Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mengyu Li, University of Florida; John Alexander Mendoza-Garcia, University of Florida; Andrea Goncher, University of Florida

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

ofstakeholder awareness skills and identify the area(s) of development (gaps). The results provide us withinsights to develop effective teaching strategies to address these gaps.Study participants were tasked to complete a scenario-based assessment proposed by Grohs, et al. [1] thatfocuses on systems thinking and problem-solving as engineers by responding to a scenario that addressedtechnical and social contexts. The activity focuses on participants’ responses to a given scenario and theprompts intended to guide respondents in a systems-thinking approach. Data were collected electronicallyand analyzed using qualitative coding methods by applying the assessment tool rubric to evaluate studentresponses using systems thinking constructs from the framework

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrea Ramirez-Salgado, University of Florida; Eric Wright, University of Florida

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Diversity

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

, 2023 Measuring Systems Thinking Using Stealth AssessmentAbstractAs technology advances and databases grow larger, people require high-level skills to processinformation effectively [1]. To address complex problems while maintaining a comprehensiveview of the situation, one valuable competency is Systems Thinking (ST). ST is a systematicapproach that allows individuals to navigate different levels of a system without losing sight ofthe big picture [2]. For instance, software development involves numerous components,including user needs, environments, change management, performance metrics, budget,workflows, and more. A systems thinker must understand the causal relationships between thesecomponents to provide a comprehensive and

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Julie Drzymalski, Temple University

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

profession leaving them at a disadvantage [1] [2][3]. They argue that what is needed is the ability to design and function in a diverse, globalenvironment and that many are graduating with skills that are often in conflict with workplacerequirements leaving them ill-equipped to be a fully functioning contributor.As an example, we teach students to research the problem during the engineering design process,before developing potential solutions. This research typically consists of only those elementswhich relate to the engineering specifications of the problem and the subsequent requirementsand constraints developed are measured via engineering equipment or tools. On the other hand,the practice of engineering can be considered a web of socio-technical

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amy Thompson, University of Connecticut; Matthew D. Stuber, University of Connecticut; Song Han, University of Connecticut; Abhishek Dutta, University of Connecticut; Hongyi Xu, University of Connecticut; Shengli Zhou, University of Connecticut; Qian Yang, University of Connecticut; Fei Miao, University of Connecticut; George M. Bollas, University of Connecticut

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Diversity

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

; supply chain design; and undergraduate, graduate, and online systems engineering education development and assessment. In 2018, she started the SmartBuildings CT program at UConn with funding from Eversource and the United Illuminating Company. She is part of the leadership team at the University of Connecticut that leads the newly awarded US Department of Energy’s Southern New England Industrial Assessment Center and that offers no-charge energy audits to 20 manufacturing facili- ties in CT each year to help them lower their energy usage and costs. Dr. Thompson was the recipient of the US EPA Environment Merit Award, Region 1 (2017).Prof. Matthew D. Stuber, University of Connecticut Dr. Matt Stuber is an Assistant

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rachel Brennan, Tufts University; Mohammed Tonkal, Tufts University and King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia; Chris Buergin Rogers, Tufts University

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

settings commonly found in the real world. Systemsengineering practices are applicable to most if not all future classes, careers, and situations thatthe students will experience in their coming years; allowing them to become comfortable withthese tools early on improves the chances they will succeed in the future.Systems engineering is an integrated part of Project-Based Learning approach (PBL); this is ateaching tactic where students work with real-world practices, define goals, and execute a projectalong the way 1 . Project-based learning also helps students learn soft skills and experienceleadership roles 2,3 . Additionally, educators have found PBL inspires collaboration betweenstudents and allows teachers to just intervene when students ask

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rafic Bachnak, Marymount University; Abhilasha Mishra, Pennsylvania State University, Harrisburg, The Capital College

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Diversity

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

different parts of a complexsystem interact and influence each other [1]. Applying systems thinking simplifies the analysis ofcomplex problems and makes it easier to make informed decisions. According to Peter Senge[2], systems thinking is “a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than things, for seeingpatterns rather than static snapshots. It is a set of general principles spanning fields as diverseas physical and social sciences, engineering and management.” In all cases, applying systemsthinking makes it easier to make informed decisions by focusing on solutions that consider theroot cause of a problem rather than just addressing the symptoms.Interest in systems thinking has greatly increased in recent years with applications in

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amin Azad, University of Toronto; Emily Moore P.Eng., University of Toronto

