Conference Session

Track 4: Technical Session 5: Impact of Generative AI Technologies on Blind and Visually Impaired Students: A Case Study

Collection

2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)

Authors

Lance Leon Allen White, Texas A&M University; Sara Amani, Texas A&M University; Trini Sofia Balart, Texas A&M University; Amanda Kate Lacy; Gene Sung-Ho Kim, Stanford University; Gibin Raju, Texas A&M University; Karan Watson P.E., Texas A&M University; Kristi J. Shryock, Texas A&M University

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2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity

of Blind and Visually Impaired Students and the Impact of Generative AI: A NarrativeAbstractThe advent of Generative AI (GenAI) in our society has taken root so deeply that simple Googlesearches invoke a GenAI response attempting to synthesize a simplified summary for a user.Incidentally, these GenAI systems like ChatGPT from OpenAI, LLaMA from Meta, Geminifrom Google, and Copilot from Microsoft are all largely text-based large language modelsproviding an increased level of access to people who use screen reading technology to interactwith personal computing systems. This study investigates the impact of GenAI on accessibilityfor blind and visually impaired students, focusing on the experiences of two computing

Conference Session

Track 3: Technical Session 1: Bridging Educational Equity Gaps: A Systematic Review of AI-Driven Tools for Students Living with Disabilities in Engineering and STEM Education

Collection

2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)

Authors

Kevin Zhongyang Shao, University of Washington; Denise Wilson, University of Washington; Eric Kyeong-Min Cho, University of Washington; Sophia Tang, University of Washington; Hanlin Ma, University of Washington; Sep Makhsous, University of Washington

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2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity

intersecting factors on theaccessibility of educational resources, opportunities, accommodations, and support systems.In recent years, the pursuit of educational equity has increasingly intersected with advancementsin technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI). Just as earlier legal and policy reformssought to address the systemic barriers faced by marginalized groups, technological innovationsare opening new pathways to equitable education. A pivotal moment in AI research occurred inMarch 2016, when AlphaGo defeated the world chess champion, capturing global attention andsparking global interest across numerous fields. In education, AI-driven tools have similarlyushered in a new era, with tools like ChatGPT. Introduced in November 2022

Conference Session

Track 5: Technical Session 6: Advancing Accessibility: Leveraging Technology to Empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in STEM Higher Education

Collection

2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)

Authors

Sunday David Ubur, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Sarah Over, Virginia Tech; Denis Gracanin, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; C. Cozette Comer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity

precision in controlled environments, focusing on improving model accuracy.However, the emphasis on machine learning also reflects a broader gap in addressing otheraccessibility challenges, particularly in contexts where communication is not the only barrier.Large Language Models (LLMs) such as ChatGPT and chat bots are other technology that couldbe explored to enhance communication accessibility for the hearing impaired [56], however thelack of tested application of LLMs to address accessibility for the hearing impaired may be, atleast in part, explained by how recently LLMs became available to the public.Limited Focus on Classroom AccessibilityDespite the wide range of technology explored, there is a noticeable dearth of studies aimedspecifically

Conference Session

CANCELLED: Track 6: Technical Session 1: A Student-Centered, Theory-Informed, Integrated Model to Academic and Career Advising to Educate the Whole Engineer: Transforming Engineering Education and Broadening Participation in Engineering is Possible!

Collection

2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)

Authors

Olga Pierrakos, Wake Forest University; Melissa C Kenny, Wake Forest University

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2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity

content generated from ChatGPT 4.0 (Sept. 2, 2024)and edited by the lead author, are showcased in Figure 2. We do not suggest that this is anexhaustive list of higher education career advising models, but this information offers somerelevant insights upon which to understand and consider different approaches to career advising. Figure 2: Some of the career advising models we see across higher education. This is not an exhaustive list or representation. Many existing career advising models combine elements and features from various of these models.III. THEORETICAL FRAMEWORKS GUIDING WHOLE STUDENT DEVELOPMENTAs an engineering education researcher, the lead author (Pierrakos) has been an NSF-fundedprincipal investigator

Conference Session

CANCELLED: Track 5: Technical Session 5: Hiring Practices to Build a Diverse Team at Wakr Forest Engineering: Transforming Engineering Education and Broadening Participation in Engineering is Possible!

Collection

2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)

Authors

Olga Pierrakos, Wake Forest University

Tagged Topics

2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity

education faces, and manyorganizations face, in recruiting diverse talent is also known. According to ChatGPT 4.0(September 2, 2024) and edited to be represented in a figure format (Figure 1), we highlight justsome of the challenges that hinder organizations from building diverse teams. Some of thesechallenges that hinder higher education and hinder engineering education too include: • Biases in Recruitment Processes • Biased Institutional Barriers and Practices • Misalignment of Goals and Practices • Resistance to Change • Company Culture and Lack of Inclusivity • Resource Constraints to Implement Effective Strategies • Lack of Diversity