Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 1 - Nuclear Engineering

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Katie Snyder, University of Michigan; Aditi Verma, University of Michigan; Aisha Jagne, University of Michigan; Andy Pham, University of Michigan

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

plausible [1]. While the nuclear industry‬‭has long sought to increase its workforce, the United States’ recent commitment to triple its‬‭nuclear capacity by 2050 has intensified this need [2]. National Labs and the private sector alike‬‭seek employees with nuclear and nuclear-related expertise, even as student and public interest‬‭remains somewhat lower than other engineering disciplines and careers [2]. At the same time, the‬‭nuclear community continues to seek a diverse workforce, knowing that diversity improves work‬‭quality and innovation across project teams and organizations. Nuclear engineering as a‬‭discipline has also committed to, in recent years, rectifying injustices of the past, where‬‭minoritized communities were taken advantage of

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Huiye Yu, UNSW Sydney; Hua Chai, University of New South Wales; Jayashri Ravishankar, University of New South Wales

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

can also beapplied to other disciplines to identify the demand of the evolving job markets to produce job-ready graduates in the relevant areas.1 Introduction The Australian Government has committed to an ambitious new target of reducinggreenhouse gas emissions to 43% below the 2005 level by 2030 and achieving net zero by 2050[1]. Decarbonizing the electricity sector has become one of the most important and mostefficient pathways to facilitate the Australian economy’s transition to net zero [2]. AustralianEnergy Market Operator (AEMO) has planned a rapid transformation for the NationalElectricity Market (NEM), where the energy generation and consumption profile would changeprofoundly given the expanding renewable energy integration [3

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Antony Kinyua, Morgan State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

University (HBCU); Experiment-Centric Pedagogy (ECP); Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). 1IntroductionThe overall goal of our project is to identify existing and future gaps in our country’s nuclear energyworkforce and to bring to the pool a trained workforce of minority students graduating from our HBCUs.This is important because the Board on Higher Education and Workforce (BHEW) at the USA NationalAcademies of Sciences Medicine and Engineering (NASEM) continues to provide the academiccommunity, policymakers, and businesses with insights and recommendations on critical highereducation and workforce issues facing our nation [1]. Secondly, BHEW previously identified that

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Matthew Aldeman, Illinois State University; James Mathias, Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; Daniel Austin Darcy, Illinois State University; Cheron James Elms; Kaitlyn Marie Quinn; Douglas Andracki

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

incorporating materials thatencourage students to gain confidence and understanding in sustainable energy-related topics. Atthe conclusion of the project, the materials that were developed were placed in STEM lendinglibraries maintained at the two universities so that the materials will be accessible to futuregenerations of middle and high school students. Any educational organization in the state mayborrow the classroom sets of lab activities at no cost. The goals of the project were: 1) Through their engagement in the project, the fourundergraduate students will gain an improved understanding of energy topics, allowing them tomatriculate into STEM and sustainable energy-related career fields, as well as gaining anappreciation for how access to

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jude Okolie, University of Oklahoma ; Emma Kadence Smith, University of Oklahoma

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

industry, like choosing the right product or process.Experienced teachers and students have tried this game and given their opinions. Based on theirfeedback, the game can be easily added to current teaching programs.Keywords: Virtual reality; Hydrogen; Life cycle assessment; Techno-economic evaluation;sustainability.1. Introduction Hydrogen holds immense promise as an energy carrier, offering diverse applications.Hydrogen’s unique properties, such as being colorless and odorless, coupled with itsenvironmentally friendly combustion byproduct (water vapor), make it an attractive option forvarious sectors. Figure 1 highlights some of the most notable hydrogen uses. However, about 96% of the hydrogen used today is

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Aditi Verma, University of Michigan; Katie Snyder, University of Michigan

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

2022) were modeled onmale bodies[1]; facial-recognition technologies frequently misidentify Black individuals[2]; soapdispensers fail to operate for dark-skinned people (only recognizing light skin tones); the healtheffects of radiation are characterized for ‘reference man’ (170 cm tall, 20-30-year-old Caucasianmale, weighing 70kg). Engineer-designers, implicitly or explicitly, assume a ‘reference man’.Most of us are not reference man, and if ever, will only be reference man for a brief period in ourlives. In this way, we engineers effectively design technologies that serve but a few well andpoorly serve others, if at all.The problem becomes even thornier for complex sociotechnical systems –including most energytechnologies, especially nuclear

