Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Tina Johnson Cartwright, Marshall University; Julie Lynn Snyder-Yuly, Marshall University; Wook-sung Yoo, Marshall University; Husnu Saner Narman, Marshall University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Paper ID #49763Mindset Matters: Exploring Grit and Attitudes in Engineering and CS Undergradsin an NSF S-STEM funded programDr. Tina Johnson Cartwright, Marshall University Dr. Tina Cartwright is a professor of science education at Marshall University. She collaborates with colleagues across both the Colleges of Science and Engineering and Computer Science to support student success in STEM.Julie Lynn Snyder-Yuly, Marshall University Julie Snyder-Yuly, Associate Professor Department of Communication Studies, Marshall University (Ph.D. University of Utah, 2017). Dr. Snyder-Yuly’s research engages qualitative and

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Shuyu Wang, The Ohio State University; Rachel Louis Kajfez, The Ohio State University

multidisciplinary which includes using distinctexpertise from multiple disciplines to address a singular facet of a shared issue [6], [7]. Bruceet al. [8] emphasized that in multidisciplinary collaborations, research from individualdisciplines operate independently. Multidisciplinary work in engineering usually consists ofmembers from different engineering disciplines working on the same project [9], [10].Indeed, multidisciplinary work in engineering involves and integrates principles from variousengineering disciplines, such as mechanical, civil, and electrical, but the scope is still withinthe engineering field.InterdisciplinarityInterdisciplinary work entails the examination of an issue from multiple disciplinaryperspectives, which are then integrated

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

James Joseph Lynch, University of Detroit Mercy; Alexa Rihana Abdallah, University of Detroit Mercy

Paper ID #49610Development of Embedded Technical Writing in a Junior-level GeotechnicalEngineering Laboratory ClassDr. James Joseph Lynch, University of Detroit Mercy Dr. Lynch is an Associate Professor in the Department of Civil, Architectural, and Environmental Engineering. He teaches classes in geotechnical engineering, construction materials, and forensic engineering. His research interests include nondestructiveDr. Alexa Rihana Abdallah, University of Detroit Mercy Alexa Rihana Abdallah is a professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Detroit Mercy. She received her PhD in Environmental

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Baqer Aljabr, The University of Toledo; Mohammad Elahinia, The University of Toledo

Tagged Topics

Diversity

conducted by Balgopal, two teachers werehired through these networks who created an integrated STEM curriculum combined withgeometry with construction principles. The reform was driven by professional satisfaction, andwillingness to take risks and these factors empowered these teachers to pursue and sustain theefforts of reforms (Balgopal, 2020). However, the extent to which this influence appears varies because of the demographiccharacteristics of study participants and the structure of the education sector in the country. Thereexists a gap in the previously published research studies regarding longitudinal studies to find thelong-term impacts of automation, robots, and coding clubs on deciding careers in STEM fields.(Tran, 2018). Thus, to

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Romain Kazadi Tshikolu, University of Detroit Mercy; Alan S Hoback, University of Detroit Mercy

Tagged Topics

Diversity

can be taught using themost efficient pedagogy to reach expected outcomes.Step 4 - Integration of sub-systems: the groups meet regularly to exchange information so thatthe various aspects can be easily assembled. Steps 2 to 4 are done in loop until the initialspecifications are satisfied.Step 5 - An oral presentation with a real or virtual prototype system closes the project and a finalnote is given to each group.Benefits: students learn by themselves, they acquire research skills, they understand therequirements of working inside a small group but in coherence with the larger group, they faceearly in their study the obligation to design a system that works and they realize the necessity forengineers to efficiently communicate on what they

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Aiman S Kuzmar, Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia

Engaging Undergraduate Students in Solving Real Roadway Problems at the Campus of the Islamic University of MadinahAbstract:Undergraduate research is an excellent teaching tool in engineering education. Service learningis another beneficial educational technique in engineering. A brief introduction on bothundergraduate research and service learning is presented along with a summary of their benefits.This paper is on combining these two tactics in a senior highway engineering course in the civilengineering curriculum at the Islamic University of Madinah.The CE 3742 undergraduate Highway Engineering course at the Islamic University of Madinahhad a mandatory research component in its proceedings in the span of the past ten years

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Elin Jensen, Lawrence Technological University; Taylor Warstler; Donald D. Carpenter P.E., Lawrence Technological University; Alyssa Taube; Lynne Seymour

Tagged Topics

Diversity

engage in meaningful problem-solving whilegaining an appreciation for stormwater management. The overwhelmingly positive feedbackfrom students and teachers underscores the importance of such initiatives in addressingworkforce shortages in engineering fields. Future iterations of this activity could exploreextended formats to facilitate deeper discussions on trade-offs and calculations to enrich thelearning experience. This effort provides a transferable model for integrating real-worldengineering concepts into outreach activities, with the goal to bring awareness about engineeringcareers in water related job market.References1. https://money.usnews.com/careers/best-jobs/rankings/best-engineering-jobs Accessed 12.31.20242. https://www.bcg.com

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Ragavanantham Shanmugam, Fairmont State University; Madhan Gopal Perumal, The University of Texas at Dallas; Uma Maheswari Krishnamoorthy

Tagged Topics

Diversity

productive, as it fostersadaptability while ensuring structure. However, for undergraduate students transitioning from astructured K-12 system to an open academic setting, a structured pathway to student successbecomes essential. Without clear guidance, excessive freedom may lead to distractions,impacting learning and retention. By integrating flexible learning pathways, education canmaintain academic rigor while allowing adaptive approaches that support student success acrossvaried learning needs [4].Figure 1: Challenges in Conventional Education (Courtesy: National Center for Education Statistics -2022)The pie chart titled "Challenges in Conventional Education in the USA" illustrates four keyissues that impact traditional educational models: 1

