Conference Session

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP) Poster Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

MC Forelle, University of Virginia; Siobhan Elizabeth Loughney, University of Virginia

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP)

adequate workforce of trained and skilled automotivetechnicians to repair and maintain these new fleets of EVs. This paper aims to fill a gap in theexisting literature by exploring how the rapid pace of EV and other emerging automotivetechnologies pose a significant obstacle to established automotive mechanic training programs.First, we lay out the history of repair labor and training as one of persistent shortages and under-resourcing. We then detail the present-day range of career and technical education institutionsavailable to current and incoming mechanics, as well as the funding sources available to thoseinstitutions for updating training curricula. We conclude by discussing the obstacles that publiceducation specifically faces in making use

Conference Session

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mona El Helbawy, University of Colorado Boulder; eric bogatin, University of Colorado Boulder

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP)

learners.Performance-Based Admissions: A central innovation of the programs is a performance-basedadmissions pathway, which replaces standardized tests and traditional application materials withdemonstrated academic performance in designated gateway courses. While this model hassuccessfully expanded access, it also raises important considerations about learner preparednessand long-term academic success.Stackable Credentials and Career Alignment: Programs support stackable credentials, whichallow students to earn certificates in areas such as artificial intelligence, data science, andsustainability. While this structure promotes career relevance and flexibility, preliminary feedbackindicates mixed recognition from employers and concerns about fragmented

Conference Session

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hortense Gerardo, University of California, San Diego; Dana Polojärvi, Maine Maritime Academy; Jon Wade, University of California, San Diego

Tagged Divisions

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP)

of mental tools that artists develop as they learn andgrow in their careers, and they have been defined as "procedural representations of a problemthat coordinate memory, attention, and perception into sequences of useful computations andactions" [1]. When people go to school, they learn the ways of expression that societies value,and they expect to have a productive future life within their communities based on theirinvestment in learning. Their work together, learning, and coadapting while also individuallycontributing to the process of development leads to cultural evolution that involves "theintroduction of behavioural novelty or modification, the transmission of behaviour via sociallearning, the improvement in genetic and/or cultural

Conference Session

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mihwa Park, Texas Tech University; Changwon Son, Texas Tech University; Wesley Wehde, Texas Tech University

Tagged Divisions

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP)

that a large portion ofmanagers in engineering companies start their career as an engineer. According to the USBureau of Labor Statistics, over 80% of engineering manager positions required an engineeringdegree [8]. Therefore, it is necessary for managers in engineering companies to possess skillsand knowledge required for preparing for and responding to EDCs.Despite increasing risks of EDCs worldwide, educational efforts embodied in either curriculumof a college degree or related courses remain very limited. According to FEMA HigherEducation College List [20], of over 5,300 colleges and universities in the US, only 346 (6.5%)offer emergency management programs. It is worth noting that previous work [21], [22]attempted to fill this gap by

Conference Session

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mona El Helbawy, University of Colorado Boulder; Pat Clark, University of Colorado Boulder

Tagged Divisions

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP)

before and after using the immersive reality. The preliminary data suggeststhat students who engage with the simulation show improved understanding of key concepts andbetter performance on assessments. However, this is just the beginning, and more comprehensivestudies are underway to evaluate how well these gains translate into long-term retention andcareer readiness.We are also collecting qualitative data on student motivation. Early results indicate thatimmersive simulations like this one can significantly increase students’ interest in the subject,which could lead to higher enrollment in semiconductor programs. However, more research isneeded to confirm whether these motivational boosts translate into long-term career engagement.Next Steps

Conference Session

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

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

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP)

percent ofstudents identifying as male), nursing suffers an even greater gender bias (e.g., with nearly ninetypercent of students identifying as female). The practical implication of this observation is that thegrowth of the engineering workforce may be most quickly accomplished by attracting morewomen to consider the career, and similarly the growth of the nursing workforce may be mostquickly accomplished by attracting more men to consider nursing.Similarly, despite nearly two million engineers and four million nurses working in the UnitedStates, the racial demographics reported within each profession are different from the racialdemographics of the overall American population (e.g., with nearly 70% of engineers identifyingas white and nearly 80

Conference Session

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Fadhla Binti Junus, Purdue Engineering Education; Alfa Satya Putra, Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE)

Tagged Divisions

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP)

between theoretical knowledge and industry needs. Studies [5], [6], [9], [12], [13] emphasize the importance of practical experiences for students through partnerships and collaborations with other universities, industries, and international organizations. These collaborations facilitate access to resources, expertise, and real-world contexts, enhancing the relevance of educational content to the evolving demands of the workforce, which ultimately prepares students for successful careers.2. Governance decentralization Decentralized governance is crucial for integrating STEM education effectively into the “Merdeka Belajar” curriculum. Although the School-based curriculum has been implemented since 2006, it has not fully allowed

Conference Session

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Huiming Fan, East China University of Science and Technology; Lan Yu, East China University of Science and Technology

Tagged Divisions

Engineering and Public Policy Division (EPP)

the rapidly changing learning and career needs in theinformation age.2.4 The digital transformation of engineering education High-quality engineering talent is an important internal driving force to promotethe development of a country's manufacturing industry. The digital transformation ofmanufacturing industry not only puts forward new requirements for industrialdevelopment, but also puts forward new requirements for the training of engineeringtalents. The digital transformation of manufacturing industry needs a large number ofcompound talents who know both manufacturing knowledge and digital knowledge.Therefore, engineering education in the new era must cultivate new engineeringtalents with both professional and digital skills. In