Collection

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

Tagged Topics

Diversity

ofeffective engineering education. Hensel and Sigler (2007) discussed strategies for supportingstudents through structured programs, emphasizing the need for mentorship and academicresources [2]. Similarly, Myers, Byrd, and Hensel (2005) focused on designing first-yearprograms aimed at boosting retention and academic performance, including event-based learningcontexts like EngineerFEST [3]. Exploring students’ perceptions and self-efficacy in engineeringis crucial for understanding the broader impacts of such initiatives. Morris, Dygert, and Hensel(2020) linked students’ views of engineering as a career to their self-efficacy and grit, suggestingthat well-designed events can reinforce positive perceptions and career aspirations [4].Engineering

Collection

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

Collection

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

with students one-on-one to help them navigate challengesthey may face. The SEED program seeks to achieve these same goals in a more cost-effectivemanner through the counseling facilitators, the part-time administrator, the industry mentors, andfaculty mentors who are assigned to each of the students.Program evaluation and outcomesThe external evaluator for the project administers a survey upon the students’ entry to the SEEDprogram with follow-up surveys and focus groups conducted annually thereafter. These methodsseek feedback from the scholars about program activities, while also tracking the evolution of thestudents’ STEM identity and self-efficacy. Here we report on student opinions on the impact ofthe different core elements of the SEED