Could not find session

2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Shaping Environmental Attitude and Behavior Through Academic Interventions

This paper presents four years (2021-2024) of data from a study that aims to understand engineering students' environmental awareness and pro-environmental behavior at different levels in a prominent HBCU. Through extensive surveys developed as part of this project, students' ecological knowledge and higher-level environmental behavior were explored. In this context, the study also investigated their willingness and preparedness to pursue careers in the industries developing sustainable resources. With a focus on imparting these qualities, a pedagogical system with a comprehensive pool of interventions has been designed and implemented in a senior-level mechanical engineering course. The paper summarizes the survey development process and the data that explores the impact of the intervention on students' ecological knowledge, behavior, attitudes, and job decisions. The study indicates that academic interventions can shape students' environmental attitudes and behavior and help prepare a diverse renewable energy workforce for the future.

Authors

Dr. John T Solomon Tuskegee University [biography]

Bio: Dr. Solomon is a Tenured Full Professor in the Mechanical Engineering department of Tuskegee University (TU), AL. He received a Ph.D. from Florida State University (FSU) in 2010. Dr. Solomon's research interests include high-speed flow control, actuator development, experimental fluid mechanics, micro-scale flow diagnostics, and engineering education. He holds three US patents on high-frequency microactuator technologies developed for high-speed flow control applications. The National Science Foundation has supported Dr. Solomon's research through grants such as the Research Initiation Award, Excellence in Research (EiR), and Improving Undergraduate STEM Education (IUSE). He was selected as a summer faculty research fellow at NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology (Caltech), in 2019 and 2020. Dr. Solomon received the Faculty Achievement Award from Tuskegee University in 2023. Dr. Solomon has published and presented 50 technical papers in various journals and AIAA and ASEE conferences.
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.
Karen 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.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 22, 2025, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 25, 2025