Conference Session

Full Papers I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Aleia Frye, University of Pittsburgh; Scott Streiner, University of Pittsburgh

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

ethical skills to make decisions that affect the overall welfareof the public [1]. Historically, ethics education has not been implemented into engineeringcurriculum, but recently, there has been a greater emphasis on including ethics education intostandard engineering curriculum [2]. Many argue that engineers need to not only have the skillsto handle technological issues, but also humanistic and social issues as well. While some formsof engineering ethics education have already been implemented, there have been some systemicbarriers, such as disengagement in course material, that cause ethics education to be superficiallyeffective [2]. This brings into question whether ethics education truly improves a student’s moralintuitions, and how ethics

Conference Session

Full Papers I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Saloome Motavas, University of British Columbia, Vancouver; Fatimah Mahmood, University of British Columbia, Vancouver

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

our approach contributed to improved student performance in the course andincreased confidence in programming. Nonetheless, further work is needed to refine linguisticsupport strategies and enhance comprehension of complex programming tasks.IntroductionLearning to code for the first time is accompanied by significant barriers. Novice programmersoften face challenges with forming mental models of key programming concepts and logicalreasoning processes [1]. On top of these challenges, non-native English speakers face uniquedifficulties when learning computer programming [2] and are more likely to fail or underperformin programming courses [3-4]. An analysis of more than 800 survey responses by programmersfrom 86 countries and 74 native

Conference Session

Full Papers II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Matthew Patrick Paul, University of Maryland, College Park

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

success during the project lifecycle.Research across disciplines supports the value of timely, formative feedback and real-timeengagement monitoring. Nicol and Macfarlane-Dick [1] emphasize that feedback is mosteffective when it is actionable and aligned with student learning goals, allowing learners to self-regulate and adjust their strategies early in the process. In the context of active learning, Freemanet al. [2] demonstrated that classroom environments that emphasize engagement and iterationresult in significantly improved performance and reduced failure rates in STEM disciplines.Similarly, Papamitsiou and Economides [3] reviewed dozens of empirical studies and found thatlearning analytics, the process of collecting, analyzing, and

Conference Session

Full Papers III

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Rachel Anne Smith, Iowa State University of Science and Technology; Aileen Hentz PhD, University of Maryland, College Park; Thaddeus Hill, Iowa State University of Science and Technology

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

ways. This can be done using network analysis, a paradigm that specifies andmeasures the structure and content of relationships. We report on the results of an ecologicalnetwork reflection activity that instructors and student service professionals can use to help first-year engineering students reflect on and develop a support network while simultaneouslyassessing students’ network structures in order to provide subsequent supportive interventions.Models focused on retention within engineering programs often stem from Tinto’s model ofstudent departure, which describes how students’ academic and social membership in theinstitution support students’ success [1]. For first-year engineering students, social adaptation tocollege life and academic

Conference Session

Full Papers II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Natalie C.T. Van Tyne, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Benjamin Daniel Chambers, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Michelle Soledad, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Full Paper: Paying it Forward: How Current Students Advised Future Students in an Engineering Design CourseIntroductionThis Full Paper shares our method and results for exploring feedback from students about theirlearning experience in a foundational, project-based engineering design course Students wereprompted to provide advice to future students with strategies for academic success. Theirresponses provided the data for this study.Instructors in engineering and other STEM-based courses eagerly advise their students abouthow to successfully meet or exceed the expectations of a course [1], but students may notnecessarily heed their recommendations [2]. However, students may be more likely to listen tosimilar advice

Conference Session

Full Papers IV

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Katerina Goseva-Popstojanova, West Virginia University; Daniel Mackin Freeman, University of Washington; Robin A.M. Hensel, West Virginia University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Full Paper: The impact of the ACCESS program on recruiting cybersecurity students and fostering their academic success and career prospects1. IntroductionCybersecurity is crucial in protecting individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure frommalicious cyberattacks that can lead to severe financial losses and operational disruptions.Securing key sectors such as healthcare, energy, and government systems is essential for nationalsecurity. However, a global shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals persists, withnearly 500,000 job openings in the U.S. [1]. As reliance on technology grows and cyber threatsbecome more complex, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is

