Conference Session

Civil Engineering & Leadership Division Joint Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joel Sloan, U.S. Air Force Academy; Scott R Hamilton P.E., York College of Pennsylvania; Norb Delatte, Oklahoma State University; Tanya Kunberger P.E., University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown; Audra N. Morse P.E., Michigan Technological University; David A Saftner, University of Minnesota Duluth; Camilla M. Saviz P.E., University of the Pacific

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL), Engineering Leadership Development Division (LEAD)

,and responsibilities of an effective academic department leader, as defined from the facultymember’s perspective. While previous research has focused on a top-down approach and desiredleadership characteristics from the academic leaders themselves (Department Heads/Chairs,Deans, Provosts, etc.), there is a gap in the literature on leadership expectations from the facultymembers being directly supervised.This study was developed to address this gap in knowledge. The specific objectives of this studyare to: 1. Characterize faculty expectations of a department chair, with a specific focus on faculty member support and development, 2. Identify effective leadership practices from the perspective of faculty members, and 3. Provide

Conference Session

Effective Teaching Potpourri

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Danielle Gao, Smith College; Glenn W Ellis, Smith College; Amy Azogue Irigoyen, Smith College; Chon-sa Cardona, Smith College

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

learning, but it also increasesthe likelihood of students developing crude or simplistic ideologies and schemas [1]. A pedagogydeveloped in the learning sciences that utilizes storytelling and other cognitive tools calledImaginative Education (IE) has been developed by Kieran Egan [1, 2]. IE is based on supportingthe development of five different types of understanding that enable learners to make sense of theworld in different ways. As shown in Table 1, each of these five understandings is associatedwith specific cognitive tools. These tools are mental devices that help us make sense of the worldand operate more effectively in it. For example, a well-crafted story can convey a coherent viewof understanding in a memorable form while at the same

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Capstone Showcase

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brad Wambeke, United States Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

5 (Curriculum) of ABET1 states that the curriculum must include aculminating major engineering design experience that 1) incorporates appropriate engineeringstandards and multiple constraints, and 2) is based on the knowledge and skills acquired inearlier course work. The curriculum must also meet civil engineering program criteria thatinclude designing a system, component, or process in at least two civil engineering contexts.Howe and Wilbarger2 conducted a survey of engineering capstone courses in the United States togain an understanding of how they were structured. Their research found that most capstonecourses contained a mixture of classroom and project components, with an increase in both thevariety and quantity of projects that were

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin Quinn Walsh PE, SE, University of Notre Dame; Eric Horvath, University of Notre Dame; James Edward Alleman; Brian J Smith P.E., University of Notre Dame

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

and now consistent mentor experience despite the heavier time demands,increasing rates of students accepting positions with employers who participated in the seniorcapstone course, and starting student salaries with year-over-year inflation-adjusted increasesthat generally outpace college, industry, and national trends.Introduction and motivationThe American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Civil Engineering DivisionCommittee on Professional Practice is uniquely interested in evaluating the capstone experience,particularly in regard to the capstone students’ experience of “real-world” practice [1].Furthermore, capstone courses are often used to meet several student outcomes (SOs) for ABET[2] accreditation, especially regarding the

Conference Session

Games & Competitions for Civil Engineering Education

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Benjamin Z. Dymond, Northern Arizona University; Matthew K Swenty P.E., Virginia Military Institute

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

, exclude graduate students fromparticipating, allow fewer teams per university to participate (and hence fewer students overall),and have fewer attractive incentives in the form of prize money, national travel for recognition,and established industry sponsorship.IntroductionCivil engineering (CE) is currently challenged with declining student interest and decreasingworkforce numbers, while societal needs for infrastructure continue to increase [1, 2]. There isan urgent need to inspire the next generation of CE students who can see the creativity needed tobuild resilient and sustainable infrastructure that serves the needs of diverse communities.Despite this need, CE continues to attract limited interest for reasons such as (i) the perceptionthat

Conference Session

Sustainability & Civil Engineering

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Laura Doyle, Santa Clara University

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

whether the project had a greater impact on the self-efficacy andinterest of underrepresented students more than traditional civil engineering students. Drawingon Bielefeldt’s [1] findings, it is expected that incorporating service learning into engineeringcourses will increase self-efficacy and retention more for underrepresented groups.1. Motivation and BackgroundComputer programming, including algorithm creation and numerical methods, is an essentialskill for civil engineering students [2] but can be a roadblock for many students. The course isoften seen as a requirement and not immediately relevant to students’ future as civil engineers.Based on personal experience of the author, it is not until students graduate and attend graduateschool and

