Conference Session

Innovative Methods to Teach Engineering to URMs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gordon W. Skelton, Jackson State University; Qing Pang, Jackson State University; Wei Zheng, Jackson State University; HuiRu Shih, Jackson State University; Tzusheng Pei, Jackson State University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

Creativity, Self-regulated Learning, and Motiva- tion through Cyberinfrastructure-enabled Problem/Project-based Learning”, American Education Science Review, vol. 1, no. 1, February, 2010 Wei Zheng, Jianjun Ying, Gordon Skelton, Huiru Shih, Tzusheng Pei and Evelyn Leggette, ”Strategies in Science and Engineering Studies”, Journal of Information Systems Technology and Planning, vol. 2, issue 3, winter 2009. N. Meghanathan, S. Sharma and G. W. Skelton, ”Use of Mobile Sinks to Disseminate Data in Wireless Sensor Networks,” International Journal of Information Processing, vol. 2, no. 2, April/ May 2008. Marc Bitner, Gordon Skelton, ”Low Cost, Highly Effective Parallel Computing Achieved Through a Beowulf Cluster

Conference Session

Broadening Participation of Minority Students in and with K-12 Engineering

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Katherine C. Chen, California Polytechnic State University; Lizabeth T. Schlemer, California Polytechnic State University; Heather Scott Smith, California Polytechnic State University; Teana Fredeen, California Polytechnic State University

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering, Minorities in Engineering

interested in and planning to study engineering in college. Changes in self-perceivedabilities, knowledge, and attitudes towards engineering were investigated with statements on aLikert scale to measure the impact of the camp. Analysis revealed that while there was anincrease in all the areas, the Likert scores were already starting out high, consistent with theresponse rate of students planning to study engineering. From conversations and responses to theopen-ended survey questions, we learned that many of the camp participants were trying todistinguish the different types of engineering and very much enjoyed the hands-on approach tothe labs. Results of the assessment have been previously published2, and have influenced thesummer program.Over the

Conference Session

CANCELLED: This session has been replaced by session W269 in room 223: Panel: Building Effective Pathways and Programs for Women and Minoritities

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hyun Kyoung Ro, Pennsylvania State University; Rose M. Marra, University of Missouri, Columbia; Patrick T. Terenzini, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Ardie D. Walser, City College of the City University of New York, Grove School of Engineering; Lois Calian Trautvetter, Northwestern University; Susan M. Lord, University of San Diego

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

and grouptutoring sessions as well as personal, professional and academic mentoring. Four of our six casestudy institutions also offered “living and learning” communities that used an all-inclusiveapproach to support student retention. For this panel session, we also examined if engineering seniors’ plans to work in oroutside of an engineering profession differed by gender and race/ethnicity. The P2P surveycontains three measures for this analysis, tapping students’ expectations that after graduationthey will: 1) be a practicing engineer in industry, government, or non-profit organization; 2)work in engineering management or sales; and 3) work outside engineering. We found thatwomen students were less likely than men to plan to be a

Conference Session

Panel on Recruiting and Retaining Women and Underrepresented Minority Students

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hyun Kyoung Ro, Pennsylvania State University; Rose M. Marra, University of Missouri, Columbia; Ardie D. Walser, City College of the City University of New York, Grove School of Engineering; Patrick T. Terenzini, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Lois Calian Trautvetter, Northwestern University; Susan M. Lord, University of San Diego

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering, Women in Engineering

and grouptutoring sessions as well as personal, professional and academic mentoring. Four of our six casestudy institutions also offered “living and learning” communities that used an all-inclusiveapproach to support student retention. For this panel session, we also examined if engineering seniors’ plans to work in oroutside of an engineering profession differed by gender and race/ethnicity. The P2P surveycontains three measures for this analysis, tapping students’ expectations that after graduationthey will: 1) be a practicing engineer in industry, government, or non-profit organization; 2)work in engineering management or sales; and 3) work outside engineering. We found thatwomen students were less likely than men to plan to be a

