Conference Session

Teaching the Business Side of Construction

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Suat Gunhan, University of Texas, San Antonio

Tagged Divisions

Construction

Paper ID #13691Covering Business Development Topic in an Undergraduate CourseDr. Suat Gunhan, University of Texas, San Antonio Dr. Gunhan is an Associate Professor at The University of Texas at San Antonio Page 26.413.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 Covering Business Development Topic in an Undergraduate CourseAbstractConstruction firms have diverse business segments in which future graduates can beemployed. Graduates of construction management or related fields, who choose constructioncareers

Conference Session

NSF Grantees’ Poster Session

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James E Morris, Portland State University; Jack C. Straton, Portland State University; Lisa H Weasel, Portland State University

Tagged Topics

NSF Grantees Poster Session

Education at this institution includes thematic “clusters” of junior courses. Studentsmust choose three courses from one of these clusters which must be outside the student’s major.The new courses PH382U, BI372U and ECE383U are all taught by active learning principlesand are included in the junior Science & Liberal Arts cluster as SCI382U, SCI372U andSCI383U, respectively, and in the Design Thinking/Innovation/Entrepreneurship cluster in theSchool of Business Administration.Every graduate must complete the entire GE sequence5, which consists of:  A freshman sequence of three quarters in a single elective cross-disciplinary topic  Three elective sophomore courses which serve as prerequisites to three of the many junior GE clusters

Conference Session

General Technical Session

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Mihaela Radu, SUNY Farmingdale State College; Clint S. Cole, Digilent, Inc.; Mircea Alexandru Dabacan, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca; Monica Ignat Bot, Digilent; Alex Wong, Digilent, Inc.; Joe Harris, Digilent, Inc.

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Computers in Education

-Napoca, Romania, 1991-present: Faculty member at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania (professor since 2004) Manage- rial Experience: 2006 - present, General Manager of Digilent RO International Experience: 1999-2000, Visiting Professor at Washington State University, Pullman, Washington, USA.Mrs. Monica Ignat (Bot), Digilent She graduated from Technical University of Cluj-Napoca Romania, Electronics major, in 2009 and has been with Digilent for 5 years. She organized five of the European Regionals of the Digital Design Contest in the past years.Mr. Alex Wong , Digilent, Inc.Joe Harris, Digilent, Inc

Conference Session

General Technical Session

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

John P. Mullen, New Mexico State University

Tagged Divisions

Computers in Education

Pólya’s method becausemost students have poor skills in these areas. Future plans address math literacy further and seekmore effective ways of implementing some techniques.Because students’ knowledge and skills will vary, it is prudent to check prerequisite knowledge,as well as basic problem-solving ability, at the start of the semester, and then address anynecessary issues that arise before they interfere with achieving the course objectives. Technologycan facilitate this process, if used judiciously with educational objectives in mind. However,because technology is evolving rapidly, periodic assessment is prudent. Bibliography[1] S. Lipka, "Many College Students Graduate With Low Proficiency in

Conference Session

General Technical Session

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nebojsa I. Jaksic, Colorado State University, Pueblo; Pratik Dilip Desai; Ryan Van Deest; Jude L. DePalma, Colorado State University, Pueblo

Tagged Divisions

Computers in Education

mechatronics program at ourinstitution has experienced a steady growth trying to meet this need. However, the curricularchanges that follow these fast-paced technologies are often difficult to implement in theclassroom in a timely manner. Often, new products become available but without appropriatedocumentation for quick implementation in educational laboratories. It may take a year or longerto develop a set of laboratory exercises for a new microcontroller or a 3D printer. Thus, theknowledge must come from other informal sources, like workshops, technical presentations,conferences, etc. Students are taught to embrace change and keep current. This is in accordancewith ABET EAC General Criterion 3, Student Outcomes1 (i) “a recognition of the need for

Conference Session

Design and Assessment of Graduate Curriculum

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Homero Gregorio Murzi, Virginia Tech; Prateek Shekhar, University of Texas, Austin; Lisa D. McNair, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

. Page 26.368.8The program requirements align with the disciplinary idea of combining engineering andeducation disciplines. In general, the coursework comprises of core engineering courses allowingthe students to develop a graduate level of understanding of engineering content, as well as,understanding different educational theories. To build a background about engineering educationas a field of inquiry, these programs require students to take foundational engineering educationcourses which cover the history and philosophy of engineering education, relevant theoreticalframeworks, assessment and evaluation techniques, current research and future trends, etc.Lastly, to develop the ability to conduct educational research, the programs require the

