Conference Session

Full Papers IV

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Katerina Goseva-Popstojanova, West Virginia University; Daniel Mackin Freeman, University of Washington; Robin A.M. Hensel, West Virginia University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Full Paper: The impact of the ACCESS program on recruiting cybersecurity students and fostering their academic success and career prospects1. IntroductionCybersecurity is crucial in protecting individuals, businesses, and critical infrastructure frommalicious cyberattacks that can lead to severe financial losses and operational disruptions.Securing key sectors such as healthcare, energy, and government systems is essential for nationalsecurity. However, a global shortage of qualified cybersecurity professionals persists, withnearly 500,000 job openings in the U.S. [1]. As reliance on technology grows and cyber threatsbecome more complex, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals is

Conference Session

Full Papers IV

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Rumeysa Tekin Baturalp, Texas Tech University; Nurcan Bac, Texas Tech University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Full Paper: Exploring the Engineering Major Decision Journey through First- Year Seminars1. IntroductionSelecting an engineering major is one of the most consequential decisions students make duringtheir first year of college. This choice not only shapes their academic path but also influenceslong-term career opportunities and personal fulfillment. At Texas Tech University, the WhitacreCollege of Engineering (WCOE) supports this process through a common course—ENGR 1110:Engineering Seminar—required for all first-year and transfer engineering students.ENGR 1110 is designed to introduce students to the breadth of engineering disciplines offeredwithin the college. Each week, a department chair presents an

Conference Session

Full Papers IV

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

James Nathaniel Newcomer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; David Gray, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Alice Hyunna Noble, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Devin Erb, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Annabel Bass, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Paper ID #49783Full paper: Aligning First-Year Engineering Goals with Major SelectionMr. James Nathaniel Newcomer, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University Former mechatronics engineer and STEM educator who now works with first-year engineering students to help them establish academic trajectories to develop and meet their career goals.Dr. David Gray, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University David Gray serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Engineering Education at Virginia Tech. His teaching and research interests focus on interdisciplinary experiential learning, as well as the

Conference Session

Full Papers III

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Qudsia Tahmina, The Ohio State University at Marion; John Francis Simonis, The Ohio State University at Marion

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

A Hands-on STEM Enrichment Activity to Promote Engineering to High School StudentsAbstractThis full paper discusses a workshop designed to enrich and explore career options for high school students.It has become a norm for higher education institutions to partner with local schools to provide a diverserange of opportunities for students to explore careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math(STEM). Facilitating conversations early on in high school about college majors, identifying specific areasof interest, setting career goals and roadmaps and building pathways for successful careers have becomecritical for student success. Due to a lack of understanding of engineering applications

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Laura Ann Gelles, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Laura Knight, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville; Darren K Maczka, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Paper ID #49792GIFTS: Time Management as a Tool in a Stress Toolkit for First-Year EngineeringStudentsDr. Laura Ann Gelles, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Laura Gelles is a teaching assistant professor in the Engineering Fundamentals program at the University of Tennessee Knoxville (UTK). Her previous work has focused on persistence and retention of engineering students, integrating social and environmental context into technical engineering curriculum, and mentoring and career resources for engineering graduate students.Prof. Laura Knight, The University of Tennessee, Knoxville Laura Knight is a Lecturer in the

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Becca Kiriazes, Catholic University of America

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

, machineshop, faculty offices, computer labs, career services, study lounges, and group workspaces. Thelist of locations was curated with input from faculty and current students, drawing on theirinsights about valuable resources and favorite campus spots. To complete each challenge, teamscaptured creative photos to document their visits. Each photo had to include all but one teammember, the photographer, who rotated between tasks. Teams were encouraged to complete asmany prompts as possible within the lab time, with visits to three specific challenges designatedas mandatory. Each completed challenge earned one point, with additional bonus points awardedfor humor, creativity, and team spirit displayed in the photos. Points were tallied and a winnerwas

Conference Session

WORKSHOP I: Integrating Service Learning into First-Year Engineering Courses: A Hands-On Workshop

