2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

This study explores the existing literature addressing the challenges and barriers faced by Asian students in engineering disciplines at both undergraduate and graduate levels, with a focus on the intersection of their multicultural identities and academic experiences. As emerging technologies, such as artificial intelligence, robotics, clean energy systems, and autonomous systems, continue to transform the engineering landscape, it is critical to examine how diverse student populations navigate these evolving fields. This research investigates the experiences of Asian students in engineering and how their identities contribute to the development of intercultural competencies, enabling them to engage more effectively in socially just and ethically informed engineering practices.
A scoping review methodology is employed, systematically analyzing academic publications from multiple databases to identify key themes, gaps, and insights. This scoping literature review examines research on Asian American students in engineering within the U.S. context, identifying five key themes: (1) the impact of the model minority stereotype, (2) identity, belonging, and intersectionality, (3) academic and career trajectories, (4) structural barriers and institutional support, and (5) the overrepresentation paradox and unequal experiences. Findings highlight the pervasive influences of stereotypes, which contribute to unrealistic expectations, mental health challenges, and barriers to seeking support. Additionally, the aggregation of Asian subgroups in statistical analyses obscures disparities. The review underscores the need for future research to capture the complexity of Asian American experiences in engineering education.