Conference Session

WIED: Faculty and Gender Issues

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sara Wadia-Fascetti, Northeastern University; Jan Rinehart, Northeastern University; Simon Pitts, Northeastern University

Tagged Divisions

Women in Engineering

. Page 24.1044.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2014 Northeastern ADVANCE Research Leadership Development Initiative: A Program to Strengthen the Leadership Skills of Mid-Career FacultyAbstractAs part of the ADVANCE program, Northeastern University launched the Research LeadershipDevelopment Initiative (ReDI) in the fall of 2012 as a leadership program for associate and earlyfull professors. The goal is to prepare these rising research scholars to lead collaborativeresearch teams of peers in activities to create or grow centers, institutes, and/or multi-institutional collaborations. Through participation in the different program components

Conference Session

Program and Curriculum Design Initiatives

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hong Sheng, Missouri University of Science and Technology ; Robert G. Landers, Missouri University of Science & Technology; Fang Liu; Thanh Nguyen, Missouri University of Science & Technology

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing

Paper ID #10151A longitudinal study on the effectiveness of the Research Experience for Un-dergraduates (REU) program at Missouri University of Science and Technol-ogyDr. Hong Sheng, Missouri University of Science and Technology Dr. Hong Sheng is an Associate Professor in Information Science and Technology (IST) at Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T). She is also co-director of the Laboratory for Information Technology Evaluation (LITE) at Missouri S&T. Her research interests include trust and privacy issues in information systems, mobile and ubiquitous applications, usability and eye tracking

Collection

2014 Public Policy Colloquium

Authors

Auditi Chakravarty, The College Board

National Initiatives on K-12 STEM EducationAuditi Chakravarty, The College BoardFebruary 11, 2014The College Board’s Mission The College Board’s mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. We are a not-for- profit membership organization committed to excellence and equity in education. 2AP STEM Access Program  A $5 million grant made from Google as part of their Global Impact Awards to DonorsChoose.org will enable public high schools across the country to start approximately 500 new AP math and science courses and to encourage traditionally underrepresented minority and female students who demonstrate strong academic potential to enroll and explore these areas of study and

Conference Session

Track 2 - Session 2

Collection

2014 ASEE International Forum

Authors

Dianne J DeTurris, California Polytechnic State University; Jane L. Lehr, California Polytechnic State University; James M Widmann, California Polytechnic State University; Lily Hsu Laiho, California Polytechnic State University; Fred W DePiero, California Polytechnic State University; Zoe Wood Wood; Alana Christine Snelling

Tagged Topics

Curriculum and Lab Development

of the National Women’s Studies Association, and as a Post-Doctoral Research Officer at the Center for Informal Learning and Schools (CILS) at King’s College, University of London. Her graduate training is in Science & Technology Studies and Women’s Studies at Virginia Tech.Dr. James M Widmann, California Polytechnic State University Dr. Jim Widmann is a professor of Mechanical Engineering at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He received his Ph.D. in 1994 from Stanford University. Currently he teaches mechanics and design courses. He conducts research in the areas of machine design, fluid power control and engineering education. He is a past chair of the ASEE-DEED Division and a U.S

Conference Session

Program and Curriculum Design Initiatives

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Marilyn Barger P.E., FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence); Richard Gilbert, University of South Florida; Marie A. Boyette, FLATE; Deshjuana Bagley

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing

Paper ID #9268A Statewide Initiative for Manufacturing Day in FloridaDr. Marilyn Barger P.E., FLATE (Florida Advanced Technological Education Center of Excellence) Dr. Marilyn Barger is the Principal Investigator and Executive Director of FLATE, the Florida Regional Center of Advanced Technological Education, funded by the National Science Foundation and housed at Hillsborough Community College in Tampa, Florida since 2004. FLATE serves the state of Florida as its region and is involved in outreach and recruitment of students into technical career pathway; has produced award winning curriculum design and reform for

Conference Session

Teaching and Pedagogy Issues in Graduate Education

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Justin M. Foley, Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan; Ashley M. Verhoff, Department of Aerospace Engineering, University of Michigan; John J. Pitre Jr., Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan; Kathleen Marie Ropella, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan

Tagged Divisions

Graduate Studies

Paper ID #10334Workshops on Fundamental Engineering Skills: A Graduate Student-LedTeaching InitiativeJustin M. Foley, Applied Physics Program, University of Michigan Justin is a doctoral candidate in the Applied Physics Program at the University of Michigan. His disser- tation research involves spectral manipulation, including broadband reflectance and narrowband filtering, using subwavelength dielectric gratings. He is currently the president of the student chapter of ASEE at the University of Michigan. In addition to his research and education interests, Justin holds a position with the Office of Technology Transfer