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Kathryn Schulte Grahame, Northeastern University; Brian Patrick O'Connell, Northeastern University; Anne Shea, Northeastern University; Kennedy Gallagher, Northeastern University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

local middle school children reinforce theirtechnical understanding and develop critical teaching and mentoring skills while seeing theimmediate impact of their knowledge [4]. Furthermore, service-learning experiences exposeengineering students to diverse perspectives and constraints, preparing them to address themultifaceted global challenges they will face throughout their careers, from sustainability andaccessibility to resource limitations and social equity. Engineering students are better equipped toquestion their assumptions, suspend judgements, and approach problems more openly. Thiscontextualized learning ultimately produces more well-rounded engineers who understand both thetechnical excellence and societal responsibility their

Conference Session

WIP II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Olukemi O. Akintewe, University of South Florida

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

and career aspirations. Training modules are beingdeveloped for mentors through LinkedIn Learning and other resources.Each mentor plays a unique role for the mentee. The peer mentors are available on a weeklybasis, providing academic tutoring and campus support. Mentees meet with their faculty mentorsat least once a semester to share their academic goals and inquire about academic strategies froman educator's perspective. The industry mentors must have at least one virtual or physicalmeeting with their mentees per year. Their role includes mentoring on career readiness,professional development skills, and internship opportunities. Throughout the study, the menteeshave the autonomy to interact with their three-tier mentors outside of the

Conference Session

WORKSHOP I: Designing Active Learning Activities with Ethics in Mind, and Body (no matter if this is a fundamental principles class or an ethics-as-a-stand alone class, or any class in-between)

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Nicole Farkas Mogul, University of Maryland, College Park; David Tomblin, University of Maryland, College Park; Timothy Duane Reedy, University of Maryland, College Park

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

studio time to game out away of practicing STS thinking in their own way (‘an experiment’). No matter the participants’disciplinary field, work setting, or type of class (from a fundamental principles course thatincludes no ethics component to an ethics-as-a-stand-alone class, and any level of ethics inbetween) participants will imagine ways to operationalize this framework in pursuit of theirworkplace/classroom goals.IntroductionAs the title promises, this workshop will equip participants with insights, motivation andconfidence to add socio-technical integration to their workspaces. This is because it reframesethics as a set of skills that enhance student career readiness in the following areas: professionaldevelopment as it relates to design

Conference Session

GIFTS II

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Philip Reid Brown, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Ashley Joyce Mont, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey; Katie Barillas, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

II, studentsfocus on professional development, including networking, career readiness, culminating inconnecting with peers, faculty, and industry professionals. The goal of Campus Engagement is tohelp students feel connected to their academic environment. This connection supportsmotivation, and a sense of belonging - critical factors for success in engineering programs [3].Results and DiscussionThe first year of ID3EAs implementation had successes and areas in need of improvement.When reviewing student feedback, a few trends emerged in the comments. Students generallyenjoyed the hands-on project components of ID3EA I and ID3EA II. In ID3EA I, studentsappreciated the exposure to the engineering tools and the engineering disciplines at Rutgers

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Lena Johnson, University of Maryland - Office of Undergraduate Research

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

GIFTS: Experiential, Research-Based Learning as part of the First-Year Innovative Research Experience’s Bio Inspired Robotics StreamIntroductionTraditionally, college-level research is conducted by graduate and upper-level undergraduatestudents. The Bio Inspired Robotics (BR) Stream (a form of lab group), as part of a largerundergraduate research experience, gives first-year, undergraduate students the uniqueopportunity to conduct authentic, college-level, robotics research within the first few semestersof their academic career. BR stream teaching structure is based upon active, research-basedlearning methods, tailored to the unique scientific and technical aspects of bio inspired robotics.Though most stream activities are centered

Conference Session

GIFTS I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Lee Kemp Rynearson, Campbell University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

& Changes in Rank from 2023 to 2024 Impact Impact Δ Rank Rank Δ Class Topic 2023 2024 23-24 2023 2024 23-24 Week 9 - Self and Time Management 1.00 1.00 0.00 1 1 0 Week 8 - Stress Management and Mid-term Check-in 0.74 0.71 -0.03 2 2 0 Week 6 - Learning Science & Strategy 0.65 0.63 -0.02 3 4 1 Week 7 - Academic Career Planning & Advising Prep. 0.62 0.66 0.04 4 3 -1 Week 10 - Professional Communications

