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

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Diversity

. Introduction: Addressing the Challenges of Course SelectionEach year, nearly 40% of college students in the U.S. fail to graduate within six years, often dueto course misalignment and scheduling inefficiencies [1]. Many of these students, despite beingcapable, find themselves trapped in an endless loop of prerequisite confusion, last-minuteoverrides, and unclear academic advising. Navigating course selection in U.S. universities can bea daunting challenge for students. A study by the Education Advisory Board [2] found that studentswho take random or excess credits are 12% less likely to graduate on time compared to thosefollowing a structured pathway.Consider the case of Alex (an imaginary student), an engineering student who, due to unclearadvising

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Yousef Sardahi, Marshall University; Asad Salem

Tagged Topics

Diversity

System for Military Applications Erin Webb1 , Josie Farris2 , Lydia Hittle2 , Yousef Sardahi* 4 , Asad Salem5 , and Mallory Lind6 1-5 Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV 25705, webb424@marshall.edu,farris33@marshall.edu, hittle@marshall.edu sardahi@marshall.edu, asad.salem@marshall.edu 5 CMI2 - Civil-Military Innovation Institute, Morgantown, WV 26505, mcoleman@cmi2.orgAbstractThis paper details a student-led research project, supervised by faculty and funded by the Civil-Military Innovation

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Nicholas A Baine P.E., Grand Valley State University; Karl Brakora, Grand Valley State University

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Diversity

transfer students, students of color, and Pell Grant recipientsbenefiting least. The findings suggest systemic inequalities that merit further discussion.IntroductionThere has been significant study associated with the equity of access to college and the collegeadmissions process [1] [2] [3]. There are also advocates who are drawing attention to the fact thatseemingly neutral policies such as requiring remedial courses and limited credit transfers fromassociate degree programs can have unintended consequences and contribute to structural racismin higher education [4]. However, there has been less study of policies regarding tuition and feesoutside of financial aid and assistance. The work recently done in [5], explores how tuition and feesystems

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Ethan Scott Stevenson, Marshall University; Jay Cook, Marshall University; Trevor Bihl, Marshall University

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Diversity

payment, is acritical issue that affects power distribution systems worldwide. In the United States (U.S.),electricity theft leads to an estimated $1.6 billion in annual losses for utility companies, creatinga significant financial burden that is ultimately passed on to honest consumers through higherelectricity rates [1]. While this issue is not frequently discussed in the U.S., its financial andoperational impacts are felt across the energy sector [2]. The challenge lies not only in themonetary losses but also in the inefficiencies and operational difficulties introduced by electricitytheft, which compromise the reliability and resilience of power grids.Globally, electricity theft is recognized as a pervasive problem, particularly in developing

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Ernest David Cartwright Sr., Marshall University

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Diversity

skills, and team building skills.This paper will introduce the HSTA program and the importance of CBRPs to its weeklystructure, the methodology used in training the near-peers and students, and some preliminaryresults of this process in a classroom.We anticipate that our high school students will perform better than those teams who do not havethis opportunity and that our near peers will have a more profound understanding of CBRPs,statistical analysis, and experimental design.Introduction: The Problem of Rural STEM EducationThe United States is experiencing a wave of programs to advance STEM education to satisfy theongoing demand for STEM researchers and professionals.[1] Yet, in rural communities, limitedbudgets, restricted opportunities for

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Benjamin Lubina, Gannon University; Ramakrishnan Sundaram, Gannon University

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Diversity

cameras or specialized hardware [1] [2].Similarly, a team developed a method to image still objects through walls using Wi-Fi signals.Their approach applies the Geometrical Theory of Diffraction to interpret how Wi-Fi wavesinteract with object edges, allowing for high-quality imaging of objects, including complexshapes like the English alphabet, through walls [8]. Present research extends the capabilities of Wi-Fi imaging by integrating a machinelearning-based classification system and amplitude color [10]. By leveraging signal fluctuationscaptured through a dynamic network of Wi-Fi nodes, systems can infer object shapes andcharacteristics in real time. This represents a step beyond simple detection, aiming for higheraccuracy in object

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Elin Jensen, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

provides the foundation for addressing sustainable material selection through thelens of systems thinking considering trade-offs between materials, making informed decisionssupported by data, and communication.The activity was integrated in the 1-credit Mechanics of Materials’ laboratory session atLawrence Technological University. Eighteen students were enrolled in the session and they met2 hours per week. The activity was presented to the students about 8 weeks into a 15-weeksemester. The students had gained theoretical and practical experiences in several topics throughapplications of the force-displacement relationship and the behavior of various materials.In week 8, the students were introduced to the EOP topic area of Material Selection

