2024 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

In the rapidly evolving landscape of chemical engineering (CHE), the incorporation of data science has gained increasing importance. To equip students with the skills required for a data-driven industry, it is crucial to understand their perceptions of data science and their willingness to embrace it in their academic and professional journey. This study engages a diverse group of chemical engineering students across different academic levels to explore their viewpoints on data science and its potential integration into the academic curriculum.

The survey instrument assesses four crucial constructs: interest, career aspirations, perceived value, and self-efficacy regarding data science. The survey delves into students' prior exposure to data science concepts, their recognition of data science's relevance in chemical engineering, and their readiness to engage with data science tools and techniques. Students, both seniors and sophomores in CHE, participated in the surveys at the beginning and end of a semester, while additional insights were gathered through focus group interviews and subsequent analysis.

The study's findings reveal that, despite limited exposure within their coursework, most students acknowledge the growing significance of data science in the chemical engineering field. The majority express a keen interest in expanding their knowledge of data science and are receptive to its integration into their academic and future career paths.

Moreover, this research identifies barriers to the incorporation of data science in the CHE curriculum, such as the need for additional resources and training for both students and faculty. The insights presented in this study offer valuable guidance for educators and industry professionals seeking to seamlessly embed data science into the chemical engineering curriculum and better prepare students for a data-centric industry.

This paper provides a comprehensive overview of survey and interview development, data distribution, and key findings. It underscores the urgency of further research to enhance the integration of data science in the CHE curriculum and the essential role of preparing students for an industry that increasingly relies on data analytics and computational techniques.