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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Sudipta Chowdhury, Marshall University; Ammar Alzarrad, Marshall University; Sungmin Youn, University of Texas at El Paso

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Paper ID #49561Evaluating the Impact of a Summer NSF REU Program on UndergraduateStudents’ STEM Career Aspirations and Educational Goals: A Case StudyDr. Sudipta Chowdhury, Marshall University Sudipta Chowdhury is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering in Marshall University. His area of research includes Critical Infrastructure Resilience, Disaster Restoration Planning, Supply Chain and Logistics, and formal and informal STEM Education. He has published over 20 peer-reviewed journal articles and multiple conference proceedings. He serves as a reviewer of multiple journals such

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

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

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Diversity

Paper ID #49481Impact of Automation, Robots, and Coding Clubs on the Career Choices ofMarginalized Students in STEM FieldsMr. Baqer Aljabr, The University of Toledo https://sites.google.com/view/baqeraljabr/home?authuser=2Mr. Mohammad Elahinia, The University of Toledo Mohammad Elahinia is Professor and Chair of Mechanical Industrial and Manufacgturing Engineering Department at the University of Toledo. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025Impact of Automation, Robots, and Coding Clubs on the Career Choices of Marginalized Students in STEM FieldsTable of Contents1

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Diane L Peters P.E., Kettering University

106 138 77% 2023 71 105 68% 2024 79 121 65%Inductive coding was used to analyze the questions students asked, and common questions andthemes were noted.FindingsFive categories of responses emerged from the coding. These categories are: • Questions about professor’s past industry experiences • Questions about professor’s current teaching career • Questions about professor’s general career and life pathway • Questions about the specific course and its operation • Questions about hobbies and personal interestsSome questions did not fit into any of these categories, and did not

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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

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Diversity

University where he teaches courses on ethics/professionalism and water resources. Dr. Carpenter has served as the University Director of Assessment and theAlyssa TaubeLynne Seymour ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Collaborative Outreach to Inspire Interest in Civil and Environmental Engineering Through Stormwater Design using Best Management PracticesAbstractThis paper presents an engaging activity developed for the outreach event Blue Planet Jobs:Careers in Water, hosted by the nonprofit organization Pure Oakland Water (POW).Approximately 250 high school students participating in career readiness programs exploredopportunities in various water

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Leslie Hopkinson, West Virginia University; Lynette Michaluk, West Virginia University; Lizzie Santiago, West Virginia University

-interactionsupport, iii) extra-curricular support, iv) peer-interaction support, v) professional developmentsupport, and vi) additional support. Lee et al. [3] then developed the STEM Student Perspectivesof Support Instrument (STEM-SPSI) to measure the perceptions of a student population inSTEM. The instrument includes twelve factors of student support (academic advising support,academic peer support, faculty support, STEM faculty connections, student affairs support, out-of-class engagement, STEM peer connections, general career development, cost-of-attendancesupport and planning, and diversity and inclusion).This work-in-progress paper describes the development of a survey to examine the connectionsbetween engineering identity and engineering student

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Susie Huggins, West Virginia University; Robin A.M. Hensel, West Virginia University; Manar Yamany, West Virginia University; Lizzie Santiago, West Virginia University; Akua B. Oppong-Anane, West Virginia University; Atheer Almasri, West Virginia University; Todd R Hamrick, West Virginia University; Carter Hulcher, West Virginia University

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Diversity

,” thisevent fosters student engagement and introduces first-year students to opportunities that broadentheir participation and enhance their academic success in engineering. By providing a platformfor student organizations to highlight their work and recruit new participants, EngineerFESTencourages peer learning and interdisciplinary interaction, enhancing the educational experience.Representatives from Career Services, Libraries, Study Abroad, and Student Services participateto inform students about available resources and networking opportunities. Additionally, studentsfrom varied backgrounds are made to feel welcomed and included, fostering a sense of belongingthrough the active participation of organizations such as the Society of Women Engineers

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Nathan Galinsky, West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Tagged Topics

Diversity

studentschoosing alternate paths by encouraging students to pursue STEM-focused careers andcoursework [5]. Most literature has shown that summer STEM camps have positive impacts onbolstering interest levels in STEM whether a student has had any predisposition towards STEMcareers or not [1], [5], [6], [7]. STEM summer camps also provide students with the opportunityto interact with their peers both socially and intellectually. The interactions on a universitycampus can give students an opportunity to experience what a college experience will be if theychoose to attend college post-high school. This makes the interactions with staff, faculty, collegestudent counselors, and others on campus important. All these interactions can build self-confidence and