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hua Chai, University of New South Wales; Huiye Yu, University of New South Wales; Kuthsav Thattai, University of New South Wales; Jayashri Ravishankar, University of New South Wales

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

responses are analyzed to identify the need for shortcourse programs and the effectiveness of such training programs in expanding the knowledgebase and upskilling power systems engineers in modeling and simulation. The survey includesboth Likert scale questions (quantitative) and open-ended questions (qualitative), which areanalyzed using a mixed-method approach. Additionally, the responses from the industryprofessionals are compared with the ones from the students to investigate the differencebetween various target groups. The results show that 1) Simulation practice and studiesimprove participants’ competence not only in the use of the software package but also in theassociated knowledge in the field systematically, e.g., power system modeling

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 4

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Teodora Rutar Shuman, Seattle University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

. 2019 [1] showed that very few programs offerlabs in Thermodynamics courses. Our program has integrated experimental design into somethermodynamic laboratories to strengthen students’ understanding of fundamental concepts. OurIntroduction to Thermodynamics course requires students to learn basic yet complicatedconcepts, such as determining properties of pure substances, calculating heat and workexchanged during a process, and the first and second laws of thermodynamics before undertakingcomplex applications such as thermodynamic cycles or combustion systems. These basicconcepts are conducive to simple, conceptually oriented laboratory assignments and are an idealplace to have students design an experiment. The learning gains made by switching

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bala Maheswaran, Northeastern University; Wendao LI; Adam Ma, Northeastern University; Kalsang Tsering

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

protocol where charging speed is balanced with lifespan preservation. The CC-CVcharging protocol uses the battery’s voltage level as an indicator to apply a constant current forbulk charging or constant voltage for low current trickle charging. Finally, temperaturemanagement such as pack cooling and heating would keep the battery pack in ideal temperatureconditions to promote cyclic lifespan. Figure 1: Initial Diagram Brainstorming [1] From the beginning of this project, our group was extremely ambitious. We wanted toexplore the lengths we could take this idea. We brainstormed different strategies for the buildof a hybrid. At first, we wanted to convert a car to a hybrid, but we soon realized that this wasfar beyond

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Salvador A. Vargas, California State University, Bakersfield; Daniel Torres, California State University, Bakersfield; Alberto Cureg Cruz, California State University, Bakersfield

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

generated. However, if the subsurface is nothomogeneous, it is difficult to generate a representative data set with lab analysis done at one-foot intervals. This is a void that artificial intelligence can fill. More specifically, a properlytrained neural network can perform a continuous analysis on high-resolution core images fromtop to bottom. It is also important to note that geologic interpretation tied to core analysis canintroduce human error and subjectivity. Here too, a properly trained neural network can generateresults with extreme levels of accuracy and precision. One core analysis expert believes that coreanalysis done manually is flawed about 70% of the time [1]. This flawed analysis can result fromlack of experience and or a lack of

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nisaka Munasinghe, University of New South Wales; Hua Chai, University of New South Wales; Jayashri Ravishankar, UNSW Sydney

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

and redesigned in powerengineering courses to adequately prepare a workforce that benefits the global energy transition.1. Introduction The Australian energy sector is expected to make substantial changes to the way itincorporates renewable energy into existing power systems as part of global efforts to reducecarbon emissions outlined by the Paris Agreement [1]. To meet these commitments, Australiahas pledged to reduce emissions by 43% below 2005 levels by 2030. Achieving these targetsrequires a new set of skills to build, test, and maintain upgraded electrical infrastructure andtechnology that revolves around renewables. Despite allocation of resources and fundingtowards universities and professional training programs, Australia currently

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mahmud Hasan, University of Houston-Downtown ; Julio Enrique Aleman, University of Houston-Downtown

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

Engineering Analysis course at the Engineering Technology (ET)department in the University of Houston – Downtown (UHD). Furthermore, to the best of theauthors’ knowledge, this is the first reported work where bayou water is used for powerproduction which is an inexpensive way to produce power.Keywords: Power, Bayou, Houston, Turbine, No head.1. Introduction: For most of the modern age, people have been getting most of the energy from coal, gas, andother types of fossil fuels. While people have used other forms of power generation, there hasbeen a substantial movement to find and use other forms of power generation where windturbines being the most well-known example. This work looks for alternate power generationthat has led to look at what