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

Doctorate in Physical Chemistry from Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar. In 2016 Emily was recognized as one of 100 Global Inspirational Women in Mining and received the SCI Canada Kalev Pugi Award. Emily continues her involvement with industry by serving on boards, including Metrolinx (2019-2024), Chemtrade Logistics, International Petroleum, and the Canadian Mining Innovation Council. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 The Impact of Systems Thinking Education on Engineering Students’ Approach to Real-World Challenges May 1, 20251 AbstractThis paper explores the impact of systems thinking education on engineeringstudents by

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Micah Lande, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Cassandra M Birrenkott, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Hannah Benes, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Annelise Larson, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology; Mark David Bedillion, Carnegie Mellon University; Karim Heinz Muci-Kuchler, Texas State University

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

challengeat 3 university sites. In the product decomposition activity, students disassemble a wind-up toy toidentify subsystems, internal and external interfaces, and the role of material and design choicesin overall functionality. The Titan Submersible case study uses role-playing to simulatestakeholder dynamics, encouraging students to evaluate competing priorities and make decisionsbased on ethical, financial, and technical considerations. The paper airplane design challengeengages students in iterative prototyping to optimize performance, emphasizing trade-offs insystem design and resource constraints.Analysis of student feedback and reflections from 1 course section reveal that these activitiesenhanced engagement, creativity, and understanding

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mark David Bedillion, Carnegie Mellon University; Laura Ochs Pottmeyer, Carnegie Mellon University; Karim Heinz Muci-Kuchler, Texas State University; Lynn Kojtek, Carnegie Mellon University; Anahita Emami; Cassandra M Birrenkott, South Dakota Mines

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

management systems and its abilityto seamlessly manage embedded assessments 37–40 . Figure 1 shows an example image from one ofthe OLI modules discussed in this paper.This paper assesses the effectiveness of teaching ST / SE concepts in a first-year mechanicalengineering course via OLI modules 23 . Data are presented from three partner institutions,including a small private institution (Carnegie Mellon University), a small public technicaluniversity (South Dakota School of Mines and Technology), and a large public university (TexasState University). The paper is organized as follows. Firstly, the introductory mechanicalengineering courses at the three collaborating institutions are described, followed by a discussionFigure 1: Snapshot of OLI content

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John Mendoza-Garcia, University of Florida; Andrea Goncher-Sevilla, University of Florida; Mengyu Li, University of Florida

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

suggest that while students recognize individual challenges, they may lack a deeperunderstanding of systemic interactions. This underscores the need for educational strategies thatenhance systems thinking, emphasizing interconnectedness and long-term decision impacts. Ourresults inform approaches to better develop these critical skills in engineering students.1. INTRODUCTIONSystems engineering is a multidisciplinary field focused on designing and managing complexsystems that operate at the intersection of human, environmental, and technological factors.Systems engineers play a critical role in ensuring these systems achieve their intended purposeefficiently and effectively, often under constrained resources and within dynamic environments.This

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Topics

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

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

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Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

engineering) as further subject matter for the application of systems engineering,particularly in the area of sustainable development. According to the United Nations, theSustainable Development Goals support the five pillars of people, planet, prosperity,partnerships, and peace, which are known as the 5 Ps of sustainable development. Here within,we share: 1) background on the development of the nurse+engineer, which is a newly describedV-shaped professional; 2) content of two course modules that may be used to teach partnershipbetween engineers and nurses to address the challenges of sustainable development usingsystems engineering; and 3) initial qualitative feedback from students collected throughanonymous end-of-semester surveys. Our results

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Topics

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

ISAAC DAMILARE DUNMOYE, University of Georgia; VINCENT OLUWASETO FAKIYESI, University of Georgia; Similoluwa Temitope Ige, University of Georgia; Wayne Johnson, University of Georgia

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Diversity

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

study sheets and underscores the complexity of theirimpact on student learning. The implications of the findings for future research are alsodiscussed.IntroductionThe evaluation of students' understanding of engineering course concepts through closed-book,time-limited examinations has faced criticism, with concerns raised about its efficacy inpromoting a deep understanding of critical concepts [1]. Critics argue that this approach oftenleads to memorization without fostering genuine comprehension [2]. In response, some suggestalternative examination formats, such as permitting the use of study sheets during examination.These study sheets, also known as study guides or cheat sheets, serve as concise summaries ofcrucial course concepts, offering

Conference Session

Systems Thinking

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amin Azad, University of Toronto; Emily Moore P.Eng., University of Toronto; Asher Hounsell

