communicating ideas to an audience. Inventioneducation provides a platform for students to identify real-world challenges and devise novel andinnovative solutions, fostering a sense of self-efficacy. Encouraging invention, innovation, andan entrepreneurial mindset helps students become more self-determined and contributes tostudents’ acquiring the skills needed to shape their own future [1].Students’ sense of belonging, psychological safety, and decision-making processes about theirfuture often align with their interests and curiosity, but anxiety can negatively influence theseperceptions. The aim of this study is to examine the constructs of interest and anxiety, withrespect to science and math and specifically to inventing. Prior research efforts in
inquisitive mind throughactive, experiential, and problem-based learning. By emphasizing innovation and value creation,EML aims to equip learners not only to comprehend entrepreneurial thinking but also to activelyidentify opportunities, calculatedly accept risks, and proactively solve problems [1]. The KernEntrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) plays a crucial role in developing EMLcurriculum, tools, and a supportive community for educators.KEEN uses the 3C framework to characterize the entrepreneurial mindset: curiosity, connections,and creating value [1]. EML activities are intentionally designed to cultivate curiosity andenhance learners' ability to synthesize information from diverse sources, ultimately fosteringinsightful problem-solving
, a creation method of source media was utilized where the participants wereinvited to look at the inherent performativity of various objects and how in a devised processthose objects could be used to create a totally new performance. In practice, the same principleswere used, but instead, the emphasis was placed on how those objects could be used as a startingpoint to innovatively create an enhanced or completely new object that could function moreeffectively than the original object. The workshop was completed in three main steps:1. Introduction: The participating artist introduced themselves and showed a few brief YouTube videos that demonstrate the use of a source object to inform performance. The source object the artist focused on
between a Failure Mindset and course performance.IntroductionThe positive benefits of fostering a Growth Mindset in our students have been widely reported [1].In our engineering curriculum, we hope to train our students to develop the skill of persistingthrough and learning from failure [2]. This is a key skill in developing the EntrepreneurialMindset, as framed by Kern Entrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) [3]. As part of theKEEN, we have realized that our Mastery-Based Assessment model could be an important toolfor developing our students’ Failure Mindset [4]. We defined a positive Failure Mindset as onethat looks at failure as a positive outcome that enhances one’s opportunities for learning. In thisstudy, we explored a more focused study
innovative approach combines engineering skillsets with the three C's –curiosity, connections, and creating value [1]. By implementing EM into engineering education,students are provided with opportunities to make a meaningful impact through their designs,fostering a holistic and forward-thinking approach to their learning experience [1].In collaboration with KEEN, two universities recently added EM elements to their existing first-year engineering courses and the learning outcomes were assessed using student grades. As partof the assessment, student surveys were also collected, and their responses indicatedimprovement in their social curiosity after being exposed to EML [2]. Research fromGrzybowski et al. and Desing et al. showed that integration
engineering.IntroductionCuriosity, a force that motivates people to seek out new information and discover new things, isvital to the process of invention and innovation and is inextricably linked as a valuable trait forengineers to possess [1]. Beyond its connection to innovation and societal advancement, theability for one to be curious has also been correlated with a variety of desirable outcomes ineducation, including increased motivation [2,3], greater ability to retain information andpersevere [4], improved learning [2] and increased academic achievement [5]. Additionally, it isstrongly associated with a willingness to embrace uncertainty and unpredictability [6,7], traitsthat are often desirable characteristics for engineering students and practicing engineers. Thus
in 2007. In 2012, Krista completed her Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering at Ohio State. Her engineering education research interests include investigating first-year engineering student experiences, faculty experiences, and the research to practice cycle within first-year engineering. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2024The First-Year Engineering Student Entrepreneurial Mindset: A Longitudinal Investigation Utilizing Indirect Assessment Scores1. IntroductionSince the turn of the century, global and national calls have been made to develop a moreinnovative and entrepreneurial society to support economic growth [1]. Such calls haveemphasized the development of entrepreneurial concepts
