Arlington, TX, Texas
March 9, 2025
March 9, 2025
March 11, 2025
Diversity
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10.18260/1-2--55047
https://peer.asee.org/55047
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Possesses a multidisciplinary background in Mechanical Engineering (BS and MS) and cardiovascular physiology (Ph.D.). Currently, I am working as an instructional associate professor in the J Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. Areas of expertise and interest include biomedical and mechanical system design, electromechanical systems, computer-aided engineering analysis, and mathematical modeling of physiological systems. Before joining Texas A&M, I worked in industry settings to develop various biomedical technologies, ranging from acute neonatal care to long-term space exploration.
Jonathan Weaver-Rosen is an Instructional Assistant Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University since August 2021. His research has focused largely on design automation and methodologies – specifically parametric optimization and the design of morphing or otherwise adaptive systems. His passion for teaching lies in preparing future design engineers to properly utilize analysis tools and work effectively as part of a team.
BS, MS, PhD in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University. Experience includes 20 years in industry as a lab director, technical manager and engineering advisor, 8 years of academic experience at the assistant and tenured associate professor level, 4.5 years as a professor of practice, Undergraduate Program Director of the J. M. Walker '66 Department of Mechanical Engineering since June 2022, and active industry consultant. Author and contributing author of 10 patents and multiple publications/presentations at technical and engineering education conferences. Areas of expertise and research interest include, Deformation & Failure Mechanisms, Materials Science, Fracture Mechanics, Process-Structure-Property Relationships, Finite Element Stress Analysis Modeling & Failure Analysis, ASME BPV Code Sec VIII Div. 1 & 2, API 579/ASME FFS-1 Code, Materials Testing and Engineering Education. Professionally registered engineer in the State of Texas (PE).
Joanna Tsenn is an Associate Professor of Instruction in the J. Mike Walker ’66 Department of Mechanical Engineering at Texas A&M University. She earned her B.S. from the University of Texas at Austin and her Ph.D. from Texas A&M University. She coordinates the mechanical engineering senior capstone design program and teaches senior design lectures and studios. Her research interests include engineering education with an emphasis on capstone design and teamwork.
Dr. Balawi is an Instructional Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at Texas A&M. He teaches in the areas of materials, manufacturing, and design. His interests are in the areas of Engineering Design for Disciplinary STEM Educational Research, Team Formation and Team Skill Education. Dr. Balawi earned his PhD in Aerospace Engineering from University of Cincinnati with research focus on experimental design and testing of solids for honeycomb core materials.
Teamwork is a fundamental skill for success in engineering education and professional practice. Engineering projects often demand collaboration across disciplines and expertise, requiring the development of competencies in team dynamics, effective communication, and conflict management. Critical elements of teamwork include understanding team stages, recognizing members' strengths and weaknesses, fostering mutual trust, and managing roles and expectations through tools like team charters. To address the gap in teamwork skill development, the UNdergraduates Improving TEamwork Skills (UNITES) project was launched to integrate vertically aligned lecture modules into the engineering curriculum. The foundational module initially consisted of slide-based content focused on characteristics of successful teams, team dynamics, and expectation management. However, instructor feedback revealed challenges such as unfamiliarity with concepts, lack of student engagement, and excessive time required to cover materials during lectures. The module was improved to increase student engagement, effectiveness, and time management. Icebreaking activities, such as MEEN-Go and Engineering Superhero Persona Building, were introduced to build rapport among team members. Pre-recorded videos replaced slides to reduce the instructional burden of not being a subject matter expert and save time for interactive activities. These changes allowed for the inclusion of a role-playing exercise, where teams collaboratively created a charter for a hypothetical project. Similar iterative revisions are being applied to effective communication and conflict management modules to improve their adaptability and impact. These iterative enhancements illustrate our commitment to refining pedagogical practices and equipping students with essential teamwork skills critical for their academic and professional success.
Mohiuddin, M. W., & Weaver-Rosen, J., & Corleto, C. R., & Tsenn, J., & Balawi, S. (2025, March), Enhancing Teamwork Skills in Engineering Education: Iterative Development of Interactive Lecture Modules Paper presented at 2025 ASEE -GSW Annual Conference, Arlington, TX, Texas. 10.18260/1-2--55047
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