Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Toluwalase Opanuga, University of Nebraska - Lincoln; Heidi A. Diefes-Dux, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

per backward design [1], but they rarely use them as the basis forregularly identifying students’ learning challenges and needs. Learning Objectives (LOs) arewritten statements that describe specific competency in knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs)that students are expected to demonstrate [2] in a course. They are typically introduced tostudents at the start of a class session, unit, or assignment to frame the intended learning. Afterwhich, they are seldom referred to again [3], but herein lies an incredibly missed opportunity.Clearly articulated LOs can be used as the basis for assessment, particularly in criterion-referenced assessment strategies like Standards Based Grading (SBG) [4], also referred to asSpecifications Grading. In this

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Merton Stwalley III, Purdue University at West Lafayette (COE)

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

true in US agriculture [1]. Multiple trends are aligning to exacerbate this problem[2]. Farm sizes are growing, while the number of farms is decreasing [3]. The number of ‘familyfarms’, where young people are raised in conjunction with livestock and agricultural equipment,has fallen dramatically, while corporate farms have risen [3]. This has adversely affected thenumber of young people that have grown up with agricultural experiences, making recruitingpeople to work in agricultural operations more challenging and difficult [2]. This is true acrossthe globe, regardless of the overall state of the local economy [4]. Individuals with noagricultural experience are far less likely to choose an agricultural career, as they may believethat it is

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Benjamin Lubina, Gannon University; Ramakrishnan Sundaram, Gannon University

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

into the lens of educationaladvancement and the effects it may have on student development and its growth. A primary goalof this paper is to outline the results of this software for education and to this end, transparencywas a primary focus in mind. Emulating biology and its emulation in computing is a topic with various developmentand disjointed educational material over the years. Although there has been attempts to unify orcatalog the results of this literature into decided outcomes, those that have not been outdated stillhave difficulty encompassing the depth of the field and keeping up with its advancements [1]-[2]. There have been a variety of analyses on the effects of different algorithms and variables tojudge the effectiveness

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lucie Guertault, North Carolina State University at Raleigh; Thomas Dalton Stephenson Jr.

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

Paper ID #39123A survey of biological and agricultural engineering students and facultylearning preferencesDr. Lucie Guertault, North Carolina State University at RaleighThomas Dalton Stephenson Jr. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2023 A survey of Biological and Agricultural Engineering students and faculty learning preferences (WIP)IntroductionWhile all individuals can learn using different modes of receiving and processing information[1]–[3] most learners exhibit preferences in the way they receive and process information [4]–[6], called learning preferences or learning styles

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Carmine Carey Balascio P.E., University of Delaware

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2023 Why Not Studios? – What Engineering Can Learn from Architecture and Art & Design ProgramsAbstractEngineering, like architecture and art & design, is well served by creativity. Architectureprograms, both building and landscape, emphasize creativity and encourage exploration of thestudent’s capacities for creative design through intensive immersion in “studio culture.”Although art & design programs do not typically tout the benefits of studio culture to the degreethat architecture programs do (e.g. [1]), studio classes also play an important role in most art &design programs. Studio inculcates an atmosphere of intellectual curiosity

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Deana Delp, Arizona State University

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

learning environments. One approach thatresonates with students is gamification in education, which applies game-like elements to routinetasks [1, 2]. Game-based learning provides an interactive and engaging method for students toexplore topics that might otherwise seem mundane. By leveraging gamification, faculty canspark interest and motivate students to solve problems, acquire knowledge, and develop bothtechnical and social skills through gameplay [3-5]. Research by Subhash and Cudney highlightsthe benefits of this approach, including improved academic performance and increased studentparticipation [5]. Integrating game-based strategies enables faculty to create more impactful andmeaningful learning experiences for college students.The term

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Pavel Navitski, Oral Roberts University; Rachel L Budavich, Oral Roberts University; Moriah Love Metellus, Oral Roberts University; David Lopez, Oral Roberts University; Jonathan V Ophus, Oral Roberts University

