GradEX – taking technology to another dimension

EXCITING innovations using the latest technology are to be showcased at Staffordshire University later this week as part of an annual exhibition of student work.

GradEX 2010 is taking place at the Stafford campus on Friday April 30 and features the final year projects of more than 200 students from the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Technology.

These range from working robots, solar powered water pumps for use in the desert and concepts for collapsible seating for aircraft during humanitarian operations.

David Meredith , 21, from Rocester has developed a prototype bike lock which triggers an alarm and flashing light when the cable is broken and also incorporates GPS tracking technology.

The BSc(Hons) Product Design Technology student said: “I have quite a few friends who have had bikes stolen and my research found that bike locks generally have only one line of defence.

“This has several including GPS which is sent through to the owner’s phone to alert them when their bike is moved and to enable them to track it.”

David has now been accepted to do a Masters degree in Project Management. He said: “The degree has given me a unique perspective on problem solving and will hopefully enable me to manage future design projects for a career.”

Students from film, music and computer games technology will also be looking to impress a range of employers and industry professionals who will judge their work and award prizes in a number of categories.

BSc(Hons) Film Production Technology student John Northam went where few students have gone before in attempting to make his own short ‘Star Trek’ style film - involving large–scale set construction, costuming, scriptwriting, filming and six months post-production.

“I was looking for something to impress the tutors and took a chance.” said John. “What I found was that it couldn’t be done within the timescale and although I have something to show at GradEx it not in its finished form - it’s something I’m carrying on with now!”

“I loved it – even though I was doing 16 to 20 hour days, seven days a week. I’m now trying to find a job and hope GradEX is something that can help towards that.”

Meanwhile Kate Powis, 21, experimented with a new generation of 3D film-making for her final year project which will also be screened.

The Film Production Technology student added: “I was interested in learning about the different techniques using polarised filters and I made three short films; a short dance piece; one of tennis players and I got the chance to go down to a company in London and used their equipment to film a magician in close-up.”

Dean of the Faculty, Professor Mike Goodwin said: “We are very proud of our students and the acclaim that their work attracts as they regularly win prizes at regional and national events.

“GradEX is an opportunity to explain their work to others and plays an important role in developing our graduates. It’s also an opportunity for employers to speak to graduates on a more personal basis and this frequently leads to job offers.”

Members of the public are invited to attend GradEX which is being opened by Staffordshire University Vice-Chancellor Professor Christine King at 9.30am in the Television Studio.