Conference Session

Potpourri

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Amber L. Genau, University of Alabama at Birmingham

Tagged Divisions

New Engineering Educators

goals of the program are (1) to increasegeneral awareness of the field of materials engineering among participants and the largercommunity, (2) to increase the awareness of students and parents of the specificopportunities available to study engineering at UAB, and (3) to recruit students to thematerials engineering program at UAB. The paper will discuss the methods used toevaluate the efficacy of the program, as well as best practices and lessons learned sincethe program’s inception. Since the author initiated the program during her first year as afaculty member, the use of rigorous evaluation methods has been important to justifyingthe time and expense of the program, as well as its value in her tenure portfolio.Background and

Conference Session

ETAC, ABET, & STEM Programs

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Les Kinsler, Kansas State University, Salina; Saeed Khan, Kansas State University, Salina

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

Paper ID #9593Growing a STEM Initiative: Establishing Philosophies, Identifying Needsand, Lessons LearnedProf. Les Kinsler, Kansas State University, Salina Les Kinsler is a Professor with the Engineering Technology Department at Kansas State University Salina campus. Mr. Kinsler received his M.S. Degree in Computer Science from Wichita State University (KS) in 1987 with an emphasis in Software Engineering. He received a B.S. in both Physics and Mathematics from Emporia State University (KS) in 1972. Mr. Kinsler teaches classes in programming, software engineering, and fluid mechanics. His research interests include

Conference Session

K-12 Teacher Pre-Service and Undergraduate Instructor Training

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Rafic Bachnak, Penn State Harrisburg; Sofía Carolina Maldonado, Texas A&M International University; Gerardo J. Pinzon PE, Texas A&M International University; Rohitha Goonatilake, Texas A&M International University, Laredo, Texas

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

Society of Engineering at TAMIU. In addition, Sof´ıa was a Research Assistant for the project ”Topography of an Object: Detection and Display (Software and Hardware)” and was Project Manager of the Engineering Senior Project De- sign entitled ”New Classroom Propulsion Demonstrator.” She is presently a Special Program Aid at the Department of Engineering, Mathematics, and Physics at TAMIU.Mr. Gerardo J Pinzon PE, Texas A&M International University Mr. Pinzon is the STEM Advisor & Laboratory Manager in the Engineering, Mathematics and Physics Department at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU). He is currently a PhD Candidate in Envi- ronmental Engineering at Texas A&M University at Kingsville (TAMUK

Conference Session

California on the Move: A Robust Array of Student Success Initiatives

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Nick P Rentsch, Cañada College; Amelito G Enriquez, Canada College

Tagged Divisions

Two Year College Division

SOLES program, the COMETSprogram introduced three new strategies to improve the retention and success of underrepresentedcommunity college students. The first strategy involves curriculum enhancements throughcontextualized teaching. The second strategy is the intersegmental cross-enrollment program thatallows community college students to participate in upper-division university laboratory andcapstone design courses. The third strategy is the development of a research internship programspecifically designed for community college students.Strategy 1: Curriculum Enhancements through Contextualized Teaching and LearningRecently, the California Community Colleges Basic Skills Initiative has identified contextualizedteaching and learning as a

Conference Session

California on the Move: A Robust Array of Student Success Initiatives

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Sharnnia Artis, University of California, Berkeley; Catherine T. Amelink, Virginia Tech

Tagged Divisions

Two Year College Division

Paper ID #9779The Influence of Summer Research Experiences on Community College Stu-dents’ Efficacy and Pursuit of a Bachelor’s Degree in Science and EngineeringDr. Sharnnia Artis, University of California, BerkeleyDr. Catherine T. Amelink, Virginia Tech Dr. Catherine Amelink is Director of Graduate Programs and Assessment in the College of Engineering, Virginia Tech. Page 24.1227.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2014 The Influence of Summer Research Experiences on Community

Conference Session

Addressing the NGSS, Part 2 of 3: Supporting K-12 Science Teachers in Engineering Pedagogy and Engineering-Science Connections, Part 2 of 3

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jeremy V. Ernst, Virginia Tech; Laura J. Segedin, Virginia Tech; Aaron C. Clark, North Carolina State University; Vincent William DeLuca, North Carolina State University

Tagged Divisions

K-12 & Pre-College Engineering

Paper ID #8919Technology, Engineering, and Design Educator Professional Development Sys-tem Implementation: Initial Pilot ResultsDr. Jeremy V Ernst, Virginia Tech Jeremy V. Ernst is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning at Virginia Tech. He currently teaches graduate courses in STEM education foundations and contemporary issues in Integrative STEM Education. Jeremy specializes in research focused on dynamic intervention means for STEM education students categorized as at-risk of dropping out of school. He also has curriculum research and development experiences in technology, engineering, and