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Elin Jensen, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

. The emphasis is on building the technical skills around understandingmaterial properties, and knowledge of how materials respond to various loads. At the same time,this subject offers an opportunity to introduce other practical project variables. This paper willdemonstrate an example of integrating concepts of environmental and economic sustainability inthe material selection process using Ashby diagrams (charts) [3]. Ashby charts are visual toolswhere variables are plotted against each other, such as strength versus density, to enable theengineer to weigh trade-offs between multiple variables. Further, when students use the Ashbycharts they practice the skills in making informed decisions based on data and projectrequirements.The activity

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Carmen Cioc, The University of Toledo; Sorin Cioc, The University of Toledo; Noela A. Haughton, The University of Toledo; William T. Evans PhD P.E., The University of Toledo

of open-ended lab experiences and contributes to thegrowing conversation on innovative engineering education strategies by demonstrating the valueof experiential learning approaches, particularly the integration of entrepreneurial mindsetlearning (EML) into laboratory experiences.Why open-ended labs?The decision to introduce open-ended labs into our curriculum was inspired by the insightsgained from the Summer 2024 Engineering Mechanics in Lab and Design workshop series,hosted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and supported by the Kern FamilyFoundation. During this workshop, we had the opportunity to explore in more depth the conceptof open-ended labs, engaging with experts and educators who have successfully implementedsuch

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Mark A. Palmer

Tagged Topics

Diversity

the clicker study where questions from the end-of-course evaluations did notreveal any apparent differences between the clicker and control classes2. The NSSE annualsurvey of freshmen and seniors asks students how often they have, for example, participated inprojects that required integrating ideas or information from various sources, used e-mail tocommunicate with an instructor, asked questions in class or contributed to class discussions,received prompt feedback from faculty on their academic performance, participated incommunity- based projects, or tutored or taught other students. The findings are used todetermine how successful a university is at engaging students4.Sometimes student feedback contradicts the results associated with

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Brian Krug, Grand Valley State University; Chirag Parikh, Grand Valley State University; Elora Mae Ferrie, Grand Valley State University

. IntroductionThe increased use of microcontroller systems in solving industrial control problems has led to ageneral acceptance of microcontroller knowledge in other areas of engineering such asmechanical and biomedical engineering. An area that has normally been reserved for electrical orcomputer engineers is now multidisciplinary [1], integrating digital electronics, communications,and computing with a variety of systems ranging from medical to biological. With these newenhancements, microcontroller-based teaching has evolved over the past few decades. Thesechanges range from project-based microcontroller teaching that emphasize real worldapplications to the introduction of new educational tools such as robot kits. This new approach toteaching about

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Punya A Basnayaka, Cuyahoga Community College, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Science

Tagged Topics

Diversity

sustainability and its incorporation into engineering curricula and engineeringdesign are of paramount importance across all engineering disciplines due to several factors,such as environmental protection, resource management, economic benefits, innovation/competitiveness, and social responsibility. Furthermore, with the increased focus onaccreditation criteria emphasizing engineering ethics and professional responsibilities across allfour ABET commissions, the topic of sustainability has been considered an essential addition tothe engineering technology curriculum. The engineering department at Cuyahoga CommunityCollege (Tri-C) initiated the process to determine how sustainability can be included in thecurriculum. The process was executed in the

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Trevor Joseph Bihl, Wright State University; Terry Lynn Oroszi, Wright State University; Subhashini Ganapathy, Wright State University; Jeffrey B. Travers, Wright State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

and associated projects are presented in Table6 as an example of what is possible. Intangible course outcomes include statements from PTXstudents that the new course was the “most valuable course they took” in their program.ConclusionsThe integration of design project-based learning, problem-solving, and peer review into graduate-level statistics education at Wright State University has provided a robust framework foraddressing traditional challenges in the field. Through these methods, students not only gainedtechnical proficiency in statistical tools and methods but also developed critical thinking,collaboration, and communication skills. Evaluation of these approaches showed promisingoutcomes, with increased student engagement and improved

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Ragavanantham Shanmugam, Fairmont State University; Madhan Gopal Perumal, The University of Texas at Dallas; Uma Maheswari Krishnamoorthy

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Paper ID #49762Structured Pathways for Student Success: A Strategic Approach to CourseOptimization and Academic ExcellenceDr. Ragavanantham Shanmugam, Fairmont State University Dr. Ragavanantham Shanmugam is working as Department Chair and Associate Professor of Engineering Technology at Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV. He has over 25 years’ experience in Engineering Higher Education and research and also an award-winning teacher and active engineer. His academic qualifications allow him to coordinate successful research activities, but his true talent is teaching all students by engaging them in STEM by

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

William T. Evans PhD P.E., The University of Toledo

robots and introduce them to the technician associated with the facility. The resultat the end of a semester was usually an impressive stacking or sorting program on one of theyellow Fanuc robots in this facility. The technician would introduce them to the Fanuc trainingmanual (from the Fanuc School series4 and they would achieve a commendable outcome in asingle semester. Impressive!Then, there were purchased a number of the yellow Fanuc robots by our institution and two ofour number (myself included) had training on these robots with the possibility of teaching acertified course on Fanuc. The other individual completed the certification and the courses(Robotics and Robotics with Vision) became staples in the curriculum. The local