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

integratesinnovative technologies, such as sensors, automated controls, and data-driven algorithms. Thissystem monitors vital environmental variables, including moisture levels, temperature, andnutrient concentrations [1]. By allowing precise control over these parameters, the innovativeirrigation system aims to create an optimized plant growth environment, promoting waterconservation and healthy plant development. The ability to remotely control and adjust thesevariables in real-time adds the technological sophistication essential for modern, sustainableteaching.Collaboration with the Biology Department has been instrumental in identifying and addressingthe unique biological needs of plants within this system. For the biology team, participation wasvoluntary

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Woongbin Park, Purdue University; Yunjin Lim, Korea Institute for Curriculum and Evaluation; Jung Han, Purdue University; Hyeree Cho, Purdue University; Seokyoung Kwon; Juhyun Kim, Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

address the foodcrisis in rapidly urbanizing societies [1]. However, in contemporary educational settings,opportunities for students to engage with agriculture and biotechnology are insufficient andlimited due to urbanization. At the same time, there is a growing need for an integratededucational approach in schools to prepare future generations. In this context, the SMART farmkit was developed in response to the increasing demand for future global issues. From aneducational perspective, the SMART farm kit can be an excellent educational tool that bridgesthe STEM disciplines, literally integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics toprovide holistic and authentic learning experiences. By focusing on agriculture, the SMARTfarm

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session 1

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Madhumi Mitra Ph.D, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Jesu Raj Pandya, University of Maryland Eastern Shore; Alena Zheng, University of Maryland College Park

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

Highland Simulant 1 (LHS-1) and Mexico Lunar Mare 1 (MLM-1), (c)mastering aeroponics, and (d) developing skills in data collection, analysis, and research design.Students were assessed on their ability to program FarmBot for automated watering and plantmonitoring, as well as maintaining and troubleshooting the Tower Garden’s aeroponic systems.They formulated hypotheses, designed experiments, and analyzed key variables such as regolithconcentration and watering schedules. Growth metrics, including leaf width and plant height, werecollected and analyzed. Findings were communicated through written reports and oralpresentations, strengthening their scientific communication skills. This program inspires STEMstudents to tackle space agriculture

Conference Session

Engineering Education Issues Relevant to Agricultural, Biological and Ecological Engineering: Part 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Trisha Moore, Kansas State University; James Randall Etheridge; Glenn Thomas Dale; Sara Winnike McMillan, Iowa State University of Science and Technology; Niroj Aryal; David Austin; Theresa Thompson, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

, sustainability, resilience, the role ofhumans in ecosystems, and system-scale impacts and benefits to both humans and environment.The theoretical basis of ecological engineering is largely credited to Howard T. Odum, a systemsecologist who, in the early 1960s, began publishing his ideas on applications of ecosystem scienceto design systems that do useful work for people while at the same time benefiting the environmentunder the name of “ecological engineering” [1, 2]. The definition and practice of ecologicalengineering have since expanded to encompass a variety of systems that benefit people and naturalsystems, including constructed marshes to regulate water quantity and quality while providinghabitat functions, biologically diverse and hydraulically

Conference Session

Engineering Education Issues Relevant to Agricultural, Biological and Ecological Engineering: Part 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Deepak R Keshwani, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Jennifer Keshwani, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Logan Ryan Newman, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Rachel Ibach, University of Nebraska - Lincoln; Taryn King, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

conceptualized from a longitudinal study of a scholar’s program atthree different universities in the state of Nebraska. A department faculty member was part of amulti-year institutional professional learning community (PLC) that explored the scale-up andscale-out of this model. Based on their experience from the PLC, this model was used in thedevelopment of the department’s overall student services ethos and in the specificimplementation of two initiatives: 1) hybrid advising/mentoring model, and 2) peer-mentoringprogram. This practice paper provides an overview of the ecological validation model andpresents our approach to implementing these initiatives. We also reflect on challenges and futureopportunities including long-term sustainability and

Conference Session

Engineering Education Issues Relevant to Agricultural, Biological and Ecological Engineering: Part 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hector Palala, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Amy Millmier Schmidt, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Mara Zelt, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Bethany Zelt, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Andrew Stiven Ortiz Balsero, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Maria Jose Oviedo Ventura, Cornell University

