2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Design, Build, and Submerge: Project-Based Learning for Naval Engineering Education

Presented at Ocean and Marine Division (OMED) Technical Session 1

This work presents a sequence of three K–12 project-based learning activities: “Additive Manufacturing”, “Build a Boat”, and “Build a Submarine” that engage students in iterative design and testing to explore engineering principles through hands-on making. These activities introduce learners to digital design, rapid prototyping, and systems thinking using accessible tools such as CAD modeling, 3D printing, and small-scale fabrication. Students design and print structural components, construct and test watercraft to explore buoyancy and stability, and extend these investigations to submersible systems involving controlled ballast and movement.
Grounded in constructivist and experiential learning theories, the framework encourages students to define open-ended design problems, identify performance constraints, and iterate through testing cycles. Each activity emphasizes collaboration, reflection, and adaptation to develop engineering mindsets and problem-solving skills at the K–12 level.
A mixed-methods research design, currently under institutional review, will evaluate the impact of these activities on students’ conceptual understanding of engineering design, as well as shifts in self-efficacy and interest in STEM. The initiative aims to contribute a scalable model for integrating marine-themed, project-based learning into K–12 STEM curricula, supporting educators in implementing engaging, authentic engineering experiences that promote engineering creativity and systems thinking.

Authors

Dr. Zeynep G Akdemir-Beveridge http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4352-239X University of Connecticut [biography]

Dr. Zeynep G Akdemir-Beveridge completed her undergraduate and master's studies at Bogazici University, Turkey and she received her PhD degree in the specialization of Curriculum and Instruction at Purdue University. She had a chance to work with engineers at Purdue's School of Engineering Education during her doctorate studies. She is now a postdoctoral fellow at the University of Connecticut. Her first year of postdoctoral work has focused on developing an engineering creativity assessment tool (ECAT). Currently, she is developing curriculum and working on several research projects in the context of STEM and engineering education at UConn's Naval Science and Technology Program. Additionally, Dr. Akdemir-Beveridge enjoys finding ways to teach complex science and engineering topics in simple, conceptual ways at the K-12 level and to non-academic audiences.
Dr. Alexandra Hain University of Connecticut [biography]

Dr. Lexi Hain is an Assistant Professor in the School of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Connecticut (UConn) and has served as the Director of the UConn Navy STEM Education Program since 2021. She received her Ph.D. in Civil Engineering with a focus in Structural Engineering from UConn in May 2019. Dr. Hain’s work emphasizes workforce development through innovative educational programming, interdisciplinary collaboration, and hands-on research engagement. She has led initiatives designed to recruit, retain, and prepare students for careers in naval engineering, skilled trades, and related technical fields, fostering sustainable talent pipelines in support of Department of Defense priorities. In addition to her education leadership, her research focuses on novel construction materials, including ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC), and innovative inspection and repair techniques for civil infrastructure. She has served as principal investigator (PI) on projects supported by the Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research, the National Science Foundation, Connecticut Department of Transportation, and industry partners, integrating technical research with educational and workforce development objectives.
Dr. Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi The University of Rhode Island [biography]

Valerie Maier-Speredelozzi is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Industrial and Systems Engineering at the University of Rhode Island. Her research interests include lean manufacturing, sustainability, system design across multiple industries, and human factors. She has worked with healthcare, service, military and manufacturing organizations. At URI, she coordinates the Naval Science and Technology concentration, and the Interdisciplinary Sustainability Minor. Since 2021, she has served as co-Director of the UConn-URI Navy STEM Coalition, dedicated to workforce development and pipeline growth for defense industries.

Note

The full paper will be available to logged in and registered conference attendees once the conference starts on June 21, 2026, and to all visitors after the conference ends on June 24, 2026

« View session