Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Kimberly T. Luthi, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide; David Paul Harvie, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide; John K Wilson, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide; Monica Surrency, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide

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Diversity, Professional Papers

onnon-traditional students in foundational engineering courses that have potential to leave theengineering pathway without additional social and academic support early in their academicplan. The project offers peer support through small group activities in online foundationalengineering courses that incorporate structured active learning sessions to enhance theengineering content [1] [2] [3]. These types of active learning scenarios have potential tostrengthen STEM competencies to increase students’ academic persistence [4] [5]. Persistence inengineering pathways is contributed to students’ acclimation and mindset to accomplish theireducational goals [6] and enter the engineering workforce [7]. This paper specifically examinesthe qualitative

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Phyllis Beck, Mississippi State University; Alexis P. Nordin, Mississippi State University

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Professional Papers

to grasp and apply. The authors share samples ofengineering undergraduate students’ work “before” and “after” this teaching approach wasimplemented starting in fall 2024. This paper also points to open-access and/or free onlineresources that serve as easy-to-comprehend primers for students and educators alike who areinterested in learning introductory design principles.The goals of this paper are twofold: 1) to allow engineering educators to incorporate beginner-friendly design principles into their own classrooms quickly and 2) to help engineering studentsbecome better scientific communicators as a core skill for working in industry, strengthening thebroader impacts of their work.BackgroundContent, delivery, and design are often termed the

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Anna K. T. Howard, North Carolina State University at Raleigh; Sally J. Pardue, Tennessee Technological University

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Professional Papers

students for their future careers. Given the pace ofchange in our technical world today, we cannot know what those careers will ultimately look like.In this paper, we set out an argument for what engineering education should include more of andwhat we should probably be cutting out of our classes.Artificial IntelligenceIn 1966 ELIZA was the first computer capable of any natural language processing.1 In 2023,ChatGPT 4.0 was released with “near-human” performance. These large language models work byingesting huge amounts of prose and building a mathematical engine which predicts what the nextword should be. In so doing, coupling this basic machine learning to the ability to search the webhas made computers able to answer many basic

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Lionel Hewavitharana, Southern Arkansas University; Mahbub K Ahmed P.E., Southern Arkansas University

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Professional Papers

Engineering and Technology (ABET) describes the engineering designprocess as follows [1]. “Engineering design is a process of devising a system, component, or process to meet desired needs and specifications within constraints. It is an iterative, creative, decision- making process in which the basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering sciences are applied to convert resources into solutions. Engineering design involves identifying opportunities, developing requirements, performing analysis and synthesis, generating multiple solutions, evaluating solutions against requirements, considering risks, and making trade-offs, for the purpose of obtaining a high-quality solution under the given circumstances

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Kenneth Stafford Sands II, Auburn University

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Professional Papers

technologies, ultimately leading to a richer learningexperience for students.Introduction & Literature‘Internship’ is a word typically reserved for undergraduate and graduate students, but seldom is itused in the context of faculty. Student internships generally serve as a link between theclassroom and the profession, but they also engage industry and faculty [1], just not in the directsense. The symbiotic relationship between theoretical knowledge and practical application hasalways been its cornerstone in higher education. Similarly, the relationship between constructionprograms and industry is a foundation for this symbiotic relationship, with industry learning fromacademia and vice versa.Construction programs have traditionally valued industry

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Rebekah L Martin, Virginia Military Institute; Kacie Caple D'Alessandro, Virginia Military Institute; Charles D Newhouse P.E., Virginia Military Institute; Tanjina Afrin, Virginia Military Institute

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Professional Papers

Institute (VMI) since thelate 1970s to highlight how Capstone has changed to meet new accreditation standards and to ad-dress new faculty hires. In addition to the historical information, current Capstone instructors andalumni were surveyed, and their experience is summarized herein. To round out the paper, Cap-stone experiences at ABET-accredited civil engineering (CE) programs in Virginia are also com-pared to address the current state of Capstones in the region.The 2024-2025 ABET [1] Criterion 5: Curriculum requires “a culminating major engineering de-sign experience.” This culminating experience is often achieved through a Capstone course; al-ternatively, it may be embedded within a required course. The Capstone experience may be anopportunity

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Fazil T. Najafi, University of Florida; Jack Cuilla, University of Florida