Conference Session

Innovative Methods to Teach Engineering to URMs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Elizabeth A. Eschenbach, Humboldt State University; Mary E. Virnoche, Humboldt State University; Tyler J. Evans, Humboldt State University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

S-STEM funding has influenced educational practices in the ERE department.The lessons learned from SLS program have informed the ERE department Diversity andRetention Plan required by the new university accreditation process, whose purpose is to increaseretention of diverse students in all majors. One part of the plan that was informed by the SLSproject is the implementation of a peer mentoring program for first year engineering (ERE)students. The peer mentoring program was started due to the SLS project outcomes thatindicated the importance of peer mentoring. Assessment of the new peer mentoring program isnot yet complete. In addition, based on outcomes from the SLS project, the ERE department isencouraging the university to implement

Conference Session

Attracting Young Minds: Part I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Claude Villiers, Florida Gulf Coast University; Shelby Gilbert, Ed.D., Florida Gulf Coast University; Yves J. Anglade, Florida A&M University/Florida State University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

: Work with certified teachers and/or FEF Ph.D. Fellows Sharpen skills in mathematics, critical reading and/or writing Explore math and language arts in action through applied activities and projects Learn test-taking strategies that will help enhance scores on the SAT Take weekly simulated practice SAT's Participate in college planning workshops with guidance counselors and college and university admission and financial aid representatives Interact with professionals in career planning sessions Earn elective high school credit for satisfactory completion of Summer Camp requirements, if eligibleFlorida Education FundThe Florida Education Fund (FEF), under the leadership of Dr. Lawrence

Conference Session

Attracting Young Minds: Part II

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sarah M. Brown, National Society of Black Engineers; Lauren D. Thomas, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

both the program model and the impact of the program. Data collected fromparticipants includes demographics data, efficacy and learning assessments, and evaluations ofthe programs‟ content. This data is collected through survey templates provided to local studentleaders, tabulated locally, and returned to the National leadership. Through the pilot studies thedata collection and research methods are verified for their effectiveness in this unique programmodel. This paper will present the program assessment for internal development as well asaddress research questions about engineering students involved in STEM mentoring activities.Finally we present recommendations for developing the program further and a plan for acomprehensive study of the

Conference Session

Developing Young MINDS in Engineering, Part II

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

G. Padmanabhan, North Dakota State University; Robert V. Pieri, North Dakota State University; Carol Davis, North Dakota State University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

experience an immersionin the native culture.NDSU Camp for TCC StudentsThis camp has two tracks, one for students and another for the TCC faculty and high schoolteachers. Besides academic sessions, laboratories, and industry visits, students at the camp areprovided opportunities to participate in the activities of the university multicultural studentservice center, student chapter of American Indian Science and Engineering Society, and otherlocal NA organizations. The TCC faculty and teachers work with university professors todevelop lesson plans for the Sunday Academy sessions and high school summer camps. One ofthe unique features of this camp is both tribal college faculty and the students come together onthe university campus. Though the faculty

Conference Session

Mentoring Graduate Students, Diversity, and Assessment

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Gregg L. Fiegel, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo; Ben Mason, University of California, Berkeley; Nicholas W. Trombetta, University of California, San Diego

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies, Minorities in Engineering

undergraduate research assistants from CalPoly, have been working on this project for over two years. The project ends in September 2012.The research involves the use of both centrifuge experiments and analytical modeling toinvestigate soil-foundation-structure interaction effects occurring in dense urban areas duringearthquakes. In support of this project, undergraduate students have participated primarily in thecentrifuge modeling aspect of the research. Six centrifuge experiments are planned for thisproject, with three completed to date. As research assistants, the undergraduates' primary tasksinclude calibrating and placing model instrumentation, constructing the models, helping toconduct the centrifuge tests, documenting experimental activities

Conference Session

Innovative Methods to Teach Engineering to URMs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Showkat Chowdhury, Alabama A&M University; Mohamed A. Seif, Alabama A&M University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

