student in the Department of Engineering and Science Education at Clemson University and an NSF Bridge to Doctorate Fellow. In addition to her Ph.D. studies, she is pursuing a Master of Science in Computer Science with a concentration in Software Engineering. She earned a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). Her dissertation research centers on engaging engineering students in the accreditation process, with the goal of aligning accreditation practices with students’ career readiness. Through this work, she aims to Elevate STEM Students’ Outlooks (ESSO). ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025RIEF: Implementing Problem-Based Learning
is to create it" [1].Technological innovations, especially virtual reality, are actively shaping the future of education.VR provides immersive, realistic simulations that transform traditional learning into interactiveexperiences, making complex concepts more accessible and equitable [2], [3]. North CarolinaA&T State University is exploring how VR can revolutionize STEM education forunderrepresented groups, fostering inclusivity, engagement, and career readiness.Objectives of the StudyThe specific objectives for this study are to: i. Enrich online technology course offering with virtual reality technology to bolster attraction and persistence. ii. Strengthen online student engagement across all demographic groups by taking
academic andprofessional development [1]. Recent industry data underscores this urgency - while 98% ofemployers rate teamwork as a critical career readiness competency, 73% report difficulty findinggraduates with essential soft skills like teamwork and conflict resolution [2], [3]. This gap isparticularly concerning as only 77% of recent STEM graduates rate themselves as proficient inteamwork, suggesting a disconnect between workplace demands and graduate preparedness [2].The problem is further exacerbated by the fact that 60% of STEM employees never receive basicconflict resolution training [4], highlighting the crucial need to address these skills duringacademic preparation.Engineers, scientists, and technologists often work in interdisciplinary
and tenure track (TT) and non-tenure track (NTT) positions. The number ofadjunct faculty in the United States has significantly increased in recent decades - the increasehas even led to coining the term "adjunctification" as a descriptor of the growing reliance onNTT faculty [1]. In 2021, two-thirds of all faculty members at U.S. universities held contingentappointments, a stark contrast to fewer than half in 1987 [2]. This trend has led to a decline inTT positions, with 24% of faculty members holding such positions in 2021, down from 39% in1987.The growing dependence on NTT faculty has not resulted in corresponding levels ofcompensation or institutional support. Research through the Harvard Collaborative onAcademic Careers in Higher
had access to computing education, which leads tohigh-tech careers as industry leaders, educators, and researchers. Barriers to accessiblecomputing education include high costs, admissions requirements that disadvantage studentswithout prior coding or math experience, and large class sizes resulting from the high demand forcomputing education. Our program uses a holistic application process to minimize the barriers toentry into our graduate computing program.Our graduate admissions process encourages applicants to provide a holistic narrative of theirpersonal and career experiences [5] and is designed to minimize biases typically found inadmissions processes. For that reason, we do not use criteria that are habitually used and notessential
Mejia, University of Cincinnati Dr. Joel Alejandro (Alex) Mejia is a Professor of Engineering Education in the Department of Engineering and Computing Education at the University of Cincinnati. His work examines the intersections of engineering, social justice, and critical pedagogies. He focuses on dismantling deficit ideologies in STEM, centering Latino/a/x student experiences—especially of those along the U.S.-Mexico border. His work draws on Chicana/o/x studies, raciolinguistics, and bilingual education to explore how language, race, and socialization shape engineering pathways and engineering practice. In 2025, Dr. Mejia received the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Award for
Instruments Nano AG Dr. Emine Cagin is the CTO of Heidelberg Instruments Nano AG, where the NanoFrazor is developed and supported. She has many years of experience in nanofabrication, through her research and product development work throughout her career. She is enthusiastic about making nanofabrication accessible to students and researchers of many backgrounds.Prof. Nancy Burnham, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Professor Burnham investigates nanomaterials, principally with atomic-force microscopy (AFM). She also teaches AFM to undergraduates and graduate students. AFM technology overlaps with the technology behind the NanoFrazor tool discussed in this presentation.Tanisha Gupta, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