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Professional Papers

byproduct and its potential use in a concrete mixture, reducing the quantity of cementin the construction of different parts of a building structure. The authors utilizedcomprehensive national and international literature to assist in the condition assessment ofany possible solar or Biomass plant byproducts related to the study.1. IntroductionTo better assess the viability of solar and Biomass byproducts, this study aimed to reviewnational and international literature to identify various solar or biomass power plants andfind their associated byproducts within Gainesville. The plant byproducts determine whattype of plants generate revenue and, in return, reduce expenses related to generatingelectricity and consumer energy costs. Another part of the

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

John M Mativo, University of Georgia; Ramana Pidaparti, University of Georgia; Jarron Gravesande, Providence Chrisitian Academy

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Professional Papers

computer vision andmachine learning, are revolutionizing multiple industries [1]. Many companies have integratedAI and machine learning platforms into their customer user face and employee workflowsoftware. This trend calls for preparing the next generation of learners for this transformation,which requires innovation in the education sector, especially within the K-12 system [2].ImageSTEAM, an NSF-funded initiative, was created in 2019 to bridge this gap by empoweringmiddle school educators to integrate visual computing and AI technologies into their classrooms.The program provides professional development workshops for teachers and co-creates learningmodules with researchers, fostering a learning environment where students engage with AIconcepts

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Frank Andrasik, The University of Memphis; Bashir Morshed, Texas Tech University; Robert W Hewitt Jr., The University of Memphis

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Professional Papers

unprecedented challenges, especially in maintaining or replicating thehands-on, interactive nature of STEM learning experiences [1].Online versions of STEM camps emerged as the obvious, pragmatic solution to these challenges,attempting to provide students with opportunities to engage in coding, robotics, and othertechnical subjects remotely. Developed and distributed through a partnership between TexasTech University and the University of Memphis, and funded by the National Science Foundation(NSF) under Grant No. 2105766, our coding camp aimed to empower high school studentsthrough an immersive, online coding experience. While the camp was initially designed to teachfundamental programming skills, the overall approach was structured to boost

Conference Session

Student Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Megan Elizabeth Batchelor, Mercer University; Chandan Roy, Mercer University

Tagged Topics

Student Papers

, particularlyin compact systems where natural convection alone is insufficient to manage the heat generatedby high-performance components. [1] To mitigate the risk of exceeding the maximum operatingtemperature of sensitive electronics, heat sinks are widely employed to enhance heat transfer.Positioned on top of central processing units (CPUs) or other heat-intensive components, heatsinks facilitate the conduction of thermal energy away from the device, followed by dissipationthrough natural or forced convection [2]. Understanding the role of heat sinks in improvingoverall thermal management is essential for designing reliable electronic systems.Problem DefinitionA new laboratory module centered on heat sink performance was proposed after recognizing

Conference Session

Student Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Mariam Rezai, University of North Georgia ; Redahegn Sileshi, University of North Georgia, Gainesville ; Dennis Garcia, University of Georgia

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Student Papers

band. The focus of this competition was on mechanics, more specifically onforces and motion.Competition Ruleset 1.​ Competition Weight Limit: 250 grams of PLA 2.​ Locomotion Device: Standard-issued Rubber Band (Provided) 3.​ Adhesive: Super Glue (Provided) 4.​ Bearings: 2 Standard-issued Double Sealed Bearings (Provided) 5.​ Total PLA Allocated for Prototyping: 500 grams 6.​ Total PLA Allocated for Competition and Prototyping: 750 grams 7.​ Hull must fit in one print. 8.​ Design must be solely powered by the rubber band. (No Slingshots) 9.​ If there are any ties, the shortest time will be utilized to determine a winner.Beyond providing the supplies, ESG hosted a demo of the 3D Printing Lab to the teams

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Oguzhan Oruc, The Citadel; Eva Singleton, The Citadel Military College ; Andrew B. Williams, The Citadel; Kevin Skenes, The Citadel

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Professional Papers

evaluation, photoelasticity, manufacturing processes, and engineering education. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Development Of a New Course: Control Design for Autonomous Vehicles Using a Quadcopter as The Learning PlatformIntroductionModeling, simulation, control system design, navigation and guidance of autonomous vehicles(AVs) have become highly sought research areas in the mechanical engineering community [1]due to the advancement in microelectronics, computational technologies and machine perception.Because of the increasing popularity of self-driving cars, autonomous vehicle refers to self-drivingcars in public perception [2] although it covers a wider research area. AVs can be