Conference Session

Continuing Professional Development Division Technical Session 2

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Geoffrey L Herman, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; Leslie Crowley, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Tagged Divisions

Continuing Professional Development

Paper ID #9052Using Faculty Communities to Drive Sustainable Reform: Learning from theStrategic Instructional Initiatives ProgramDr. Geoffrey L Herman, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Dr. Geoffrey L. Herman is a visiting assistant professor with the Illinois Foundry for Innovation in Engi- neering Education. He earned his Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign as a Mavis Future Faculty Fellow and conducted postdoctoral research with Ruth Streveler in the School of Engineering Education at Purdue University. His research interests include creating systems

Conference Session

Track 3 - Session 2

Collection

2014 ASEE International Forum

Authors

Megan Mercedes Echevarria, International Engineering Program, University of Rhode Island; Sigrid -- Berka, University of Rhode Island

Tagged Topics

Student Development

Paper ID #11078Preparing Engineers for Global Challenges: Engaging with Chile through the100,000 Strong in the Americas InitiativeDr. Megan Mercedes Echevarria, International Engineering Program, University of Rhode Island Megan Echevarr´ıa has directed the Spanish International Engineering Program at the University of Rhode Island since 2008. She has extensive experience creating international study, research and internship opportunities for engineering students, as well as preparing those students for successful participation in such initiatives. As Associate Professor her teaching covers all levels and areas of the

Conference Session

Innovative Graphics Instruction

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Diarmaid Lane, University of Limerick; Theodore J. Branoff, North Carolina State University; Raymond Lynch, University of Limerick

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Design Graphics

Paper ID #10152Graphics within Initial Technology Teacher Education: A Snapshot of Ire-land and USADr. Diarmaid Lane, University of Limerick Diarmaid is a Lecturer in Technology Teacher Education at the University of Limerick. His research interests are in the areas of freehand sketching, cognition and spatial visualization. He is currently Director of Membership of the Engineering Design Graphics Division (EDGD).Dr. Theodore J. Branoff, North Carolina State University Ted Branoff, Ph.D. is an associate professor in the department of STEM Education at North Carolina State University. He has been an ASEE member since

Conference Session

Approaches to Mathematics Curriculum to Include Projects and Technologies

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jeffrey Lloyd Hieb, University of Louisville; Patricia A Ralston, University of Louisville

Tagged Divisions

Mathematics

the department’s mission is to improve retention of first yearengineering students. Research has shown that for engineering students success in the firstcollege mathematics course is critical for retention.1–3 Therefore, a major retention effort by thedepartment has been to improve the teaching and learning in its engineering mathematics coursesusing educational technologies. Many different sections and courses are taught every semesterby a combination of tenure/tenure track and term faculty. The department has worked to see thatthe use of adopted educational technologies is reasonably consistent across courses and faculty,and that the use of the technologies persists beyond any initial pilot phase. Many factors affectedthe selection and

Conference Session

Entrepreneurship & Engineering Innovation Division Opening General Session 2

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jennifer Grimsley Michaeli P.E., Old Dominion University; Gene Hou, Old Dominion University; Xiaoxiao Hu, Old Dominion University; May Hou, Norfolk State University

Tagged Divisions

Entrepreneurship & Engineering Innovation

University. She is a mem- ber of the American Psychological Association, the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, the Academy of Management, and the International Association for Chinese Management Research. She served as the chair of the Psychology Section for Virginia Academy of Science in 2013. Her primary research areas are on affective experience and relational dynamics in the workplace. She also does re- search on psychometric and measurement issues as well as cross-cultural comparisons between the East and the West. Her work has appeared in journals including Journal of Organizational Behavior, Journal of Vocational Behavior, and Journal of Managerial Psychology. She currently serves on the

Conference Session

Teaching Mechanics of Materials

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christopher Papadopoulos, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez ; Aidsa I. Santiago-Román, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez ; Genock Portela-Gauthier, University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez

Tagged Divisions

Mechanics

the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM). Papadopoulos has diverse research and teaching interests in structural mechanics, biomechanics, appro- priate technology, engineering ethics, and engineering education. He is PI of two NSF sponsored research projects and is co-author of Lying by Approximation: The Truth about Finite Element Analysis. Pa- padopoulos is currently the Program Chair Elect of the ASEE Mechanics Division and serves on numerous committees at UPRM that relate to undergraduate and graduate education.Dr. Aidsa I. Santiago-Rom´an, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez CampusDr. Genock Portela-Gauthier, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus

Conference Session

Distance Learning in Engineering Technology

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Brian A. Alenskis, Purdue University, Richmond, Ind.