Conference Session

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP) Topics in Construction Education

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ifte Choudhury, Texas A&M University

Tagged Divisions

Construction

Paper ID #12068A Comparative Analysis of Performance by Graduate and UndergraduateStudents in an MEP CourseDr. Ifte Choudhury, Texas A&M University Page 26.22.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 A Comparative Analysis of Performance by Graduate and Undergraduate Students in an MEP CourseAbstractMechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) course is offered both at undergraduate and graduatelevels in schools of construction science in the United States. The course is required for graduatestudents who

Conference Session

Construction Education Topics

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

George D. Ford, Western Carolina University; Aaron K. Ball, Western Carolina University; Sungho Tae, School of Architecture & Architectural Eng., Hanyang Univ., Ansan, Korea; Michael E. Smith Ph.D., Western Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Construction

American Council for Construction Education (ACCE). The program currently has 138students enrolled as majors and emphasizes estimating and scheduling skills. The programincludes a construction capstone project course which students complete in their last semester.This paper discusses the evolution of the Capstone course at Western Carolina University, thepositive contributions of the course to the program, and lessons learned from past offerings.The capstone course serves many purposes for the Construction Management program andstudents. The course is a simulation of a general contracting construction project from obtainingwork through the estimating, bidding, scheduling, and cash flow projections using plans andspecifications provided by an

Conference Session

Idea Generation and Creativity in Design

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

K. Scott Marshall II, The University of Texas at Austin; Richard H. Crawford, University of Texas, Austin; Daniel D. Jensen, U.S. Air Force Academy

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education

Louisiana State University in 1982, and his MSME in 1985 and Ph.D. in 1989, both from Purdue University. He teaches mechanical engineering design and geometry modeling for design. Dr. Crawford’s research interests span topics in computer- aided mechanical design and design theory and methodology. Dr. Crawford is co-founder of the DTEACh program, a ”Design Technology” program for K-12, and is active on the faculty of the UTeachEngineering program that seeks to educate teachers of high school engineering.Dr. Daniel D. Jensen, U.S. Air Force Academy Dr. Dan Jensen is a Professor of Engineering Mechanics at the U.S. Air Force Academy where he has been since 1997. He received his B.S. (Mechanical Engineering), M.S. (Applied

Conference Session

Industrial Engineering Division Technical Session 3

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Paul C. Lynch, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Cynthia Bober, Penn State University ; Joseph Wilck, East Carolina University

Tagged Divisions

Industrial Engineering

Paper ID #13159Educating and Training the Next Generation of Industrial Engineers to Workin ManufacturingDr. Paul C. Lynch, Pennsylvania State University, University Park Paul C. Lynch received his Ph.D., M.S., and B.S. degrees in Industrial Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University. Dr. Lynch is a member of AFS, SME, IIE, and ASEE. Dr. Lynch’s primary research interests are in metal casting, manufacturing systems, and engineering education. Dr. Lynch has been recognized by Alpha Pi Mu, IIE, and the Pennsylvania State University for his scholarship, teaching, and advising. He received the Outstanding Industrial

Conference Session

ECCD Applications

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James V. Masi, University of Southern Maine; Daniel M Martinez, University of Southern Maine; James A Wilson, United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps; Benjamin Richard Male, United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Energy Conversion and Conservation

Page 26.869.1 Commendation, Captain’s Letter of Commendation and is a James V. Masi Research Engineering Schol- arship and Texas Instruments Electrical Engineering Scholarship award recipient.Mr. Benjamin Richard Male, United States Navy Civil Engineer Corps c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 Paper ID #13431Benjamin Male was born in Schenectady, New York and graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1999.He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in May 2003 and attended basic training at Recruit Training Center GreatLakes, IL. From August 2003 to January 2005, he completed an array of naval technical schools

Conference Session

Construction Education Topics

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Fadi Castronovo, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; Sarah E. Zappe, Pennsylvania State University, University Park; John I. Messner, Pennsylvania State University; Robert M. Leicht, Pennsylvania State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Construction

