Displaying all 19 results
- Conference Session
- Track 5: Technical Session 4: The Next Leaders Academy: Learned Experience from an AI Summer Camp Experience
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Delano White, The Gaskins Foundation; Whitney Gaskins, University of Cincinnati
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
. language processing. 3 Practical Applications 4 Critical Thinking Encourage students to engage Expose students to real-world in critical thinking and applications of AI in various discussions about the fields, highlighting both responsible development and
- Conference Session
- Track 5: Technical Session 6: Advancing Accessibility: Leveraging Technology to Empower Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students in STEM Higher Education
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Sunday David Ubur, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Sarah Over, Virginia Tech; Denis Gracanin, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; C. Cozette Comer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
funding. The fundedorganizations mentioned include the Project of Students Grant Agency, FIM, University ofHradec Kralove, Czech Republic [27], JST CREST Grant [61], the Erasmus+ Program of theEuropean Union through the Project EduTech under Grant [48], [62], Barrier-free communicationsystem for hearing-impaired people based on Chinese lip translation [43],and FAPERGS ARD[54]. This highlights a potential barrier to conducting robust accessibility research, as increasedfinancial support is necessary to enable more comprehensive studies, including long-termevaluations and real-world applications. Greater funding opportunities are crucial to advancingthe field of accessibility research and ensuring that solutions are effectively implemented
- Conference Session
- Track 2: Technical Session 5: From Barriers to Bridges: The GEES Program's Impact on Low-Income Master's Students' Success and Professional Development
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Ximing Li, University of Pittsburgh; Sylvanus N. Wosu, University of Pittsburgh; Keith Trahan, University of Pittsburgh; Tagbo Herman Roland Niepa, Carnegie Mellon University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
competence in engineering[2]. These findings suggest that students felt better equipped for local and global engineeringroles, likely due to GEES’s integration of real-world projects and industry networking.Practical Skill Development and Industry EngagementStudents reported positive changes in practical skills, particularly in simplifying complexconcepts, engaging with industry, and managing projects. For instance, industry interfacingskills saw a notable increase from an average rating of 3.11 to 4.09. This outcome isconsistent with the S-STEM program at Appalachian State University, which found that real-world experience and industry connections contributed to skill development [10]. GEES’semphasis on practical application appears to have
- Conference Session
- Track 3: Technical Session 1: Bridging Educational Equity Gaps: A Systematic Review of AI-Driven Tools for Students Living with Disabilities in Engineering and STEM Education
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Kevin Zhongyang Shao, University of Washington; Denise Wilson, University of Washington; Eric Kyeong-Min Cho, University of Washington; Sophia Tang, University of Washington; Hanlin Ma, University of Washington; Sep Makhsous, University of Washington
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
bridge the gap between theory and practice. Sep’s research explores inclusive robotics education, developing culturally-aware human-robot interfaces and tools to support students with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and equity in STEM fields. In addition to his educational research, Sep collaborates with NASA, JCATI, and the Air Force on motor controller development for hybrid-electric aviation and integrates these industry-driven challenges into his teaching. He brings experience from the NSF I-Corps program and successful startup ventures, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world applications. Through the ARC Lab, Sep focuses on advancing robotics education, fostering an inclusive approach
- Conference Session
- Track 2: Technical Session 1: Pathways into Statistics and Data Science for Low-Income, Academically Talented Undergraduate Students
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Erin Carll, University of Washington; Aryaa Rajouria, University of Washington; Rebecca Schachtman, University of Washington; Judith E Canner; Jackie Bryce Miller, University of California, Santa Barbara; Abel Rodriguez, University of Washington
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
anddifferent. While math and statistics, for example, both involve numbers and calculations,statistics uses math as a tool and requires variables and a real-world application [41]. Sharing thisinformation might facilitate students understanding the field of SDS broadly and may contributeto better recruitment and also retention in STEM. Regarding retention, for example, advisorsmay encourage students to consider SDS if they enjoy math or computing but struggle to connectwith content devoid of context.This qualitative work aims to establish themes that can be examined for their broadergeneralizability. Future research should quantitatively assess how widespread the results are andwhether there are substantial differences in findings based on various
- Conference Session
- Track 3: Technical Session 5: Technology and Society: Incorporating ethics, inclusion, and societal understanding into computer and technology and engineering education curriculum design.