(AI). Her career in higher education began at Howard University as the first Black female faculty member in the Department of Computer Science. Her professional experience also includes Winthrop University, The Aerospace Corporation, and IBM. She is also the author of Unapologetically Dope: Lessons for Black Women and Girls on Surviving and Thriving in the Tech Field. She is a graduate of Johnson C. Smith University (B.S., ’00) and North Carolina State University (M.S., ’02; Ph.D., ’05), becoming the first Black woman to earn a Ph.D. in computer science at the university and 2019 Computer Science Hall of Fame Inductee.Victoria E. Callais, Duke University Dr. Tori Callais is an AiiCE postdoctoral researcher at Duke
]. Systemic barriers and racialized experiences hinder their success [4], [5],[6], with research showing that racially minoritized students bring numerous strengths toengineering. These challenges contribute to disparities in outcomes, including differences insense of belonging (e.g., [7], [8]), course drop or withdrawal rates (e.g., [9]), persistence inengineering education and careers (e.g., [10], [11]), and earnings in the STEM workforce [3].While researchers have investigated issues that contribute to lower academic outcomes forracially minoritized students such as classroom inclusion (e.g., [12], [13]), hidden curriculum(e.g., [14], [15]), co-curricular and identity-based support, and social capital (e.g., [16], [17],[18]), there is limited
could offer insights into how confidencegains translate into career readiness and retention in biomedical engineering fields.In conclusion, the course demonstrates its potential as a tool for fostering confidence and skilldevelopment among historically marginalized student groups. However, addressing the systemicdisparities revealed in this study requires a holistic approach, including culturally responsiveteaching practices, mentorship opportunities, and targeted outreach to historically marginalizedcommunities. By implementing these strategies, biomedical engineering programs can betterprepare all students for success while promoting diversity and equity in the field.References:[1] B. Przestrzelski and J. D. DesJardins, "The DeFINE Program: A
explore research careers for the firsttime in their educational journey. However, research programs and opportunities may be biasedagainst underrepresented students; this can occur due to implicit biases amongst interviewers, ordue to the format of the selection process and the implemented scoring criteria or lack thereof.For example, unstructured interviews have been shown to favor white applicants over applicantsof color, while structured interviews with predetermined questions are more equitable. Severalstudies have investigated these biases, typically within the context of medical and graduateschool applications. Drawing on the recommendations of these studies, as well as the authors’prior experiences interviewing applicants, we have
need for clear project guidelines, rubrics, and early introduction of projects, asseen in studies by Dochy et al. [8]. The design of medical devices as a context for engineeringprojects has gained traction as an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, integrating conceptsfrom mechanical engineering, electronics, and biomedical sciences, providing students withexposure to real-world healthcare applications [9]. This approach aligns with broader trends inengineering education to prepare students for interdisciplinary and socially impactful careers. Inthis work, student team projects involving design and development of walking end-effectorbased robots as artifacts were chosen as means to study design principles of medical devices. Arelated field
Pittsburgh or theNational Science Foundation. ReferencesAmelink, C.T. and Creamer, E.G. (2010). Gender differences in elements of the undergraduate experience that influence satisfaction with the engineering major and the intent to pursue engineering as a career. Journal of Engineering Education, 99(1), 81-92. https://doi.org/10.1002/j.2168-9830.2010.tb01044.xCarter, N. (2012). Critical race feminism: An educational perspective. PowerPlay: A Journal of Educational Justice, 4(1), 249–261.Childers-McKee, C. D., & Hytten, K. (2015). Critical race feminism and the complex challenges of educational reform. The Urban Review, 47, 393-412.Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N
Internet of Things, and engineering education. She has published in several peer-reviewed conferences and journals and has been a program committee member at several conferences. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Active Learning and Specifications Grading for Undergraduate Algorithms and Data Structures coursesAbstractAlgorithms and Data Structures are core concepts taught in all computing undergraduateprograms. It is important to ensure that student activities in the class lay the foundation andprepare them for future courses and career. In addition, assessment should allow for students todevelop a growth mindset. The course may benefit with a grading system can be
present findings of our NSF IUSE funded study, an ongoingdevelopment and research effort that re-envisions STEM teaching, learning, and teachereducation in a cradle-to-career learning campus that is a part of a large public school district.96% of our students identify as Black or Brown and we are serving about 650 students. Thevision of the learning campus, opened in 2019, is “Leaders Designing Change,” whichemphasizes human-centered design and Engineering (HCD-E) and social and communityengagement.Guided by sociocultural theory [6] and calls for dramatic systems change in education [7], wehave developed and enacted innovative structures and systems for teaching, learning, and teachereducation within a single school site that highlights and