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

highlights the curriculum's adaptability to various educational contexts and forstudents with diverse backgrounds and educational needs. However, challenges such as ensuringclarity of complex concepts and evaluating long-term behavioral change are acknowledged.Continuous refinement, based on stakeholder feedback, is essential for long-term success. Thestudy underscores the curriculum's role as a catalyst for change in combating antimicrobialresistance, emphasizing the importance of embedding sustainability planning and adopting adynamic, evidence-based approach for maximizing student engagement and impact.IntroductionAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a major threat to global health, necessitating creativesolutions to lessen its effects [1]. In

Conference Session

Engineering Education Issues Relevant to Agricultural, Biological and Ecological Engineering: Part 1

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Niroj Aryal, North Carolina A&T State University; Scott Osborn, University of Arkansas

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

solutions, EES1.0 IntroductionEcological Engineering is relatively new field that has rapidly developed over the past 20 years.It applies fundamental knowledge gained in ecological science into engineering practice toperform a two-fold function: i) to restore already degraded ecosystems and ii) to design newecosystems to provide ecological services and support sustainability [1], [2]. As fossil fuel-basedenergy sources deplete, environmental problems increase and the need for nature’s ecosystemservices increases. Ecological engineering is the key to solving these pollution issues, reduceresource problems, assist recovery from disturbance, and benefit humankind without destroyingecosystems [2]. Ecological engineering finds a “generic approach that

Conference Session

Biological & Agricultural Division Technical Session

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Madhumi Mitra, Ph.D., University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Jesu Raj Pandya, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

production agriculturalpractices on UMES farms for growing corn, soybean, and wheat utilizing advanced farmmachinery and drones to promote sustainable intensification through best practices in the growingarea of “precision agriculture” at a somewhat larger scale. Integration of advanced digitalagricultural tools such as the FarmBots (http://farmbot.io) for growing specialty crops on smallraised beds is also central to the overall scope of the project [1-3]. Since its inception, the projecthas adopted the experiential learning [4] paradigm and involved undergraduate students fromengineering and other STEM disciplines on campus to engage with one another in a verticallyintegrated [5] team setting along with the graduate student (s) in the Food Science

Conference Session

Biological & Agricultural Division Technical Session

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Heydi Han, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Hector Palala, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Jennifer Keshwani, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Deepak R. Keshwani, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

, whethernegative or positive, provided feedback to improve the course. Although students value in-person interactions over technology-based interactions, technology is a good ally to fostercommunity and aid the learning process.IntroductionEngaging students in the classroom is always challenging for instructors, but research suggeststhat motivation can be sparked by appealing to students’ desire to make a positive impact on theworld [1], [2]. Keshwani and Curtis [2] found that sophomore students in biological engineeringare motivated by the opportunity to make this world a better place, help others solve problems,and improve other people's lives. Keshwani and Keshwani [3] provided evidence that 67% ofbiological engineering students, who participated in a

Conference Session

Biological & Agricultural Division Technical Session

Collection

2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Daniel Kelly Green, Salt Lake Community College; Nick M. Safai, Salt Lake Community College

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

reactors and harvested for food and in this case biofuel for the structurethrough the fermentation of the biomass collected in a storage tank and fermented into hydrogenor methane fuel. Figure 1: Algae Bioreactor An algae bioreactor uses photosynthetic microorganisms to CO2 from the air andproduces biomass that can be then used as a renewable fuel source. The bioreactors come insystems such as open ponds, closed systems, or photobioreactors, these are generally operatedunder different conditions depending on the desired outcome.Microbial Fuel Cell MFC as they are referred to use bacteria to convert organic matter into electricity. Theywork to break down the organic matter and generate electrons

Conference Session

Engineering education issues relevant to agricultural, biological and ecological engineering-Part 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Cody Prince, East Tennessee State University; PAMELA MIMS, East Tennessee State University; Aruna Kilaru, East Tennessee State University; Eric Jorgenson, East Tennessee State University

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

National Science Foundation are incentivizing thedevelopment of research, industry, and training across the country [1, 2, 3]. In this work, wepresent an initial work-in-progress report and solicit feedback on our efforts at East TennesseeState University (ETSU) to develop a responsive program in bioengineering andbiomanufacturing within the Appalachian Highlands region of south-central Appalachia. Ourwork so far has been motivated by a confluence of timing, opportunity, and a desire to movebeyond the past socioeconomic factors that have weighed on this region. To that end, this projecthas elements affecting regional secondary education, workforce training, post-secondaryeducation, and research and development. The major component of our current