and workforce demands. Some universities have begun developinginnovative doctoral programs that explore alternative defense pathways beyond the traditionaldissertation model. One such initiative is the Pathway to Entrepreneurship Patent Program,which offers a creative, student-centered framework within graduate education [1]. The purposeof this study is to investigate doctoral students’ and faculty’s experiences and perceptions with apilot patent defense program in engineering disciplines. Despite growing interest, there is limitedresearch on an alternative patent proposal defense for engineering doctoral students. Mostdoctoral programs remain focused on conventional academic research and are often less alignedwith applied science and
study.IntroductionIn 2020 the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) started a new mechanical engineering program tosupport high regional demand for additional engineering students. The program was designed withprogressive thinking about high impact practices to support student experiences. In particular, theprogram faculty pushed hard to create meaningful undergraduate research experiences for students in theprogram.Many prior studies have demonstrated the power of course-based undergraduate research experiences(CUREs) as a way to support students in retention [1–3]. CUREs are considered a high impact practice, asthey create a direct mentoring relationship between a student and a faculty member. One challenge ofundergraduate research is the time required to
development,and curriculum [1]. This EM approach to curriculum is one tool for supporting thedevelopment of sociotechnical engineers—preparing students to solve global engineeringproblems utilizing the KEEN EM framework’s 3Cs: curiosity, connections and creating value.When coupled with engineering thought and action, EM is expressed through collaboration andcommunication and founded on character. The sociotechnical engineer uses both technical andnon-technical (e.g. collaboration and communication) skills in order to work effectively. Theengineering capstone course, as a culminating experience for students preparing to embark ontheir professional careers, serves as an ideal site to further train students to to transfertechnicalknowledge gained from
progress: How a Cornerstone Course Impacts Self-efficacy and EntrepreneurshipIntroductionEngineers have emerged as pivotal players in technological innovation in the past decadeby founding or actively participating in entrepreneurial ventures [1]. Consequently, policyinitiatives have increasingly supported integrating entrepreneurship programs withinengineering education [2]. Economic shifts and an evolving job market for graduates haveheightened the demand for engineers with an entrepreneurial mindset, which is defined asthe cognitive adaptability that preceeds entrepreneurial behaviors for acting onopportunities, learning from failures, and creating economic and social value throughproblem-solving [6]. Such a mindset
investigation into the validation of theseinstruments supports a larger endeavor to advance assessment tools for entrepreneurialengineering education. Equipping engineering educators with adequate and nuanced assessmentstools could enhance the ways in which best EML practices in the classroom are evaluated withhopes of ultimately improving EML skillsets for engineering students entering professionalpractice.1. IntroductionEngineers are positioned to be impactful contributors to solving modern global problems such asclimate change, food shortages, and sustainable energy [1]. These complex modern challengesoften are ill-structured and require engineers to apply technical skills such as computationalmodeling to solve these problems [2]. Oftentimes, these
currently widely accessible to students—into anacademic assignment focused on creative thinking, students can gain formal, facilitatedexperience in seeing both the opportunities and limitations of such tools.1. IntroductionCreativity is a crucial skill for engineering students to learn and practice so that they mightstrengthen their ability to develop novel and impactful engineering solutions and processes [1].This ability to be creative [2]—i.e., to have an idea and bring it to be—is beneficial in a varietyof disciplines and professional contexts. Engineering programs can provide students with theopportunity to practice being creative by offering standalone courses in creativity and innovationas well as through incorporating creativity techniques
students to use design thinking to advance their research,translation, and career goals, and (iv) demonstrate that an innovation mindset can fuel basicresearch as well as translation and innovation activities. This Work in Progress paper describesour novel implementation approaches and early indicators of trainee engagement and success.Our approach to delivering the Impact Training revolves around central tenets of early andcontinuous engagement applied using a “just-in-time” model. In this just in time approach,trainees learn concepts immediately before they must be deployed to accomplish authentic,meaningful tasks [1], [2]. Examples include workshops on scientific talks and poster design justbefore a key regional or national conference, or
solutions that are customer-focused and aligned with existing infrastructure andworkflows.This paper details the structure of the IF mentoring program, showcasing two quantitative andqualitative discovery instruments that are designed to inform continuous programmaticimprovement. Preliminary pre- and post-program data is presented, capturing two cohorts offellows’ perceptions of their competencies in areas such as intellectual property and legal issues,networking, and knowledge of regulatory pathways, where a near two-fold improvement wasobserved.Introduction / BackgroundBased on the I-Corps model implemented at NSF [1] - [3], the Innovation Fellows (IF) Programemploys a multi-level, multi-perspectives approach to entrepreneurial mentoring [4] - [6
