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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

William T. Evans PhD P.E., The University of Toledo

University of Toledo Toledo, Ohio 43606 Email: william.evans@utoledo.eduAbstract:A new course has been added to the curriculum in Mechanical Engineering and EngineeringTechnology to take advantage of Rapids grants from the state of Ohio. The course contentincludes content on robotics, PLC and Vision programming. Then students are directed tocombine the three in a complete system. Constraints include structure of the control algorithmsas well as how to design the system for maximum advantage of cycle time as well as how to layout a system using multiple of each of the components. Communication between components isstressed. Results from this first pass in teaching this course will be

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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

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Paper ID #49761Bridging Tradition and Innovation: A Thoughtful Approach to Future-ReadyEducationDr. Ragavanantham Shanmugam, Fairmont State University Dr. Ragavanantham Shanmugam is working as Department Chair and Associate Professor of Engineering Technology at Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV. He has over 25 years’ experience in Engineering Higher Education and research and also an award-winning teacher and active engineer. His academic qualifications allow him to coordinate successful research activities, but his true talent is teaching all students by engaging them in STEM by demystifying complex math, science

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

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Paper ID #49762Structured Pathways for Student Success: A Strategic Approach to CourseOptimization and Academic ExcellenceDr. Ragavanantham Shanmugam, Fairmont State University Dr. Ragavanantham Shanmugam is working as Department Chair and Associate Professor of Engineering Technology at Fairmont State University, Fairmont, WV. He has over 25 years’ experience in Engineering Higher Education and research and also an award-winning teacher and active engineer. His academic qualifications allow him to coordinate successful research activities, but his true talent is teaching all students by engaging them in STEM by

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

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

curriculum that encompasses essential transdisciplinary skillsand abilities, such as systems thinking, team-based skills, empathy, metacognition, andintrapersonal skills. Implementing such an approach is vital for preparing students to addresscomplex problems through collaborative and innovative solutions, thereby enhancing theeffectiveness and relevance of transdisciplinary education in engineering and beyond.References[1] A. Ertas, T. Maxwell, V. P. Rainey, and M. M. Tanik, “Transformation of higher education: the transdisciplinary approach in engineering,” IEEE Trans. Educ., vol. 46, no. 2, pp. 289–295, May 2003, doi: 10.1109/TE.2002.808232.[2] E. Jamila, “Implementing a Flipped Classroom Structure in Engineering Education to

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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

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attitudes in Year 3, this study contributes to the ongoing discourse oneffective retention strategies in engineering and computer science education.MethodologyUsing a mixed-methods approach, we analyze both quantitative (Mindset Assessment Profile,Grit Scale, and S-STEM Survey) and qualitative (focus groups, e-journals, and interviews) datacollected during Year 3 (2023-2024).The study included two cohorts of students. Cohort 1 (N=10, entered Fall 2021) consisted of 8female and 2 male students. Among them, 3 were first-generation college students, 2 were Pell-eligible, and 2 identified as underrepresented minorities in STEM. Their academic interestsspanned across various engineering and computer science disciplines, with a majority pursuingdegrees

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Romain Kazadi Tshikolu, University of Detroit Mercy; Alan S Hoback, University of Detroit Mercy

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from outside sources of information. I work with freshmen in thiscourse, and they aren’t likely to synthesize information from many sources for a new creativesolution. However, the freshmen are creative in the sense that they look to outside informationfor one complete solution.The students want to work in teams or to interact with the other students in their class. Manystudents may naturally hesitate to interact. However, providing students with a reason to interactencourages them to do so. The result is that the students develop closer bonds.Q3: Have you observed any differences in how students approach engineering challengeswhen using PBL versus traditional methods?The students are motivated to work on a project when it is a real project

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Elin Jensen, Lawrence Technological University; Taylor Warstler; Donald D. Carpenter P.E., Lawrence Technological University; Alyssa Taube; Lynne Seymour

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delivered.IntroductionEnvironmental Engineering and Civil Engineering are among the top professions within theengineering field. Despite their high rankings and critical societal roles, both fields facesignificant workforce shortages projected to persist over the next decade. Addressing thischallenge requires collaborative outreach efforts by industry, academia, government, andnonprofit organizations to attract new talent.This paper presents a new collaboration among a nonprofit organization, a medium-sized for-profit engineering firm, a government agency, and an academic institution to support one of fourtracks in a major outreach event. The event is titled "Blue Planet Jobs: Careers in Water," and itis aimed to inspire high school students to explore careers related to

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Punya A Basnayaka, Cuyahoga Community College, School of Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering and Computer Science