Conference Session

Full Papers IV

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Anne Marguerite McAlister, University of Virginia; Benjamin Goldschneider, University of Virginia; Emily Wang, University of Virginia; William Harry Keenan, University of Virginia

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Full Paper: What are we Teaching First-Year Engineering Students? A Qualitative Analysis of Introductory Engineering Course SyllabiKeywords: Learning Objectives; Learning Outcomes; Syllabus; First-Year EngineeringAbstractAn introductory engineering course can have positive and lasting impacts on students’ attitudesand skills [1]. However, introductory engineering courses vary widely. Reid et al. [2] developeda taxonomy for mapping the terrain of introductory engineering courses which specifies themany topics that could be included in such a course. Our exploratory study extends this workwith the goal of moving from what could be included towards what is included. Specifically

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Kathleen A Harper, Case Western Reserve University; Kurt Rhoads, Case Western Reserve University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

in the labs andtheir weekly homework assignments, the majority of their formal MATLAB instruction happensin lecture, which is presented in a partially inverted style. The instructional team introducedweekly formative lecture quizzes in the 2023-24 school year, seeking to: 1. give the students more exposure to and comfort with the kinds of questions they would be asked on the paper-based midterm and final exams. 2. improve lecture attendance. 3. provide regular formative feedback to students for their use in developing the metacognitive skills needed for self-regulated learning. [1-4]A previous presentation [5] contains more details of these motivations. We also reported that thequizzes were quite successful in meeting

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Becca Kiriazes, Catholic University of America

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

a missed opportunity for earlyengagement. In response, we developed an Engineering Photo Scavenger Hunt designed to fosterstudent participation, build community, and introduce essential academic resources. This paperpresents the design and implementation of the scavenger hunt, shares informal observations onits impact, and provides practical insights for adapting the activity to other educational contexts.Scavenger hunts are widely used in engineering education to promote collaborative activelearning by encouraging students to explore, collaborate, and engage meaningfully with theirenvironment. They have been implemented as orientation tools in introductory courses [1], [2],[3], for skills development [4], [5], [6], and to connect course

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Ryan McAfee Grudell, Ohio Northern University; Mark Mintzlaff, Ohio Northern University; Ethan Berei, Ohio Northern University; Grace Lawson, Ohio Northern University

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

educators. However, due to a lack of funding, many schools are “understaffed” in certain areas.This can lead to a gap in the intended curriculum [1]. Products like Math Quest are intended to bridge thisgap and help the students and staff from underfunded schools.Our ApproachMath Quest was designed with three principles in mind: affordability, engagement, and familiarity in theclassroom. Traditional educational technology often utilizes touchscreens or complex interfaces that canbe both expensive to produce and difficult for young students to understand. By mimicking the familiargame controller design, Math Quest leverages existing mental models that children already possess,reducing the learning curve to use Math Quest significantly. The chosen

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Amro Khasawneh, Mercer University; Abby Anne McDowell, Mercer University; Sarah K. Bauer, Mercer University; Halley Elizabeth Smith, Mercer University; Abby Anne McDowell, Mercer University; Halley Elizabeth Smith, Mercer University

Tagged Topics

Diversity, Professional Papers

shouldexplore the long-term effects of service-learning programs and identify factors that may enhancetheir impact on mental health.Key WordsService-learning, mental health, well-being, PGWBI, study abroadIntroductionMental health has become a critical global concern, affecting millions of individuals worldwideand influencing societal structures at large. Approximately 14% of the global disease burden hasbeen attributed to neuropsychiatric disorders, primarily stemming from the chronic and disablingnature of conditions such as depression, psychoses, and substance use disorders. These disordersnot only impede individual well-being but also pose significant challenges to public health byperpetuating cycles of poverty and health inequality [1].Poor mental

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Amro Khasawneh, Mercer University; Abby Anne McDowell, Mercer University; Sarah K. Bauer, Mercer University; Xzavier Longacre, Mercer University; Joshua Ryan Haye, Mercer University; Halley Elizabeth Smith, Mercer University; Dominic Dashon Thomas, Mercer University; Abby Anne McDowell, Mercer University; Halley Elizabeth Smith, Mercer University; Dominic Dashon Thomas, Mercer University