in an original direction, alsoknown as a venture, at a profit. Entrepreneurial success has been repeatedly tied to economicgrowth [1] and positive social change [2]. As entrepreneurs often take significant financial risksto get started and their success can benefit so many, understanding how to support their successas much as possible is critical. An entrepreneur’s ability to build and sustain their network is animportant element of their success, as networking ability has been shown to positively affect thefinancial performance of new ventures [3] and the ability to attract larger institutional investors[4]. This connection has been found to be the most pronounced for younger ventures [3]. Certainnetworking strategies, such as consciously
SafetyThis work-in-progress submission describes activities to nurture an innovation ecosystem toimprove agriculture, forestry, and fishing (AgFF) occupational safety. This ecosystem will besupported through a research-to-practice (r2p) incubator project entitled “IdeasThatWork” thataims to remove health and safety hazards in AgFF, industries that historically have significantlyhigher than average occupational injury [1] and fatality rates [2], as compared to other industries.This paper describes (1) a data gathering effort to identify best practices utilized in existingtechnology incubators, (2) the recruitment of an expert advisory board representing the range ofexpertise needed in the AgFF occupational safety innovation sphere, (3) the
entrepreneurs.Literature ReviewThis literature review explores the domain of academic entrepreneurship, focusing on differencesbetween faculty and graduate students. We focus on three key areas: 1) academicentrepreneurship in bridging research and commercialization, 2) challenges encountered byfaculty and graduate students, and 3) the potential of advanced methodological approaches toanalyze qualitative data in entrepreneurial research. By addressing these themes, we provide afoundation for understanding the role of career stages and methodological advancements inentrepreneurship research.Roles and Contributions of Academic EntrepreneursAcademic entrepreneurs are individuals within universities who engage in entrepreneurialactivities, such as patenting
of EML as an approachto enhance practical skills for real-world industry challenges.Keywords: Entrepreneurial Minded Learning (EML), Construction Project Management,Experiential Learning, Engineering Technology 1. IntroductionThe entrepreneurial mindset is increasingly critical in modern engineering education, as it preparesstudents to think innovatively, solve complex problems, and navigate real-world challengeseffectively (Hassan et al., 2013; Santiago & Guo, 2020). The KEEN network promotes the EMLframework, which emphasizes the 3Cs, Curiosity, Creating Value, and Connections, asfoundational elements of learning in engineering education. By fostering these competencies,educators aim to develop engineers who are not only technically
practices assessment. Comparing the types of teachingpractice assessments, we identified that self-reporting teaching inventories offer a low-resource(personnel and time) alternative to assess teaching practices through the lens of the instructor.Ultimately, this study leveraged existing research on STEM teaching practice assessment tools todevelop one that furthers the integration of EM in engineering education.Introduction In today’s world, the continuous advancement of society’s needs and technology has ledto calls for engineers to possess more than just technical engineering skills. They must haveskills that better prepare them for serving society, such as cultural competency [1] andcommunication skills [2] along with an understanding
-tests, while qualitative data fromstudent reflections were examined using thematic analysis. Findings indicate significantimprovement in students’ entrepreneurial mindset (p < .01); however, quantitative measures ofvalue creation did not show statistically significant changes. Qualitative findings suggeststudents valued collaborative problem-solving and the use of structured decision-making tools,such as decision matrices. Even small interventions can influence online students’entrepreneurial mindsets.IntroductionThere is a growing need to better understand how intentional course design embeddingentrepreneurial mindset (EM) principles impacts engineering education [1, 2]. Specifically, suchdesign interventions can influence students’ ability
problems solving are intended to be more proficient at recognizing opportunities,drawing connections, and creating value (EngineeringUnleashed.com) [1]. The KernEntrepreneurial Engineering Network (KEEN) is a partnership of >60 colleges and universities thatseeks to infuse EM into engineering education to create best practices and train faculty. In 2020, ourNC State faculty were disengaged from the national efforts to embed EM into classroom instruction.The authors were among the first faculty (teaching and tenure-track faculty) at NC State to attemptto start the movement on campus to teach with more EM.The authors worked within the system at NC State to build a coalition to become a KEEN partnerschool. NC State has had an excellent
Engineering Education, 2025Mastery-Based Learning Inspires Persistence and Growth Through Failure1. IntroductionFailure tolerance is a necessary skill for professionals in fields demanding innovation. The ability topersist through and learn from failure has been identified as a key outcome of an entrepreneurialmindset (EM) [1]. In response, there has been significant interest in designing course structures thatfacilitate productive failure, particularly within entrepreneurship education, the KEEN network, andbroader engineering education. One promising approach could be mastery-based learning (MBL), whichmay promote EM by normalizing failure and encouraging students to learn from their past mistakes [2,3, 4]. To effectively cultivate an
