of view is an invaluable asset. Holly, Trey, and Dr. Davis, our faculty advisor, have all been very easy to work with and I am very pleased with our progress. Going forward in my career I look forward to working with more teams on design projects and I hope the teams of the future will be as productive as this team has been.