For Jim Huggins, associate professor of Computer Science in Kettering's Science and Mathematics Dept., the approval of two student thesis projects since the development of the program in 1999 is an honor to applaud and herald. But his applause grows even more loudly when a 2000 graduate from the program serves as a co-op adviser for a future graduate.

Entivity of Ann Arbor, Mich., is a software development firm that helps companies automate their material handling and manufacturing systems through state-of-the-art software products. Michael Schlueter of Wauseon, Ohio, a senior at Kettering University, is currently completing his thesis project titled "The Organization of Entivity Studio Projects." This is an endeavor that focuses on the creation of Entivity Explorer, a software tool that allows the company's quality assurance professionals to efficiently manage the firm's test projects. The use of this tool saves the company time in the quality assurance process, thus reducing the time necessary to test and release new software products.

Schlueter's co-op adviser at the firm is Bryan Bridges '00, who graduated from Kettering with a degree in Computer Science. As a co-op adviser, Bridges is able to convey his experience to Schlueter to help him negotiate the co-op experience and work toward producing a quality and applicable thesis project that could help their organization.

"It's fun working with Bryan and Jim Behm, who is my thesis adviser here at the company," Schlueter explained. "Both are always willing to answer questions and provide assistance whenever I need it."

In fact, Schlueter enjoys his work with Entivity, Bridges and Behm so much that he recently accepted an offer to work for the firm following his graduation this year. Schlueter's current duties include testing sections of software and eliminating any bugs he comes across.

Schlueter is quick to note, however, that the Kettering co-op experience, combined with the chance to work with a recent grad from the University who understands the pressures and desires for young professionals to succeed, makes him realize just how fortunate he is in both academic and professional terms.

"The co-op experience has been extremely helpful," he said. "It was a great opportunity to learn how the real world works and to get some important experience in the workplace."

For more on Kettering's co-op partner, Entivity, visit: http://www.entivity.com

Written by Gary Erwin
(810) 762-9538
gerwin@kettering.edu