Conference Session

Engineering education issues relevant to agricultural, biological and ecological engineering-Part 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Logan Andrew Perry, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

systems engineering students regardingtheir perceptions of transfer between fundamental coursework and more advanced engineeringcourses. The potential implications of this paper include providing valuable insights into theeffectiveness of current educational approaches in facilitating the transfer of learning fromfundamental coursework to advanced engineering courses, thereby informing strategies toenhance the learning experience for biological systems engineering students.IntroductionTransfer, or the application of knowledge from one environment to another, is a critical elementof engineering education, as engineers must effectively recall and apply requisite knowledge tosolve problems in higher-level courses and their future careers [1

Conference Session

Strategies and/or Approaches to Engage Students in Agricultural, Biological, or Similarly Named Programs

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lucie Guertault, North Carolina State University

Tagged Topics

Diversity

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

students andprofessionals [1], [2], [3]. Learning to program is difficult, and undergraduate engineeringstudents are required to learn it regardless of their initial interest and motivation for it. Theytraditionally take their programming course in the computer science department, a course thatgenerally delivers to a mixed audience of multiple majors and relies on generic problems for theapplication of coding skills.Research suggests that motivation plays a key role in student success in programming courses[4], [5]. Interest in the content and activities, and relevance or usefulness, i.e. the content isuseful for students’ short or long term goals, are among the factors that contribute to academicmotivation [6], [7]. Students perform better in

Conference Session

Strategies and/or Approaches to Engage Students in Agricultural, Biological, or Similarly Named Programs

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Robert Merton Stwalley III P.E., Purdue University ; Roger L. Tormoehlen, Purdue University

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

stimulating curricular content for highschool agriculture teachers, emphasizing the modern, technology-infused components of theindustry and resulting in a series of Agriculture-based STEM lessons. The background andglobal objectives of the researchers were covered previously [1], but in summary, it was hopedthat some stimulating technology lessons provided during the career formative years of highschool might convince more students to select an agricultural vocation as being leading edge andworthy of consideration as a potential career option. The current employment plight withinagriculture is severe and contains a double-edged sword [2]. Jobs in the agricultural world areperceived as low class and menial, but the technological knowledge necessary

Conference Session

Engineering education issues relevant to agricultural, biological and ecological engineering-Part 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hannah Abedoh, Morgan State University; Pelumi Olaitan Abiodun, Morgan State University; Oludare Adegbola Owolabi P.E., Morgan State University; Blessing Isoyiza ADEIKA, Morgan State University; Adedayo Ariyibi, Morgan State University

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

, andcollaborative learning. Owolabi et al [1] described experimental-centric pedagogy as aninstructional approach emphasizing hands-on, experiential learning to enhance studentengagement and understanding. It involves active participation in experiments, problem-solving,and real-world applications, aiming to foster critical thinking, creativity, and practical skills. Thisis one of the emerging active learning strategies that have received national and internationalrecognition for its impact on learner’s motivation, self-efficacy, and cognitive development [2],[3], [4].Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education requires a deep understanding of thephysical and natural aspects of existence, living organisms, and intricate biological processes

Conference Session

Strategies and/or Approaches to Engage Students in Agricultural, Biological, or Similarly Named Programs

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Madhumi Mitra Ph.D., University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Abhijit Nagchaudhuri, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore; Jesu Raj Pandya, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

address those needs. Some of the initiatives like community-led urban farming projects, training programs, or cooperative models that empower and benefit thecommunity are taken into consideration to enhance such collaborations with the community atlarge.1.Introduction1A. Sustainable Robotic AgricultureThe global population is projected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, placing immense pressure on foodproduction systems1. Concurrently, environmental concerns such as climate change, soildegradation, and water scarcity pose significant challenges to traditional farming methods. Roboticagriculture offers a promising solution by leveraging technology to enhance efficiency,productivity, and sustainability in food production. Robotic agriculture encompasses

Conference Session

Engineering education issues relevant to agricultural, biological and ecological engineering-Part 2

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Hector Palala, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Heydi Han, University of Nebraska, Lincoln; Juan Carlos Ramos Tanchez, Cornell University; Boanerges Elias Bamaca, University of Nebraska, Lincoln