Tagged Divisions

Engineering Technology

. Page 24.1139.1 c American Society for Engineering Education, 2014 Substitution of Lectures in Applied Statics Course With “Open Learning Initiative” Web ResourcesIntroductionStatics is considered a foundational course in the mechanics sequence of many engineering andengineering technology programs, including the fields of mechanical, civil, and aeronautical. Itis the focus of much instructional development because students frequently struggle to master thecontent of this pivotal course. Among the many classroom innovations that have been exploredin recent years for engineering education is online delivery. Since its beginning, movingengineering coursework online has had its

Conference Session

Program and Curriculum Design Initiatives

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Jaby Mohammed, The Petroleum Institute

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing

Paper ID #10025Freshmen engineering course in an Oil & Gas UniversityDr. Jaby Mohammed, The Petroleum Institute Jaby Mohammed is a faculty at The Petroleum Institute, Abu Dhabi, UAE. He received his PhD in Indus- trial Engineering from University of Louisville (2006), masters in Industrial Engineering from University of Louisville (2003) and also a master’s in business administration from Indira Gandhi National Open Uni- versity (2001). His research interests include advanced manufacturing, design methodologies, six sigma, lean manufacturing, and engineering education. He previously taught at Indiana Purdue Fort Wayne

Conference Session

Program and Curriculum Design Initiatives

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Victoria Ann Hill, Numeritics

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing

Paper ID #10246Lessons in Manufacturing Education for the U.S. from Austria’s Dual-TrackEducation SystemDr. Victoria Ann Hill, Numeritics Dr. Victoria Hill is a Founder and Research Scientist of Numeritics, a research and consulting firm headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA. She was recently a part of a delegation of U.S. experts on Advanced Manufacturing and the STEM Talent Pipeline that traveled to Vienna, Austria as a part of the George C. Marshall Foundation’s efforts to increase cooperation between the U.S. and Austria in the area of Advanced Manufacturing. Dr. Hill has worked on STEM talent issues for many years, and recently

Conference Session

Program and Curriculum Design Initiatives

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Malini Natarajarathinam, Texas A&M University

Tagged Divisions

Manufacturing

Distinction in 2010. Dr. Natarajarathi- nam’s research interests include coordinated decision making in stochastic supply chains, handling supply chains during times of crisis and optimizing global supply chains. Her research articles have won best paper awards at Association of Collegiate Marketing Educators Conference and Society of Marketing Advances Conference. She currently serves on the Editorial advisory board for International Journal of Physical Distribution and Logistics Management. Dr. Natarajarathinam has worked on several research projects funded by government agencies and industry. She has a strong passion for student development. She is the founding faculty of the Society of Women in Industrial Distribution

Collection

2014 ERC

Authors

Alma Wickenden

.”  University Associates (72 acres 3M sf)  National Academy of Sciences “NRP a NASA and National Asset” Paper Presentation 2008UNCLASSIFIED UNCLASSIFIED Benefits to the Army ARL Open Campus will be uniquely positioned as a nourishing and dynamic environment for cutting-edge research and educationThrough this initiative, ARL is creating: A world-class shared-use R&D and education campus for industry, academia, non-profits, and government An environment that fosters both informal and formal interactions

Collection

2014 ERC

Authors

Mary Galvin

Division of Material Research (DMR) Mary Galvin, Division Director From Project Summary of FY 13 Awards Directorate of Mathematical and Physical Sciences Office of the Assistant Director F. Fleming Crim, Assistant Director Celeste Rohlfing , Deputy Assistant DirectorOffice of Multidisciplinary Activities Clark Cooper Materials Astronomy Research Physics (PHY) (AST) (DMR) Denise Caldwell Jim Ulvestad Mary Galvin

Conference Session

Socio-cultural Elements of Learning through Service

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christopher Papadopoulos, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; William Joseph Frey, Univ. Puerto Rico - Mayaguez; Marcel J. Castro-Sitiriche, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez; Joann M. Rodriguez, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; Jeffrey Santiago, University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus; Tyrone Medina, University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez; Ricardo Maldonado; Cristina Rivera-Vélez, GREAT IDEA; Davis Chacon-Hurtado, University of Connecticut; Pablo Jose Acevedo, UPRM

