2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This study, funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in 2023, aimed to investigate the motivations behind students' preference for engineering technology over other engineering and STEM disciplines. Our primary goals were to understand these motivations and provide insights that could better inform educational policies and practices to support underrepresented groups in STEM fields.

Throughout the project, we accomplished several key objectives. We successfully engaged diverse stakeholders, including graduate and undergraduate students, faculty members, and community partners. This collaboration enriched the research process by integrating various perspectives and expertise. We also navigated the complexities of interdisciplinary collaboration, addressing challenges related to differing work and communication styles, and established clear communication channels and shared goals early in the project.

Our core findings revealed that several factors, including the perceived practicality and applicability of the discipline, the availability of role models and mentors, and the supportive learning environments within engineering technology programs influence students' preference for engineering technology. Additionally, our research highlighted the importance of cultural competency and trust in building strong relationships with research participants, which was crucial for collecting meaningful data.

This paper provides a comprehensive view of the collaborative research process by documenting our experiences and the explicit contributions of each team member. We offer valuable insights into the dynamics of interdisciplinary collaboration, the importance of adaptability and responsiveness to participant needs, and strategies for fostering trust and rapport with underrepresented students. Our findings and reflections aim to equip future researchers with the knowledge and tools to navigate similar projects effectively, ultimately contributing to advancing diversity and inclusion in STEM education.