Conference Session

Perspectives on Degree Completion and Graduate School Application

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amir Karimi, University of Texas, San Antonio; Randall D. Manteufel, University of Texas, San Antonio; Lynn L. Peterson, University of Texas, Arlington

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

any math classes.Regardless of the advice from faculty or academic advisors, freshmen sometimes have themisconception that math is optional or it can be delayed with little consequences. The results of thesurvey presented in this paper support the idea that senior-level students now realize the importanceof taking math during the freshman year, and some indicated that it is one of the major reasons theywere not graduating in 4 years. As freshmen, they may not have understood this. But as seniors,they understand why their progress was delayed.The fourth question on the survey explored how many years it took the respondents to complete anundergraduate degree in engineering. Figure 5 presents the summary of the results. Among theUTSA students

Conference Session

Design Throughout the Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David C. Jensen, University of Arkansas; Dennis Beck, University of Arkansas

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

objective assessment and thesubjective perception are both needed to address the concern of graduate unpreparedness.Data Sources The data supporting this research was gathered over the course of a 16 week semester in amechanical engineering design course. There were 82 junior and senior undergraduate studentsenrolled in this course. These students formed 21 self-selected groups consisting mostly of fourmembers each with a few three-member groups. Student groups worked with faculty members andone graduate student who all have responsibilities of teaching courses in the mechanicalengineering curriculum.Methodology In the following sections we detail the novel approach to teaching engineering design

Conference Session

Research and Multidisciplinary Experiences

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rachel K. Anderson, Clemson University; Todd Schweisinger, Clemson University; Barbara Jean Speziale, Clemson University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

research avenues. The flexibility of theprogram makes it beneficial for tenure-track as well as non-tenure track faculty while givingstudents at all stages of their academic careers the opportunity to participate in hands-on researchprojects.CI projects are offered in each academic discipline, many of which offer a number of projectsfrom which students can choose. The program encourages student-centered projects that allowundergraduates to explore a topic of interest while developing a sense of independence.According to the CI Spring 2014 survey data, approximately 20% of projects result from ideasgenerated by students who then approach a faculty member to be the project mentor. Studentsreceive course credit for their participation which can be

Conference Session

Design Throughout the Mechanical Engineering Curriculum

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Aaron Lalley P.E., South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Mark David Bedillion, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Michael Langerman, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Umesh A. Korde, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

student understanding of an innovative product development process that requires rigorous evaluation of multiple options before arriving at the design of record. Early exposure in their academic career allows the student to integrate the process in subsequent academic semesters. By repeating and iterating the process the graduates are better prepared for working in an innovative field. • Students understand the value of product evaluation including tangible results against proposed gains. Grading in sophomore design is based in part on verification results. Often verification shows unexpected results, solidifying the value of verification to students. • The understanding of the teamwork required

Conference Session

Manufacturing and Machine Component Design

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sandra Anstaett Metzler P.E., Ohio State University; Blaine W. Lilly, Ohio State University

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

understood the hard work that goes intomaking a part. I also worked on a machine that solenoid valves, which was great because I knewhow they worked after taking (the course). I cannot express enough how much (the course)helped me during my internships, and I wish more of that was introduced to freshman, at least ata very basic level to familiarize early engineers with what they may see on the job”.“It made me realize I wanted to be a maker and be an engineer who does very hands on buildingaspects. It also taught me about the diverse career prospects for engineers, and showed me that Idid not have to leave school and become a number cruncher”.With regard to its impact on their decision to remain in the major, some of the students reportedthat they