2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Building High-Level Environmental Behavior into HBCU Engineering

Presented at Mechanical Engineering Division (MECH) Technical Session 5: Preparing the Future Workforce

This paper explores links between engineering students' environmental awareness and their intended environmental behavior at different levels in a prominent HBCU. Through extensive surveys, students' higher-level behavior and knowledge sustainability, manifested by their willingness and preparedness to pursue careers in the industries developing sustainable resources, has been explored. To maximize the high-level behavior and sustainability competencies, a pedagogical system with a comprehensive pool of interventions has been developed and implemented in a senior-level mechanical engineering course. The essential goal of the intervention is to understand the role that the instructional approach plays in changing undergraduate students' knowledge, attitudes, willingness, and perceived preparedness to pursue professional careers in green energy industries (GEIs). The relationship between student demographic factors such as race/ethnicity, gender, parental education, and socioeconomic status on these outcome variables were also assessed in this study.

The following research questions guided both the surveys and intervention strategies:

1) What are students' knowledge and attitudes about sustainability, and their willingness and perceptions to pursue a career in GEIs?
2) How do employed educational tools impact student sustainability knowledge, attitudes, willingness, and perceptions about their preparedness to enter the target fields?

In this paper, we report the survey data and details of the intervention strategies, which are intended to develop scalable educational approaches and guidelines for building high-level environmental behavior in the next-generation diverse renewable energy workforce.

Authors

Dr. John T. Solomon Tuskegee University [biography]

John T Solomon is an Associate Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department at Tuskegee University, Alabama. He received Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Florida State University, USA in 2010. His research interests include high-speed flow control, microscale flow diagnostics, and engineering education.
Sadegh Poozesh Tuskegee University
Hang Song Auburn University [biography]

Hang Song is currently affiliated with Auburn University, where he plays a pivotal role in the field of environmental research, particularly in the application of data mining and statistical analysis. With a keen focus on developing innovative methodologies, Hang has significantly contributed to the advancement of data-driven environmental studies.

In the paper titled "Imparting High-Level Environmental Behavior Through Tailored Interventions," Hang's expertise is showcased through the design and implementation of a comprehensive survey application. This tool is not only a testament to his technical prowess but also to his deep understanding of environmental behavior patterns.

Hang's proficiency in data mining and statistical analysis is further exemplified by his ability to extract meaningful insights from complex datasets. His work in this area is not just about handling large volumes of data but also about translating these data into actionable knowledge that can drive environmental change.

Throughout his career, Hang has consistently demonstrated a commitment to leveraging technology for environmental research. His innovative approaches to data handling and interpretation have made significant contributions to the understanding of environmental behaviors and interventions.

As a forward-thinking researcher, Hang continues to explore the intersection of technology, data science, and environmental studies, aiming to contribute further to this dynamic and increasingly crucial field.
Dr. Karen S. McNeal Auburn University [biography]

Dr. McNeal conducts research in geoscience education investigating how people think and learn about the Earth. She conducts quantitative and qualitative methods to assess people's understanding, perceptions, and behavior about complex environmental systems. She has published 65 peer-reviewed articles and secured more than $25M in external funding.
Dr. Lauren E. Beckingham http://orcid.org/0000-0002-8433-9532 Auburn University
Dr. Kelly Lazar http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6403-5649 Clemson University [biography]

Kelly Lazar is an Assistant Professor of Engineering and Science Education at Clemson University with a joint appointment in Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences. Her research largely focuses on recruitment and retention of STEM students through the use of experiential learning opportunities such as virtual reality, field experiences, and undergraduate research opportunities. Her education includes a B.S. in Geology from North Carolina State University, a M.S. in Geological Sciences from East Carolina University, and a Ph.D. in Geological Sciences from The Ohio State University.

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