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Rick Hill, University of Detroit Mercy; Vanessa Burrows, University of Detroit Mercy; Linda Slowik PhD

Tagged Topics

Diversity

impact practicesIntroductionAcademic support systems are being implemented in colleges and universities as a response tounderrepresentation of minorities in science, especially those requiring a graduate degree [1].Integrated enrichment programs have succeeded by increasing student’s sense of integration intoboth academic and social aspects of college life – namely, by providing communities forlearning, collaboration, and career development. Programs such as the Meyerhoff ScholarsProgram at University of Maryland, Baltimore County [2] [3] [4], the Howard Hughes MedicalInstitute’s (HHMI) Capstone Institutions [5], the Biology Scholars Program at University ofCalifornia, Davis [6], and the Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Yousef Sardahi, Marshall University; Asad Salem

theprinciples of science.Undergraduate research programs are particularly effective in enhancing critical thinking and com-munication skills. Students learn to think independently while carrying out research, to criticallyanalyze data, and to present results. In that way, students develop skills which are of great valueduring professional life 12 . Those projects which are carried out in cooperation with external part-ners, such as universities and employers enhance the communication and teamwork abilities ofstudents even more 11 .Such research-based education has a greater impact on the career desires and aspirations of thestudents. It is assessed that many students in the future will pursue a career in their field of studywhen they are working on

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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

now is planning toward my future and possible workplaces following graduation.” Thosein the fixed mindset were more likely to indicate they wanted more help with resume writing,finding internships, and other work related issues. These same students also dismissed theworkshops that created the next semester, which often addressed these same topics. Unlike thefixed mindset students, those with growth mindset indicated their challenges centered on findingbalance. One growth mindset student mentioned, “Maintaining a health stress level as I find theend of the semester very stressful with such a large amount of exams.” Those in the growthmindset rarely mentioned career oriented help, but were more interested in help in tutoring toincrease their

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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

moreefficient learning environment.2. Key Benefits of a Structured Course Pathway ModelReducing Advising Burden and Student ConfusionA clearly defined semester-wise course sequence minimizes dependence on faculty advisors forcourse selection. Faculty can focus on academic mentoring and career guidance rather thanscheduling logistics.Ensuring Timely Graduation and Student RetentionA structured roadmap prevents unnecessary course delays, prerequisite issues, and misalignedselections. Higher on-time graduation rates contribute to better student success metrics andinstitutional performance.Eliminating Prerequisite Complexities and Administrative BurdenManaging prerequisite approvals, overrides, and last-minute exceptions is a persistent challengethat

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Ernest David Cartwright Sr., Marshall University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Paper ID #49758Work in Progress: A two-way learning street: Near-peer college studentsenhance high school after-school STEM club opportunitiesMr. Ernest David Cartwright Sr., Marshall University As the oldest of four in a single-parent household near Dayton, Ohio, my upbringing instilled a deep sense of responsibility and resilience. Growing up, I developed a passion for math and science, which shaped my academic pursuits and guided my career path. I earned my Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dayton, where I honed my analytical and problem-solving skills. I then worked for

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Benjamin P Starling, Ohio Northern University; Kento Akazawa; Andrew Nelson; Kodi Rogue; Benjamin Faibussowitsch, Ohio Northern University

Paper ID #49603Academic Advising AppBenjamin P Starling, Ohio Northern University Ben Starling is a senior student pursuing a degree in Computer Engineering at Ohio Northern University. He is currently working on his capstone project, which focuses on developing an academic advising application to streamline communication and enhance advising processes for students and faculty. Ben’s academic interests span both hardware and software engineering, with a strong passion for developing integrated solutions that bridge the two fields. After graduation, he aims to pursue a career in both hardware and software engineering.Kento

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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

address thefindings of an ongoing project on the incorporation of sustainability.The research survey findings can be categorized under key areas of relevance to engineeringcurricular revisions. 1. Foundation: Early exposure ensures that sustainability becomes a core part of their engineering mindset and approach to problem-solving throughout their education and career. 2Proceedings of the 2024 ASEE North Central Section Conference Copyright © 2024, American Societyfor Engineering Education 2. Interdisciplinary Thinking: MET-1100 is the gateway course for all engineering disciplines at Tri-C. Sustainability is inherently