Tagged Topics

Diversity, Professional Papers

collection was followed by acomprehensive analysis to determine which specific educational areas would benefit from futureMOM Belize program projects. The main findings were presented to CJC faculty, staff, andstudents in a session where an interactive survey was administered to capture feedback on theeducational areas identified for future projects. Participants were asked to provide their input,suggest additional areas of need, and rank the proposed educational initiatives on a scale from 1to 5, with 1 being the highest priority. Study results indicated that the most critical needidentified by CJC participants was higher education and scholarship training, as well as hands-ontraining of laboratory/field equipment. These findings will guide future

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Michael Galczynski; Matthew Patrick Paul, University of Maryland, College Park; Amy J. Karlsson, University of Maryland, College Park

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

item and a barcode, and the binsare put inside a cart that only the teaching staff is allowed to access (Figure 1). Each teamreceives a fixed School Store budget atthe beginning of the project (typically~$50), and only this budget can be usedto purchase items from the store. (No realmoney can be used to make purchases.)The parts are each assigned a price thatfactors in the cost to buy the item newand the amount of inventory in the store,with most items priced at $10 or less.Small, inexpensive items (e.g., bolts andwires) and safety-related items (e.g.,battery connectors, battery storage bags)are not included in the School Storeinventory, and teams have access to thesecomponents without using their store Figure 1. Cart containing the

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Dagan Trnka, Duke University; Ali N Stocks, Duke University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

spinning‬‭things!)‬ o‬ ‭E‬‭yes protected (protect your sight!)‬ ‭ o‬ ‭E‬‭mbellishments tucked (remove your jewelry)‬ ‭ o‬ ‭S‬‭urroundings clear (you wearing PPE won’t protect‬‭your friend next to you)‬ ‭ o‬ ‭E‬‭xtras sorted (well, cheese only has so many letters.‬‭Hearing protection, gloves,‬ ‭ ‭respirators are sometimes important. Also, we use “sorted” to mean “taken care‬ ‭of”)‬‭ igure 1. An image of CHEESE sign that is placed above where the PPE is in one of the‬F‭makerspaces. Note how the letters have been drawn to look like they’re made of cheese.‬ ‭●‬ ‭ afe & Skillful Spotlights:‬‭2–3 minute lessons that are often

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Kurt Ryan Rhoads, Case Western Reserve University; Kathleen A Harper, Case Western Reserve University; Heidi B. Martin, Case Western Reserve University; Michael William Butler, Case Western Reserve University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

from Ristenpart andKuhl [1] and this module was adapted from several labs in that book. Hands-on labs connectingchemical engineering to everyday processes, such as coffee, have been shown to increaseengineering skills [2] and spark curiosity about engineering [3]. In addition, an introduction toengineering course based entirely on coffee has motivated students to declare a chemicalengineering major [4].Project ApproachCurriculum DesignThe module consists of four 1.25-hr labs. In the first lab, students brew coffee with one of fourdesignated methods: French press, cowboy, pour-over, and Clever Dripper. Then, they brewcoffee again, changing one of the following parameters: temperature, brew time, coffee/waterratio, or grind size. Students

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Madison Seckman, University of Colorado Boulder; Alison West; Aaron Kai Groudan, University of Colorado Boulder

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

Engineering StudentsMadison Seckman(1)(2), Kai Groudan(1), and Alison M. West(3)(1) Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder(2) Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Colorado at Boulder(3) Counseling and Psychiatric Services, University of Colorado at BoulderAbstractBalance Builders (BB) is an innovative program designed to foster community and supportmental and physical wellness among freshman engineers. The Balance Builders initiativeexemplifies how community-driven programs can empower students and enhance the first-yearjourney through a unique mechanism: Cooking and Community Nights. Designed by engineeringundergraduates in consultation with mental health professionals, BB creates a natural andfamiliar

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Osman Sayginer, Temple University; Cory Budischak, Temple University

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

[1] may improve the cognitive depth andassessment quality of generated questions.Several tools currently exist to help instructors convert plain text into QTI-compatible formats foruse in learning management systems. Among the most widely used is text2qti [2], a Python-basedutility that transforms quizzes written in Markdown into QTI XML. While effective for technicallyproficient users, text2qti requires local Python installation and adherence to a strict syntax structuresuch as starting each question with a number followed by a space which can be error-prone,especially when used in conjunction with AI-generated content. To improve accessibility, anonline implementation of text2qti has been developed by San Diego State University; however