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Eva Singleton, The Citadel Military College

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

Intelligence for Aspiring Project EngineersAbstractEmotional intelligence (EI) can play an influential role in enhancing the future careers ofaspiring project engineers [1], [2], [3]. Using EI, project management competencies, andTuckman’s Five Stages of Team Development, also known as the Tuckman’s Ladder, mayprepare future project engineers to efficiently navigate various project environments [4], [5].Engineers with EI may become more inclined to exert project management competencies such aseffective communication, empathy, and conflict resolution skills [2].The appropriate application of EI can improve self-awareness, emotional regulation, teammotivation, job satisfaction, and the mental well-being among engineering professionals [1], [2].The lack

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

M. Hassan Tanveer, Kennesaw State University; Rizwan Patan, Kennesaw State University; Carrington Chun, Kennesaw State University; Razvan Cristian Voicu, Kennesaw State University; Adeel Khalid, Kennesaw State University

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Professional Papers

advanced tools, such as theHusky A2000 UGV, stereo cameras, LIDAR, GPS, IMUs, and manipulators, to provide real-timeupdates and precise predictions. Furthermore, it employs machine vision techniques and digitalsensors such as the Reyke Soil Moisture Tester for continuous monitoring and responsive action.This project demonstrates how AI can transform agriculture to meet global food needs and fos-ter innovative thinking for engineers. By combining theory and practice to empower engineers toaddress critical agricultural challenges through innovative solutions.Keywords: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Agriculture, Computation Intelligence, ML.1. IntroductionAgriculture is among those things that form the backbone of the economic development of anation

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Gafar Abbas Elamin P.E., The Citadel

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

on homework gradingand exam cheat sheet preparation.Literature ReviewIn engineering courses, long- answer homework and comprehensive course projects are commonpractice for the course assessment process. The evaluation of student work is crucial aspect ofthe learning process. Traditionally, instructors have borne the sole responsibility for gradingthese assessments. However, in recent years, there has been a growing interest in exploringalternative grading methods, including self-grading and peer review. To validate the effectivenessof self-grading homework, numerous studies have been conducted to explore the benefits of thisevaluation method. Kevin Chang and Lucas de Lemos Coutinho [1] presented their findings andrecommendations for

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Hai T Ho, Kennesaw State University; Scott J. Tippens, Kennesaw State University

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Professional Papers

outlines the proposedframework, a future "Phase-2" study will report on the program’s implementation and outcomes.By integrating mentorship, hands-on learning, and industry engagement, this initiative aims toset a new standard for student development and retention.IntroductionRetention of engineering students is a crucial concern for higher education institutions. Manystudents, particularly in rigorous fields like computer engineering, face challenges such asacademic pressures, lack of belonging, and unclear professional pathways [1], [2]. At theauthor’s university, the CPE department seeks innovative approaches to address these issues,aiming to improve retention and graduation rates [3], [4].This paper introduces a comprehensive onboarding

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Nilanjana Raychawdhary, Auburn University; Chaohui Ren, Auburn University; Cheryl Seals, Auburn University; Sutanu Bhattacharya

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Diversity, Professional Papers

Paper ID #45562Empowering Undergraduates with NLP: Integrative Methods for DeepeningUnderstanding through Visualization and Case StudiesNilanjana Raychawdhary, Auburn UniversityChaohui Ren, Auburn University [1] Mohamed, Abdallah. ”Designing a CS1 programming course for a mixed-ability class.” Proceedings of the western Canadian conference on computing education. 2019. [2] Shettleworth, Sara J. Cognition, evolution, and behavior. Oxford university press, 2009.Dr. Cheryl Seals, Auburn University Dr. Cheryl Denise Seals is a professor in Auburn University’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. She

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Shobhit Aggarwal, The Citadel; Gregory J. Mazzaro, The Citadel

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

hands-on tools, compared to traditional lecture-based classes where they oftenappear bored and sleepy.Introduction and motivationMost undergraduate engineering programs follow a traditional structure centered around lecturesand laboratory sessions. This format provides students with a theoretical foundation throughlectures, where concepts and principles are explained by instructors. Laboratory sessions, on theother hand, offer hands-on experience, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge topractical problems and develop essential engineering skills [1][2]. However, the increasingprevalence of digital distractions and the rapid pace of modern life have significantly impactedstudents' attention spans. Engineering education