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Aiman S Kuzmar, Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia

the importance of engagingundergraduate students in research projects. This is not the place to elaborate on this particularaspect, but a few examples are provided to add credibility to this paper.Kate Rix [1] gives a summary on the benefits of undergraduate research. She states that“Students learn more by and through research. On top of this, students find enjoyment inconducting such non-classical class activities.” Specifically, she further adds: “Studies showstudents who participate (in research activities) earn better grades, are more likely tograduate and are better equipped for graduate school or careers.”The University of California Davis (UCD) is proud of having four out of ten students performingundergraduate research activities in

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Yousef Sardahi, Marshall University; Asad Salem

Tagged Topics

Diversity

STEM fields and enhancing retention by reducing dropout rates, particularly inmale-dominated environments through supportive and collaborative settings 6 . Creating gender-aware courses that promote participation across technical and managerial roles and introducingrole models can build STEM self-efficacy, encouraging young women to pursue and remain inengineering careers 7,8 . Addressing unconscious bias and providing fair role assignments furtherenable female students to confidently take on technical responsibilities while fostering a strongsense of community and professional commitment 9,10 .Ultimately, this project highlights how practical, student-led initiatives in engineering educationdrive real-world skill development and meaningful

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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

engineering careers. With theseinsights in mind, the authors felt compelled to introduce open-ended labs into their fluidmechanics course, believing that they would provide students with the opportunity to engage inmore meaningful, hands-on learning that mirrors the challenges they will face in professionalpractice [1-5]Pilot Implementation in an Advanced Fluid Mechanics courseThe pilot of the open-ended lab was introduced in the Fall 2024 semester as part of a mechanicalengineering technology program's fluid mechanics course. This course is the second in asequence of two fluid mechanics courses, designed to build upon foundational concepts andprovide more advanced knowledge of fluid behavior. It is a 4-credit hour course, with 3 credithours

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Grace Hattery, Ohio Northern University; Stephany Coffman-Wolph, Ohio Northern University; Dax Amburgy, Ohio Northern University

prospective students stand in front of it they will seethemselves as ONU Engineering’s future. All experiences will be controllable for the AssistantDean through the use of Bluetooth and two controllers (one acting as a beacon and the other as areceiver).The team is building these experiences during the spring semester. With these ideas, the teamhopes to bring intrigue and inspiration to prospective students touring the building. This projectwill give them a glimpse into what they can do with their engineering career as well as makethem the center of the storyline. The hope, too, is that this capstone project can be a continuedproject for future senior engineering students to expand upon.Problem DefinitionThe objective of this project is as follows

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Elin Jensen, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

-Framework_Quickstart-Activity-Guide_2023.pdf Accessed 12.27.24[6] https://www.asce.org/communities/institutes-and-technical-groups/sustainability/sustainability-roadmap Accessed 12.27.24[7] https://www.abet.org/accreditation/accreditation-criteria/criteria-for-accrediting-engineering-programs-2024- 2025/ Accessed 12.27.24[8] https://www.asce.org/-/media/asce-images-and-files/career-and-growth/educators/documents/civil-engineering- program-criteria-commentary---feb-2024.pdf Accessed 12.27.24[9] Buildings & Infrastructure Priority Actions for Sustainability, Embodied Carbon – Concrete. Reference: 07762000-RP-SUS-0003. (2023) https://www.istructe.org/IStructE/media/Public/Resources/ARUP-Embodied- carbon

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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

such as MIT and Stanford integrate these modelsinto STEM curricula, fostering real-world application and skill development [19].A study by the National Academies of Sciences found that PBL students score 10–20% higher onproblem-solving assessments than those in traditional courses. Additionally, PBL promotesessential soft skills such as teamwork and leadership. As a result, IBL and PBL have becomecornerstones of modern education, equipping students with the skills needed for success in anincreasingly complex and interconnected world. By structuring curricula around inquiry andproblem-solving, educators can equip students with technical expertise and collaborative abilitiesnecessary for careers in science, engineering, and business. The graph

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Edward Jesse Sizemore III, Marshall University; Trevor Joseph Bihl, Marshall University

to effectively work in teams without thestudents being required to work on sets of individual tasks [22]. Such applications show thatgamification does not need to be applied to individual assignments of a class. Instead, it canfunction as the framework for extra-credit work and self-study. Additionally, the spread ofmotivations previously revealed indicates that students actively took part in additional class workfor the purpose of learning without being primarily motivated by the other benefits.Math EducationMathematics is a subject that is central to a wide range of careers and STEM classes. Onecomponent of gamification is the aim towards making education more enjoyable, improvingengagement, and allowing more information to be retained [23