Montreal, Quebec, Canada
June 22, 2025
June 22, 2025
August 15, 2025
College Industry Partnerships Division (CIP)
Diversity
19
https://peer.asee.org/56549
Muhsin Menekse is an Associate Professor at Purdue University with a joint appointment in the School of Engineering Education and the Department of Curriculum & Instruction. Dr. Menekse's primary research focuses on exploring K-16 students' engagement and learning of engineering and science concepts by creating innovative instructional resources and conducting interdisciplinary quasi-experimental research studies in and out of classroom environments. Dr. Menekse is the recipient of the 2014 William Elgin Wickenden Award by the American Society for Engineering Education. He is also selected as an NSF SIARM fellow for the advanced research methods for STEM education research. Dr. Menekse received four Seed-for-Success Awards (in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2021) from Purdue University's Excellence in Research Awards programs in recognition of obtaining four external grants of $1 million or more during each year. His research has been generously funded by grants from the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), Purdue Research Foundation (PRF), and the National Science Foundation (NSF).
Quantum technologies have recently been up and coming as one of tomorrow’s most important areas in science. While quantum science is typically only required for physics majors, it is more and more becoming the case that engineers from multiple disciplines will have to study quantum concepts as well. Further, major world powers have recognized the importance of quantum technologies via publications on quantum policy or strategy. Such publications envision a large workforce that has yet to come to fruition. Thus, engineering education has space to step in and help create the workforce envisioned via efforts like research on learning or approaches to building connections with industry. This paper contributes to the latter. During summer 2024, we hosted a two-day quantum summer school for undergraduates. This summer school included introductory level talks on quantum concepts, talks showing the connections between quantum concepts and the industry, and sessions showcasing ways to get involved with the quantum industry or research. 27 undergraduates attended. We wanted to know: what kinds of motivations drove them to attend, did this summer school change their motivations or future career path, and what talks or activities did they enjoy most and least. To answer these questions, we distributed a survey after the summer school was over; all 27 responded, though only 25 filled out the survey in full. Through this survey, we found students displaying a mix of extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, of which the strength of various aspects of motivation changed after having attended the summer school. Additionally, we found that there was a more positive response towards presentations that explained concepts simply, rather than interest or motivation being sparked from not knowing anything being discussed. These results can help to inform the design of future programs, such that causing interest in learning quantum or getting involved in industry can be maximized.
Dang, N., & Menekse, M., & Hosseini, M. (2025, June), Exploring Undergraduates' Experiences of a Two Day Quantum Summer School Paper presented at 2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition , Montreal, Quebec, Canada . https://peer.asee.org/56549
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