Conference Session

Focus on the First Year

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sydney Donohue Jobe, University of New Mexico; Paris Eisenman, University of New Mexico; Ethan Kapp, University of New Mexico; James Joseph Rawson, University of New Mexico; MADISON JO COX, University of New Mexico; John Caleb Orr, University of New Mexico; Jose Cerrato, University of New Mexico; Anjali Mulchandani, University of New Mexico

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

. 1INTRODUCTIONStudents enrolled in collegiate engineering programs often are required to take an entry-leveldesign course. These types of courses expose students to ill-structured complex design problems,where there is not one single method or solution and there is uncertainty about which rules orprinciples are necessary to use [1]. Research suggests that hands-on design-based project classesalso excite engineering students and motivate them to stay in an engineering program [2]. Ill-structured design problems-- as opposed to well-structured problems-- more closely mirror thework engineers perform outside of academia. To solve real-world problems, engineers mustgather information that is not readily available, decide on a process, and identify and

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrew Paul Summerfield, Wentworth Institute of Technology; John Peter Voccio; Wenye Camilla Kuo-Dahab, Wentworth Institute of Technology; Brian Ernst, Wentworth Institute of Technology; Chris Bode-Aluko, Wentworth Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

of the civil engineering degree program at an undergraduate-focused engineering school.The material presented draws on the EOP framework and is designed for courses at the first-year,sophomore, and junior level. Student feedback to assess learning outcomes and student interest ispresented. In addition, the authors discuss an ongoing effort to coordinate the development ofclimate change-related curriculum and undergraduate research opportunities across multipledegree programs within the school of engineering at the authors’ institution.1. BackgroundMeaningfully addressing the climate crisis will require the transformation of civil infrastructure,including the development of utility-scale wind and solar farms to supply clean energy and

Conference Session

Focus on the First Year

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Elin Jensen, Lawrence Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

project solution.IntroductionA recent pilot study by Jensen [1] indicated the effectiveness of a collaborative educationalstrategy introducing first year students to systems thinking, social responsibility andsustainability in civil and architectural engineering projects. The first-year term project wasmotivated by program faculty concern that upper level students lacked confidence during theideation phase of their projects. This was noted when students acted as development teams oncomprehensive, collaborative projects such as the culminating major design experience. Inparticular, the steps involving gathering community-based information and prioritizing goals waschallenging for the students. This paper expands on the pilot study in assessing the

Conference Session

ABET, PE, and CEBOK

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew K Swenty P.E., Virginia Military Institute; Brian J. Swenty P.E., University of Evansville

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

theirundergraduate education. The question is whether graduates have gained sufficient knowledge topass the PE exam upon graduation. The following study focused on how closely the curriculumfrom a statistically averaged EAC-ABET accredited civil engineering program aligns with thecontent on the five new civil engineering specific PE exams.The average civil engineering curriculum from a study of 87 EAC-ABET accredited programswas compared to the content (232 unique subtopics) on the revised CE discipline specific PEexams. The NCEES topic list for each exam was mapped to course descriptions in undergraduaterequired and elective courses. The results indicate that 1) the range of civil engineering topicsvaries significantly in each of the five NCEES civil

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jalil Kianfar, Saint Louis University; Sridhar S. Condoor, Saint Louis University; Danahe Marmolejo, Saint Louis University

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

laboratory courses, they do not necessarilyapply spreadsheets in an engineering context.To better align spreadsheets with the practical experiences of civil engineering students [1], aseries of statics-related assignments were incorporated into a second-year civil engineeringcourse at Saint Louis University, Missouri, United States. Students utilized spreadsheets to solveproblems related to centroids and moments of inertia, equilibrium of a particle, shear force andbending moment diagrams, and truss analysis. Most students were concurrently enrolled in astatics course where they solved similar problems using pen and paper calculations andsubmitted their work.This research assessed student work, evaluated learning outcomes, and analyzed

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Aja Rachel Bettencourt-Mccarthy, University of Cincinnati; Matthew Sleep, University of Cincinnati

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

withareas for future research, for civil engineering.IntroductionDesign is a core component of engineering practice and education. Scholars [1], [2], [3],accrediting bodies [4], and professional associations all highlight the centrality of design toengineering. In addition, ASCE whose Civil Engineering Body of Knowledge lists design as oneof the core aspects of the profession and further states that design is the “essence” of civilengineering practice [5]. In 1985 the Engineering Directorate at the National Science Foundation(NSF) launched a program with the aim of developing a theoretical foundation and generalizableprinciples for engineering design [6]. Since then, and despite evidence of maturity in engineeringdesign theory and methods [7], [8