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Catherine Marie Hamel, University of Maryland, College Park

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Engineering) or instructors from living learning programs. In light of this outcome,the author conducted interviews with these campus partners to learn about additional instances ofteam conflict that students may have shared with them, but were never shared with our facultydirectly. Conversations with these folks reiterated the concern of some students feeling frustratedand dismissed after talking about team conflict with their faculty members. Lastly, it appearedthat these experiences were disproportionately affecting historically underrepresented minoritystudents in engineering, which is consistent with previous studies [1, 2].To address these concerns, a role-playing exercise was introduced during a faculty retreat for afirst-year engineering

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Lena Johnson, University of Maryland - Office of Undergraduate Research

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

around a collaborative research project, thedeployment of which draws from traditional project-based learning foundations, the overarchingteaching structure differs in a few ways. Project-based learning seeks to improve studentengagement and understanding of class content through active, hands-on product development.[1]. The belief is that students who apply curriculum knowledge through the development of aclass-relevant product will gain a more practical mastery of curriculum information [1, 2].Research-based learning, takes the goal one step further and pushes students to innovate beyondthe current class information and technical knowledgebase [3, 4, 5] The hope is that, as studentsapply research methodology to generate new practical solutions

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Osman Sayginer, Temple University; Cory Budischak, Temple University; Laura Riggio, Temple University; lynda bouchelil, Temple University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

GIFTS: Bridging Engineering Education with a Cost-Effective Classroom Kit: A Hands-On Approach to Active LearningIntroductionMany first-year engineering students struggle to see the connections among their coursework,often perceiving subjects as isolated. Research shows that integrated curricula not only enhanceconceptual understanding but also improve student retention [1], [2]. While integration is moreachievable in the first year due to common courses, extending this approach across the curriculumfrom freshman to junior year remains a significant challenge.This paper presents a cost-effective, interdisciplinary learning kit that supports active learningthrough hands-on engagement and cross-course alignment. The kit

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Joseph A Lyon, University of Notre Dame; Andrew Charles Bartolini, University of Notre Dame

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Students (GIFTS) paper outlines the development of a two-pathway engineering computing program at a private midwestern university. Given the variedexperiences and backgrounds of modern first-year students, the design aims to address how tobest support students of all experience levels.Computer programming and robotics education are being implemented in many high schoolssooner and with greater success than ever before [1]. Unfortunately, not all school systems havenecessarily had the opportunity to implement computer programming into their secondaryeducation, but the number is growing [2], [3]. Because of this, the range of ability among first-year engineering students in computing can vary widely as students arrive at university, rangingfrom

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Andrew Charles Bartolini, University of Notre Dame; Joseph A Lyon, University of Notre Dame

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

purpose [1], which included:​​1) Using historical data, a trigger that, when met, increased the likelihood that the student wouldbe non-thriving by the end of the semester was identified. The aim was to create a trigger thatidentified as many ultimately non-thriving students as possible while minimizing theidentification of students who would ultimately thrive by the semester's end (i.e., false positives).The trigger must be based on the first few weeks of performance so the faculty can boost thesestudents before the semester progresses too far. The trigger was based solely on the student’sperformance for two reasons: (i) the authors did not want to identify students based on theirdemographics or preparation levels; instead, only on their

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Dante Charles Scalfi, Northeastern University; Turner Marks; Kathryn Schulte Grahame, Northeastern University; Leila Keyvani, Northeastern University at Oakland

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

students with the necessary skills and know-how tointegrate MAD with the MAHSP to create the previously discussed educational exhibits. Eachwalkthrough begins with an overview of the physical and digital components involved as well as alinked video summarizing the resulting function of the walkthrough. A summary of the componentsinvolved for each walkthrough are summarized in the table below. Table 1: Summary of Components by Walkthrough Component App Arduino Walkthrough Input Output Input Output