InformationModels for the development of additional learning modules. The presented work illustrates howthe influence of instructional theories and design can support the generation of a new learningplatform for construction engineering and management.1. Introduction One of the main objectives of engineering education is to shape students that possess awide variety of knowledge, skills, and attitudes obtained as a result of education, experience, andachievement.[1] This holds true for construction engineering students, who are challenged withreal world problems during their education and after graduation. This educational objectiverequires educators to prepare their learners to solve real world problems, with which theArchitecture, Engineering and

Conference Session

Construction Education Topics

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rui Liu, University of Texas at San Antonio; Rogelio Palomera-Arias, University of Texas, San Antonio

Tagged Divisions

Construction

programs had dedicated and fully developed BIMclasses included in their curriculums, while 52 % claimed BIM content was embedded inconventional courses[3]. New positions, such as “BIM engineer” or “BIM manager”, are nowavailable to current college graduates that might develop into their career paths. As thestakeholders in the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) industry, especiallymedium to large size contractors, are progressively taking advantage of BIM technology, thestructured BIM education at construction programs is progressing at a slower pace. It is critical Page 26.1502.3to address this need with an efficient and effective BIM

Conference Session

Perspectives on Degree Completion and Graduate School Application

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amir Karimi, University of Texas, San Antonio; Randall D. Manteufel, University of Texas, San Antonio; Lynn L. Peterson, University of Texas, Arlington

Tagged Divisions

Mechanical Engineering

. Therefore, it was decidedto survey students who were within thirty hours of graduation to determine factors that contributed intheir graduation delays. The Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) atUTSA requires 128 SCH of coursework. The degree requirement includes 42 SCH of the UniversityCore Curriculum (or General Education). Courses in general chemistry, engineering physics, andcalculus are parts of both the University Core Curriculum and the engineering degree requirements.Ninety eight (98) students completed their degrees between fall 2012 and fall 2013. In examiningthe transcripts of these students, several observations were made, as summarized below.The examination of transcripts revealed that students had attempted as

Conference Session

Supporting Diversity through Co-curricular Programming

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Renetta G. Tull, University of Maryland, Baltimore County; Alexis Y. Williams, University of Maryland Baltimore County; Shawnisha Shonté Hester, University of Maryland Baltimore County

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

) program has a focus on increasing the numbers of underrepresented minorities (URM) who will get STEM PhDs and go on to become professors and enhance the nation’s competitiveness.1 By examining the roles that graduate student AGEP participants from disciplines other than science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) play in engineering education in general, and to become engineering education faculty, researchers and advocates in particular, it is imperative to know and understand the motives which drive this phenomena. Historically serving students within STEM fields, the AGEP for our state, PROMISE: Maryland’s AGEP, has taken the initiative to broaden its reach to include participants from various disciplines that

Conference Session

Design in Engineering Education Division Poster Session

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jacqueline Ann Stagner P.Eng., University of Windsor; Jennifer L Johrendt, University of Windsor

Tagged Divisions

Design in Engineering Education

includes design of hybrid steel/GFRP composites as applied to vehicle and aircraft structures for light weighting purposes and multi-objective optimization methods for tube hydroforming processes. Dr. Johrendt often volunteers as a Society of Automotive Engineers Technical Session Orga- nizer for the World Congress. She is also an active member of engineering outreach committees in her community. Page 26.242.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 Assessing Graduate Attributes Within a Two-Semester Capstone Design CourseAbstractHaving a

Conference Session

Concepts and Conceptual Knowledge

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christian Anderson Arbogast, Oregon State University; Devlin Montfort, Oregon State University; Shane A. Brown P.E., Oregon State University

Tagged Divisions

Educational Research and Methods

Paper ID #13225Examining Interruptions in a Student’s Solution Generating Process for In-dicators of Conceptual KnowledgeChristian Anderson Arbogast, Oregon State University Christian Arbogast is a graduate student in the School of Mechanical, Industrial, and Manufacturing En- gineering at Oregon State University. His academic and research interests include examining the change in conceptual understanding among undergraduate students in engineering programs and the mechanical design process.Dr. Devlin Montfort, Oregon State UniversityDr. Shane A. Brown P.E., Oregon State University Shane Brown is an associate professor in

Conference Session

First-Year Programs Division Technical Session 1: It's All About Teams and Teamwork

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

James E. Lewis, University of Louisville; Gerold Willing, University of Louisville; Thomas D. Rockaway, University of Louisville