Raleigh Aaron C. Clark is a Professor of Technology, Design, and Engineering Education within the College of Education and Department Head for STEM Education at NC State University. He has worked in both industry and education. Dr. Clark’s teaching specialties aDr. Daniel P. Kelly, North Carolina State University at Raleigh Dr. Daniel P. Kelly is an Assistant Professor of Technology, Design, and Engineering Education at NC State University. Dr. Kelly’s research is centered on improving access to STEM education for students historically underrepresented in STEM career and educational pathways.Dr. Jeremy V Ernst, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Dr. Jeremy Ernst is Professor of Technology and Vice President for
about their commitment to diversity. Once accepted, students receive a$500 scholarship each semester for a total of 8 semesters.The programs’ goals were to support students’ academic success, support students’ professionaland career development, and to provide community building to support the students’interpersonal development. The learning objectives and outcomes were designed to help retainfirst- to second semester and first- to second-year students, help participants to complete theirdegrees within 6 years, help students to engage in at least one experiential learning opportunity(internship/co-op, undergraduate research, study abroad, or other), and to help students connectwith a faculty member who cares about them
. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2023Enhancing job-readiness through short courses: A case study in Power Engineering Enhancing job-readiness through short courses: A case study in Power EngineeringAbstract This paper proposes the development and delivery of a short course in collaboration betweenacademia and the power system industry. This short course aims to provide hands-on trainingfor students and early career power system engineers to become familiar with the softwarepackage - PSCAD™/EMTDC™. This extra-curricular skill development program benefitsboth students and industry professionals in the field of power engineering. By surveying theparticipants during the short course, the
Total 10 2 24. Results4.1. Findings from RQ1: What is the current state of the cultural climate for women studying engineering at the university level?There were three common themes from the survey data indicating the current state of the culturalclimate: (1) tension felt by peers regarding academic and career accomplishments, (2) instances ofovert and covert sexism, microaggressions, and gender biases, and (3) feelings of isolation andlack of ability by women.4.1.1. Tensions between GendersFigure 3 and Figure 4 show that 60% of our female survey participants report feeling tension fromtheir male peers regarding their academic accomplishments sometimes–always, and 79% feeltension from
Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Director of the Center for Ad- vanced Computation and Telecommunications and formerly Associate to the Dean for Research and Grad- uate Study at the University of Massachusetts at Lowell. He received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from New York University, a M.S. in Electrical Engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of NewYork, and a Ph.D. in Acoustics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Upon graduation he became an Assistant Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In 1987 he joined the Department Electrical and Computer Engineering at UMASS Lowell as its Analog Devices Career Development
, professional-track faculty who are evaluatedprimarily on their teaching. EIF are often not on a tenure-track but may be on a promotion track,depending on their department and institution. The career trajectory toward EIF positions isvaried, and those varied academic and career experiences of EIF can enrich students' classroomexperiences. Over the last twenty years, there has been an increase in the number of professional-track faculty in higher education. This increase is attributed to the need for subject-matterspecialists who can bring extensive content knowledge and, in some cases, industry experienceto the classroom. With the rise in the number of faculty in these roles and the number of postedpositions for instructional faculty in engineering
helping students engage indiscussions of engineering research’s impact on society. However, we have yet to find anexample of an introductory level course that discusses these topics geared toward theprofessional development of graduate engineering students within a broad range of career andresearch interests. Thus, we sought to develop a course that would help graduate studentresearchers understand the terminology around inequities and justice; interrogate well-knowncases of engineering research across a range of applications, technology, and higher educationbias and discrimination; reflect and discuss how their own research areas impact society; andform a plan for how they may address or actively prevent potential injustices. The course
