Engineering Education Commons^™

Machine Learning Modeling For Hydrolysis Recycling Of Pet Waste, Jie Li, Lanjia Pan, Hossein Abedsoltan, Hailong Wang, Taiyang Liu, Xiangzhou Yuan, Yong Sik Ok, Yin Wang

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The hydrolysis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into terephthalic acid (TPA) can efficiently recycle waste PET, but achieving high conversion efficiency through smart reaction design remains challenging. To develop a robust and accurate machine learning (ML) model for the in-depth understanding and intelligent design of PET hydrolysis, we compiled a new dataset comprising 942 data points and comprehensive information of 44 variables involved in heating type, acid/base catalyst (ABC), organic solvent (OS), co-solvent (CS), phase transfer catalyst (PTC), and operational conditions. The developed Neural Network model demonstrated the best performance in predicting PET conversion, with a testing determination coefficient (R^{2 …}

Advancing Sustainability In Civil Engineering Technology Through The Engineering For One Planet Framework, Dalya Ismael, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Murat Kuzlu, Charles Lowe, Lisa Bosman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

As global environmental challenges intensify, integrating sustainability into engineering technology education is increasingly critical. Yet, many programs lack comprehensive methods to embed sustainability principles, leaving graduates underprepared to address real-world environmental issues. Courses on sustainability often approach it in isolated or superficial contexts, unable to capture its complexity. The purpose of this study is to showcase one approach for embedding the Engineering for One Planet (EOP) framework into the Sustainable Building Practices course within the Civil Engineering Technology Department. The newly developed curriculum integrated learning outcomes from three EOP topics: Environmental Impact Assessment, Materials Selection, and Systems Thinking. Students were …

Flipped Classroom Techniques In A Thermodynamics Course In Engineering Technology, Nathan Luetke, Orlando Ayala, Vukica Jovanovic

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Teaching undergraduate thermodynamics presents numerous challenges to educators due to its inherently complex and abstract nature. The vast array of applications in engineering requires educators to strike a balance between theoretical principles and practical examples, thereby creating a meaningful and applicable learning experience. This paper presents an approach to teaching an undergraduate thermodynamics course in engineering technology developed over four consecutive semesters blending traditional lecture-based teaching with flipped classroom techniques. The teaching methods used, and modifications made each semester are presented along with student performance.

Teaching Engineering To Enhance Beginning Elementary Preservice Teachers' Engineering-Related Knowledge And Beliefs, Jennifer Kidd, Danielle Rhemer, Kristie Gutierrez, Stacie I. Ringleb, Krishnanand Kaipa, Orlando Ayala, Pilar Pazos, Francisco Cima, Isaac Kumi

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Background

Teacher educators have begun exploring the most effective ways to prepare preservice teachers (PSTs) to engage elementary students in engineering design. However, this remains challenging as PSTs continue to report a lack of exposure to engineering during their K-12 school experiences. This study investigates the engineering-related knowledge and beliefs of PSTs in their first education course, collaborating in small teams to lead elementary students in engineering design challenges. We explored two different iterations to understand how the structure of the teaching experiences contributed to PST outcomes as a first step in identifying helpful approaches. In spring 2022, PSTs collaborated …

A Deep Dive In Preservice Teacher Self-Efficacy Development For Teaching Robotics (Rtp), Jennifer Jill Kidd, Kristie Gutierrez, Min Jung Lee, Danielle Marie Rhemer, Krishnanand Kaipa, Pilar Pazos, Stacie I. Ringleb, Orlando M. Ayala, Francisco Cima, Isaac Koduah Kumi

Teaching & Learning Faculty Publications

Nationwide K–6 engineering and coding standards have made it increasingly important to prepare elementary preservice teachers (PSTs) to teach these subjects confidently and effectively. Robotics, which combines coding and engineering, provides a rich context for developing PSTs’ expertise and self-efficacy. This study builds on prior work in which PSTs in an instructional technology course collaborated with undergraduate engineering students to co-teach robotics lessons to fifth graders. Using a multiple-embedded case study approach, we examine how the interactions and teaching roles within these partnerships influenced PSTs’ teaching self-efficacy. Drawing on reflections, lesson recordings, surveys, and interviews, we present the cases of …

Perceived Participant Learning Gains Attained While Participating In An Reu Program, Mridulla Ganesh

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Engineering Faculty Perceptions Of Participating In A Sotl Professional Development Intervention, Rhea Dutta

The Journal of Purdue Undergraduate Research

No abstract provided.

