2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Fusion of COPUS and DEI Tools for Equitable STEM Classroom Engagement

Presented at Faculty Development: Collaborations

This research paper investigates how classroom observation tools can be effectively combined to promote engagement in STEM education. Specifically, it explores the integration of the Classroom Observation Protocol for Undergraduate STEM (COPUS) and a culturally responsive Classroom Observation Instrument (COI) to evaluate and improve teaching practices. COPUS, developed by Smith et al. [21], captures instructional dynamics and student-faculty interactions, while the Classroom Observation Instrument COI, created by Dr. Jennifer G. Cromley and the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) Developing Equity-Minded Engineering Practitioners (DEEP) research team [6], focuses on observing and assessing culturally responsive -related instructional practices. At Morgan State University (MSU), a Historically Black University (HBCU), coders formally trained by the UIUC DEEP team used both tools to analyze classroom recordings of faculty who had undergone professional development in engaging pedagogy. Findings indicate measurable improvements and balanced engagement in the classroom. This fusion of COPUS and COI tools offers a replicable framework for enhancing inclusive STEM instruction and cultivating more equitable learning environments.
This work will be presented as a traditional lecture at the conference.

Authors

Blessing Isoyiza ADEIKA http://orcid.org/https://0009-0007-5600-8051 Morgan State University [biography]

Blessing Isoyiza ADEIKA is a Ph.D. student in Computer and Electrical Engineering at Morgan State University, with a strong focus on neuroscience and artificial intelligence. She has completed her Master’s degree in Advanced Computing, where she honed her skills in Research Methodologies, Data science, and Machine Learning.
Although Blessing’s research aims to bridge the gap between neuroscience and AI, she is also dedicated to integrating experiment-centric teaching methods to simplify complex concepts for students, fostering practical learning and innovation. She is driven by a commitment to impactful problem-solving, addressing challenges in the medical, education, and technology sectors.
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 assistant director of the Center for Advanced Transportation and Infrastructure Engineering Research (CATIER) at Morgan State Universit
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.
Kingsley Matthew Morgan State University [biography]

Mr. Kingsley Matthew is a graduate student in Computer Science with over eight years of experience in software engineering, full-stack web development, and database management. He has contributed to academic and industry projects involving research support, backend systems, and user-centered application design. Kingsley is currently engaged in research at Morgan State University, where he focuses on data analysis, software development, and educational technology. He is a member of several professional bodies including the Nigerian Computer Society and has received multiple honors for academic excellence and leadership in technology initiatives.
Dr. Ellen Wang Althaus http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5112-7015 University of Illinois at Urbana - Champaign [biography]

Ellen Wang Althaus, PhD is the Assistant Dean for Strategic DEI Initiatives at The Grainger College of Engineering. She is a collaborative and innovative leader forging new initiatives and building alliances to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. In her current role, she is responsible for executing a college-wide strategy that infuses DEI throughout the unit. She collaborates with campus, college, and departmental leaders to identify needs and priorities; develop and implement evidenced-based strategies; and monitor and evaluate progress toward DEI. Ellen has served on the campus leadership team and cross-institutional steering committee for Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) Advancing Women in STEM initiative. She is also Program Director/Co-PI for the NSF-funded Developing Equity-Minded Engineering Practitioners (DEEP) Center and Director/PI for the NSF Illinois ADVANCE grant initiative. She holds degrees in chemistry from Carleton College (BA), and Northwestern University (MS and PhD).
Dr. Ashleigh Wright University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign [biography]

Ashleigh R. Wright, PhD is the Associate Director of the Institute for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Access and Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at the Grainger College of Engineering. She is responsible for collaborating with college and departmental leaders and stakeholders to identify needs and priorities, developing and implementing evidence-based strategies, and measuring progress and effectiveness quantitatively against key metrics that promote diversity, equity, inclusion, and access to the undergraduate and graduate student communities. She also conducts research that analyzes trends, driving factors, barriers, and best practices to educate others and support organizational improvement.
Prior to joining the University, Ashleigh managed and directed many training and pathway programs that support students from underrepresented backgrounds in STEM, and facilitated workshops that enhance the academic, personal, and professional development of students at North Carolina State University and Louisiana State University. She is a member of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers (NOBCChE) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She holds degrees in chemistry from Wofford College (B.S.), North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (M.S.), and Louisiana State University (Ph.D.).
Dr. Lynford Goddard University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Mr. Olorunfunmi Samuel Shobowale Morgan State University [biography]

Olorunfunmi Shobowale is a graduate research assistant at Morgan State University, Maryland, pursuing a Masters degree in Advanced Computing. He has over nine years of experience in IT, edtech and STEM education. His research focuses on equitable engagement strategies and the integration of AI in learning environments.

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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