Conference Session

WIP I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Todd R Hamrick, West Virginia University; Robin A.M. Hensel, West Virginia University; Atheer Almasri, West Virginia University; Carter Hulcher, West Virginia University; Lizzie Santiago, West Virginia University; Susie Huggins, West Virginia University; Akua B. Oppong-Anane, West Virginia University; WenJuan Mo, West Virginia University

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

guidance on pursuing educationalresearch. It also identifies the benefits for teaching-focused faculty, provides examples ofeducational research projects, suggests ways to use the classroom to inspire research projects,and outlines potential funding opportunities to support educational research. As promotion forteaching-track faculty typically depends on teaching effectiveness as defined and assessed byeach institution, engaging in educational research can support career advancement by fosteringthe exchange of best teaching practices.FOUNDATIONS FROM THE LITERATUREFaculty positions with teaching-focused roles—such as teaching professors and professors ofpractice—have been increasing steadily at colleges and universities across the United

Conference Session

WORKSHOP II: Wired for Connection, Not Perfection: Embracing Imperfection in the Engineering Space

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Audrey Gilfillan, Applied Wellness Initiatives; Alison West, Applied Wellness Initiatives

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

Paper ID #49833Workshop: Wired for Connection, Not Perfection: Embracing Imperfectionin the Engineering SpaceAudrey Gilfillan, Applied Wellness Initiatives Audrey earned her master’s in educational psychology from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Audrey has experience in a broad range of professional disciplines including psychotherapy, career counseling, academic coaching, consulting, training, and supervision. In this work, she has developed a specialty in supporting engineers and their mental health while they continue to pursue their professional goals. Building on her therapeutic skills for engineers, Audrey

Conference Session

Full Papers I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

DeAnna Katey, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University; Terrance I Harris, Drexel University

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

backgrounds. These communities helped mitigate isolation and impostersyndrome, particularly for Black women in engineering.Academic and Professional CEED Mentors helped students prepare for career fairs, join studentorganizations like NSBE, and develop leadership skills. These experiences boosted confidence andprofessional readiness.Challenges Faced Participants reported being the only Black or female student in many classes, leading todiscomfort and self-doubt. Mentors encouraged resilience, with one student recalling advice to “getcomfortable being uncomfortable.”Suggestions for Improvement Students recommended more structured mentor-mentee interactions,personality-based matching, and increased program visibility to enhance engagement and

Conference Session

Full Papers I

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Anne Marguerite McAlister, University of Virginia; Benjamin Goldschneider, University of Virginia; Lisa Lampe, University of Virginia; David R. Gutierrez, University of Virginia; Esther Tian, University of Virginia; Shaylin Williams, University of Virginia

Tagged Topics

Diversity, FYEE 2025

belonging is complex and no one factor can explain orpredict belonging. These initial findings will inform future studies and provide valuablepreliminary insights for first-year engineering programs interested in enhancing the experiencesand academic outcomes of their students from a belonging perspective.IntroductionMost undergraduate engineering students are in the late stages of adolescence and makingimportant discoveries and decisions about their interests, identities, and goals [1]. Socialization,both in college and pre-college, shapes students’ sense of belonging (SoB) [2]. Students searchfor spaces where they feel belonging, and this search drives choices that shape theirundergraduate careers. Belonging is a fundamental need, driving

Conference Session

WORKSHOP IV: Play as Prep Workshop: Time & Resource-Efficient Strategies for Developing Effective Undergraduate TAs of First Year Students

Collection

FYEE 2025 Conference

Authors

Christine Alexander, University of Maryland, College Park

Tagged Topics

FYEE 2025

teaching roles, and have had less exposure to themodeling of other GTAs and UTAs in their short academic careers. Regardless of whetherprograms work with GTAs or UTAs, the perennial obstacles of time and resources often lead to alack of pedagogical development [7]. Therefore, I invite anyone working with TAs of any levelto attend and learn from the Play as Prep Workshop. This workshop is based on the ongoing work of faculty in the Science, Technology, andSociety (STS) program at University of Maryland over the past one and a half years with 5-6UTAs of first year students in the College Park Scholars living and learning community. This is asmall scale program with a UTA cohort of 5-6 per semester serving a once-per week colloquiumof 50-90