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

limited to one field or discipline but is insteadapplicable to any problem or complex situation that may be difficult to understand or solve usingtraditional reductionist thinking [1]. It is this point that conveys the principle of excellently,instead of breaking complex situations into smaller pieces more comprehensible pieces withreductionist thinking, flips this narrative to focus on the larger systems and structures in place,which enables the user to understand complex relationships and behaviors that emerge not fromeach individual actor in a system, but from their complex and very nuanced reactions with otheractors in the system [2]. ST is based on the basic principle that a system is more than a collectionof its parts, and that ST can be

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Topics

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tingjun Lei, Mississippi State University; Timothy Sellers, Mississippi State University; Chaomin Luo, Mississippi State University; Zhuming Bi, Purdue University; Gene Eu Jan, Tainan National University of the Arts

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

Bi2 , and Gene Eu Jan3 1 Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Mississippi State University 2 Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering, Purdue University Fort Wayne 3 National Taipei University, and Tainan National University of the ArtsAbstractThe integration of nature-inspired intelligence in computational intelligence curricula,particularly for robot path planning optimization, represents a significant advancement in bothresearch and education realms. This study introduces a unique pedagogical approach thatcombines sparrow-dissection and scaffolding with flipped learning (SDS-FL) and ongoingproject-based methods. This approach is implemented in a

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Topics

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Zachary Martin, Penn State University; Aaron Olsen, Penn State University; Kiana Karami, Penn State University

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Diversity

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

the involved faculty. The resulting radio telescope projectprovides university undergraduate students with the ability to learn the basics of radio astronomythrough the easily accessible small-scale radio telescope system.IntroductionThis project was developed as an extension of a collaborative project between studentengineering and astronomy clubs. The members of the capstone team took on the design of thecontrol system and coordination of the overall project. During the initial development of theproject, a system block diagram was established as shown in Figure 1. This block diagram givesan overview of the major components of a radio telescope system. It was divided into threemajor sections, which were then assigned to task teams. In this

Conference Session

Systems Thinking

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shamsnaz Virani Bhada, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Sarah E. Stanlick, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

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Diversity

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

education encouragingstudents to have an experiential learning component in community, whereby they practiceengineering design in communities. Yet, this happens rarely with the appropriate training andwith no partnership with community-based scientists. For example, in this case from theAmerican Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers [1] , the team identified thechallenges of distribution of aid in agricultural development projects and, using stakeholderanalysis, outlined the essential voices as the engineer, funder, government, and the internationalNGO. While this is a strong team of voices, they were missing important insight fromstakeholder who were immediately impacted by the design of these engineering solutions. Thisoversight, in

Conference Session

Systems Thinking

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joe Gregory, The University of Arizona; Alejandro Salado, The University of Arizona

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

theirDigital Engineering Competency Framework (DECF). The DECF has been developed to providethe Department of Defense (DoD) with a set of well-defined competencies comprising theknowledge, skills, abilities and behaviors (KSABs) that are required of the digital engineeringworkforce.IntroductionIt has been argued that higher education environments around the world have a responsibility toreevaluate their role in the education of future engineers as the engineering discipline undergoessignificant change 1 . Digital Engineering (DE) is “an integrated digital approach that usesauthoritative sources of systems’ data and models as a continuum across disciplines to supportlifecycle activities from concept through disposal. A DE ecosystem is an

Conference Session

Systems Thinking

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Andrea Goncher-Sevilla, University of Florida; John Alexander Mendoza-Garcia, University of Florida; Mengyu Li, University of Florida

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

and evolve withtime; therefore, addressing the changing problems with short- and long-term goals is important. However,many students need scaffolding to assist their goal formulation activities, such as design constraints andguidelines. Engineering educators should consider including in their courses strategies that would trainstudents to gather necessary information and build scaffolding on their own through goal formulationactivities.1. INTRODUCTIONIn systems engineering, goal formulation is a crucial step in the early stages of the system development lifecycle. It involves defining and clarifying the objectives that a system is intended to achieve. The goalformulation process helps establish a clear understanding of the system's purpose

Conference Session

Systems Thinking

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Kavitha Chandra, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Sara Kraemer, Blueprint for Education; Emi Aoki, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Flore Stecie Norceide, University of Massachusetts, Lowell; Ola Batarseh, Dassault Systemes