. Thestudents are involved in the design, construction, testing, launching, and recovery of a reusablerocket with a scientific payload. The activities involve diverse aspects such as planning andscheduling, purchasing, performing calculations and analysis, coordinating logistics, and designreviews. They are mentored by faculty advisors. Alabama A&M University rocketry team is oneof the 20 teams selected by NASA nationwide under the University Student Launch Initiative(USLI) program, and financially supported by the Alabama Space Grant Consortium. Studentsfrom mechanical, electrical & civil engineering and technology departments, mostlyunderrepresented minority, are involved in this exciting project. Successful launch and recoveryof the rocket

Conference Session

Mentoring Graduate Students, Diversity, and Assessment

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert M. Brooks, Temple University; Amithraj Amavasai; Jyothsna Kavuturu

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies, Minorities in Engineering

demonstrated a 13.2% improvement on the average grade of the class over the traditional grading method. The result was statistically significant. (2) An exponentially decreasing relationship was demonstrated between the number of students asking hints and number of hints asked as the students proceeded through the steps of the problem. (3) The authors plan to use this strategy in three other courses over the next three years. The method presented in this study may be used at other institutions with appropriate modifications in order to encourage students by rewarding their levels of knowledge. Bibliography1. Lahaje, U. and Tittenberger, P. 2006. Kolb’s Learning Styles, http://hdl.handle.net/1993/232.2. Papacostas

Conference Session

Attracting Young Minds: Part I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Wenshen Pong, San Francisco State University; Amelito G. Enriquez, Canada College; Hamid Shahnasser, San Francisco State University; Cheng Chen, San Francisco State University; Nilgun Melek Ozer, San Francisco State University; S. (Ed) Cheng, San Francisco State University; Hao Jiang, San Francisco State University; Hamid Mahmoodi, San Francisco State University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

program was not successful in helpingstudents explore career options, or select an appropriate major.Table 4. SEI Student Survey: Knowledge and Skills important for College Success. Knowledge and Skills for College Success Pre- Post- Difference Response Scale: 4 – A Lot, 3 – Quite a Bit, Program Program (Post - Pre) 2 – Some, 1 – A little, 0 – Nothing. Time management 3.62 3.96 0.34 Education planning 3.46 3.88 0.42 Your learning style 3.69

Conference Session

Developing Young MINDS in Engineering, Part II

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

G. Padmanabhan, North Dakota State University; Carol Davis, North Dakota EPSCoR

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

related activities andexperience will not only enrich their undergraduate experience but also motivate them to pursuegraduate studies in those disciplines. Their career planning can benefit from such researchexperiences that help to focus on ideas and develop self-confidence about skills and abilities Page 22.335.2appropriate to science and engineering disciplines.Recent educational research has shown that students who engage in research projects are morelikely to enroll in and complete STEM degree programs when compared to other students1.Increased understanding of the research process2,3,4, a shift from passive to active learning5,6,7,enhanced

Conference Session

Developing Young MINDS in Engineering: Part I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rafic Bachnak, Texas A&M International University; Runchang Lin, Texas A&M International University; Rohitha Goonatilake, Texas A&M International University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

about the 2009 and 2010 cohorts and briefly discuss the results. Page 22.1183.2Engineering at TAMIUTAMIU currently has a pre-engineering program and a bachelors’ degree in systemsengineering. The pre-engineering program facilitates the automatic admission and academictransfer of students from TAMIU into engineering degree programs at TAMU. Thisarrangement allows students to take the first two years of core and engineering courses atTAMIU and be admitted to the engineering program of their choice at TAMU. In order toqualify, students must complete a minimum of 42 credits from a degree plan, including requiredcourses, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA

Conference Session

Innovative Methods to Teach Engineering to URMs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carolyn A Vallas, University of Virginia; Wraegen Williams, University of Virginia, Center for Diversity in Engineering

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

needed for America to compete in the diverse globaleconomy. This outreach effort has been designed and implemented with the aim of instillingan interest in computer science, engineering and entrepreneurship among the futureinnovators of America.LEAD-SEI’s three-week core curriculum consists of a team-based research project andcomputer science. These components allow groups to develop innovative solutions,products/prototypes, business plans and technology driven presentations to address real worldproblems; including the global challenges of the 21st century. In addition to theaforementioned, participants learn the scope of the different engineering fields fromUniversity professors and graduate students. Beyond discovering computer science