Tagged Divisions

First-Year Programs

Paper ID #11642Peer-led Team Learning in Early General Engineering CurriculumDr. James E. Lewis, University of Louisville James E. Lewis, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Fundamentals in the J. B. Speed School of Engineering at the University of Louisville. His research interests include paral- lel and distributed computer systems, cryptography, engineering education, undergraduate retention and technology (Tablet PCs) used in the classroom.Dr. Gerold Willing, University of LouisvilleThomas D. Rockaway, University of Louisville

Conference Session

Topics in Computing and Information Technologies II

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Michael Tamir; Ronald S Harichandran P.E., University of New Haven; Lueny Morell, InnovaHiEd

Tagged Divisions

Computing & Information Technology

for her work, including the prestigious US National Academy of Engineering Gordon Prize for innovations in engineering education in 2006. Recognized as one of the Engineering Education Pioneers in the US in 2014, Lueny is passionate about engineering education and innovation as fundamental pillars for economic and social well-being. She is co-founder of IFEES (Past President), GEDC and SPEED. Lueny maintains a blog on topics associated with innovation and engineering education (www.luenymorell.com; www.innovahied.com). Page 26.1354.1 c American Society for Engineering Education

Conference Session

Topics in Computing and Information Technologies I

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Joseph Benin, U.S. Coast Guard Academy; Scott Thomas Howie, United States Coast Guard Academy; Benjamin B Hannon, USCGA; Nicholas Williamson, United States Coast Guard Academy

Tagged Divisions

Computing & Information Technology

Paper ID #12322Learning IPv6: Becoming a Subject Matter Expert of a Technical Topic througha Year-Long Capstone Design ProjectDr. Joseph Benin, U.S. Coast Guard Academy LCDR Benin is a graduate of the Coast Guard Academy (BSEE), having served as the Regimental Honor Officer and Chairman of the Cadet Standards of Conduct Board. He then served as the Electrical and Elec- tronics Officer aboard the USCGC Healy (WAGB-20) while completing his Engineer-Officer-In-Training (EOIT) qualifications. He began graduate studies at the Georgia Institute of Technology, was selected as an adjunct MacArthur Fellow, and ultimately earned a

Conference Session

Environmental Engineering Pedagogy and Innovation

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ramanitharan Kandiah P.E., Central State University

Tagged Divisions

Environmental Engineering

Paper ID #13927Connect2U Approach to Teaching Introduction to Water Resources Manage-ment as a General Education CourseDr. Ramanitharan Kandiah P.E., Central State University Associate Professor of Environmental Engineering, International Center for Water Resources Manage- ment, Central State University, Wilberforce, Ohio. He is a co-author of the textbook, ’Introduction to Water Resources’. He holds a PhD in Civil engineering from Tulane University and a registered Profes- sional Civil Engineer in Ohio. Page 26.394.1

Conference Session

Interest and Movitation: Formulating New Paradigms to Increase URM Participation in Engineering

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dina Verdin, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Allison Godwin, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Jennifer Lynne Morazes, Brandeis University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Minorities in Engineering

Paper ID #11532Qualitative Study of First-Generation Latinas: Understanding Motivationfor Choosing and Persisting in EngineeringDina Verdin, Purdue University Graduated with my B.S. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from San Jose State University. Currently, I am a Ph.D. student in Engineering Education at Purdue University.Dr. Allison Godwin, Purdue University, West Lafayette Allison Godwin, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Engineering Education at Purdue University. Her re- search focuses on increasing female enrollment in engineering, how students’ attitudes and beliefs affect their choices and their learning

Conference Session

Systems Engineering Division Technical Session 4

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Radu F. Babiceanu, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Tagged Divisions

Systems Engineering

Paper ID #13857Engineering Project Management Graduate Education in Integrated Soft-ware and Systems Engineering EnvironmentsDr. Radu F. Babiceanu, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Dr. Radu Babiceanu is an Associate Professor with the Department of Electrical, Computer, Software, and Systems Engineering at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. He holds a Ph.D. degree in Industrial and Systems Engineering from Virginia Tech, a M.S. in Mechanical Engineer- ing from the University of Toledo, and a B.S. degree in Manufacturing Engineering from the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. His research

Conference Session

Women in Engineering Division: Student Issues as Related to Culture

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Julie Rojewski, Michigan State University; Katy Luchini-Colbry, Michigan State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Women in Engineering