Tagged Divisions

Community Engagement Division

Appropriate Technology1. Abstract In this paper we describe the initiative to sponsor graduate level research and education inthe field known as “Appropriate Technology” at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez(UPRM). These efforts are sponsored by the project “Graduate Research and Education forAppropriate Technology: Inspiring Direct Engagement and Agency (GREAT IDEA)”, which isfunded by NSF. We first provide a brief background on the concept of Appropriate Technology,including our interpretation. We then describe specific thesis research projects and courseworkthat are sponsored by our project. Finally, we outline new ramifications of AppropriateTechnology in Research Ethics, and describe how we address these in courses that we

Conference Session

Best of NEE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Dirk Colbry, Michigan State University; Katy Luchini-Colbry, Michigan State University

Tagged Divisions

New Engineering Educators

strengths and areas for improvement, and ensurethat the student understands how they fell short of the initial expectations.In other cases, it is not possible to terminate a student (either firing or zero class credit); forinstance, students may be on campus for a specific summer research experience funded bysomeone other than the mentor. In this case, it is recommended that the mentor conduct the threeweek interview as if the student was being terminated and then try to minimize furtherinteractions with a poorly performing student. Obviously, this can be difficult – particularly insituations where students continue to be compensated – but is important for mentors who do notwant to waste resources on students who are unprepared, uninterested, or

Conference Session

Interactive Panel on Advocacy Tips: an Initiative to Provide Individuals the Tools to Advocate for Women and Underrepresented Minorities

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Adrienne Robyn Minerick, Michigan Technological University; Roger A. Green, North Dakota State University; Canan Bilen-Green, North Dakota State University; Kristen P. Constant, Iowa State University; Beth M Holloway, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Sandra D. Eksioglu, Mississippi State University; Debra M. Gilbuena, Oregon State University

Tagged Divisions

Women in Engineering

Paper ID #9377Interactive Panel on Advocacy Tips: an Initiative to Provide Individuals theTools to Advocate for Women and Underrepresented MinoritiesDr. Adrienne Robyn Minerick, Michigan Technological University Adrienne Minerick received her M.S. and Ph.D. from the University of Notre Dame in 2003 and B.S. from Michigan Technological University in 1998. Adrienne’s research interests include electrokinetics, predominantly dielectrophoretic characterizations of cells, and the development of biomedical microde- vices. She earned a NSF CAREER award, has published research in the Proceedings of the National Academy of

Conference Session

Sustainability

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Justin L. Hess, Purdue University, West Lafayette; Sarah Aileen Brownell, Rochester Institute of Technology; Alexander T. Dale, Engineers for a Sustainable World

Tagged Divisions

Liberal Education/Engineering & Society, Multidisciplinary Engineering

Paper ID #8571The Wicked Problems in Sustainable Engineering (WPSE) Initiative: PilotResults of a Cross-Institutional Project-Based Course OfferingJustin L Hess, Purdue University, West Lafayette Justin Hess is a Ph.D. candidate at Purdue University’s School of Engineering Education and a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow. He received his BS in Civil Engineering in 2011 with a minor in philosophy and hopes to receive his MSCE in December of 2014, both from Purdue University. His research focuses on understanding engineers’ core values, dispositions, and worldviews. His disser- tation focuses on

Collection

2014 ASEE Zone 4 Conference

Authors

Manoochehr Zoghi; Hernan Maldonado; Syreeta Martinez

, andsystems; and (3) have an understanding of the significance and strategic impact of research andtechnological development on society.12 It is beyond the scope of this manuscript to presentdetails of curricula innovation for the aforementioned programs in LCOE. Specifics of curricularevisions aligned with CDIO initiative can be found in Sanchez et al.13 and Zoghi et al.14Another feature of LCOE that has improved the student success is in relation to the supplementalinstruction (SI) for several courses. The basis of SI is to supplement existing lecture series by theinstructor with additional SI-led sessions, typically by a senior student in an interactive recitationvenue. The SI leader works closely with the course instructor and is a facilitator

Conference Session

Projects in ECE

Collection

2014 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

David Hoe, The University of Texas at Tyler

Tagged Divisions

Electrical and Computer

disciplines, and increased interest ingraduate school. This paper reports on our initial attempts to organize a course that promotesundergraduate research at the University of Texas at Tyler. The two main objectives are: (1) todevelop the abilities of the students to do scientific research, and (2) to improve the technicalcommunication skills of the students in the areas of reading, writing, and speaking. The projectsinclude a field programmable gate array (FPGA) implementation of a video compressionalgorithm, acceleration of a sparse FFT algorithm involving general purpose graphicalprocessing units (GPGPUs), computer modeling of a red fire ant colony, and low-powerencryption circuits with differential power analysis (DPA) immunity. Four motivated