Strengthening Undergraduate Career Preparedness Through Multidisciplinary Research Projects

Rachel K. Anderson; Todd Schweisinger; Barbara Jean Speziale

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Conference: 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition
Location: Seattle, Washington
Publication Date: June 14, 2015
Start Date: June 14, 2015
End Date: June 17, 2015
ISBN: 978-0-692-50180-1
ISSN: 2153-5965
Conference Session: Research and Multidisciplinary Experiences
Tagged Division: Mechanical Engineering
Page Count: 10
Page Numbers: 26.1406.1 - 26.1406.10
DOI: 10.18260/p.24743
Permanent URL: https://peer.asee.org/24743
Download Count: 533

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Paper Authors

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Rachel K. Anderson Clemson University

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Rachel Anderson is a doctoral student in Engineering and Science Education and the research assistant for Clemson University's Creative Inquiry program. Her research interests include multidisciplinary teams and career preparation. Rachel received a Master's of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Clemson University and a B.S. in Physics from Baldwin-Wallace University.

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Todd Schweisinger Clemson University

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Barbara Jean Speziale Clemson University

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Abstract

Strengthening Undergraduate Career Preparedness through Multidisciplinary ResearchThis paper will introduce a novel research program at our university (names blinded for review)which provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students at all stages of their academiccareers to engage in hands-on research. The [Name of Program] projects span the disciplinesand encourage multidisciplinary and student-centered projects. Over 450 projects are fundedeach semester by the university. Feedback from annual surveys of program participants andalumni suggests that undergraduate research projects like those in [Name of Program] allowstudents to gain valuable hands-on research experience, help prepare students for their futurecareers, and aid in the development of communication and leadership skills.This paper will explore the value of multidisciplinary, hands-on research within theundergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum by evaluating the student outcomes of a singleresearch project. A two year [Name of Program] project to develop a stabilization process forpediatric patient’s arms during venipuncture procedures began in Fall 2011. Mechanicalengineering, bioengineering, nursing, and marketing students collaborated to design the system,develop a prototype, demonstrate the process and device to medical professionals for assessmentand iterative improvements, and file for a provisional patent on their design.Interviews with both engineering and nursing students in this multidisciplinary undergraduateresearch project reveal that students developed leadership and communication skills, and theyfelt more prepared to follow their career path as a result of their participation. The perspective ofthe mechanical engineering faculty advisor for this project provides additional insights into theprogram’s impact on student learning as well as how this particular project fostered thedevelopment of communication and collaborative skills of each team member. Implications formultidisciplinary research as a supplement to traditional mechanical engineering education arediscussed.

Citation
Format

Anderson, R. K., & Schweisinger, T., & Speziale, B. J. (2015, June), Strengthening Undergraduate Career Preparedness Through Multidisciplinary Research Projects Paper presented at 2015 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, Seattle, Washington. 10.18260/p.24743

TY  - CPAPER
AB  -            Strengthening Undergraduate Career Preparedness through                          Multidisciplinary ResearchThis paper will introduce a novel research program at our university (names blinded for review)which provides a unique opportunity for undergraduate students at all stages of their academiccareers to engage in hands-on research. The [Name of Program] projects span the disciplinesand encourage multidisciplinary and student-centered projects. Over 450 projects are fundedeach semester by the university. Feedback from annual surveys of program participants andalumni suggests that undergraduate research projects like those in [Name of Program] allowstudents to gain valuable hands-on research experience, help prepare students for their futurecareers, and aid in the development of communication and leadership skills.This paper will explore the value of multidisciplinary, hands-on research within theundergraduate mechanical engineering curriculum by evaluating the student outcomes of a singleresearch project. A two year [Name of Program] project to develop a stabilization process forpediatric patient’s arms during venipuncture procedures began in Fall 2011. Mechanicalengineering, bioengineering, nursing, and marketing students collaborated to design the system,develop a prototype, demonstrate the process and device to medical professionals for assessmentand iterative improvements, and file for a provisional patent on their design.Interviews with both engineering and nursing students in this multidisciplinary undergraduateresearch project reveal that students developed leadership and communication skills, and theyfelt more prepared to follow their career path as a result of their participation. The perspective ofthe mechanical engineering faculty advisor for this project provides additional insights into theprogram’s impact on student learning as well as how this particular project fostered thedevelopment of communication and collaborative skills of each team member. Implications formultidisciplinary research as a supplement to traditional mechanical engineering education arediscussed.
AU  - Rachel K. Anderson
AU  - Todd Schweisinger
AU  - Barbara Jean Speziale
CY  - Seattle, Washington
DA  - 2015/06/14
PB  - ASEE Conferences
TI  - Strengthening Undergraduate Career Preparedness Through Multidisciplinary Research Projects
UR  - https://peer.asee.org/24743
DO  - 10.18260/p.24743
ER  -