Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Mathew Allen, Marshall University; Ben Taylor, Marshall University; Pingping Zhu, Marshall University; Preston K Sellards, Marshall University

. Whiletraditional drone control methods, such as joysticks and remote controllers, have been effective,they often lack the flexibility and ease of use required for a seamless user experience, especiallyin changing or complex environments. As drones become more integrated into sectors, such assearch and rescue, entertainment, and human-computer interaction, the need for more accessibleand responsive control mechanisms has become more apparent. In particular, the ability to controldrones through natural human gestures presents a promising solution to enhance user interactionand improve operational efficiency. Recent advancements in computer vision and machine learning have opened new possibilitiesfor gesture-based control systems. By using a drone’s

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Shuyu Wang, The Ohio State University; Rachel Louis Kajfez, The Ohio State University

Paper ID #49489A Literature Review of Transdisciplinarity in Engineering EducationShuyu Wang, The Ohio State University Shuyu Wang is a Ph.D. student in the Department of engineering education at the Ohio state university. Currently, she is a graduate research associate in an NSF-funded project aiming to train students to become wicked scientists through transdisciplinary approaches. Shuyu is also a member of the Research on Identity and Motivation in Engineering research group, led by Dr. Rachel L. Kajfez, focusing on studying the intersection between motivation and identity to improve engineering students’ success.Dr

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Ragavanantham Shanmugam, Fairmont State University; Madhan Gopal Perumal, The University of Texas at Dallas; Uma Maheswari Krishnamoorthy

Tagged Topics

Diversity

. However, standardized tests often emphasize rote memorization over criticalthinking [9]. A more balanced approach, incorporating portfolio-based assessments, project-based evaluations, and competency-based testing, allows students to demonstrate theirunderstanding through real-world applications while maintaining academic integrity [10].Educators worldwide recognize the value of diverse assessment methods that encouragecreativity, problem-solving, and adaptability. Moving beyond rigid evaluation frameworksensures that students are assessed holistically, aligning their learning experiences with workforceexpectations and practical skill development.2.5 Embracing a Thoughtful and Inclusive Approach to Educational InnovationEducational evolution is

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Yousef Sardahi, Marshall University; Asad Salem

different conditions, such as on inclines, in extreme temperatures, in confined spaces,or even while in motion. Additionally, soldiers emphasized the need for the lift system to handle avariety of loads, beyond just the previously mentioned robots.Design Phase Methodology and ExecutionAt the beginning of the design process, the team developed several preliminary concepts and ideasto address as many of the outlined constraints as possible. The initial approach to creating a new liftmechanism typically involved, starting with a sketch. Figure 6 presents a sketch of Lift Mechanism#1 (Sliding Plates), which is one of the lift mechanisms that was developed. Proceedings of the 2025 ASEE North Central Section Conference

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Dylan Lester, Marshall University; Pingping Zhu, Marshall University; Husnu Saner Narman, Marshall University; Ammar Alzarrad, Marshall University

demanding.To address these challenges, we developed an algorithm designed to improve model accuracywhile substantially reducing the time required for training.To show improved accuracy this paperwill compare a training set with only human labeled images with the same amount of imageswith the new algorithm we have developed. This paper outlines our approach, evaluates itsperformance, and discusses its implications for railroad fault detection and beyond. The remainder of this paper is organized as follows: Section II, which discusses the complex-ities of developing the algorithm. Section III covers the process of extracting and modifying thelabels of the detected images. Section IV is an in depth covering of the algorithm used. SectionV analyzes the

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Carmen Cioc, The University of Toledo; Sorin Cioc, The University of Toledo; Noela A. Haughton, The University of Toledo; William T. Evans PhD P.E., The University of Toledo

at the University of Toledo. She teaches courses in assessment and research methods.Dr. William T. Evans PhD P.E., The University of Toledo Dr. William Evans earned his Ph.D. in Industrial Engineering in 2005 and his M.S.E.E. in 1975, both from the University of Toledo. He earned his B.S.E.E. in 1971 from UIUC. Dr. Evans has fifteen years experience as a controls engineer for industry, 27 y ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Enhancing Fluid Mechanics Learning through Open-Ended Lab Experiences: A Pilot ImplementationAbstractIn mechanical engineering and mechanical engineering technology education, bridging the gapbetween theoretical concepts and

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Seyed Mohammad Seyed Ardakani P.E., Ohio Northern University; Julia Kamatali, Ohio Northern University

teaching them the necessary course content, which canbe challenging. One promising approach to address this challenge is gamification. Research hasshown that gamification significantly enhances student engagement, motivation, and academicperformance [3].What is Gamification?Gamification involves adding game-like elements to educational course content. It incorporatescomponents like Points, Badges, Leaderboards (PBL) and challenges within the course toimprove students' learning experience and enhance their motivation [4, 5]. Beyond thesemechanisms, gamification often incorporates storytelling to create a meaningful environmentstudents can relate to. This involves breaking down abstract subjects into smaller chunks so thatstudents can better

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Trevor Joseph Bihl, Wright State University; Terry Lynn Oroszi, Wright State University; Subhashini Ganapathy, Wright State University; Jeffrey B. Travers, Wright State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