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

' native and secondary languages to boost their grasp of scientific ideas.Research [1] confirms that this approach enhances students' scientific understanding. To foster asupportive teaching environment, a workshop was recently held for teaching assistants, whichHan et al. [2] found effective in building community and attracting international students seekingto improve their teaching skills. In the work by Pierson [3] the concept of translanguaging iselucidated as a dynamic process where individuals leverage diverse languages and modes for thepurposes of meaning-making and expression, particularly within the context of bilingual andEnglish-dominant STEM classrooms. This process is posited to facilitate learning by allowingfor a more inclusive and

Conference Session

Strategies and/or Approaches to Engage Students in Agricultural, Biological, or Similarly Named Programs

Collection

2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Maryam Bigonah, Auburn University; Fatemeh Jamshidi, Auburn University; Aparana Pant, Auburn University; Daniela Marghitu, Auburn University

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

Microsoft Fuse Research award, the 2015 DO-IT Trailblazeraward, the 2017 International Academy, Research, and Industry Association Fellowship, the 2017 Societyfor Design and Process Science Fellowship, and the 2019 Samuel Ginn College of Engineering 100+Women Strong Leadership in Diversity Faculty Award. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2024 Work in Progress: Grace Platform: Enhancing Pedagogy with Gamified AR and VR in Agriculture EducationAbstractControlled environmental agriculture (CEA) is often referred to as a sustainable food supplysolution and the future of food [1]. This approach is particularly important in the face ofglobal challenges such as climate change, population growth

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Lucie Guertault, North Carolina State University at Raleigh

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

Paper ID #46672Investigating the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT to perform programmingassignments from an introductory R programming courseDr. Lucie Guertault, North Carolina State University at Raleigh ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Investigating the capabilities and limitations of ChatGPT to perform programming assignments from an introductory R programming course 1. IntroductionLarge language models (LLMs) are generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools capable ofperforming various natural language processing tasks such as generating text and engaging inconversations with

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Christopher Isaac Camacho, University of Texas at El Paso; Toluwalase Opanuga, University of Nebraska - Lincoln; Heidi A. Diefes-Dux, University of Nebraska - Lincoln

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

demonstrateddifferences in the impact each BAE course had on students’ knowledge gains that wereconsistent with the reflection implementation in each course. Ultimately, this study revealed thatthe RKGI is a valuable tool that can provide insight concerning reflection instruction andimplementation.I. IntroductionEngineering’s accreditation student outcome ABET 7 is concerned with students developing anability to acquire and apply new knowledge as needed, using appropriate learning strategies [1].Implied in this outcome is students’ transition from a reliance on pedagogy to andragogy. Theterm pedagogy refers to a structured style and method of learning that relies heavily oninstructors to help students meet learning objectives. Andragogy is adult learning

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Leslie Bartsch Massey, University of Arkansas

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Diversity

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Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

connection, students gained valuable networkingopportunities and access to industry professionals, enabling discussions on career pathways, jobexpectations, and strategies for success in the field.Piloted in Fall 2024, the program was open to all undergraduate students. It followed a mentorcircle format, with groups of two to four students paired with two industry mentors. Thesegroups met monthly for 1 to 1.5 hours, either in person or remotely, based on the preferences ofeach circle. Mentor circle assignments were made based on availability, facilitated by BENGfaculty and representatives from the Arkansas Academy of Biological and AgriculturalEngineering.Participant demographics, program engagement, mentor-mentee relationship quality, andprogram

Conference Session

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE) Technical Session

Collection

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Authors

Richard Cody Prince, East Tennessee State University; PAMELA J. MIMS, East Tennessee State University; Aruna Kilaru, East Tennessee State University; Lindsay Lee, Michigan State University

Tagged Divisions

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Division (BAE)

studentreadiness by providing real-world experience and exposure to industry expectations (Brassard etal., 2019).Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of the biomanufacturing program’sprofessional development modules on students’ content knowledge, technical ability, and softskills over time, including industry partners’ perception of work readiness. The followingresearch questions guided this inquiry: 1. To what extent, does student content knowledge of biomanufacturing & technical proficiency change after participation in the biomanufacturing pipeline program’s training modules. 2. To what extent does a student's soft skills (i.e., time management, personal reliability, teamwork, and leadership