slow its inclusion into this field of study. This paper proposes the Dataying framework to teach data science concepts to young children ages 4–7 years old. The framework development included identifying K–12 data science elements and then validating element suitability for young students. Six cycled steps were identified: identifying a problem, questioning, imagining and planning, collecting, analyzing, and story sharing. This paper also presents examples of data decision problems and demonstrates use of a proposed Insight- Detective method with a plan worksheet for Dataying.IntroductionThe expected growth of data science careers worldwide over the next ten years means thatstudents of all ages
understanding of the research process. Theseopportunities can be incredibly effective, particularly in the encouragement of students to attendgraduate school or otherwise further pursue careers in STEM fields [8], [9]. Hence, REUprograms have been promoted in recent years as a method of creating a sustainable pathway tograduate school [9]. Literature shows that undergraduate research is strongly associated with improvement ofthe undergraduate education experience [10], [11]. Specifically, participation in undergraduateresearch decreases attrition rates [12] and increases rates of graduate education [13] for allstudents, particularly underrepresented and minoritized students. In addition, undergraduateresearch scholarship is related to the
an NSF RET Grant and a USDA NIFA grant, and is currently co-PI on three NSF-funded projects in engineering and computer science education, including a Revolutionizing Engineering Departments project. She was selected as a National Academy of Educa- tion / Spencer Postdoctoral Fellow and a 2018 NSF CAREER awardee in engineering education research. Dr. Svihla studies learning in authentic, real world conditions, specifically on design learning, in which she studies engineers designing devices, scientists designing investigations, teachers designing learning experiences and students designing to learn.Prof. Eva Chi, University of New Mexico Eva Chi is a Professor in the Department of Chemical and Biological
Berkeley’s public science center, where she evaluated STEM education programs for all ages. Several studies focused on expanding diversity, access, and inclusion in pre-college engineering education, with attention to changes in participants’ skills, attitudes, and career interests. She earned her B.A. in Anthropology with a minor in Education from UC Berkeley and an M.A. in Museum Studies: Specialization in Education and Interpretation from John F. Kennedy University. Her Master’s Project focused on culturally responsive evaluation practices.Ms. Gennie Miranda, UC San Diego Gennie B. Miranda serves as the Director of Operations in the IDEA Engineering Student Center, Jacobs School of Engineering at UC San Diego, with
reform needed thatconnects creativity to engineering in an atmosphere that welcomes diversity. Introduction Engineering is a creative and diverse profession integral to the sustainability of a rapidlyevolving economy, and a field where the diversity and perspectives of women engineers isessential [1], [2], [3]. This study examined the creative self-efficacy (CSE) of undergraduatewomen engineering majors, their beliefs about creativity, how they describe themselves ascreative, and their lived experiences that influenced them to choose engineering as a career path.ABET [4] highlighted the significant connection of creativity in engineering curriculum to theengineering profession. The creative
undergraduate students. During 2018- 2020, she collaborated with Dr. Kavitha Chandra to utilize participatory action research (PAR) as an evaluation approach for the Research, Academics, and Mentoring Pathways (RAMP) summer program for first-year women engineering students.Prof. Kavitha Chandra, University of Massachusetts Lowell Kavitha Chandra is the Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Professor of Electrical and Com- puter Engineering in the Francis College of Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. She directs the Research, Academics and Mentoring Pathways (RAMP) to Success program that aims to estab- lish successful pathways to graduate school and interdisciplinary careers for new undergraduate
is a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Technology at the Instituto Federal de Educac¸a˜ o, Ciˆencia e Tecnologia da Bahia. He is a mechanical engineer and holds Master’s degree in mechanical engineering, and a PhD in Engineering Education. He has been teaching at different levels, from the first year of technical high school to the final year of mechatronic engineering course, since 1995. He also has considerable experience in the design and implementation of mechatronic and production engineering courses. His non-academic career is centered on product development and manufacturing processes.Dr. Alberto W Mello, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Ph.D. in Aerospace from the
interests include student persistence and pathways in engineering, gender equity, diversity, and academic policy. Dr. Orr is a recipient of the NSF CAREER Award for her research entitled, ”Empowering Students to be Adaptive Decision-Makers.” American c Society for Engineering Education, 2021 The Centrality of Black Identity for Black Students in Engineering: A Reflection on Methods and TheoryKeywords: Race/ethnicity, Black identity, undergraduate programsIntroductionThe recent emphasis on increasing the number of engineering graduates has been coupled withgreater concern about the lack of diversity in engineering fields. However, despite