2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Students arrive at the university from a wide range of personal and educational circumstances, each influenced by family, cultural, and community experiences. For some, higher education is a familiar path supported by relatives who provide guidance and established strategies for success. In contrast, first-generation students often lack such inherited knowledge, leading to difficulties in adapting to demanding coursework, navigating institutional systems, and developing academic confidence. For underrepresented students, these challenges are often magnified and can limit access to opportunities—such as undergraduate research—that are critical to academic growth and professional development.

This paper highlights the experience of [Anonymous Student], a first-generation college student of Mexican heritage at [Anonymous University], who engaged in advanced experimental and analytical engineering research alongside [Anonymous Professor] during his postdoctoral appointment. Through this work, the student connected abstract classroom concepts to tangible experimental results, which improved retention of material and deepened analytical reasoning skills. The research experience also strengthened problem-solving abilities by exposing him to real-world challenges beyond traditional coursework.

Beyond academics, the research experience fostered professional confidence, broadened career aspirations, and provided networking opportunities that positioned him for future success after graduation. This paper articulates the perspective of a first-generation student and demonstrates the broader value of undergraduate research as a tool for enhancing learning, empowerment, and equity in engineering education. The examined intentional undergraduate research experience extends the conversation about how such opportunities can reshape educational trajectories for first-generation and underrepresented students, offering insights that support more inclusive and effective practices across engineering education.