2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Assessing Air Quality at HBCU Engineering Laboratories to Enhance Student Safety and Learning

Presented at ELOS Technical Session 4: Empowering Student Learning Through Design, Integration, and Assessment

Frequent monitoring of air quality in engineering laboratories is crucial for enhancing student safety and learning outcomes. Poor indoor air quality (IAQ) can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems and decreased cognitive function, which directly impact students' ability to concentrate and perform academically. The lack of air quality monitoring in engineering laboratories often expose students to hazardous air pollutants, which can undermine safety, concentration, and overall learning experience. This paper presents a comprehensive assessment and awareness of air quality in engineering laboratories at an HBCU. This study, grounded in Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) theory, employs a quantitative approach to assess air quality and student awareness in engineering laboratories. Air quality monitoring will be conducted twice every 10 days, using a portable gas analyzer to measure PM10, PM2.5, PM1, and volatile organic compounds. Measurements will be taken twice per session: before laboratory use and during student operations, with each session following a 4-hour sampling period. Data samples will be compared to OSHA standards exposure limits. A survey will also gauge students’ awareness of environmental issues, while the analysis will guide recommendations for improving air quality and enhancing safety in the laboratories. The results from the study will generate actionable data on air quality, which will not only enhance laboratory safety but also provide students with insights in frequent environmental monitoring. This study will contribute to creating a healthier and more conducive learning environment for engineering students at HBCUs. Moreover, it provides valuable insights for other academic
institutions seeking to prioritize student health and wellbeing.

Authors

Grace Yemisi Balogun Morgan State University [biography]

Grace Yemisi Balogun is a Ph.D. student in Bio-Environmental Sciences at Morgan State University & an Environment, Social and Governance analyst. With a professional background in environmental, health & safety (EHS) consultancy and ISO 14001:2015 auditing, she blends research with impact. With her work in ESG strategy, nanoparticle application for heavy metal mitigation, air quality monitoring, and wastewater management, she continues to traverse science and policy for global sustainable future.
David Olusogo Owolabi Morgan State University [biography]

David Owolabi is a PhD student in civil engineering at Morgan State University, specializing in resilience and sustainable engineering for critical infrastructure. His academic journey focuses on advancing his knowledge in structural engineering and construction management, with the goal of becoming a leading expert in these fields. David's primary research area is on the development of innovative sustainable materials, such as self-healing concrete known as bioconcrete.
David's work explores the integration of green materials, lifecycle assessment, and resilient engineering practices in construction. In his other research areas, he also seeks to address key challenges in infrastructure sustainability while promoting long-term resilience in construction.
Michael Oluwafemi Ige Morgan State University [biography]

Michael Ige is a Graduate Research Assistant in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Morgan State University, Maryland, where he is pursuing his M.Sc. in Civil and Environmental Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management and Transportation Engineering. He earned his B.Tech. in Building Structure from the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Nigeria. Michael has extensive professional experience managing large-scale heavy construction and façade projects, including high-rise and industrial developments across West Africa, having held key roles in the field. His research interests include the integration of digital tools in construction education, resilient building design, and asset management in civil infrastructure. He is passionate about bridging academic knowledge with real-world application and is committed to developing innovative, cost-effective, and sustainable construction solutions.
Tolulope Abiri Morgan State University [biography]

Tolulope Abiri is a graduate student in Civil Engineering at Morgan State University, where he also serves as a Research Assistant. He holds a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). His current research focuses on the sustainability and resilience of transportation infrastructure in the face of sea level rise, with a particular emphasis on coastal vulnerability and adaptive planning for future climate scenarios.
Tolulope is passionate about engineering education and research, with a strong appreciation for field experiences that bridge theory and practical application.
Mr. Pelumi Olaitan Abiodun http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4969-9591 Morgan State University [biography]

Pelumi Abiodun is a current doctoral student and research assistant at the department of Civil Engineering, Morgan State University, Baltimore, Maryland. Pelumi got his BSc and MSc degree in Physics from Obafemi Awolowo University, where he also served as a research assistant at the Environmental Pollution Research unit, in Ile-Ife, Nigeria. As part of his contribution to science and engineering, Pelumi has taught as a teaching assistant both at Morgan State University and Obafemi Awolowo University. With passion to communicate research findings and gleaned from experts in the field as he advances his career, Olaitan has attended several in-persons and virtual conferences and workshop, and at some of them, made presentation on findings on air pollution, waste water reuse, and heavy metal contamination.
Dr. Oludare Adegbola Owolabi P.E. Morgan State University [biography]

Dr. Oludare Owolabi, a professional engineer in Maryland, joined the Morgan State University faculty
in 2010. He is the director of the sustainable infrastructure development, smart innovation and resilient
engineering lab and the director of undergraduate programs in the department of civil engineering at Morgan
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

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