Conference Session

Developing Young MINDS in Engineering, Part II

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrea M. Ogilvie, University of Texas, Austin

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

Engineering (CSE). Offered throughout the fall andspring semesters, EOE FIGs assist students with building a support network that includes peers,upper division students, faculty, and professional engineers. Each FIG consists of 20 to 25 firstyear engineering students, one FIG Academic Tutor, two FIG Engineering Peer Leaders, and oneFIG Facilitator. The participants in each FIG cohort share a class schedule that includes at leasttwo to four courses in common which are also applicable to their engineering degree plan. Oneof these courses is a small, one-hour weekly FIG seminar designed to help students get to knoweach other, improve study skills, and develop strategies for academic success. The weeklyseminar is hosted by EOE staff members and upper

Conference Session

Attracting Young Minds: Part I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tanya D. Ennis, University of Colorado Boulder; Jana B. Milford, University of Colorado at Boulder; Jacquelyn F. Sullivan, University of Colorado, Boulder; Beth A. Myers, University of Colorado Boulder; Daniel Knight, University of Colorado, Boulder

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

BOLD/GoldShirt studentsin Andrews Hall. These mentors have collaborated with other student leaders in the hall as wellas BOLD team leaders to introduce new culturally diverse activities. The cultural relevance ofthe artwork in of Andrews Hall became an issue on the radar to address. Student mentorsselected artwork for study lounges and common areas which reflect the cultures of students whoreside there. Other activities, such as a Mardi Gras celebration, are planned for the springsemester. These enhancements to the appearance of and activities in Andrews Hall will create amore welcoming environment for diverse students and an opportunity to share diverse cultureswith all students in Andrews Hall.Peer Mentoring ProgramA new peer mentoring

Conference Session

Build Diversity in Engineering Graduate Programs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Allison Kang, University of Washington; Lisa A. Peterson, University of Washington; Elena Maria Hernandez, University of Washington

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

Sciences or Science Education,and/or former ALVA students with very strong math and life science backgrounds.In response to feedback from students and observations by GenOM staff on the academicchallenges faced by incoming freshmen, the GenOM program plans to add a 7-week chemistryworkshop to ALVA. The 90-minute chemistry workshops will be offered twice a week. Thiscourse will be specifically tailored for the ALVA students, and is designed by the staff at Officeof Minority Affairs and Diversity‟s Instructional Center (IC) for those who are planning to takethe first-year general chemistry series at the university. This course is designed for students witha minimal background in chemistry. During the 7-week course, two IC instructors will focus

Conference Session

Innovative Methods to Teach Engineering to URMs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ram V. Mohan, North Carolina A&T State University; Ajit D. Kelkar, North Carolina A&T State University; Keith A. Schimmel, North Carolina A&T State University; Vinaya Kelkar

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

cooperative-collaborative teaching strategies to enhance thelearning environment.Evaluation and AssessmentThe first year of the project focused on the development of the modules and pilot implemented insome cases. A formal evaluation on full implementation has been planned. The details of theassessment plan through internal and external evaluations are discussed next.INSTRUCT project will involve both a formative and summative evaluation to be conducted aspart of the overall evaluation of the project activities and their impact. These evaluations will beconducted by an independent evaluation agency. The purpose of the formative evaluation is toensure that the goals of the project are being achieved and to identify any areas whereimprovements are

Conference Session

New Research & Trends for Minorities in Engineering

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

K.L. Jordan, Michigan Technological University; Susan Amato-Henderson, Michigan Technological University; Sheryl A. Sorby, Michigan Technological University; Tammy L Haut Donahue, Michigan Technological University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

research and has been used as a wayof predicting students’ academic interests and goals in engineering7. SCCT has threeoverlapping models aimed at understanding how people: a) Develop basic academic and career interests b) Make and revise their educational and vocational plans, and c) Achieve performances of varying quality in their chosen academic and career pursuits.Within these models, self-efficacy, outcome expectations, goals, and other factors such asgender, race, barriers, etc. help shape a students’ career path. An example of a barrierwould be negative contextual influences, or adverse learning conditions5. These theoriesare somewhat foundational when understanding the constructs of self-regulation and self-efficacy.Self