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Vivek Singhal, University of Wisconsin - Stout; Kenan Baltaci, University of Wisconsin - Stout

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Professional Papers

achieving positive educational outcomes, bothacademically and socially [9][1][2]. However, sustaining high levels of engagement inchallenging math-based courses such as numerical methods continues to be a significantchallenge for educators. These courses are typically perceived as difficult and abstract,which can lead to decreased engagement and higher levels of anxiety among students.Addressing these challenges requires targeted strategies to support learners and promoteengagement.To address engagement challenges in math-based courses, educators have employedvarious strategies, including, mindfulness practices and growth mindset approaches, asoutlined by Samuel [4], aim to cultivate a positive attitude towards learning andresilience in the face of

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Adaline M. Buerck, Mercer University

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

lastdecade.1 Implementation of these technologies tends to still lag behind as they often require abehavior change (i.e. tillage vs. no-till for corn crops).2One field that can aid in enhancing the acceptance/uptake of engineering projects that addresscomplex societal issues (i.e., climate change, littering, etc.) or industry challenges (i.e., watertreatment plants dealing with things being flushed that should not be), is social marketing. Socialmarketing is the use of traditional marketing principles to create a positive behavior change foran individual, community, or society.3 Though most notably used for public health campaignssuch as smoking cessation,4 childhood obesity,5 and increasing immunization rates6 it also has ahistory of usage for

Conference Session

Student Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Maya Al Shanti, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach; Thiha Myat Thu, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach; Kai Jun Chew, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach

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Diversity, Student Papers

intersects assessment and evaluation, motivation, and equity. His research goal is to promote engineering as a way to advance social justice causes. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025Exploring Engineering Students’ Perspectives of Instructors’ Test Beliefs and Behaviors: A Secondary Data Analysis by Current Undergraduate Engineering StudentsIntroductionInstructors’ or teachers’ belief research is one of the key components in efforts to improveteaching and learning in engineering education research. Documented works have widely shownthat beliefs shaped instructors’ behaviors and practices in the classroom [1], [2], though nesting,conflicts, and tension between beliefs and

Conference Session

Student Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Hannah Brook Hedrick; Nancy Moore PhD, North Carolina State University at Raleigh

Tagged Topics

Student Papers

as Blackboard or Moodle. This allows videos to be embedded into a hybrid or onlineclass. Panopto offers instructors tools to create, edit, and post videos for on-demand learning, sostudents can access videos from anywhere and take charge of their learning.Panopto is excellent for recording lectures for hybrid, asynchronous, and flipped classroomteaching formats [1]. It offers many features to create a more immersive experience, similar totraditional learning. Split Screen viewing, bookmarks, searchable transcripts, note-takingcapabilities, as well as public forums, are some of the most popular features. These add value tothe virtual classroom experience by increasing organization and engagement.The use of Panopto at the college level has

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Andrea Arce-Trigatti, Tennessee Tech University; Pedro E. Arce, Tennessee Technological University; Robby Sanders, Tennessee Technological University

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

participating in thisprogram. In this course, students were asked to work in teams with the objective of applying themajor pillars of the program, including the Foundry-guided approach to holistic engineeringeducation, as well as training in critical thinking and community-based collaboration frameworksto complete a prototype of innovative technology.7,8As part of this work-in-progress, we offer insight into students’ growth in specific areas relatedto interdisciplinary communication. For this study specifically, we present preliminary findingsusing descriptive data analysis for student growth in the areas of (1) Connections to Discipline,(2) Transfer and (3) Integrated Communication. The preliminary findings reveal that students aredeveloping skills

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Sylmarie Davila-Montero, The Citadel

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

, from problem identification toprototype presentation.IntroductionA key part of the journey of any engineering student is their engagement in the engineeringdesign process (EDP). Recognized as essential for students to develop their critical thinking andproblem-solving skills, the EDP equips students with tools to identify needs and conceptualizesolutions. The accreditation board for engineering and technology, ABET, defines EDP as theprocess of “devising a system to meet desired needs and specifications within constraints” [1].All students in ABET accredited programs are required to engage in a “major engineering designexperience that 1) incorporates appropriate engineering standards and multiple constraints, and2) is based on the knowledge