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Priyantha Wijesinghe, University of Vermont; Holly Ann Buckland Parker, University of Vermont; Ethan Zachary Stein, University of Vermont

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

. IntroductionGenerative AI (GenAI) is reshaping education, challenging educators to reconsider what theyteach, how they teach, and how they engage and assess student learning in the classroom. Asstudents are already using these tools in their academic work at a higher rate than we expect [1],taking a proactive and forward-thinking approach to integrating GenAI into engineeringeducation is becoming increasingly important. Such an approach will not only equip studentswith the ability to critically evaluate AI-generated outputs but also encourage them to explore itslimitations and ethical and professional implications.In this case study, the authors explore the integration of two GenAI-based writing assignmentsinto a senior-level design course. The goals of this

Conference Session

Civil Engineering in the Age of AI

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christina Cercone, Manhattan University; Konstantine Aristomenis Mendrinos, Manhattan College; Matthew Volovski, Manhattan College; JUNESEOK LEE, Manhattan University; Medya Fathi, Manhattan University; Mehdi Omidvar, Manhattan University; Shahriar Quayyum, Manhattan College

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

primarily undergraduate focused institution. Survey data focused onstudent satisfaction ratings and reactions to traditionally created vs AI generated content as wellas feedback on faculty perception and comfort level around utilizing AI as an educational tool ispresented.IntroductionOne of the greatest challenges and opportunities facing higher education today is the use ofartificial intelligence (AI) and its impact on education. The excessive use of AI technology bystudents has raised concerns regarding the impact on students’ academic and real-lifeperformance [1]. This coupled with academic integrity issues associated with AI has created anegative stigma for many educators [2]-[5]. Despite the negative perceptions surroundingstudents’ use of AI

Conference Session

Effective Teaching Potpourri

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John S Popovics P.E., University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Yiming Niu; Sotiria Koloutsou-Vakakis, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Karthik Pattaje; Jacob Henschen, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

example of integrating Python programming assignments in alaboratory-based Civil Engineering (CE) course. As well established in the literature, theintegration of programming and coding into discipline-specific engineering education is essentialto address the growing demand for computational proficiency in engineering disciplines. Thebenefits to students of coding integration include enhanced problem-solving skills; a deeperunderstanding of engineering concepts through visualization, simulation, and modeling; andincreased employability [1]. Implementation of such efforts also help satisfy ABET studentoutcomes such as (i) identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems by applyingprinciples of engineering, science, and mathematics; and

Conference Session

Sustainability & Civil Engineering

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Daniel B Oerther P.E., Missouri University of Science and Technology; Sarah Oerther

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

an improved understanding of “public”as part of the code of ethics where an engineer “holds paramount the health, safety, and welfareof the public”.As educators equip students of civil engineering to “change the world,” there is a benefit of“borrowing” theory from the adjacent profession of nursing to improve understanding withinpre-service learning as well as in the professional practice of civil engineering.IntroductionLicensed, professional civil engineers have an ethical obligation to protect the health, safety, andwelfare of the public [1]. But how is health, safety, and welfare defined, and when do students ofcivil engineering learn to define these terms? According to ABET criterion 3, student outcomes,the education of future civil

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ramez Hajj, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

, inclusive culture” [1]. Although critical in any field of engineering, it is of utmostimportance that pavement engineers and decision makers come from diverse groups, consideringthe implications of their decisions. For example, a recent study of Massachusetts found thatEnvironmental Justice (EJ) communities, defined in Massachusetts as communities with lowincome, high minority population levels, and/or lower levels of English speaking, were found tobe more than twice as likely (21% compared to 10%) to live near roads rated to be in poorcondition, compared to non-EJ communities [2]. Considering these factors, it is crucial to ensurethat students from underrepresented groups have knowledge of the field of pavement engineeringand are encouraged to

Conference Session

ABET, PE, and CEBOK

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Audra Morse, Michigan Technological University; Camilla M. Saviz P.E., University of the Pacific; Norb Delatte, Oklahoma State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

standard of quality for which students, employers, andsociety can be confident that graduates of an ABET accredited program are prepared to enter thediscipline after graduation. ABET criteria are developed by professionals associated with the 34technical societies that comprise ABET [1]. Although originally focused on accreditingengineering and technology programs, today, ABET also accredits college and universityprograms in other areas such as the applied and natural sciences and computing. Programs can beaccredited at the associate’s, bachelor’s, and master’s degree levels. ABET General Criteria, andwhere applicable, Program Criteria, identify elements required in the program curriculum.ABET is a non-profit, non-governmental organization with