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Lee Kemp Rynearson, Campbell University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

a survey-based method to rapidly gain insight into the impact ofdifferent course topics on students, which is useful for courses with many topics to cover.It is not uncommon for first-year engineering classes or seminars to cover a variety of topics,which could include student success material, technical content, and introductions to variousengineering majors, concentrations, or fields of practice [1, 2]. The first-year seminar atCampbell University covers fifteen topics across in a one-semester, one-credit, 1.5 weekly-contact-hour course. The two main themes of the topics are student success and professionalpreparation.With many different topics presented, sometimes by parties who are not the course instructors, itis not always obvious

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Mirna Mattjik, Colorado School of Mines; Michelle Marincel Payne, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

. Michelle also mentors undergraduate researchers to investigate the removal of stormwater pollutants in engineered wetlands. Michelle was a 2018 ExCEEd Fellow, and was recognized as the 2019 ASCE Daniel V. Terrell Awardee. FYEE 2025 Conference: University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland Jul 27 GIFTS Work in Progress: Role-playing in Service of Developing Psychological Safety in TeamsIntroductionTeamwork is a vital professional skill and a key student outcome identified by the AccreditationBoard for Engineering and Technology (ABET) [1]. Psychological safety is a shared belief heldby team members that the team is safe for interpersonal risk-taking [2]. In a student team,psychological

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Aris Cleanthous, University of Maryland College Park

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

. Once students have a better appreciation of the real structure, the example isworked out on the screen in typical fashion using colorful pens.ExampleFigure 1. A physical model of a mechanism and the schematic drawing that represents it.

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Patrick Thornton, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Jaskirat Sodhi, New Jersey Institute of Technology; Ashish D Borgaonkar, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

infrastructure, and transportation engineering. FYEE 2025 Conference: University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland Jul 27GIFTS: Using Robotic Arm Project to Introduce Students toEngineering Design Through Experiential LearningIntroductionIntroductory engineering design courses play a vital role in motivating and inspiring first-yearstudents as they begin their engineering education and start shaping their engineering career.Many institutions leverage such first-year engineering courses not only to cover fundamentalconcepts but also to give students transferable skills. At the New Jersey Institute of Technology(NJIT), we feel that the best way to do this is through engaging and hands-on activities andprojects [1-5]. We are always

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Nicole Dufalla, University of Virginia

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Great Ideas for Teaching (GIFTS): Guiding Students to Technical Report Writing Success with Scaffolded Technical Writing AssignmentsIntroductionTechnical writing can be a challenging skillset for first year engineering students. During a twosemester first year engineering course, technical communication has been incorporated into thecurriculum, including oral, written and visual communication. In alignment with ABETaccreditation requirements, which indicate that students should be able to conductexperimentation, analyze and discuss results, and draw conclusions based on engineeringjudgement [1], students are expected to write a full technical engineering report during thesecond semester of the

Conference Session

WORKSHOP IV: Play as Prep Workshop: Time & Resource-Efficient Strategies for Developing Effective Undergraduate TAs of First Year Students

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Christine Alexander, University of Maryland, College Park

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

worked as a Teaching Artist in schools, museums, and theaters. Her training includes 7 years of applied improvisation for educational contexts (Smithsonian Associates), and three years of Gestalt Theatre training for educators (Gestalt Theatre Association), along with coursework in Design Thinking. FYEE 2025 Conference: University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland Jul 27 WORKSHOP: Play as Prep: Time & Resource-Efficient Strategies for Developing Effective Undergraduate TAs of First Year StudentsIntroduction Pedagogical training for TAs improves their teaching efficacy, and effective TAspositively impact students’ engagement [1] and sense of support in class [2]. But running aparallel pedagogical

Conference Session

WIP I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Laura Albrant, Michigan Technological University; Leo C. Ureel II, Michigan Technological University; Lynn A. Albers, Hofstra University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

with the GK-12 Outreach Program at NCSU where she began Energy Clubs, an out-of-school-time program for third, fourth and fifth graders to introduce them to renewable energy. FYEE 2025 Conference: University of Maryland - College Park, Maryland Jul 27WIP: Both sides now, examining the faculty side of a student code critiquer from a human factors perspectiveIntroduction & BackgroundThe code critiquer application, called WebTA, provides “rich, immediate feedback” [1] to studentson their submitted code in order to aid them in following best practices while programming. Theapplication depends on a database of two overarching types of patterns: antipatterns and good pat-terns. Antipatterns, in this