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Carrie Prior, Excelsior University; James Tippey, Excelsior College
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
[...] StaticsBefore Prompt AfterFor your first Before each problem, provide … To give you more context, theassignment, you will context that explains why average person can comfortablypractice solving a simple solving it matters and how it carry around 20-30 pounds in each hand while groceryforce problem… relates to real-world shopping or handling suitcases. applications. In live courses,How much does an 8 kg Converting mass to weight isn’t
- Conference Session
- Track 4: Technical Session 5: Impact of Generative AI Technologies on Blind and Visually Impaired Students: A Case Study
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Lance Leon Allen White, Texas A&M University; Sara Amani, Texas A&M University; Trini Sofia Balart, Texas A&M University; Amanda Kate Lacy; Gene Sung-Ho Kim, Stanford University; Gibin Raju, Texas A&M University; Karan Watson P.E., Texas A&M University; Kristi J. Shryock, Texas A&M University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
in accessibility for blind and visually impaired users is limited butgrowing. Adnin and Das’s recent study explores how blind users integrate GenAI to enhanceproductivity and access information. This research provides insights into users’ mental models ofGenAI, shaped by real-world use. For example, one participant, self-teaching programming,noted exponential progress using ChatGPT, highlighting GenAI’s potential as an assistivelearning tool. Though Adnin and Das’s participants did not include computing students, theirfindings inform this study’s understanding of how Gene and Amanda similarly engage withGenAI in accessibility contexts, particularly with Be My AI [15].Currently, no commercial solution combines GenAI with the interfaces
- Conference Session
- CANCELLED: Track 3: Technical Session 2: Learning and Adopting Principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice through the Development of a Sustainability Mindset Among First Year Engineering Students
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Krystal Colón-Rivera, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; Nayda G. Santiago P.E., University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; Aidsa I. Santiago-Roman, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; Christopher Papadopoulos, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; Sandra Loree Dika, University of North Carolina at Charlotte
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
, or on a global scale? 3. Imagine you are tasked with leading a project to create a sustainable solution (e.g., renewable energy source, waste reduction program). How can you ensure this solution is accessible, equitable, and incorporates diverse perspectives throughout the development process? 4. Choose a real-world problem related to sustainability in your community or chosen field. How can critical thinking skills help identify the root causes of this problem and develop solutions that consider the needs of diverse populations? 5. Many sustainability challenges are complex and interconnected. Describe a situation where you used critical thinking to identify multiple perspectives on a sustainability
- Conference Session
- Track 5: Technical Session 4: Fostering an Inclusive Community Among Electrical Engineering Students with Mixed-Reality Technologies at a Hispanic-Serving Institution
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Preeti De Maurya, New Mexico State University; Hilda Cecilia Contreras Aguirre, New Mexico State University; Theoderic Thomas Platt, New Mexico State University; Cristina Miriam Esparza, New Mexico State University; REDWAN UL HAQ CHOYON, New Mexico State University; Bill Hamilton, New Mexico State University; Marshall Allen Taylor, New Mexico State University; Luis Rodolfo Garcia Carrillo, New Mexico State University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
be applying whatthey are learning in their courses. A master’s student in ECE vented, Not like engineering classes can show you the theory, but they don’t show you a lot of the real world applications or the labs are not basic on real world applications. JuanA few students commented on the lack of connection between course content and the laboratorypractices. Either courses and labs were not connected or the laboratory practices had not beenupdated in a long time, generating in students a sense of wasting their time with laboratoryassignments. Another comment was related to the overwhelming workload that engineeringstudents have to spend in extra-curricular activities and programs, he revealed, How do you get engineering
- Conference Session
- CANCELLED: Track 6: Technical Session 2: Gender Differences in Global Identity Development: Implications for Intercultural Competence in Higher Education
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Aparajita Jaiswal, Purdue University at West Lafayette (PPI); Sakhi Aggrawal, Purdue University at West Lafayette (PPI); Vidya Reddy Madana, Purdue University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