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energy. This preliminaryresearch explored approaches to curriculum revision, teaching, and learning renewal.Key words - Sustainability, Engineering Education, Accreditation, CurriculumBackgroundThe engineering technology programs at Tri-C were established in 1982. The MechanicalEngineering Technology (MET), Manufacturing Industrial Engineering Technology (MIET),Biomedical Engineering Technology (BMET), and Electrical/Electronic Engineering 1Proceedings of the 2024 ASEE North Central Section Conference Copyright © 2024, American Societyfor Engineering EducationTechnology (EET) programs have been accredited by ABET under the Engineering

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Nicholas A Baine P.E., Grand Valley State University; Karl Brakora, Grand Valley State University

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defense contractor to develop advanced ceramic materials, radar, and novel electronic fabrication methods applied to the development of guided munitions, electro-optic imaging systems, and medical devices. At GVSU he created and maintains electronic prototyping courses and co-created the School of Engineering’s professional ethics curriculum. Karl received his Ph.D. in Applied Electromagnetics from the University of Michigan. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Tuition Equity: Adverse effects of tuition policy on engineering studentsAbstractWhile there has been much research addressing the equity of college access, the equity of tuitionand fees have been less studied. Despite efforts

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Aiman S Kuzmar, Islamic University of Madinah, Saudi Arabia

investigated by thestudents is provided.Observations on this tactic are provided and the attained benefits are listed. Some of thechallenges which the students faced are stated. A conclusion is made and recommendations areoffered. This seems to be an excellent educational technique. It is suggested that otherengineering educators are encouraged to engage their students in similar activities.Brief Introduction:The introduction of new pedagogical techniques or the application of existing approaches withthe addition of new components is not new in engineering education. In fact, it is required ofengineering faculty members to do so. It is further beneficial if findings are reported in variouseducational platforms like conferences.Two such techniques are

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2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Brian Krug, Grand Valley State University; Chirag Parikh, Grand Valley State University; Elora Mae Ferrie, Grand Valley State University

. IntroductionThe increased use of microcontroller systems in solving industrial control problems has led to ageneral acceptance of microcontroller knowledge in other areas of engineering such asmechanical and biomedical engineering. An area that has normally been reserved for electrical orcomputer engineers is now multidisciplinary [1], integrating digital electronics, communications,and computing with a variety of systems ranging from medical to biological. With these newenhancements, microcontroller-based teaching has evolved over the past few decades. Thesechanges range from project-based microcontroller teaching that emphasize real worldapplications to the introduction of new educational tools such as robot kits. This new approach toteaching about

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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

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design, data analysis, and interpreting significant results. Often, thisknowledge is expected to be gained through a service course in statistics whereby the focus is onbreadth and covering the practical extent of methods commonly used in a field. However, studentsfrequently enter statistics courses with negative attitudes, compounded by traditional teachingmethods that focus on trivial examples and a general lack real-world relevance. At Wright StateUniversity, innovative approaches in statistical education were implemented across theBiomedical, Industrial, and Human Factors Engineering Department and Pharmacology andToxicology Department. These innovations include design project-based learning, where studentsundertake semester-long projects to

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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

of open-ended lab experiences and contributes to thegrowing conversation on innovative engineering education strategies by demonstrating the valueof experiential learning approaches, particularly the integration of entrepreneurial mindsetlearning (EML) into laboratory experiences.Why open-ended labs?The decision to introduce open-ended labs into our curriculum was inspired by the insightsgained from the Summer 2024 Engineering Mechanics in Lab and Design workshop series,hosted by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and supported by the Kern FamilyFoundation. During this workshop, we had the opportunity to explore in more depth the conceptof open-ended labs, engaging with experts and educators who have successfully implementedsuch

Collection

2025 ASEE North Central Section (NCS) Annual Conference

Authors

Mark A. Palmer

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Diversity

techniques.References1. USC Center for Excellence in Teaching: CET Classroom teaching observation checklist2. Robin K. Morgan: Exploring the Pedagogical Effectiveness of Clickers; InSight -A Journal of Scholarly Teaching (2008)3. Yljing Stehle: Integrity Independent Lab into Project: a Modification Made to the Materials Science Lab Curriculum; American Society for Engineering Education, 2024 Conference4. K. Smith, S. Sheppard, D. Johnson, R. Johnson: Pedagogies of Engagement: Classroom-Based Practices, Journal of Engineering Education, 1/20055. https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/ : Students Engaged In Active Learning Think They Learn Less, 12/25/20246. Ashley Mowreader: Why Students Recommend College Professors to Peers