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Empowering Electrical Engineers: Project-Based Learning for Environmental Sustainability

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Conference

2024 Fall ASEE Mid-Atlantic Section Conference

Location

Farmingdale State College, NY, New York

Publication Date

October 25, 2024

Start Date

October 25, 2024

End Date

November 5, 2024

Conference Session

Technical Sessions 2

Tagged Topic

Professional Papers

Page Count

8

DOI

10.18260/1-2--49435

Permanent URL

https://peer.asee.org/49435

Download Count

20

Paper Authors

biography

Uma Balaji Fairfield University

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Dr. Uma Balaji received her Ph. D from University of Victoria, B.C., Canada in Electrical Engineering. She was a Canadian Commonwealth Scholar. She is the Chair of Electrical and Biomedical Engineering Department at the School of Engineering and Computing of the Fairfield University. Her research focused in novel modelling techniques to design components for wireless and satellite application. She was awarded the IEEE Region 1 Award as 'Outstaning Teaching in an IEEE Area of Interest (Pre-University or College) for 2023 and the Fairfield University's Jeffrey P. von Arx SJ Award for Excellence in Community Engagement 2023-24.

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Abstract

Energy demand continues to rise annually. As we prepare electrical engineering students for the workforce, the curriculum primarily emphasizes the design of reliable electrical and electronic systems, power generation, and energy distribution, often placing less focus on the environmental impacts of energy consumption. To promote energy security, some schools offer courses on renewable energy resources and generation as optional electives. However, when this option is unavailable due to departmental resource constraints, raising awareness and encouraging students to engage with this global issue in their own way becomes a valuable alternative. Students are generally receptive to reading topical materials related to their courses and thinking critically about the broader impacts of technology on the environment and sustainability, especially when such problems or projects are integrated into the course for even a small percentage of the overall grade. This approach has been implemented in an electric circuits course, where project-based assignment is designed to encourage students to advocate for clean energy production or safe environmental practices, fostering a sustainable future. The primary goal of the projects is to empower students with knowledge of the current technological landscape and to motivate them to contribute to environmental protection. The project-based assignment will be shared, illustrating how they have been used to inspire students. Additionally, an analysis of student perceptions of these assignments and their impact on developing ethical values and a sense of responsibility will be presented.

Balaji, U. (2024, October), Empowering Electrical Engineers: Project-Based Learning for Environmental Sustainability Paper presented at 2024 Fall ASEE Mid-Atlantic Section Conference, Farmingdale State College, NY, New York. 10.18260/1-2--49435

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