activities will provide female students with practical contexts forapplying their intercultural competence in real-world scenarios. On the other hand, male studentsdemonstrated higher scores in constructs such as Self Certitude, Basic Determinism, ReligiousTraditionalism, and Gender Traditionalism, indicating a more rigid and traditional perspective.Educators should consider incorporating pedagogical strategies that foster critical thinking andself-reflection, such as debates, ethical case analyses, and role-playing scenarios. These methodscan challenge students to question their assumptions and develop a more nuanced understandingof complex global issues. Encouraging male students to engage with perspectives different fromtheir own can promote more
- Conference Session
- Track 1: Technical Session 5: Motivations for Engineering Faculty Engagement in an Inclusive Pedagogy Program
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Renee M. Desing, University of Washington; Joyce Yen, University of Washington; Karen Thomas-Brown, University of Washington
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
phase focuses on the practical application of the training received. Faculty membersare tasked with redesigning one of their courses to incorporate the principles, strategies, andpractices learned during the first phase. The faculty then teach their redesigned course in thefollowing academic year, thus allowing faculty to apply their new knowledge and skills in a real-world teaching context. Throughout this phase, faculty receive ongoing support through bothinstructor guidance and cohort peer collaboration, ensuring they have the resources andassistance needed to successfully integrate inclusive teaching practices into their curricula.We launched our first cohort in spring 2024, successfully completing the initial training phase.Currently
- Conference Session
- Track 2: Technical Session 1: Pulled In or Pushed Out? Underrepresented Minority High School Students Describe Socio-environmental Factors Shaping STEM Persistence and Post-Secondary Plans
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Alexis Grace Daniels, Johns Hopkins University; Rachel E Durham; Michael L Falk, The Johns Hopkins University; Alisha Nicole Sparks, The Johns Hopkins University; Emily J Yanisko, American University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
atspecific schools. Students at Schools Beta and Zeta reported hands-on, project-based learning,and learning linked to real world applications. For example, Raphael at Beta described: My current teacher for the science stuff, he has a lot of hands-on lessons and he thoroughly explains everything and makes sure that we get it. And the examples that he uses are about everyday things. And then as the lesson goes on, it gets more advanced. And that makes it easier to digest and understand what's happening and how this translates to the real world.Additionally, Zara from Zeta reported: “I do like doing the stuff that was happening in my class,all the investigations, DNA stuff... I like the hands-on activities [because
- Conference Session
- Track 2: Technical Session 2: Bridging Futures Takes a Village: A Pre-College Collaborative Education and Research Approach to Broaden Participation of Underrepresented Population in STEM Career Pathways
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Olgha Bassam Qaqish, North Carolina State University at Raleigh; Chloe Hincher, North Carolina State University at Raleigh; Veronica Mbaneme, North Carolina State University; Sarah Olivia Harris, North Carolina State University at Raleigh
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
-Based Learning (IBL), such as Project-Based Learning (PBL) and Problem-BasedInquiry (PBI), and the development of project management and research skills. Establishedconceptually in 2010, PBL and PBI are instructional approaches that cater to the individualismand multiculturalism of a student body. When students have the options to work on relevant,real-world problems in groups over a period of time, a more diverse population is able to developa deeper, more impactful, engaging, and well-rounded education when compared to traditionalstandardized learning approaches [17]. PBI and PBL often require team-based work, however thecommunity of practice established is more influential than teamwork alone [18]. The institutionalstructure that shares the
- Conference Session
- Track 5: Technical Session 2: Revisiting Assessment Tools Used to Measure the Impact of Summer Program Interventions on Perceptions and Interest in Engineering Among Underrepresented Pre-College Students – A Work in Progress
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Zeynep Ambarkutuk, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Jesika Monet McDaniel, Virginia Tech Department of Engineering Education; Cynthia Hampton Ph.D., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Kim Lester, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
thoughts into a discussion, attentionwas paid to follow up and call upon those individuals so that listening and acknowledgment wasmodeled for focus group participants. Attention was also paid as to whether a participant wastaking up most of the discussion space, and if so, observation to identify others trying tocomment was done to call on those individuals.Hiring a Graduate Assistant for Program EvaluationAdministrative internships can offer assessment opportunities for graduate students andprofessionals in education, evaluation, and higher education with the results of evaluationprocesses and data contributing to improvement of programming [22]. For the intern, theexperience can provide real-time application and experience, especially if the
- Conference Session
- Track 6: Technical Session 1: Gendered Impacts of Code Critiquers on Self-Efficacy in First-Year Engineering Students.