Engineering Faculty Perceptions On Student-Use Of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gai) In Course Completion, Michaela Harper

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Computer science and engineering faculty often argue whether students should be allowed to use GAI tools, such as ChatGPT, or banned from using them for fear of decreasing learning and workforce quality. This research gathers and reports engineering and computer science faculty members’ perceptions, opinions, and recommendations for GAI use in higher education. Faculty members agree that these technologies are here to stay and must be understood to address GAI in college and university courses. However, their willingness to implement GAI into their courses varied based on prior experience in industry and with the technology itself. Those with very limited …

Teaching Learning Newsletter Vol 4 Issue 2, Sastra Deemed To Be University

TLC Newsletter

No abstract provided.

Populations Digitally Excluded From Education: Issues, Factors, Contributions And Actions For Policy, Practice And Research In A Post-Pandemic Era, Don Passey, Jean Gabin Ntebutse, Manal Yazbak Abu Ahmad, Janet Cochrane, Simon Collin, Asmaa Ganayem, Elizabeth Langran, Sadaqat Mulla, Ma. Mercedes T. Rodrigo, Toshinori Saito, Miri Shonfeld, Saunand Somasi

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

This conceptual paper draws on a wide range of research and policy literature, providing a contemporary view of issues, factors and practices that affect education for digitally excluded populations. Concern for how education for digitally excluded populations can be supported is focal to this paper, with different sections offering key related perspectives. From an analysis of issues, factors and practices, actions for policy, practice and research are identified. Given a key finding that power issues can have major effects on plans, implementation processes and outcomes when addressing needs of education for digitally excluded populations, the paper concludes by offering frameworks …

An Analysis Of Security Risks Posed By Text-Based Generative Ai And Corporate Security Weaknesses Leading To Data Leaks, Tashya Rakshana Byreddy

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Generative AI (GenAI) has become a fundamental part of modern life, influencing how we work, learn, and interact with technology. This project focuses specifically on text-based GenAI, which is widely used for tasks such as information gathering, code improvement, and content creation. Despite its benefits, it presents significant security risks that are often underestimated by users. This project investigates these risks and the corporate security gaps that lead to unintentional data leaks. The project also provides a brief overview of Large Language Models (LLMs), which are based on the deep learning technique known as Transformer architecture, used for performing …

Autism Spectrum Disorder, Vidhya Lakshmi Jeevarathinam

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis requires an integrative approach that combines behavioral, biomedical, and computational methodologies for enhanced accuracy. This study introduces a comprehensive framework that employs machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) techniques alongside linear regression to model relationships between behavioral traits, biomedical markers, and ASD likelihood. Behavioral inputs, such as social interaction patterns, repetitive behaviors, and communication characteristics, are analyzed using linear regression to identify significant predictors of ASD. Simultaneously, a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) is trained on image datasets to detect visual cues, such as facial expressions, associated with ASD. Advanced techniques, including transfer learning and …

Argument Schema Of Undergraduate Engineering Students, Anu Singh

Dissertations and Doctoral Documents, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2023–

Critical thinking is one of the most desired skills in the workplace, as it assists an individual in solving complex problems and making informed decisions, resulting in their workplace success. Argumentation is one instructional approach that provides students an opportunity to engage in higher-order thinking and improve their communication skills. Argumentative writing provides opportunities to engage in multiple perspectives of a problem, provide evidence for the claim, evaluate evidence, engage in reasoning, and acknowledge self-bias, which automatically engages students in critical thinking. Previous literature has shown that despite the use of interventions and scaffolding approaches, students' argumentative texts lack elements …

Improving Robustness Of Learning-Based Approaches In Autonomous Systems And Engineering Education, Godwyll Aikins

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation advances the development of robust learning-based approaches across two complementary domains: engineering education and autonomous systems. Through four studies, this research addresses critical challenges in preparing data-proficient engineers and developing reliable autonomous systems that can operate under uncertainty and incomplete information. The engineering education study examines how mechanical and aerospace engineering undergraduates conceptualize and develop data proficiency skills essential for modern engineering practice. Through interviews with 27 students, the research employs the How People Learn framework to analyze student perspectives on information literacy, data interpretation, and computational thinking. The findings inform pedagogical strategies for developing data proficiency in …

