2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

WORK-IN-PROGRESS: EVALUATING THE STAGED DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW ROBOTICS ENGINEERING DEGREE

Presented at Multidisciplinary Engineering Division (MULTI) Technical Session 1: Experiences in Multidisciplinary Robotics Education I

Building on a newly-approved B.S. degree program in Robotics Engineering, previously described in our recently published “Work in Progress” (Development of a New Robotics Engineering Degree in Response to Industry Needs, ASEE 2025), this study presents observations from the ongoing structured implementation of the program curriculum and the evaluation of program effectiveness. Both qualitative and quantitative data on curriculum engagement, effectiveness of pedagogical methods, and student perceptions will be gathered to build an evidence-based foundation for continuous improvement of this newly launched engineering program. This ongoing research is aimed at refining the existing assessment instruments, aligning performance indicators with program outcomes, and expanding data collection across the continuing and new cohorts. New (freshman) students enrolled in the program are being assessed using the thematic survey model from our recent article (ASEE 2025). Continuing (sophomore) students are being reevaluated through the thematic survey model, reflective exercises, and focus groups. This layered approach allows the program to capture how students adapt to newer curricula, integrate prior knowledge, and apply skills in more challenging contexts. It also provides insight into the progression of learning across academic years, highlighting how student skills, understanding, and engagement develop from freshman to sophomore courses. The collective results from the assessments will be employed as a guide for iterative refinements to curriculum design, teaching methods, and student support strategies for subsequent cohorts. In parallel with classroom and assessment activities, the outreach initiatives being implemented to increase program visibility, create a stronger recruitment pipeline, and promote interest in robotics among prospective student groups will be discussed.

Authors

Dr. Nikhil Satyala University of Nebraska - Lincoln [biography]

Dr. Nikhil Satyala is an Assistant Professor of Practice in the School of Computing at the University of Nebraska, specializing in engineering education with a focus on robotics, automation, and software systems.
Rachael Wagner University of Nebraska - Lincoln [biography]

Rachael is an Assistant Professor of Practice developing curriculum for the Robotics Engineering Program at UNL.
Dr. Tareq Daher http://orcid.org/0000-0001-8901-0608 University of Nebraska - Lincoln [biography]

Tareq Daher earned a B.S. in Computer Science from the University of Mutah (Jordan) and an M.A. and Ph.D. in Educational Studies from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln (UNL). He serves as Director of the Engineering and Computing Education Core (ECEC) and Assistant Professor of Practice in Engineering Education at UNL, where he leads strategic initiatives to advance engineering and computing education across the College.

Dr. Daher’s work centers on transforming engineering and computing education through integrated approaches that span first-year student success, co-curricular program design, and faculty scholarship in engineering education, and graduate student teaching development. He collaborates closely with faculty to support the development and dissemination of research, leads college-wide assessment and data analytics efforts, and manages interdisciplinary teams that drive data-informed decision-making and continuous improvement. He is the co-founder of the REACT-E Lab (Researching Ethical AI in Computing, Technology, and Engineering), which investigates the opportunities and challenges of generative AI in engineering education to advance ethical, responsible, and pedagogically sound integration of AI.
Raycelle C C Garcia http://orcid.org/0000-0001-9400-6566 University of Nebraska - Lincoln [biography]

Raycelle C. C. Garcia is an Instructional Designer supporting the College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. She earned a B.A. in Mathematics from UC Berkeley and a M.S. in Learning Design and Technology from Stanford University.
Dr. Carl A. Nelson P.E. http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4948-6286 University of Nebraska - Lincoln [biography]

Carl Nelson is a Professor of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Evan Balleweg University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Dr. Mark R. Riley http://orcid.org/0000-0002-0249-0061 University of Nebraska - Lincoln [biography]

Mark R. Riley, Ph.D., is Professor and Associate Dean for Research in the College of Engineering at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He is Associate Director of the Nebraska Center for Energy Science Research and he has served as the Interim Director of the Bioprocess Development Facility from 2019-2021. He is PI for the University of Nebraska component of the Heartland Robotics Cluster supported by EDA.

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

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