2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Lessons Learned in Adopting a New, Patent-Based Doctoral Pathway Model

Presented at Graduate Studies Division (GSD) Technical Session 9: Lessons Learned from Engineering Graduate Programs

This Work in Progress paper describes the lessons learned from a new pathway for doctoral candidates in STEM programs allowing capstone degree requirements to be fulfilled by research culminating in a patent application. The Pathways to Entrepreneurship (PAtENT) model aims to bring greater alignment between doctoral degrees and the rapidly changing employment landscape. Given that seventy percent of PhDs exit academic careers within 3 years [1], creating doctoral pathways that align with multiple career options is an imperative. We describe the PAtENT model, rationale and goals. Components of the pilot program will be explicated through a curriculum alignment describing key activities that respond to recommendation for STEM graduate programs identified by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine [2]: developing scientific and technological literacy and conduct original research; and develop leadership, communication, and professional competencies. After two years of development and implementation, we are also able to discuss lessons learned and strategies for scaling the model. We present findings from students in the program and a reflective interview of the project leadership team. In order to adopt this innovative education model, students, faculty, and universities need understanding of career pathways and opportunities beyond traditional academic pursuit.

Authors

Dr. Audrey Rorrer University of North Carolina, Charlotte [biography]

Audrey Rorrer, PhD, is a Research Associate Professor in the Computer Science Department at UNC Charlotte, where she also serves as Assistant Director of the Center for Education Innovation & Research. Dr. Rorrer’s scholarship areas include the science of broadening participation in computing, SoBP, which is a recognized domain of critical importance in STEM workforce development and educational programming. Her work has focused on educational programs, outreach and collective impact activities that expand the national pipeline into STEM careers. College student development and Faculty career development are central themes across her body of work.
Dr. David K. Pugalee http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3356-1600 University of North Carolina, Charlotte [biography]

Dr. David Pugalee is a full professor, and Director of the Center for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Education (STEM) at UNC Charlotte. The recipient of millions of dollars in grant-funding, Dr. Pugalee has also published works on STEM
Praveen Ramaprabhu [biography]

Praveen Ramaprabhu is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering & Engineering Sciences at UNC Charlotte, where he heads the Laboratory for Multiscale Computational Fluid Dynamics (LMCFD). Starting with his Ph.D. research at Texas A&M University, Dr. R
Dr. Mesbah Uddin http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2945-6744 University of North Carolina, Charlotte [biography]

Dr. Mesbah Uddin is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte’s Williams States Lee College of Engineering. He is currently leading Charlotte’s new multidisciplinary public-private research partnership initiative, Digital Design and Optimization (DDO), which is intended to strengthen Charlotte’s connections to North Carolina defense and security-related companies interested in multidisciplinary advanced manufacturing, engineering design and optimization, computer science and cybersecurity, and manufacturing innovation. He is currently serving as the Chair of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Road Vehicle Aerodynamics Forum Committee, a committee responsible for developing and maintaining SAE standards, technical papers, and special publications related to road vehicle aerodynamics and wind noise performance and test techniques. He is a member of UNC Charlotte Military Affairs Committee. In addition to the SAE International, he is an active member of various professional societies, such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and American Physical Society. He is a member of the AIAA Turbulence Model Benchmarking Working Group. In the past, he served as: the Director of North Carolina Motorsports and Automotive Research Center during 2012-22, a member of North Carolina Governor’s Motorsports Advisory Council during 2012- 2017, and a senior CFD analyst at the then Chrysler’s in its NASCAR, NHRA, street and passenger car computational aerothermal development programs. At present, Dr.Uddin’s group focuses on the improvement of the aerothermal predictive capabilities of virtual and physical systems using machine learning and reduced order methods
Prof. Terry Xu University of North Carolina, Charlotte [biography]

Dr. Terry Xu is a professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She currently serves as the Associate Chair for Graduate Programs. Her research interest is in the field of
Dr. H. P. Cherukuri University of North Carolina, Charlotte [biography]

Harish Cherukuri is the Chair and Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Engineering Science at UNC Charlotte. Dr. Cherukuri obtained his Ph.D. from the Department of Theoretical and Applied Mechanics, The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His

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