. Bates, K. Jensen, G. Lichtenstein, K. Watts, E. Ko and B. Albayati, "Building Research Skills through Being a Peer Reviewer," ASEE Virtual Annual Conference Content Access, 2021.[14] S. Hamilton, L. Brunell, G. Tamm and O. Arnas, "Peer Review In Engineering Courses As A Learning Tool," Annual Conference & Exposition, 2006.[15] D. Ludlow, "Using Critical Evaluation And Peer Review Writing Assignments In A Chemical Process Safety Course," ASEE Annual Conference, 2001.[16] A. Rose, "Using The Peer Review Process To Implement Writing Assignments In An Engineering Technology Course," ASEE Annual Conference, 2001.[17] T. Larkin, "Peer Review From A Student Perspective," ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, 2009.[18] S. I

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Edward Jesse Sizemore III, Marshall University; Trevor Joseph Bihl, Marshall University

other disciplinesbecome more prominent and interesting [1] [2] and a significant gap exists between powerengineering education and power engineering practice [3]. Of interest are thus ways to improvethe education quality and link to industry needs.Gamification is the process of implementing the concepts used in game design into various fieldsof education. This includes rewards for good performance, competition through leaderboards andother incentives, providing task-based goals, providing stimulus, and more. Gamificationpresents an opportunity as a method of improving the quality of education while presentinginstructors with a new way to manage education that improves student motivation, engagement,and retention [4].Gamification has improved

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Tina Johnson Cartwright, Marshall University; Julie Lynn Snyder-Yuly, Marshall University; Wook-sung Yoo, Marshall University; Husnu Saner Narman, Marshall University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

improved, with an increase in theperseverance subscale despite a decline in the passion subscale. To explore the relationshipbetween mindset and grit, students were divided into three groups based on their mindsetscores: 1) Fixed mindset (scores < 24) (N=5), 2) Mixed mindset (25 < scores < 32) (N=9),and 3) Growth mindset (scores > 32) (N=6). The analysis revealed clear relationshipsbetween grit and a growth mindset. Students with a growth mindset had higher overall gritscores, including both passion and perseverance subscales. They also exhibited a morepositive attitude toward math, though the influence of mindset on attitudes toward scienceand 21st-century skills was less evident.Qualitative insights were gathered through e-journals

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Ali Nawaz, Marshall University; Mohammed Ferdjallah, Marshall University; Asad Salem

by the common modecompensation. In the study new optical fiber interferometers are analyzed and simulated. Thepurpose of the optical amplifier is to compensate for the strength and phase losses through thecouplers and optical fibers. The new optical circuits consist of a RDL and a M-Z interferometerwith feedback path, where an optical amplifier is introduced in the feedback loop to compensatefor the losses due to the couplers and the splices as well as for the attenuation in the fiber itself.The transmittance of the circuit, which is the ratio of the output intensity to the input intensity, iscalculated and plotted for different gain factors of the amplifier. Both weak and strong couplingare considered for the coupler.Keywords: Recirculating

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Ethan Scott Stevenson, Marshall University; Jay Cook, Marshall University; Trevor Bihl, Marshall University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Paper ID #49545Understanding Electricity Theft: Causes, Consequences, and AI-Based DetectionEthan Scott Stevenson, Marshall UniversityJay Cook, Marshall UniversityDr. Trevor Bihl, Marshall University ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Understanding Electricity Theft: Causes, Consequences, and AI-Based DetectionAbstractElectricity theft, often overlooked in both public and technical matters, poses a significanteconomic and social challenge for utilities. Briefly, Electricity theft involves illicitly consumingelectric power through various means, from bypassing meters, tampering with

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Yousef Fazea, Marshall University; Yousef Sardahi, Marshall University; Asad Salem

Tagged Topics

Diversity

adjusted to accommodate the preferences and schedules of students. • Stress Management: Students may experience an overwhelming amount of stress as a result of the consistent deadlines, assignments, and exams that are a common feature of online learning. A supportive and balanced environment can be established by implementing stress management initiatives, including surveys, virtual fitness classes, and relaxation activities. • Personalized Support Programs: To effectively address the unique requirements of students, motivation and support programs must be both engaging and customized. Comprehensive support for academic and personal development can be achieved through peer mentoring programs

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Jarod Max Banzon, Marshall University; Mohammed Ferdjallah, Marshall University

. Whereas coarse particles may be implicated in black lungdisease. Multiple studies have investigated the distribution of particle by size in coal fly ashreleased through the chimney of the power plant29-31. We used published data to generate the graphof the cumulative distribution of particles by size.The distribution provided reveals the composition of particles based on their size range. Itillustrates that approximately 17% of the particles fall within the size range of 0.5 to 10 microns,signifying a moderate proportion within this specific range. On the other hand, a significantportion, exceeding 40%, consists of particles larger than 100 microns, indicating a substantialpresence of larger particles within the fly ash composition. This

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Alexa July Hoffman, Marshall University; Trevor Joseph Bihl, Marshall University

potential, particularly in elevated regions (Figure 5, right). Wind energy has already seen 5some adoption for electricity generation, with further expansion anticipated. However, otherrenewable sources such as biomass and geothermal energy have yet to be significantly exploited,despite their considerable potential. Biomass exploration is primarily limited to academicconsiderations at West Virginia University (WVU) [15]. Similarly, geothermal potentials areknown, but not considered beyond theoretical ideas [13]. With targeted investments and policysupport, WV has the potential to establish itself as a leader in renewable energy within theAppalachian