A Multiple Mixed-Method Analysis On Empathy In First Year Engineering Education, Libby Flanagan

All Dissertations

This multiple mixed method analysis focuses on exploring how teaching empathy to first year engineering students interacts with their engineering identity and their personal definition of the role of an engineer. The participants received a four-lesson series on empathy and engineering in the Fall of 2023. They completed a pre- and post-survey as well as wrote five written reflections over the course of this semester. Analysis of the survey results found that composite empathy and engineering identity scores increased significantly over the course of this semester and that the increase in female composite engineering identity scores was significantly larger than …

Space Operations Education Research: Studying Undergraduate Experiences As Predictors Of Early Career Performance For Military Space Operations Officers, Keith Balts

All Dissertations

Undergraduate students who go on to operate space systems, e.g., satellites, launch systems, and ground-based systems, come from a diverse set of demographics and undergraduate experiences. The United States Space Force (USSF), and United States Air Force (USAF) before them, like many professions, have a demonstrated interest in who enters their ranks, but have had limited research available to them to inform their recruiting, selection, training, and early career development policies and processes.

This Profession-Based Education Research study, a term introduced here in contrast to Discipline-Based Education Research, focused on the military space operations profession. This study analyzed newly commissioned …

Exploring How Personal And Program Characteristics Inform The Experiences Of Engineering Students Abroad, Kirsten A. Davis, David B. Knight

School of Engineering Education Faculty Publications

Background

As more universities seek to offer international experiences for engineering students, it is important to design such programs to effectively support student learning abroad. Previous research on study abroad has focused on a limited number of outcomes and therefore failed to consider the diversity of experiences students may have in the same program and the range of learning outcomes they may develop while abroad.

Purpose

We explored student experiences across multiple types of engineering study abroad programs to address the research question: How do the types of significant experiences students highlighted from their time abroad differ based on student …

Fostering Systems Thinking Through Engineering Study Abroad Programs, Desen S. Ozkan, Kirsten A. Davis, James C. Davis, Jessica Deters, Homero Murzi

School of Engineering Education Faculty Publications

Engineering study abroad programs are a novel setting for students to develop systems thinking, which has primarily been taught in formal learning environments. Through a situated learning perspective, we examined the impact of two engineering-focused study abroad experiences on developing students’ systems thinking skills. We conducted secondary data analysis to examine how first-year engineering students (n = 47) at a technical university in the United States (US) connect technical and contextual aspects of engineering in China and the UK/Ireland. The students on the China track drew connections more frequently (81% of excerpts) than those on the UK/Ireland track (49% …

The Effects Of Wildfires On The Mental And Physical Health Of School-Age Children In North America: A Scoping Review, Sarah Oerther, Sarah Manspeaker, Alison Wix, Daniel Oerther, Carmen Marsit

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Background: Wildfires are occurring more often and with greater intensity, leading to longer and harsher fire seasons. As a result, children are more frequently exposed to wildfire smoke, which increases their risk of mental and physical health effects. Purpose: The purpose of our scoping review is to explore the current literature on what is known about the direct and indirect impacts of wildfires on the mental and physical health of school-age children in North America (5 to 18-year-olds). Methods: A health sciences librarian-assisted literature search, with input from the research team, was performed. Results: A total of 16 studies were …

Learning Outcomes, Benefits, And Challenges Of International Research Experiences For Students (Ires): An Exploratory Study Of An Ires Program In China, Yousef Jalali, James Barilla, Kirsten Davis, Vinod Lohani, Rolf Müller

Journal of International Engineering Education

Despite the increasing number of international programs targeting students’ learning of research and intercultural skills, there has been limited holistic investigation of students’ experiences employing both qualitative and quantitative methods. In this study, we incorporated several measures to explore students’ experiences in an International Research Experiences for Students (IRES) program, which benefited from the existing partnership between Virginia Tech in the U.S. and Shandong University in China. We examined students’ intercultural competence and interdisciplinary research skills and explored students’ stories of their lived experiences across three cohorts, each with five students, who completed the IRES program. Both open-ended survey responses …