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Antony Kinyua, Morgan State University; Ezana Negusse; Richard Damoah; Maajida Murdock; Oludare Adegbola Owolabi P.E., Morgan State University; Jonathan Wilson, Morgan State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

their children in STEM activities and nuclear science programs. These activities haveresulted in deeper, sustained student engagement and understanding of mitigating factors that ourstudents face and need to be addressed to enhance a nuclear workforce pipeline at an HBCU.IntroductionIn the USA, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) continue to award a largeshare of bachelor's degrees to African American students in Science, Technology, Engineering,Arts and Mathematics (STEAM). HBCUs are also the baccalaureate origins of one-quarter toone-third of black science and engineering (S&E) doctorate recipients [1]. However, as shownby the National Science Foundation data [2] for college aged population (18-24 years), blackstudents

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Reg Recayi Pecen, Sam Houston State University; Paul Aden Paschal, Sam Houston State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

charge controller allows for the charging process to be more efficient [1]. Ourapproach involves utilizing an MPPT solar charge controller to enable the efficient draw ofpower and charging of LiFePO4 batteries from the PV panels. Human control withmicrocontrollers is an important consideration. When a microcontroller is combined with a webserver, it provides an opportunity to develop a user-friendly interface that can be accessedthrough a local network. Such an interface facilitates convenient management, access, andmonitoring of the system environment for users [2]. A microcontroller presents an efficientapproach for managing solar energy systems. With controlling and monitoring featuresintegrated into a microcontroller, users can bypass the

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert J. Kerestes, University of Pittsburgh; Renee M. Clark, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

-learning environment. Preliminary results from the initial offering of this course are presentedalong with the logistics involved in establishing and running the course.1. IntroductionOne of the benefits to having a Study Abroad program is contacts with faculty and instructors atinternational universities that can be leveraged in times of opportunity and need. During theCOVID-19 crisis, travel abroad by university students for study or research was not possible.However, in such cases, is an impactful “international” experience still possible for students?Perhaps if you can get creative and be flexible, it is!During the middle phase of the remote instructional period due to COVID (i.e., fall 2020), itbecame clear that travel abroad for coursework

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Giselle S. Veach, University of Idaho; Herbert L. Hess, University of Idaho

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

novel type of electric machine being developed at the University of Idaho requires the use of acontinuous annulus of high conductivity material bonded within a laminated core. Due tomaterials shortages caused by the COVID-19 pandemic in addition to supply chain snagsbecause of the offshore sourcing and development of materials such as copper and aluminum, ithas become expensive to create this annulus from copper. When considering aluminum,however, it has also become impossible to purchase a piece of aluminum of the desired extrudedprofile from an electrically conductive alloy. From sources [1] and [2] it is evident that thisproblem has been growing for many years and extends to manufacturers within and without theUnited States, who are often

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jason Andrew Roney, University of Denver

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

skills that arevaluable in addressing complex real-world challenges in any engineering field. When studentsstudy the impact of different energy sources on the environment, they may conclude thatsustainable alternatives such as renewable energy are more viable. Likewise, exposing studentsto cutting-edge technologies fosters innovation in the field, since the field of energy is constantlyevolving, with new technologies emerging to improve energy efficiency, reduce emissions, andharness renewable energy sources.Coming from an industry position, and having attended a few pedogeological workshops, I wascertain that the route to engaging the students was to engage them in Project Based Learning(PBL) and Experiential Learning (EL) [1], [2]. At the same

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Roxana Maria Melendez-Norona, Florida Atlantic University; Maria Mercedes Larrondo-Petrie, Florida Atlantic University; Eduardo David Sagredo Asesor, Ministerio Energia y Minas Dom. Rep.

