2025 Collaborative Network for Engineering & Computing Diversity (CoNECD)

1. Kevin Zhongyang Shao University of Washington [biography]

   Zhongyang (Kevin) Shao is currently a first-year Ph.D. student in Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) at the University of Washington, Seattle (UW). His research focuses on human-computer interaction and STEM education, particularly in developing user-centered, inclusive, and responsible AI technologies to enhance the accessibility and personalize learning for post-secondary STEM students. His current work harnesses AI and NLP to design accessible educational tools for underrepresented college STEM students. He holds his Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in ECE from The Ohio State University and UW, respectively.

2. Dr. Denise Wilson http://orcid.org/0000-0002-2367-8602 University of Washington [biography]

   Denise Wilson is a professor of electrical and computer engineering at the University of Washington, Seattle. Her research interests in engineering education focus on the role of self-efficacy, belonging, and other non-cognitive aspects on the student experience. Her research interests and publication record are split among workforce, engineering education, and sensors research. She is committed to supporting progress toward gender parity in engineering and enabling equitable conditions for all engineers in the workforce and as well as for engineering students throughout all phases of their education.

3. Eric Kyeong-Min Cho University of Washington [biography]

   Kyeong-Min (Eric) Cho is a third-year undergraduate student at the University of Washington, Seattle. He is pursuing his Bachelor's degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering with a focus on embedded systems. His research interests include human-computer interaction, engineering education, and robotics applications.

4. Sophia Tang University of Washington [biography]

   Sophia Tang is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in Human-Centered Design and Engineering (HCDE) at the University of Washington. Her areas of interest include in Human-Computer Interaction, User-Centered Design, Inclusive Design, and Accessibility.

5. Hanlin Ma University of Washington [biography]

   Hanlin Ma is currently a junior undergraduate student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Washington, Seattle. His research interests include neural engineering and computers, embedded systems, and human-computer interaction.

6. Prof. Sep Makhsous http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3618-9736 University of Washington [biography]

   Sep Makhsous is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the University of Washington and the Director of the ARC Lab (Autonomy, Robotics, and Collaboration). His work focuses on engineering education, with an emphasis on hands-on, interactive learning methods that bridge the gap between theory and practice. Sep’s research explores inclusive robotics education, developing culturally-aware human-robot interfaces and tools to support students with disabilities, ensuring accessibility and equity in STEM fields.

   In addition to his educational research, Sep collaborates with NASA, JCATI, and the Air Force on motor controller development for hybrid-electric aviation and integrates these industry-driven challenges into his teaching. He brings experience from the NSF I-Corps program and successful startup ventures, helping students connect classroom learning to real-world applications.

   Through the ARC Lab, Sep focuses on advancing robotics education, fostering an inclusive approach to technology development, and preparing students to engage with emerging challenges in robotics and autonomy.

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on February 9, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on February 11, 2025