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

evolving to meet the dynamic needs of society. Traditional teachingmethodologies have long provided the foundation for knowledge transmission, fosteringacademic rigor and intellectual discipline. However, as the world undergoes rapid technological,economic, and social transformations, there is a growing need to enhance student engagementand preparedness [1]. Today’s students, raised in a digital era, require adaptable learningexperiences that integrate both traditional strengths and contemporary innovations in education.The increasing demand for adaptability, collaboration, and technological fluency in theworkforce calls for a thoughtful approach that enriches rather than replaces established teachingmethodologies, ensuring a well-rounded

Collection

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

-related professions through interactive mini-sessions and displays.This paper focuses on one specific mini-session, which introduced best management practices(BMPs) for stormwater design. The session was collaboratively designed and delivered bypracticing engineers and educators. In this mini-session, student teams developed cost-effectivesite solutions that adhered to county area specifications. After a brief introduction to the topic,teams were provided with a site plan, sheets representing BMP options, a worksheet, and othersupplies. The activity was structured into the following steps:1. Calculate the Impervious Area2. Calculate the BMP Area3. Design a Minimum of Two Alternative BMP Solutions4. Estimate the Cost of the Selected BMP

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Aniruddha Maiti; Samuel Adewumi; TEMESGEN ALEMAYEHU TIKURE; Zichun Wang; Niladri Sengupta; Anastasiia Sukhanova, Marshall Community & Technical College; Ananya Jana, Marshall University

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Diversity

1 Department of Mathematics, Engineering, and Computer Science, West Virginia State University, Institute, WV, USA 2 Fractal Analytics Inc, USA 3 Department of Computer Sciences and Electrical Engineering, Marshall University, Huntington, WV, USA Corresponding author: jana@marshall.edu Abstract This study examines how large language models categorize sentences from scientific pa- pers using prompt engineering. We use two advanced web-based models, OpenAI’s GPT-4o and DeepSeek R1, to classify sentences into predefined

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Nathan Galinsky, West Virginia University Institute of Technology

Tagged Topics

Diversity

organization within the university structure, hiring of studentmentors, recruiting other faculty, recruitment of students, and more. Strategies to overcome someof these issues will be presented.IntroductionA key challenge addressing many universities as well as the current workforce is the attraction ofstudents to the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields[1], [2]. This challengeneeds to be addressed at all levels of K-12 education. This is important especially due toincreased reliance on technology, and number of trained professionals not keeping up withdemand [3], [4]. As a result, it is imperative that we engage with K-12 students encouragingthem to pursue interests in STEM. STEM summer camps can lessen the impact of

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Mark A. Palmer

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Diversity

efforts associated with reporting pedagogical effectiveness and the various challenges encountered when trying do so, • A systematic method that can be used to develop an ascending survey to determine the effectiveness of pedagogical techniques. • The quality of student feedback.The Excel workbook and Word document that the author developed to maximize efficiency willbe demonstrated and made available.1. BackgroundThe effectiveness of a pedagogical technique is often reported without considering studentfeedback. One method is to report faculty perception. In order to determine the effectiveness ofactive learning higher level learning and formative assessment, a peer observer uses

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Robert Michael, Gannon University; David Gee, Gannon University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

the structuralintegrity of a rack upon impact thus protecting the general public in retail (big box) stores andwarehouses. The final phase includes impact testing and developing a sales and marketingstrategy – a collaborative effort between engineering students and the school of business. Theresults are presented in detail with emphasis on how engineering and business studentscollaborate.1. Introduction: This paper reports on a four-year, industry-sponsored design project involving the design anddevelopment of a column guard used to protect storage racks from forklift impacts. The projectwas used to support five separate undergraduate senior (capstone) projects spanning a time-period of approximately four years and involving sixteen

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

morelikely to persist to graduation. By connecting first-year students with peer mentors, professionaldevelopment opportunities, and a sense of community, EngineerFEST lays the foundation fortheir success. Engineering festivals and events have become a dynamic approach to enhancingstudent engagement and learning in engineering education. Research highlights the role ofdiverse educational activities in fostering inclusion and feelings of belonging among students.For instance, Rambo-Hernandez et al. (2020) examined the impact of inclusion-awarenessactivities in first year engineering classes, revealing positive outcomes in student retention andbelongingness [1].Programmatic support tailored to facilitate student success has also been a cornerstone