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

EngineeringPostdoctoral Fellowship eFellows program, administered by the American Society ofEngineering Education (ASEE), funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF). The MOOCis planned to be offered as a free resource for the community. The real datasets used for theCybersecurity simulations will be available in an Open Science website.1. Introduction1.1 MOOCs in Electrical MicrogridsElectrical microgrids are denominated as a fundamental building block of electrical powersystems. The US Department of Energy has expressed that multiple efforts will be made with theaim of making microgrids an important element as part of the electricity delivery system,increasing its resilience and reliability [1].Massive Online Open Courses (MOOCs) represent a powerful tool

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Technical Session 3

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Il Yoon, University of North Georgia; Chandler Levi Davis, University of North Georgia

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Diversity

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Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

surfaces were performed using water as asafe alternative to DBT. The research successfully visualized bubble formation on the surface ofthe catalyst, and the custom MATLAB code measured bubble volumes. The promising resultsobtained with water as a substitute offer a foundation for future research using DBT. Suggestionswere made to simplify the procedure to be easily used in lab class settings. It is expected thatperforming this lab procedure will help students understand that hydrogen is considered a futureenergy source, as well as its limitations.1. IntroductionScientific data has indicated that climate change is ongoing. The average global temperaturecontinues to rise, and sea levels are steadily increasing [1], [2]. Climate change leads to

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 3 - Energy and Society

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tony Lee Kerzmann, University of Pittsburgh; David V.P. Sanchez, University of Pittsburgh; Suraya Rahim, University of Pittsburgh

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

engineering programs who are accredited by theAccreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). ABET Outcome 5 of the sevenstudent outcomes states that graduating engineering students should attain, “an ability to functioneffectively on a team whose members together provide leadership, create a collaborative andinclusive environment, establish goals, plan tasks, and meet objectives [1].” Therefore, it isimperative for the University of Pittsburgh engineering programs to engage their students ineffective teamwork throughout their undergraduate education.Teamwork is important in interdisciplinary projects as it brings diverse ideas, skills, andapproaches together. Likewise, different students have different skills, and their personal trialsand

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 3 - Energy and Society

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Teodora Rutar Shuman, Seattle University

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

throughout an engineeringcurriculum, but that commands the development of a new mindset for faculty and students. Thisnew mindset requires a fundamental change to how engineering is taught.This paper focuses on implementing two EOP Systems Thinking outcomes in a 4th-yearThermodynamics course. The outcomes are:EOP Systems Thinking 1: “Explain interconnectedness (e.g., intersecting, related and/orconnected systems; human actions and global environmental and social impacts andconsequences; synergies and rebound effects) and how all human-made designs and activitiesrely upon and are embedded within ecological and social systems”EOP Systems Thinking 3: “Apply relevant concepts from required disciplines to the study of real-world problems and their

Conference Session

ECCNE Technical Session 3 - Energy and Society

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brian Patrick Murphy, SUNY Buffalo State University

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

: Naval Engineer degree - Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), MS in Mechanical Engineering - MIT, and MS in Ocean Systems Management - MIT. Energy Engineering and Mechanical Engineering Technology BS from Rochester Institute of Technology. Career: 1. Commander, United States Navy, Submarine and Engineering Duty Officer (Retired 2008). 2. Manufacturing Operations Manager and Continuous Improvement (Through 2017) Engineer. 3. Mechanical Engineering Technology Professor (2018 to Present). Licenses: Six-Sigma Blackbelt License from the American Society for Quality, PE in Mechanical Engineering, Department of Energy (DOE) Certified Nuclear Engineer. North American Board of Certified Energy Professionals (NABCEP

Conference Session

Energy Conversion, Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jonathan William Ross, Drexel University; Karen Miu Miller, Drexel University; Christopher Wayne Peters, Drexel University

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Diversity

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Conservation and Nuclear Engineering Division (ECCNE), Energy Conversion

power plant design.1 IntroductionNuclear power plant design requires cohorts of engineers trained in various aspects of reactortheory, thermal-hydraulic analysis, and power system stability. Several fields of study mustsynergize to effectively harness the power of the atom; yet most undergraduates are unfamiliarwith the fundamentals of atomic physics, radiation interaction, and basic reactor theory. Thus, alayered, hands-on simulation approach can provide confidence and foster proficiency in keyeducational topics across multiple disciplines.To this end, one can find several institutions whose organizational goals include the advancementof nuclear education and safety with simulation tools. The Nuclear Energy Agency (NEA)maintains a catalogue