Catalysts of Innovation: The Role of Mentors and Sponsors in Senior Design Projects by Jeff Hawks
Senior design projects often culminate years of academic learning, offering students a chance to apply their knowledge in solving real-world problems While the focus tends to rest on the students and their technical accomplishments, the influence of mentors and sponsors is often the unspoken driver behind a project's success.
As Jeff Hawks explains, mentors act as navigators in a landscape filled with uncertainty. They don’t just help with technical roadblocks; they challenge assumptions, guide decision-making, and foster critical thinking Whether they're faculty members or seasoned professionals, mentors bring clarity to confusion. Their presence helps students move from abstract ideas to actionable plans, often pushing the boundaries of creativity while ensuring feasibility
Mentors' guidance is not one-size-fits-all. Some may take a hands-on role, diving deep into the technical details, while others may act more like coaches, offering strategic direction and encouragement In either case, mentors create a support system that allows students to explore, fail, iterate, and grow all within a safe and constructive environment.
Sponsors, however, bring a sense of purpose and realism. They turn student projects into practical ventures by presenting real problems and supplying resources Knowing that a real organization is invested in its success encourages students to treat the project with