Conference Session

Focus on the First Year

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin Haas, Georgia Institute of Technology; Adjo A Amekudzi-Kennedy, Georgia Institute of Technology; Jennifer Kaiser, Georgia Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

cohorttaking the class versus those who have not taken the class has shown the benefit of the course.Furthermore, a culture survey has shown the benefit that the course has for the students to developa sense of belonging to the school and their major early in their academic journey.Introduction Student retention has been an ongoing challenge within higher education for many years,particularly within STEM fields such as engineering [1]. For programs in which first-yearundergraduate students are required to select a specific major during the application process theyoftentimes have a poor understanding of the topics and the breadth of possible career paths withintheir selected major and may make uninformed decisions to change prior to any

Conference Session

Student Services & Supports

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Seema C Shah-Fairbank P.E., California State Polytechnic University, Pomona; Eric Steward, University of South Alabama; Nelson Román Gómez-Torres, The University of Texas at Arlington

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

Professional Development, StudentOrganizationsIntroductionStudent chapters established by professional societies, like the American Society of CivilEngineers (ASCE), provide opportunities for students to network with industry professionals,gain exposure to various career options, develop leadership skills, and enhance their professionaldevelopment beyond the academic experience. These activities collectively prepare students for asmoother transition into their professional careers after graduation. ASCE, established in 1852, isthe oldest professional engineering society in the United States [1]. ASCE operates under acollection of volunteers associated with local or regional professional younger membergroups/forums, branches, and sections that oversee

Conference Session

Assessments, Feedback, & Grading

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kendall Hamm, US Army, United States Military Academy, Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering; Scott M. Katalenich PhD, PE, United States Military Academy; Elizabeth Bristow, United States Military Academy; Kevin Taylor Scruggs, United States Military Academy

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

harmonize student effort across multiple courseswithin a program.IntroductionThe importance of time management and time allocation is a topic covered extensively inliterature and media with importance to all disciplines. Time is the only true non-renewableresource in all fields: no matter how it is used, once it passes there is no opportunity to recycle orreuse [1]. In higher education, students must apply their own executive function skills to utilizetheir time as effectively and efficiently as possible across many competing demands:schoolwork, extra-curriculars, employment, sleep, and time with friends and family. Educatorsare provided contact time with students to instruct and answer questions but not necessarily toensure that material is truly

Conference Session

Sustainability & Civil Engineering

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dalya Ismael, Old Dominion University; Vukica M. Jovanovic, Old Dominion University; Murat Kuzlu, Old Dominion University; Charles Lowe, Old Dominion University; Lisa Bosman, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

, 2015). However, many engineering education programs fail to adequately integratesustainability principles into their curricula, leaving graduates unprepared to address the complex,multifaceted challenges of the modern world [1].Traditional approaches often relegate sustainability to peripheral courses or theoreticaldiscussions, lacking the depth and integration required for students to develop practical, systems-oriented solutions [2]. This gap necessitates new frameworks to ensure future engineers areequipped with the skills to address environmental and social challenges holistically. TheEngineering for One Planet (EOP) framework provides a structured approach to embeddingsustainability into engineering education. It emphasizes core

Conference Session

Self-Efficacy & Mindset

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew D. Lovell P.E., Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology; Chris Carroll P.E., Trine University; Matthew K Swenty P.E., Virginia Military Institute; Charles Riley P.E., Oregon Institute of Technology; David Weston Johnstone P.E., Ohio Northern University

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

with engineering mechanics, materials science, and numericalmethods [1]. These topics are included because engineers do not work in a vacuum and mustultimately meet the needs of their clients and society. One of the overarching themes thatconnects much of this content is entrepreneurial minded learning (EML). Entrepreneurialminded learning has gained in popularity because it helps connect abstract concepts to real-worldproblems and benefits the economics of the students and, ultimately, the companies they workfor and pursuits they may take upon graduation. One way this is described is that an engineerneeds to have the mindset of an inventor who can see and solve the problem and the mindset ofan entrepreneur who can bring the solution to life

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Queen Retherford, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Sarah Mobley, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

-part hypothesis motivated further study and change in the assignment gradingscheme: 1. Can the de-coupling of “evaluation” and “assessment” criteria in an assignment reduce student stress? 2. Can the same de-coupling assignment design improve student writing effectiveness?Literature ReviewAssignment construction is a long-researched endeavor continuing to evolve as scholars study thecomplex relationship between faculty and students. Research questions focused on the increaseddemand on faculty in academic settings, such as increases in class sizes compounded by higherresearch productivity goals, are sometimes answered by use of new technologies allowing forautomations of the grading process [1], [2], [3], [4], [5], [6]. Potentially

Conference Session

Civil Engineering in the Age of AI

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alex Campbell, Oklahoma State University; John J Phillips P.E., Oklahoma State University; Alan Kirkpatrick