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Claire Lynne McCullough PE, High Point University; Mike Dalton, High Point University

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

use are brainstorming, report writing, proposal composition,authoring training materials and creation of PowerPoint presentations, as well as technicalaspects such as code creation, fault detection, circuit layout, and large system design. Forstudents, these uses could include creation of study guides, generation of practice problems andsolutions, and idea creation. Some professors are even experimenting with using generative AI tograde and provide feedback on student work. While some of these uses can provide potentialbenefits to students and professionals, ethical issues must also be addressed: AI “hallucinations,”over-reliance on the tools, changing definitions of plagiarism, copyright issues, andenvironmental impacts of the technology [1

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Robby Sanders, Tennessee Technological University; Andrea Arce-Trigatti, Tennessee Tech University; Pedro E. Arce, Tennessee Technological University

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

Program that leverages a Renaissance Foundry-guidedapproach4 to develop strong communication skills relevant for community-based research.5Specifically, in this program, student-teams are asked to work with partnering communities todevelop prototypes of innovative technology that have both societal relevance and value. 6,7As part of this work-in-progress, we focus on two aspects relevant to the foundations of thisresearch. First, we present a pedagogical approach (see Component [1] below) to collaborationand interdisciplinary communication that is Foundry-guided4 and connected to the three C’s ofthe KEEN Entrepreneurial Mindset: Curiosity, Connections, and Creating Value.1 As part of thispedagogical approach, we underscore how these three

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Shenghua Wu, University of South Alabama; Min-Wook Kang, University of South Alabama; John Cleary, University of South Alabama; Lisa LaCross, University of South Alabama

Tagged Topics

Diversity, Professional Papers

review, addressingfeedback, and responding to comments—simulating the publication process for a scientificpaper. Additionally, proposal writing is introduced to further enhance their writing portfolio.Through active learning modules, students engage in discussions and share insights, fostering asense of ownership in their writing and building confidence toward publication. This fast-trackcourse aims to equip graduate students with the writing skills necessary for academic andprofessional success, with the potential for application in other engineering fields.1. IntroductionTechnical writing skills are crucial for graduate students, as they often need to consodiate theirresearch work into publications. Scientific and technical writing is a

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Adeel Khalid, Kennesaw State University; Sanjeev Adhikari, Kennesaw State University

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

background with 22 years of the academic experience at five different universities. Students and departments have always praised him for his outstanding teaching and research excellence. He has been involved in numerous professional societies to supplement his teaching and research, including ASCE, ACI, ASEE, ASC, ATMAE, and TRB. His research output has been well disseminated as he has published 100+ journal papers and conference papers. His research interests are 1) Creating Innovative Sustainable Materials, 2) Digital Construction, 3) BIM and VDC, 4) Virtual Testing Lab, 5) Construction Education, and 6) Sustainability. ©American Society for Engineering Education, 2025 Generative AI Tools in

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

Valmiki Sooklal, Kennesaw State University; Sandip Das, Kennesaw State University

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

pursuing more advanced courses in the engineeringcurriculum.IntroductionProviding undergraduate students with relevant skills in science, technology, engineering andmathematics (STEM) continues to be a challenge for educators [1], [2], [3]. Various projectbasedlearning approaches have been implemented to achieve this goal such as engineering design-based instruction (EDBI) [4] and the STEM Engineering Design Learning Cycle(STEMEDELCY) model [5]. The use of interdisciplinary engineering design projects have beensuccessfully implemented in Capstone projects. At that point, students have already acquiredsignificant knowledge from their core discipline [6], [7], [8], [9]. However, research indicatesthat exposing students to engineering design

Conference Session

Professional Papers

Collection

2025 ASEE Southeast Conference

Authors

M. A. Karim P.E., BCEE, F.ASCE, M.ASEE, University of West Florida

Tagged Topics

Professional Papers

tied up in the traditional classroom settings.And they can use these times for other productive activities and achieve additional goals. Still,attendance is often seen as a key indicator of student engagement, performance, and commitment.Numerous studies suggest that regular attendance correlates positively with academic performanceacross various disciplines. For instance, in a meta-analysis [1] the authors indicated that attendanceis a strong predictor of grades, suggesting that students who attend classes are more likely tounderstand the material and perform better. Engineering disciplines, including environmentalengineering, present unique challenges and learning opportunities. The hands-on and collaborativenature of these courses