Conference Session

New Research & Trends for Minorities in Engineering

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Yvette Pearson Weatherton, University of Texas, Arlington; Stephanie Lynn Daza, University of Texas at Arlington; Vu V. Pham, University of Texas, Arlington

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

from teacher focusgroups, classroom observations and teacher-produced materials such as lesson plans andreflective papers. Additional data was collected by surveying undergraduate engineeringstudents.For each group (e.g. High School STEM Teachers, High School STEM Students, andUndergraduate Engineering Students), key findings regarding the group‘s perception of barriersfor underrepresented populations are discussed. Perceptions of barriers are organized bydisability, gender, and race/ethnicity. Concluding remarks discuss some of the themes reflectedacross groups, including how curriculum, identities, and self-perceptions are constructed basedon traditional norms and historically held biases about gender, race/ethnicity, and (dis)ability.While

Conference Session

Mentoring Graduate Students, Diversity, and Assessment

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joy L. Colwell, Purdue University, Calumet; Jana Whittington, Purdue University, Calumet; Carl F. Jenks, Purdue University, Calumet

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies, Minorities in Engineering

writing issues.Techniques for Helping Graduate Students WriteWhat follows is a discussion of some techniques which may be helpful to keep in mind inworking with graduate students to improve their writing. There are a few techniques which willhelp graduate advisors and educators improve the writing of their students: providing samplework and requiring reading of the type of work they are expected to produce; mind mapping;writing plans and schedules; extensive rewriting; and setting specific goals for the student work.Reading and Sample WorkStudents will not know what good scholarly writing is unless they have been exposed toscholarly works through reading and writing. A frequently used technique involves requiring thestudents to read extensively

Conference Session

Developing Young MINDS in Engineering: Part I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christine E. Hailey, Utah State University; Chandra Y. Austin, Auburn University; Cameron Denson, North Carolina State University; Daniel L. Householder, Utah State University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

co-curricular academic enrichment model that includes “academic planning, community service,family involvement, academic enrichment, hands-on engineering activities, career advising, fieldtrips, competitions and workshops.”3 MESA programs represent an innovative way of linking aco-curricular learning environment to mathematics, engineering and science programs within theformal public school setting to enhance STEM education of students.The first MESA program was founded in 1970 at Oakland Technical High School in Oakland,CA with a membership of 25 students. MESA's aim was to develop academic and leadershipskills, raise educational expectations, and instill confidence in California students from groupsthat were historically underrepresented

Conference Session

Myths About Gender and Race

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Peggy Layne, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Minorities in Engineering, Women in Engineering

personal path led me from a [university] BS/MS in 1969/70 to industry experience in [state]. After balancing family obligations and career motivation in the late 70’s and early 80’s, I returned to school and received my PhD from [different university] in 1985. My continued commitment to education led me to the newly created chemical engineering department at [another university] in 1986, where I started as an assistant professor just before turning 40.” – Diane Dorland, dean, Rowan UniversitySally Ann Keller gained leadership experience at the National Science Foundation and LosAlamos National Laboratory before becoming dean: “When I look back on my career, I can honestly say I did not spend much time planning

Conference Session

Build Diversity in Engineering Graduate Programs

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mary R. Anderson-Rowland, Arizona State University; Anita Grierson, Arizona State University; Rakesh Pangasa, Arizona Western College; Clark Vangilder, Central Arizona College; Richard A. Hall Jr., Cochise Community College