Collection

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

STEMchallenges. The results demonstrated that the REU program effectively increased participants'enthusiasm for STEM fields and encouraged many to consider advanced education and careers inSTEM. Participants reported a heightened sense of self-efficacy, particularly in conductingresearch, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Additionally, students expressed a strongercommitment to pursuing STEM pathways and identified new career interests as a result of theirengagement with research mentors and peers. The findings highlight the REU program’s role inpromoting diversity and inclusion within STEM by fostering a supportive and challengingenvironment for students. 1. IntroductionThe National Science Foundation's (NSF) Research Experiences for

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

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Diversity

earned an average of 35.7 credits per year with an average cumulativeGPA of 3.59 compared to 33.6 credits per year with a 3.27 GPA for the comparison students.While it is challenging to disaggregate the effect of the academic preparation of the studentsbefore their entry to the program, this paper investigates the contribution of program elementsthrough an analysis of: (1) student attitudes and opinions, (2) student interaction with campuspersonnel and resources, and (3) student social networks. This evaluation shows SEED programparticipants have stronger connections to Detroit Mercy as evidenced by their interactions withthe campus and the composition of their support networks.KeywordsStudent success, retention, broadening participation, high

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Yousef Fazea, Marshall University; Yousef Sardahi, Marshall University; Asad Salem

Tagged Topics

Diversity

programs.Confidence in digital tools was relatively high, with 49% feeling very confident. These resultshighlight the need for more interactive and adaptive content, robust technical support, and strongerfeedback mechanisms to enhance learning outcomes. This study provides actionablerecommendations for integrating these improvements into engineering and other higher educationcurricula, bridging the gap between technology and pedagogy to meet student needs effectively ina post-pandemic academic environment.IntroductionBefore the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of online learning platforms, existingresearch had already explored student preferences and challenges related to online education [1-4]. Both synchronous and asynchronous modes were gaining

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

activities will be organized for each cohort of students in whichthey learn about the practical fieldwork of STEM professions. These activities will be designed insuch a way that students learn about the basics of automation, coding, and robotics. All studentswill be assigned a task over time to write simple codes and make simple projects. As the club willhave partnerships with Siemens Foundation and local colleges and companies, it will organizemonthly, quarterly, and annual meetings, seminars, and workshops to further give an insight to themiddle and high school students about the higher studies and fieldwork of STEM-related fields. Figure 1 AI Model (Majjate, et al., 2023) Also, as the present study aims to

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

engineering systems. As the worldbecomes increasingly data-driven, the ability to understand and apply statistical methods hasbecome a critical skill not only for specialists but for a wide range of professionals [1] [2]. Indisciplines such as biomedical engineering, pharmacology, and industrial engineering, statisticalliteracy enables advancements in patient care, drug development, and operational efficiency [3].Moreover, industries and organizations now rely heavily on statistical techniques to deriveactionable insights from vast quantities of data, underscoring its pervasive role in both innovationand routine operations [4].Despite the importance of statistics, student attitudes towards statistics education are often negativeeven before classes [5

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

from time to time and with digital labs.II. Two examples of PBL implementationAuthors of this paper use the PBL approach for first year engineering students. They arereflecting on how to enhance their practice for implementation in the Global South. The firstexample presents the way PBL is done in the engineering college at the Loyola University ofCongo (DRC, Global South) and the second is presented as an interview with a professor at theengineering college of University of Detroit Mercy (USA, North).II.1. Steps of a PBL at the Loyola University of CongoAt the engineering school of the Loyola University of Congo, PBL approach is used in severalcourses, among which the introduction to industrial engineering science. In the beginning of theyear

Collection

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

following steps: (1) participation in formalenrichment programs/seminars/trainings, (2) systematic review of course outlines and materials,(3) a monthly series of conversations that examined sustainability in the context of engineeringeducation from academic, social, and personal perspectives, and (4) conducting a student surveyto evaluate sustainability awareness. This formal process, along with the ABET accreditationcontinuous improvement process, deepened the awareness of how and what courses need to beimproved. Most importantly, the discussions improved the clarity and understanding of how thesame technical material can be delivered in different sections of the course with different coursemodalities across all engineering programs. In this work

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

is on recruiting, supporting, and helping students graduate by fostering a hands-on andsupportive learning environment. The PWS employs a Project-Based Learning method, givingstudents opportunities for real-world projects and faculty mentorship, beginning in theirfreshman year. Research on successful STEM programs identifies three key strategies forstudent retention: (1) early research involvement, (2) active learning in introductory courses,and (3) participation in STEM learning communities. The PWS research, classified as"efficacy research," targets two participant groups: (1) mostly first-year students who join theseminar course for a long-term study and (2) those who leave the program. The first cohort(N=10) joined in Fall 2021, followed