perspectives of team members andstakeholders. However, mindsets of any kind are challenging to assess. We hypothesize thatbehaviors provide an opportunity to observe the translation of mindsets into actions and thatobserving these behaviors, in turn, allows for assessing EM development.Background and Prior WorkIn 1959, Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern founded what became Generac Power Systems, one ofthe world’s largest manufacturers of complete engine-driven power generator systems. Afterselling a division of Generac in 1998, the Kerns established the Kern Family Foundation [1]. TheFoundation’s mission is to focus on efforts that have long-term, systemic impact, therebyempowering the rising generation of Americans to build flourishing lives anchored in
proposeand test psychometric instruments to establish baselines and gage changes in entrepreneurialmindset or intent.Educational literature on mechanical and closely adjacent engineering contains multipleinstances where the business of entrepreneurship serves as the center of a curricular intervention.The enterprise in question may exist as a simulation, a potential enterprise, or a functioningbusiness in such cases. Costello simulates “…real-life entrepreneur interaction for students…”by requiring final year mechanical engineering students to solve class design problems incollaboration with real entrepreneurs [1]. As an interaction between business students withentrepreneurial intent and sophomore mechanical engineering CAD students shows
describes how the Department of Bioengineering at the University ofOregon has reached beyond faculty in engineering and related sciences to incorporate expertiseand coursework from a broader set of disciplines with a direct impact on student success. Thoseinterdisciplinary networks internal to our institution – particularly from outside STEM fields –are central to our strategy for enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship education and thefuture flexibility in our graduate engineering programs.[1] [2] Interdisciplinary EngineeringEducation has been identified as a valuable approach in many programs because the professionallandscape for engineers relies on a diverse set of technical competencies and an essential set ofnon-technical skills. [3]In the
establishedinstruments in peer-reviewed literature, such as the Multifactorial Leadership Questionnaire(MLQ) and the Scale for Effective Communication in Teams (SECTS), modified for aneducational context [20,46,47], and can be seen in Table 1.The collected data were processed using the Qualtrics platform, which allowed for filtering andcleaning, facilitating numerical analysis. The Pearson correlation coefficient was applied to thedata from the questionnaires, with the results exported to statistical software for further analysis.The quality of the research was ensured through expert evaluation of the instrument’s validity, andits reliability was confirmed with a high Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.887, indicating stronginternal consistency. Ethical
their confidence in leadership, creative thinking, and problem-solving.IntroductionAs part of a Kern Entrepreneurial Education Network (KEEN) Fellowship I received in AY2023,I incorporated a semester-long project to have recent alumni engage undergraduate engineeringstudents and lead classroom activities focused on the entrepreneurial mindset (EM) and the threeCs: curiosity, connections, and creating value.[1] “It spiked my interest in understanding howengineering students develop through their… professional experiences and how [those positionthem to incorporate] entrepreneurial mindset into their work. Especially the three Cs,” was astudent’s seminar survey response. The development of an EM is important for engineeringstudents as they prepare
andmotivation in UGR can aid in the design of improved workshops and courses for UG researchers,as well as provide direction for individual faculty who are interested in leveraging EM in theirmentorship of UG students.Introduction:Undergraduate research (UGR) is widely recognized as a high-impact practice that enhancesstudents’ academic productivity. The engagement in learning, retention in college, and careerpreparedness of students can be positively affected by participating in UGR. Studies show thatUGR helps students clarify career goals [1], foster a sense of identity as scientists or engineers[2], and build resilience [3]. Additionally, UGR serves as a valuable ecosystem for preparingfuture graduate students and enhancing research lab productivity
Communications course. EML is a pedagogy that aims to inculcate the entrepreneurialmindset (EM) in students, specifically the 3C framework of the EM: curiosity, connections, andcreating value. EML techniques aim to increase student curiosity, improve the student’s ability tomake connections between disparate sources of information, and ultimately equip them to createvalue for themselves and society. Thus, EML is closely related to inquiry-based learning, problem-based learning, and project-based learning. The distinction between EML and these otherpedagogical approaches is the focus on a value-creation mindset.EML is integrated into this course primarily through three frameworks: (1) DevelopingConnections, which employs risk factor consideration when