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

Plan” learning syste mdeveloped by Donna O. Johnson, the resume, the interview, internships, researchpositions, portfolios, computer research, and speakers from academic and engineers fromindustry with advanced degrees. A favorite program is on graduate school featuring apanel of graduate students to “tell it like it is”. The course also has assignments designedto help the students develop their academic, professional, social, and emotional skills.Assignments include a detailed time management schedule, an updated resume, a ten-year personal plan, a portfolio, and evidence of an application for a scholarship,internships, research position, or graduate school.The transfer students from day one (whenever Fulton representatives talk with

Conference Session

Attracting Young Minds: Part II

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carl White, Morgan State University; Clifton Sean Martin, Innovative STEM Foundation (ISF); Maisha Drew, Innovative STEM Foundation (ISF); Givon Forbes, Innovative STEM Foundation (ISF)

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

NASA-JPL Page 22.1437.4using Adobe Connect technology provided by the School of Engineering at Morgan StateUniversity where students were given an introduction to the projects they would be working onover the summer. At this video conference with the NASA engineers, the CASH students weregiven their project parameters. The CASH students were also introduced to the Juno mission thatthe engineers were working on, and their future planned trip to Jupiter. The CASH participantswere able to interview and ask the engineers questions via the video conference. This feature ofthe program was particularly important because the students were given the

Conference Session

Myths About Gender and Race

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carroll Suzanne Seron, University of California, Irvine; Erin A. Cech, University of California, San Diego; Susan S. Silbey, Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Brian Rubineau, Cornell University

Tagged Divisions

Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Minorities in Engineering, Women in Engineering

about essentialism, meritocracy, individualism,and exceptionalism trump the opportunity to take a feminist critique to its logical conclusion.We end by exploring the irony of their simultaneous adherence to and rejection of feministcritiques of engineering.IntroductionAt each career stage, engineering is persistently white and male.1 Whether in the classroom2,3 orthe workplace,4,5 research continues to show that women confront a “chilly climate”6,7 wherethey experience token status.8 At the stage of credential acquisition, where engineers encounterprofessional socialization for the first time and earn their degree, research has also shown thatthis climate has consequences for women‟s career plans, whether measured by the likelihood oftheir

Conference Session

Developing Young MINDS in Engineering: Part I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sarah Cooley Jones, Louisiana State University; Kelly A. Rusch P.E., Louisiana State University; Del H. Dugas, ExxonMobil

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

financial support from the program due to low GPA or major change. During thetwo years of Phase 2, 13 scholars participated with seven chosen as second semester freshmenand six chosen as second semester sophomores.The one-on-one mentoring element of the program was directed by the ExxonMobil liaison whoselected ExxonMobil engineers and matched them with an LSU ExxonMobil scholar.Additionally, the liaison coordinated workshops with the mentors and protégés, and these eventswere utilized to communicate expectations, roles and responsibilities of each person. Thementors helped the scholars with professional development and career planning. Feedback forthis part of the program was obtained through discussions during Phase 1, and a formal survey

Conference Session

New Research & Trends for Minorities in Engineering

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Adrienne R. Minerick, Michigan Technological University; Rebecca K. Toghiani, Mississippi State University; Christopher Dawson, Mississippi State University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

andacademic), and we now meet weekly to talk. We also sat down to plan his classes for the nextsemester; he listed his current classes and the grades he expected, which tallied to a GPA of 3.85.The lesson here is that if I had allowed that generalization, “African-American students justaren’t as well prepared,” to couple with his assertion that he wasn’t doing as well as he wanted inhis classes, I probably would have come to the conclusion that he was close to failing a class.Engineering tends to weed out weaker students, but being swayed by a generalization mightprevent someone from putting forth the effort to learn about a student’s actual background andtheir individual circumstances. A poor reaction on my part may have facilitated the nextMeredith

Conference Session

Attracting Young Minds: Part I

Collection

2011 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert W. Whalin, Jackson State University; Qing Pang, Jackson State University

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

shown in Tables 5 and 6. Page 22.1313.8 Cohort 2009 2010 2011 & Data Cohort Cohort Beyond Plans Number of Students (School of 26 39 50 Engineering) (planned) Number with C or better in College 26 of 26 39 of 39 --- Algebra Number with C or better in 21 of