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BOARD # 38: "Enhancing Undergraduate Research in Machine Learning with MATLAB: The Role of AI Assistance"

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Conference

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Location

Montreal, Quebec, Canada

Publication Date

June 22, 2025

Start Date

June 22, 2025

End Date

August 15, 2025

Conference Session

Chemical Engineering Division (ChED) Poster Session

Tagged Division

Chemical Engineering Division (ChED)

Page Count

6

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/55752

Paper Authors

author page

Allen Hersel Trine University

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Abstract

With the growing incorporation of machine learning (ML) in chemical engineering, students must develop proficiency in a range of tools and techniques. ML is widely applied in areas such as process optimization, predictive modeling of chemical reactions, material property prediction, and fault detection in industrial processes. Gaining expertise in these methods equips students to tackle complex challenges and drive innovation within the field. In 2018, I formed a research group focused on tackling a range of machine learning problems, despite the absence of formal programming instruction in the curriculum. To streamline our workflow and improve efficiency, we selected MATLAB for its machine learning toolbox, which minimized the amount of manual coding required for implementing and testing algorithms.

This poster examines how ChatGPT, an AI language model, has functioned as an educational tool to assist chemical engineering students in bridging the gap between their core discipline and machine learning, with a focus on MATLAB. It highlights examples of ChatGPT’s capabilities, such as offering step-by-step guidance for implementing ML algorithms in MATLAB, helping with code debugging, simplifying complex ML concepts, and providing personalized learning support. The aim is to inspire and accelerate efforts by other faculty looking to integrate machine learning into their courses or research projects.

Hersel, A. (2025, June), BOARD # 38: "Enhancing Undergraduate Research in Machine Learning with MATLAB: The Role of AI Assistance" Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/55752

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