Paper ID #11658Graduate Women ”Lean In”: Building Community and Broadening Under-standingJulie RojewskiDr. Katy Luchini-Colbry, Michigan State University Katy Luchini-Colbry is the Director for Graduate Initiatives at the College of Engineering at Michigan State University, where she completed degrees in political theory and computer science. A recipient of a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship, she earned Ph.D. and M.S.E. in computer science and engineering from the University of Michigan. She has published more than two dozen peer-reviewed works related to her interests in educational technology and enhancing undergraduate

Conference Session

Design and Assessment of Graduate Curriculum

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Ali Alavizadeh, Indiana University Purdue University, Fort Wayne

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

private, governmental, and nongovernmental organizations. His research interests include complex systems modeling and simulation and nonlinear dynamical systems, and their application in healthcare and aerospace. Page 26.1342.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 Revision of graduate program’s core courses in engineering technologyAbstractThis paper describes the rationale and results of revising the core courses of a Master of Sciencedegree in technology to better address students’ needs and to streamline course sequences andoffering

Conference Session

Teaching & Learning in Graduate Programs

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Guangming Chen, Morgan State University; Jumoke 'Kemi' Ladeji-Osias, Morgan State University; Gbekeloluwa B. Oguntimein, Morgan State University; Young-Jae Lee, Morgan State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

University from the current DRU Carnegieclassification to RU/H Research University (high research activity). The MSU School ofEngineering offers the Doctor of Engineering (D.E.N.) and Master of Engineering (M.E.N.)degrees, which focus on applied and interdisciplinary research topics for graduate dissertationsand theses, rather than pure and theoretical research topics. The School of Engineering alsooffers Master of Science degrees in Electrical Engineering, Transportation and UrbanInfrastructure & System studies.Graduate study provides a passion and a pathway for students to pursue advanced education orcareer advancement. Many MSU graduate students come from economically disadvantageousfamilies and have very limited financial support for their

Conference Session

Graduate Recruitment & Professional Development

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Bolun Huang, Microsoft Corp.; Samantha Wang; Narasimha Reddy

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

undergraduate student studying Electrical and Computer Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.Prof. Narasimha Reddy Page 26.1736.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2015 Who is Hiring Whom: A New Method in Measuring Graduate ProgramsAbstractIn this paper, based on the assumption that “schools tend to hire Ph.D.s from peer or betterschools”, we propose a statistical and mathematical approach to rank graduate programs usingalgorithms deployed on a mutual “hiring graph” among universities. In order to validate ourapproach, we collect faculty data from the top

Conference Session

Teaching & Learning in Graduate Programs

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Branimir Pejcinovic, Portland State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

components can be accomplished. Satisfactoryresults with undergraduates were reported. Originally, the development of the iSLR protocoltook several iterations and was done with small groups of graduate students.In this report we will present a pilot study demonstrating that iSLR is a useful and practical Page 26.1685.2educational tool that can and should be done in the context of a specific course problem and notas a generalized approach, as is usually done in research methods courses. We propose makingiSLR part of a research-like project on a specific subject matter covered in a course. When set upin this fashion, we believe that educational benefits

Conference Session

Teaching & Learning in Graduate Programs

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Diane L Peters, Kettering University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

thisoutreach program, graduate students in STEM fields spent two days per week at a high school ina nearby community, Ypsilanti, Michigan, embedded in science and/or math classes. While theUniversity of Michigan and Ypsilanti High School were geographically close, they were in quitedifferent types of communities. The university was located in the economically advantaged areaof Ann Arbor, while the high school was in a predominantly minority community that was lessaffluent. One of the objectives of the program was to provide students at Ypsilanti High Schoolwith role models, in an effort to encourage them to pursue higher education, particularly at theUniversity of Michigan. The graduate students selected for the program were, in many cases

Conference Session

K-12 & Pre- College Engineering Division Poster Session

Collection

2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Tameshia Ballard Baldwin, North Carolina State University; Vincent William DeLuca, North Carolina State University; Aaron C. Clark, North Carolina State University

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

Paper ID #127225th Year Master’s Degree Program for Engineers: Preparing the Next Gener-ation of K-12 Technology, Engineering and Design Education Teachers (Workin Progress)Dr. Tameshia S. Ballard, North Carolina State University Dr. Tameshia Ballard is a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Department of STEM Education within the College of Education and Director of Engineering Education within the College of Engineering at North Carolina State University. She earned a B.S. in Biological Engineering from North Carolina State Uni- versity and a M.S. and Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering from Virginia Polytechnic