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

have someversion of a generative AI chatbot to interact with their clients that are available 24 hours a day,7 days a week, and 365 days a year.Artificial intelligence can be defined from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary as “the capability ofcomputer systems or algorithms to imitate intelligent human behavior” and generative AI can bedefined as a type of AI technology that generates content such as text, images, audio, and video.A chatbot is a computer program that uses a large language model (LLM) to simulate aconversation with human users, typically through text [1]. Therefore, a generative AI chatbot isa type of artificial intelligence system designed to engage in human-like conversations bygenerating text-based responses dynamically rather

Conference Session

Civil Engineering & Leadership Division Joint Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kevin G. Sutterer, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL), Engineering Leadership Development Division (LEAD)

Ajzen 1975). Professional attitudes are the positive andconstructive attitudes that a civil engineer should display (ASCE, 2018). ASCE identifiedtwenty-four professional attitudes that may be important to civil engineers, shown in Table 1.We value all of the attitudes identified by ASCE, but because it would not be practical for theprogram to assess all of the attitudes, we concluded we would need to select only some toprioritize for assessment. Five of the attitudes identified by ASCE (creativity, curiosity,entrepreneurship, intuition, and good judgement) were already prioritized elsewhere in ourprogram and also seemed to involve skill as well, so they were set aside from the others into theirown group. The remaining 19 attitudes were sorted

Conference Session

Civil Engineering in the Age of AI

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Vincent Italo Bongioanni, United States Air Force Academy; Jason D Christopher, USAF Academy; Brianna D Hitt, United States Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

is transforming highereducation, presenting both opportunities and challenges for engineering education. Despite AI’spotential to enhance teaching and learning practices, its adoption in higher education has beenlimited by institutional resistance to innovation and adherence to traditional teaching methods.This resistance persists even as evidence mounts for AI’s potential to support diverse learningapproaches and provide personalized assistance to students. The integration of AI in engineeringeducation requires careful consideration of both pedagogical strategies and implementationmethods. As Mollick and Mollick 1 emphasize, effective AI implementation demands“challenging but well-proven pedagogical strategies that require extensive work to

Conference Session

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Maria Jose Echeverria, California State University, Sacramento; Julie Fogarty, California State University, Sacramento; Jose E. Garcia, California State University, Sacramento

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

et al. [1] demonstrated how tangible andaugmented reality models improve students’ spatial understanding and ability to interpret three-dimensional structures. Similarly, Behrouzi et al. [2] found that tangible tools in reinforcedconcrete design helped students grasp complex concepts like the equivalent rectangular stressblock, improving comprehension and retention.Virtual reality (VR) and 3D modeling technologies also offer immersive experiences thatenhance understanding, as shown by Sampaio et al. [3] and Fogarty et al. [4]. Sampaiohighlighted VR’s use in developing construction education materials, while Fogarty focused onVR’s role in clarifying complex structural behaviors, such as buckling. However, high costs andsignificant integration

Conference Session

Broadening Participation in Civil Engineering

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Megan L. Matthews, University of Illinois Urbana - Champaign; Sotiria Koloutsou-Vakakis, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign; Ashlynn S. Stillwell, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

: Project-based integration of societal context with engineering communication and computational thinking in an upper-level civil and environmental engineering course1. IntroductionWe present a project-based approach to integrate technical analysis within societal context,computation, and effective communication, in an upper-level civil and environmentalengineering course. These skills are essential for engineering education to meet the evolvingdemands of engineering in an increasingly interconnected world [1]. Our approach resembles the"teaching factory" model [1], inspired by the medical teaching hospital, where engineeringstudents engage in real-world processes under expert supervision, where technical training isconscious of

Conference Session

Broadening Participation in Civil Engineering

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rodolfo Valdes-Vasquez, Colorado State University; Kristen L. Sanford P.E., Lafayette College; Frederick Paige, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Scott Rosas; Philip J. Parker P.E., University of Wisconsin - Platteville

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Civil Engineering Division (CIVIL)

CEEeducation.IntroductionPublic infrastructure services, including public education, transit, housing, energy, and access toclean drinking water, are funded by taxpayers. Indeed, the United States of America made ahistoric investment commitment to infrastructure through the Infrastructure Investment and JobsAct (IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) and the Inflation Reduction Act.However, laws that protect (or are perceived to protect) individuals’ access to publicinfrastructure are limited, and historically, they have been mainly designed to mitigatediscrimination rather than proactively eliminate inequities [1]. Given that multiple categories ofour nation’s infrastructure are graded in the C and D range [2] and the disproportionate burdensand