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

approach and consideration of the role of humans that are involved inall aspects of the system [1, 2].The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Digital Engineering (DE) Strategy [3], announced fiveyears ago, presented the departments’ goals to adopt more integrated digital modeling in theirsystems acquisition and procurement practices and operations and enable the use of digitalartifacts to improve communication across all stakeholders. The goal of transitioning atraditional design-build-test methodology to a model-analyze-build approach extends the role ofdomain-experts such as systems engineers, to become knowledgeable of the requirements andpractice of experts from other domains who engage with the system across its lifecycle. Thistransition is

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Topics

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joe Gregory, The University of Arizona; Rick Steiner, The University of Arizona

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

, presentlessons learned based on feedback from the cohort, and discuss how the teaching of MBSE can befurther improved using active learning techniques and modern technology. It is the authors’intention that other MBSE instructors may consider and implement some of the teachingtechniques discussed in this paper.1 IntroductionModel-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) is the formalized application of modeling to supportsystem requirements, design, analysis, optimization, verification and validation 1,2 . It has oftenbeen claimed that successful adoption of MBSE within a complex systems engineering projectcan lead to benefits regarding schedule and cost - though the extent of these benefits can bedifficult to quantify 3 . To be successful, MBSE requires the

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Alejandro Salado, The University of Arizona; David Herring, The University of Arizona

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

others.You’ve recovered and taken away the knowledge those experiences provide. Each setback leavesa scar, but from those scars forms protective tissue, a reminder of what went wrong and clues toavoid similar mistakes in the future. These scars improve judgment, enhance resilience, andguide how to approach new challenges [1].For many years, the need for such depth of knowledge drawn from life experience was used as ajustification for why systems engineering could not be taught to undergraduate students.However, programs such as those at West Point and Loughborough University have shown thevalue of introducing students to systems engineering principles early in their academic journeys.At West Point, the goal of their introductory systems engineering

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Garrett Goodman, Miami University; Suman Bhunia, Miami University; Peter Jamieson, Miami University

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

students receive the knowledge they require to move from theComputer Science academic setting into the professional setting, which largely utilizes suchGen-AI tools. Thus, this will prepare the next generation of computer scientists to be effectiveAI-augmented professionals.1 IntroductionArtificial Intelligence (AI) introduces challenges to the traditional educational landscape.Educators need to teach students crucial concepts for their field but also need to prepare studentson how to use relevant tools for their future in the workforce. One such tool is the emergence ofLarge Language Models (LLMs) like ChatGPT-4, Copilot, and Claude, which show a significantleap in AI capabilities. Such technologies require educators to reevaluate teaching

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Khadija Ishfaq Rana, University of Toronto; Emily Moore, University of Toronto

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

consultancy. Emily joined the University of Toronto in 2018 and studies and teaches engineering leadership and ways to integrate systems thinking into complex decision making. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Evaluating the Use of System Mapping Tools to Support Researcher Understanding of Knowledge Diffusion in the Bioeconomy Khadija I. Rana1,2, Emily L. Moore1,2, Emma R. Master2 1 Institute for Studies in Transdisciplinary Engineering Education and Practice, University of Toronto, 2 Department of Chemical Engineering and Applied Chemistry, University of Toronto Toronto

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Shamsnaz Virani Bhada, Worcester Polytechnic Institute; Sarah E. Stanlick, Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

Engineeringstudents articulate human diversity more centrally in their artifacts.Literature ReviewStakeholder analysis is a critical tool for engineering education which could be made moreinclusive and critical. The use of traditional models of stakeholder analysis, while centering the“user” in the creation of systems and products, can miss out on critical questions of equity,fairness, and inclusion. In order to affect change in the stakeholder analysis process, systemsengineering educators have an opportunity to create more meaningful experiences and activitiesto help students think about decolonizing engineering processes [1].Issues of equity are not just with marginalized populations but also with new tech, new methods,and a loss of objective critical

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division (SYS) Technical Session 2

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Abul K. M. Azad, Northern Illinois University; Jim Goodell, INFERable and IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee; Aaron Kessler Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology; Scotty D. Craig; Hamadou Saliah-Hassane ing., TELUQ University

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Systems Engineering Division (SYS)

address key challenges inteamwork, process design, data analysis, and ethical considerations. Concluding with aninitiative that develops a tool for tracking LE evidence and decisions, capturing actionable designchoices in relation to channels of influence. This tool can be used to design effective, sustainablelearning experiences, highlighting the potential of LE to transform practices in support ofengineering education outcomes.1. IntroductionThe concept of "Education as Engineering" was first introduced by John Dewey in 1922 [1]. Heargued that an established art of educational engineering does not yet exist. Dewey believed thatprogress in education would arise through experimentation, imagination, and courage. The trueart of education will