A display from last year’s showcase.

A smart app that alerts the deaf and hard of hearing when an alarm or siren goes off. A device that helps those who have problems with their hands grip objects better. An automated automotive lift system that is inexpensive and easy to use by hobbyists. A design for a small observation drone.

These concepts and more will be on display next week at the fourth annual Senior Design Project Showcase hosted by California State University, Northridge’s College of Engineering and Computer Science. The event is scheduled to take place from 1 to 5 p.m. on April 19 in the Northridge Center of the University Student Union on the east side of the campus at 18111 Nordhoff St. in Northridge.

The showcase features the culminating design projects of graduating seniors in the college’s five departments—civil engineering and construction management, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, manufacturing system engineering and management and mechanical engineering.

“The breadth, creativity and expertise of the college’s seniors will be on full display at the showcase,” said S.K. Ramesh, dean of the college. “Our students continue to garner accolades and recognition for their accomplishments at regional and national competitions. On this day, they get to show off their work, allowing them to demonstrate the knowledge, skills and abilities they will bring to the industry.”

Ramesh noted that dozens of industry professionals attend the event to serve as judges for the showcase, and get a preview of the work of some of their future employees.

“They are invariably impressed with the quality of our student projects and our outstanding academic programs,” he said.

The showcase is free and open to the public. For more information about the showcase, visit its website at www.ecs.csun.edu/ecs/sdps.

Industry sponsors for the 2013 event include Anheuser-Busch, Boston Scientific, Canoga Perkins, Northrop Grumman, Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne and Verizon.

CSUN’s College of Engineering and Computer Science is home to over 3,300 students and 60 full-time faculty members, with 11 new faculty members who have joined the college in the past couple of years. In 2011 the college was awarded a US Department of Education five year, $ 5.5 million grant to support and graduate under-represented minorities in engineering and computer science. The college offers Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accredited undergraduate programs in civil engineering, computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering, manufacturing systems engineering and mechanical engineering. The construction management program is accredited by the American Council for Construction Education. The college also offers several contemporary master’s degree programs that are designed to meet emerging workforce needs. Graduates from the college’s programs serve in leadership positions in industry, government and academia.

College of Engineering and Computer Science, Students