2025 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

A Decade of Research on Women in Engineering: A Systematic Mapping Study

Presented at Systemic and Policy Issues affecting Women Engineers

This study presents a systematic mapping of research published in the ASEE's Women in
Engineering Division (WIED) proceedings over the past decade (2015–2024). The primary objective is to provide a comprehensive overview of research trends and identify the key focus areas within this community, specifically addressing topics related to women’s participation in engineering education. The study examines the distribution of publications over time (n = 337 in a 10-year period), the most influential works, the leading countries and institutions contributing to this research, the educational contexts explored, and the dominant research lines in the field. The methodology involves a systematic mapping approach, categorizing studies based on their focus, type (e.g., empirical research, literature reviews), and contribution to educational innovation, diversity, and gender equity. By systematically analyzing trends and contributions, this study aims to highlight gaps, opportunities, and advancements in the field of women in engineering education. The expected outcomes include identifying research patterns, prominent lines of inquiry, and areas requiring further exploration to support the inclusion and success of women in engineering. This mapping provides a clearer understanding of how the research community has approached these issues and offers guidance for future work aimed at reducing the gender gap and promoting equity in STEM education and professional environments.

Authors

Dr. Monica Quezada-Espinoza http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0383-0179 Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile [biography]

Monica Quezada-Espinoza is a professor and researcher at the School of Engineering at Universidad Andrés Bello in Santiago, Chile, where she collaborates with the Educational and Academic Innovation Unit (UNIDA) as an instructor in active learning methodologies and mentors engineering faculty in educational research. She is the Secretary of the Women in Engineering Division (WIED) of the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) and an associate researcher in the STEM Latin America Network, specifically in the STEM + Gender group. Her research interests are diverse and focus on university education in STEM fields, faculty and professional development, research-based methodologies, and the use of evaluation tools and technology for education. She is also passionate about investigating conceptual learning in abstract physics topics, developing strategies to improve the retention of first-year engineering students, and enhancing skills and competencies in higher education. Additionally, Monica is dedicated to exploring gender issues in STEM education, with a particular emphasis on studying and proposing improvements for the inclusion of women in highly male-dominated fields. For more information on her work, visit her ORCID profile.
Prof. Angeles Dominguez http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6066-355X Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico (ITESM); Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile (UNAB) [biography]

Angeles Dominguez is a researcher at the Institute for the Future of Education at Tecnologico de Monterrey, Mexico. She also collaborates with the School of Engineering at the Universidad Andres Bello in Santiago, Chile. Angeles holds a bachelor’s degree in Physics Engineering from Tecnologico de Monterrey and a doctoral degree in Mathematics Education from Syracuse University, NY. For her research, she is Researchers’ National System in Mexico (Level 2), Associate Editor of the Ibero-American Journal of Learning Technologies (IEEE-RITA), and a guest editor for the journals Education Sciences, Frontiers in Education, and Discover Sustainability. Her main research areas are: interdisciplinarity in science, gender studies in STEM, and faculty development. Due to her interest in women's participation in science, she has been a mentor in several programs, received the Mentor in Science distinction from the British Council Mexico, and coordinates mentoring program at the Tecnologico de Monterrey and at Universidad Andres Bello. Angeles leads projects on gender studies in STEM, mathematical and interdisciplinary modeling, and teacher training.
Prof. Genaro Zavala http://orcid.org/https://0000-0001-5880-1124 Tecnologico de Monterrey, Monterrey, Mexico; Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile [biography]

Dr. Genaro Zavala is Associate Director of the Research Laboratory at the Institute for the Future of Education, Tecnológico de Monterrey. He collaborates with the School of Engineering of the Universidad Andrés Bello in Santiago, Chile. A National Researcher Level 2 (SNI-CONACYT), he has over 20 years of experience in educational research. His work spans conceptual understanding in physics, active learning, AI in education, and STEM interdisciplinarity. He leads initiatives on faculty development, competency assessment, and technology-enhanced learning. With 100+ publications, he integrates educational psychology, digital transformation, and sustainability. Dr. Zavala also pioneers projects using neuroscience tools and learning analytics to improve student engagement and foster innovative, student-centered learning environments.

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