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Seniors Derek Marston (Morristown, N.J.) and Peter Susi (Greensboro, N.C.) are conducting an intensive research project this semester that could improve computer networking and lead to the use of new equipment in Lafayette engineering classes.
Marston and Susi, who are working under the guidance of John Greco, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering, were inspired to conduct an independent study after taking Senior Design I last semester.
“This work gives Derek and Pete a chance to do an in-depth project and get hands-on experience,” explains Greco. “They are both very resourceful and independent. I have much confidence in them.”
Marston and Susi are creating a central hub that would improve the computer network used by several engineering classes.
“Our device will interface the students’ nodes and switch them in and out of the network so that one node that is not functional will not crash the entire network,” says Marston. “It will also be able to monitor network traffic and provide debugging information to the students trying to send data to it.”
As part of their project, the researchers are using a new microprocessor that has more memory and several additional hardware features. Greco may use this processor in the future, so the research will provide feedback on the device’s applicability.
Both Marston and Susi are grateful that Greco encouraged them to pursue an independent study. They agree that Greco is an exceptional professor who has a firm grasp of the subject matter and is able to relay his knowledge to students.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every class I’ve taken with Professor Greco,” says Marston. “He offers support and helps us debug problems when we get stumped. He provided the hardware and software needed to develop our device, and he stays in communication with the rest of the department.”
Marston believes the project will help in reaching his career goals.
“I hope to work with digital electronics in my career on projects similar to this one,” he says.
Susi appreciates Greco’s ability to strike a balance that allows him to work independently while offering guidance as needed.
“Dr. Greco has developed such an excellent working knowledge of these processors and their limitations and various functions,” he says. “He was heavily involved in the planning of the project and determining the goals we had for the semester. He has since stepped back to allow us to work independently.”
With an eye towards graduate school and a career in the field, Susi is confident that he has gained a great deal of knowledge that will be valuable in the future.
“Anywhere you go, people need to be able to sort out a new software or hardware package or be able to upgrade old models to new ones,” he says. “We’re moving directly upward from last semester’s project, and it’s not something you find a lot of in academia. You rarely pick up or expand an old project.
“This is real engineering. It’s not blackboard lecturing, and it’s not simplified down to make it easier to finish in one sitting or to grade. While the protocol is heavily simplified, the problems are real.”
Marston is epee captain of the fencing team and studies martial arts.
Susi is an epee member of the fencing team and a co-armourer. He also belongs to Institute of Electrical Engineers; Tau Beta Pi, the national engineering honor society; Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society; Society for Women Engineers; and Omicron Delta Epsilon, the national economics honor society.
Peter Susi ’03 did research on more efficient computer networking with John Greco, associate professor of electrical and computer engineering.