Conference Session

Engineering Education Issues Relevant to Agricultural, Biological and Ecological Engineering: Part 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Trisha Moore, Kansas State University; James Randall Etheridge; Glenn Thomas Dale; Sara Winnike McMillan, Iowa State University of Science and Technology; Niroj Aryal; David Austin; Theresa Thompson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

, sustainability, resilience, the role ofhumans in ecosystems, and system-scale impacts and benefits to both humans and environment.The theoretical basis of ecological engineering is largely credited to Howard T. Odum, a systemsecologist who, in the early 1960s, began publishing his ideas on applications of ecosystem scienceto design systems that do useful work for people while at the same time benefiting the environmentunder the name of “ecological engineering” [1, 2]. The definition and practice of ecologicalengineering have since expanded to encompass a variety of systems that benefit people and naturalsystems, including constructed marshes to regulate water quantity and quality while providinghabitat functions, biologically diverse and hydraulically

Conference Session

Engineering Education Issues Relevant to Agricultural, Biological and Ecological Engineering: Part 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Deepak R Keshwani, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Jennifer Keshwani, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Logan Ryan Newman, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Rachel Ibach, University of Nebraska - Lincoln; Taryn King, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

conceptualized from a longitudinal study of a scholar’s program atthree different universities in the state of Nebraska. A department faculty member was part of amulti-year institutional professional learning community (PLC) that explored the scale-up andscale-out of this model. Based on their experience from the PLC, this model was used in thedevelopment of the department’s overall student services ethos and in the specificimplementation of two initiatives: 1) hybrid advising/mentoring model, and 2) peer-mentoringprogram. This practice paper provides an overview of the ecological validation model andpresents our approach to implementing these initiatives. We also reflect on challenges and futureopportunities including long-term sustainability and

Conference Session

Engineering Education Issues Relevant to Agricultural, Biological and Ecological Engineering: Part 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hector Palala, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Amy Millmier Schmidt, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Mara Zelt, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Bethany Zelt, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Andrew Stiven Ortiz Balsero, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Maria Jose Oviedo Ventura, Cornell University

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

highlights the curriculum's adaptability to various educational contexts and forstudents with diverse backgrounds and educational needs. However, challenges such as ensuringclarity of complex concepts and evaluating long-term behavioral change are acknowledged.Continuous refinement, based on stakeholder feedback, is essential for long-term success. Thestudy underscores the curriculum's role as a catalyst for change in combating antimicrobialresistance, emphasizing the importance of embedding sustainability planning and adopting adynamic, evidence-based approach for maximizing student engagement and impact.IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to global health, necessitating creativesolutions to lessen its effects [1]. In

Conference Session

Engineering Education Issues Relevant to Agricultural, Biological and Ecological Engineering: Part 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Niroj Aryal, North Carolina A&T State University; Scott Osborn, University of Arkansas

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

solutions, EES1.0 IntroductionEcological Engineering is relatively new field that has rapidly developed over the past 20 years.It applies fundamental knowledge gained in ecological science into engineering practice toperform a two-fold function: i) to restore already degraded ecosystems and ii) to design newecosystems to provide ecological services and support sustainability [1], [2]. As fossil fuel-basedenergy sources deplete, environmental problems increase and the need for nature’s ecosystemservices increases. Ecological engineering is the key to solving these pollution issues, reduceresource problems, assist recovery from disturbance, and benefit humankind without destroyingecosystems [2]. Ecological engineering finds a “generic approach that

Conference Session

Engineering education issues relevant to agricultural, biological and ecological engineering-Part 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Cody Prince, East Tennessee State University; PAMELA MIMS, East Tennessee State University; Aruna Kilaru, East Tennessee State University; Eric Jorgenson, East Tennessee State University

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

National Science Foundation are incentivizing thedevelopment of research, industry, and training across the country [1, 2, 3]. In this work, wepresent an initial work-in-progress report and solicit feedback on our efforts at East TennesseeState University (ETSU) to develop a responsive program in bioengineering andbiomanufacturing within the Appalachian Highlands region of south-central Appalachia. Ourwork so far has been motivated by a confluence of timing, opportunity, and a desire to movebeyond the past socioeconomic factors that have weighed on this region. To that end, this projecthas elements affecting regional secondary education, workforce training, post-secondaryeducation, and research and development. The major component of our current

Conference Session

Engineering education issues relevant to agricultural, biological and ecological engineering-Part 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Logan Andrew Perry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

systems engineering students regardingtheir perceptions of transfer between fundamental coursework and more advanced engineeringcourses. The potential implications of this paper include providing valuable insights into theeffectiveness of current educational approaches in facilitating the transfer of learning fromfundamental coursework to advanced engineering courses, thereby informing strategies toenhance the learning experience for biological systems engineering students.IntroductionTransfer, or the application of knowledge from one environment to another, is a critical elementof engineering education, as engineers must effectively recall and apply requisite knowledge tosolve problems in higher-level courses and their future careers [1