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Mary Benjamin, Michigan Technological University; Laura Albrant, Michigan Technological University; Michelle E Jarvie-Eggart P.E., Michigan Technological University; Leo C. Ureel II, Michigan Technological University; Laura E Brown, Michigan Technological University; Jon Sticklen, Michigan Technological University; AJ Hamlin, Michigan Technological University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
sample sizes increase, the distribution of the sample mean differencesapproaches normality, even when the underlying data is not perfectly normal (Ghasemi &Zahediasl, 2012).To ensure the data met this assumption, the Shapiro-Wilk test was employed to assess normality.The Shapiro-Wilk test is frequently used in real-world applications across various fields,including educational and psychological research, to evaluate whether data significantly deviatesfrom a normal distribution (Razali & Wah, 2011). This approach helped ensure the validity of thesubsequent t-tests, providing confidence that the assumptions of the statistical models wereadequately met.Figure 4: LAESE Factor scores - Histograms and Q-Q plotsfigure 5: CPSES Factor scores
- Conference Session
- CANCELLED: Track 4: Technical Session 2: Examining Gender Differences in Engineering Students' Reflections on Combating Systemic Racism
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Sakhi Aggrawal, Purdue University at West Lafayette (PPI); Aparajita Jaiswal, Purdue University at West Lafayette (PPI); Gaurav Nanda, Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE); Saloni Parkar
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
environmental injustice. These focus areas were illustrated with relevantengineering examples, highlighting the pervasive and structural nature of racism in societalsystems. Students engaged in scenario-based reflections, which required them to criticallyevaluate and think of engineering solutions to address these social justice issues. This criticalthinking exercise was further reinforced through a detailed case study on systemic racism,allowing students to apply social justice principles to real-world situations and proposeengineering solutions to the highlighted issues.The final segment of the module concentrated on hostile design. Through readings and videos,students learned about intentional exclusionary practices embedded in everyday designs
- Conference Session
- Track 4: Technical Session 7: An exploration of the relationship between physical, social, and emotional resource access and the development of engineering identity and belonging
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Anne-Marie C.A. Zamor, Rowan University; Justin Charles Major, Rowan University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
contributetofosteringandmaintaining interest in engineering. Similarly,thephysicalconditionsoftheschoolenvironment–associated with financial conditions–also influences the level of interest in students. Particularly, having access to computers makes it possible for students’ exposure to real world applications.. ecognitionREmotional resources have the strongest influence on students’ sense of recognition in engineering. Our results demonstrate that studentswhofeltsupportedbothathomeandschool
- Conference Session
- Track 6: Technical Session 3: The role of undergraduate engineering students' different support networks in promoting emotional well-being: A narrative study
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Sowmya Panuganti, Purdue Engineering Education; Narjes Khorsandi Koujel, Rowan University; Justin Charles Major, Rowan University
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
my SpongeBob, the peanut butter to my jelly, like we just match.” This description oftheir friendship shows the closeness that the two share where they both can simply bethemselves, authentic, which Link attributes to them being very similar. This closenessallows a level of authenticity in their relationship that leads to it being an extremelysupportive friendship. Link further states: She is a sister to me. She is always there for me when I'm having my hardest things. And she doesn't sugarcoat stuff for me, which I love. She always gives me the real hard truth that I need to know. Because if I don't know that now, the real world is going to be tougher the further I get into it. So, she's, she's always there for
- Conference Session
- Track 7: Technical Session 7: Grassroots Approach to Advancing Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access in Engineering
- Collection
- 2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)
- Authors
- Ashleigh R. Wright, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Ellen Wang Althaus, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Akshina Sood, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Lance Cooper, University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign; Lynford Goddard, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
- Tagged Topics
- 2025 CoNECD Paper Submissions, Diversity
their students. The students demonstrated adeeper understanding of engineering fields and their applicability to real-world issues. Four yearslater, this program is an ongoing initiative co-hosted by DREAAM and The Grainger College ofEngineering. This partnership received supplemental GIANT funding to increase accessibility tothe design projects through an online activity repository and expansion to partner with a Latin-serving community organization, Cena y Ciencias. More recently, this team has been awarded$124,500 in additional grant funding from the Chancellor’s Call to Action to address Racial &Social Injustice. The expanded effort seeks to implement Saturday STEM classes for K-12families and a new STEM night program for K-6 families