2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Empowering Educators: A Pilot Study of Faculty Training on Building Decarbonization and Clean Energy Integration

Presented at Faculty Development Works in Progress Session 2

This paper presents a pilot study evaluating a faculty training workshop focused on building decarbonization and clean energy education. Conducted at Stanford University through the Building Decarbonization Learning Accelerator (BDLA), the workshop engaged eight faculty members from Florida A&M University (FAMU) and South Carolina State University (SCSU). The primary aim of this pilot initiative was to enhance faculty expertise in sustainable energy, environmental justice, building decarbonization, and energy efficiency to integrate these topics into their curricula. The interdisciplinary workshop included participants from diverse fields such as electronics, architecture, construction, sustainability, and transportation, emphasizing a holistic approach to clean energy education. Faculty members were trained by top experts in the field, gaining insights into the latest research and practical applications related to decarbonization and renewable energy systems. This pilot study assessed the effectiveness of the workshop through post-surveys, measuring faculty preparedness, confidence, and their intent to incorporate clean energy concepts into their teaching. The findings indicate that targeted faculty training programs can significantly improve clean energy education delivery and interdisciplinary collaboration. Based on the outcomes, the study outlines plans for further curriculum development, faculty engagement, and expanding the program to benefit more students. Recommendations for scaling similar faculty development programs at other institutions are also discussed, contributing to the overall mission of preparing future leaders in the clean energy sector.

Authors

Mohamed Khalafalla http://orcid.org/https://my-orcid?orcid=0000-0001-9621-4940 Florida A&M University - Florida State University [biography]

Dr. Mohamed Khalafalla is an Assistant Professor of Construction Engineering at Florida A&M University's School of Architecture and Engineering Technology. His research expertise includes risk analysis, cost estimating, and concrete materials research. Dr. Khalafalla has contributed extensively to projects sponsored by the Department of Energy and the Tennessee Department of Transportation, conducting studies in sustainability, risk analysis, cost estimation, and concrete performance. He also has significant expertise in STEM education and research, particularly in innovative teaching methodologies and curriculum development aimed at enhancing student engagement in STEM fields. Dr. Khalafalla has authored numerous peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and technical reports. He earned his Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from Auburn University, an M.S. in Civil Engineering from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, an MBA from the University of Khartoum, and a Master of Science in Law (MSL) from Northwestern University.
Dr. Tejal Mulay http://orcid.org/0000-0002-3097-3888 Florida A&M University - Florida State University [biography]

Dr. Tejal Mulay is a Visiting Assistant Professor in Electronic Engineering Technology in the Division of Engineering Technology under the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology (SAET) at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU). Dr. Mulay’s primary research area is speech signal processing, including but not limited to acoustic emotion recognition, digital signal processing, autonomous vehicles, and blockchain technology and its applications. She also has authored and co-authored articles in various technical journals and conferences in these areas of education in the engineering field.

Dr. Mulay has been working with minority students in the STEM fields since her graduate school days. She has been assistant director for the REAP summer camps funded by NSF, which aimed towards increasing the participation of minority students in STEM research. She has also been part of the FAMU STEM Day team, assisting with the demonstration and experiment portion of this annual event. She has assisted many undergraduate students in getting internships and scholarships through various programs.

Dr. Mulay received her master's of science degree and Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering from Florida State University and her Bachelor of Engineering in Electronics and Communication from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University in India.
Dr. Doreen Kobelo Regalado http://orcid.org/https://0009-0008-9020-6227 Florida A&M University - Florida State University [biography]

Dr. Doreen Kobelo Regalado is an Associate Professor and Director of the Construction Engineering Technology Program at Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University (FAMU), within the School of Architecture and Engineering Technology. Her research expertise spans transportation engineering, focusing on traffic operations and safety, vehicle automation, intelligent transportation systems, and commercial and heavy construction management. Dr. Kobelo has successfully secured research funding from state, federal, and private entities, contributing significantly to advancements in these areas. She has authored and co-authored numerous articles for technical journals and conferences, particularly in traffic safety, operations, and engineering education.
Dr. Kobelo is committed to promoting STEM opportunities for minority students. She has hosted the National Summer Transportation Institute, a program funded by the Federal Highway Administration that introduces high school students to transportation-related STEM fields. Additionally, she has played an active role in FAMU's annual STEM Day, organizing hands-on demonstrations and experiments. As FAMU’s representative to the Transportation Research Board, Dr. Kobelo has also helped graduate and undergraduate students secure Dwight David Eisenhower Fellowships through the U.S. Department of Transportation. Dr. Kobelo serves as a member of the Florida Department of Transportation’s Occupant Protection Coalition, which aims to address key occupant protection issues and develop initiatives to reduce crashes involving unrestrained occupants.
She earned her Ph.D. and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from Florida State University, and her Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Peter Rumsey Stanford Building Decarbonization Learning Accelerator [biography]

Peter Rumsey is globally known for his 40-year leadership in the low energy and decarbonized buildings field. He has founded two success engineering design firms and worked globally. He has been a lecturer at Stanford University for over 10 years. He has given over 100 lectures about advanced and decarbonized buildings around the world, making him one of the foremost speakers on the topic.

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

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