Conference Session

Strategies and/or Approaches to Engage Students in Agricultural, Biological, or Similarly Named Programs

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lucie Guertault, North Carolina State University

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

students andprofessionals [1], [2], [3]. Learning to program is difficult, and undergraduate engineeringstudents are required to learn it regardless of their initial interest and motivation for it. Theytraditionally take their programming course in the computer science department, a course thatgenerally delivers to a mixed audience of multiple majors and relies on generic problems for theapplication of coding skills.Research suggests that motivation plays a key role in student success in programming courses[4], [5]. Interest in the content and activities, and relevance or usefulness, i.e. the content isuseful for students’ short or long term goals, are among the factors that contribute to academicmotivation [6], [7]. Students perform better in

Conference Session

Strategies and/or Approaches to Engage Students in Agricultural, Biological, or Similarly Named Programs

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Merton Stwalley III P.E., Purdue University ; Roger L. Tormoehlen, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

stimulating curricular content for highschool agriculture teachers, emphasizing the modern, technology-infused components of theindustry and resulting in a series of Agriculture-based STEM lessons. The background andglobal objectives of the researchers were covered previously [1], but in summary, it was hopedthat some stimulating technology lessons provided during the career formative years of highschool might convince more students to select an agricultural vocation as being leading edge andworthy of consideration as a potential career option. The current employment plight withinagriculture is severe and contains a double-edged sword [2]. Jobs in the agricultural world areperceived as low class and menial, but the technological knowledge necessary

Conference Session

Engineering education issues relevant to agricultural, biological and ecological engineering-Part 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hannah Abedoh, Morgan State University; Pelumi Olaitan Abiodun, Morgan State University; Oludare Adegbola Owolabi P.E., Morgan State University; Blessing Isoyiza ADEIKA, Morgan State University; Adedayo Ariyibi, Morgan State University

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

, andcollaborative learning. Owolabi et al [1] described experimental-centric pedagogy as aninstructional approach emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning to enhance studentengagement and understanding. It involves active participation in experiments, problem-solving,and real-world applications, aiming to foster critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills. Thisis one of the emerging active learning strategies that have received national and internationalrecognition for its impact on learner’s motivation, self-efficacy, and cognitive development [2],[3], [4].Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education requires a deep understanding of thephysical and natural aspects of existence, living organisms, and intricate biological processes

Conference Session

Strategies and/or Approaches to Engage Students in Agricultural, Biological, or Similarly Named Programs

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Madhumi Mitra Ph.D., University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Jesu Raj Pandya, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

address those needs. Some of the initiatives like community-led urban farming projects, training programs, or cooperative models that empower and benefit thecommunity are taken into consideration to enhance such collaborations with the community atlarge.1.Introduction1A. Sustainable Robotic AgricultureThe global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, placing immense pressure on foodproduction systems1. Concurrently, environmental concerns such as climate change, soildegradation, and water scarcity pose significant challenges to traditional farming methods. Roboticagriculture offers a promising solution by leveraging technology to enhance efficiency,productivity, and sustainability in food production. Robotic agriculture encompasses

Conference Session

Engineering education issues relevant to agricultural, biological and ecological engineering-Part 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hector Palala, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Heydi Han, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Juan Carlos Ramos Tanchez, Cornell University; Boanerges Elias Bamaca, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

' native and secondary languages to boost their grasp of scientific ideas.Research [1] confirms that this approach enhances students' scientific understanding. To foster asupportive teaching environment, a workshop was recently held for teaching assistants, whichHan et al. [2] found effective in building community and attracting international students seekingto improve their teaching skills. In the work by Pierson [3] the concept of translanguaging iselucidated as a dynamic process where individuals leverage diverse languages and modes for thepurposes of meaning-making and expression, particularly within the context of bilingual andEnglish-dominant STEM classrooms. This process is posited to facilitate learning by allowingfor a more inclusive and

Conference Session

Strategies and/or Approaches to Engage Students in Agricultural, Biological, or Similarly Named Programs

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Maryam Bigonah, Auburn University; Fatemeh Jamshidi, Auburn University; Aparana Pant, Auburn University; Daniela Marghitu, Auburn University

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

Microsoft Fuse Research award, the 2015 DO-IT Trailblazeraward, the 2017 International Academy, Research, and Industry Association Fellowship, the 2017 Societyfor Design and Process Science Fellowship, and the 2019 Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 100+Women Strong Leadership in Diversity Faculty Award. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2024 Work in Progress: Grace Platform: Enhancing Pedagogy with Gamified AR and VR in Agriculture EducationAbstractControlled environmental agriculture (CEA) is often referred to as a sustainable food supplysolution and the future of food [1]. This approach is particularly important in the face ofglobal challenges such as climate change, population growth