2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Expanding Access to Engineering: A Compilation of Chemical Engineering Outreach Programs and Resources

Presented at Student Challenges and Belonging

For more than three and a half decades, Chemical Engineering programs across the country have actively engaged in outreach initiatives designed to spark curiosity and enthusiasm for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) among younger learners. These programs aim not only to introduce fundamental STEM concepts but also to help students see themselves as future scientists and engineers.

Chemical Engineering departments have developed a wide range of outreach activities for K–12 students, their families, and teachers. These efforts take many forms—from Saturday morning hands-on workshops, to week-long summer camps, to year-long after-school enrichment programs. Most are designed to be interactive and inquiry-based, allowing students to experiment, design, and problem-solve in ways that mirror authentic engineering practice. Others focus on supporting teachers through professional development sessions and classroom-ready materials that integrate engineering principles into the broader STEM curriculum.

Importantly, outreach is not only a way to inspire the next generation, but also an integral part of educating our current undergraduates. Several Chemical Engineering programs have incorporated outreach experiences directly into required courses, ensuring that students gain the ability to communicate technical ideas effectively to audiences of varied ages and backgrounds. This practice directly supports ABET Student Outcome 3, which emphasizes effective communication to a wide range of audiences, and helps students develop the interpersonal and presentation skills essential for professional success. Moreover, these experiences prepare students to participate in community and company-sponsored outreach programs after graduation, reinforcing a lifelong commitment to service and leadership.

To foster collaboration and exchange ideas, the Chemical Engineering Division (ChED) has initiated a series of monthly virtual meetings via Zoom. These gatherings provide an open forum for members to share information, discuss best practices, and learn from one another’s successes and challenges in developing and sustaining outreach programs.

This paper and presentation will highlight the diversity and creativity of these Chemical Engineering outreach efforts. We will describe the guiding philosophies that inform program design, highlight examples of successful initiatives, and share adaptable outreach materials. A key goal of this work is to develop a repository of resources—lesson plans, activity guides, evaluation tools, and program frameworks—that others can easily adopt or adapt. By doing so, we hope to lower the barriers to launching new outreach initiatives and strengthen the collective impact of Chemical Engineering education on the broader community.

Authors

Dr. Taryn Melkus Bayles University of Pittsburgh [biography]

Taryn Bayles is a Teaching Professor and Undergraduate Program Director in the Chemical Engineering department at the University of Pittsburgh. She has spent part of her career working in industry, as well as teaching in academia. She has led over 165 workshops with over 7,500 participants and her various outreach programs and curriculum development have impacted more than 22,000 K-12 students.
Dr. Joanne Kay Beckwith Maddock http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1505-6894 Carnegie Mellon University [biography]

Joanne K. Beckwith Maddock is an Assistant Teaching Professor of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.
Dr. Betul Bilgin University of Illinois at Chicago [biography]

Betul Bilgin is a Clinical Professor of Chemical Engineering at the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC). With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Michigan State University, Dr. Bilgin has extensive experience in both biotechnology research and engineering education. Since joining UIC, she has developed and taught various undergraduate courses, integrating innovative teaching methods and industry-relevant content to enhance student learning and engagement.

Dr. Bilgin's research focuses on engineering education, particularly in fostering professional identity among engineering students and integrating data science into the chemical engineering curriculum. She has received multiple awards for her contributions to teaching and mentoring, including the ASEE Ray Fahien Award and the UIC COE Harold Simon Award. Dr. Bilgin is also actively involved in professional service, currently serving as the Director of the Chemical Engineering Division for ASEE and participating in various initiatives to improve engineering education and student success.
Dr. Neha B. Raikar University of Maryland Baltimore County [biography]

Dr. Raikar is an Associate Teaching Professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in the Chemical, Biochemical, and Environmental Engineering department. She has taught both undergraduate and graduate-level courses. Dr. Raikar also has 3 years of industry experience from working at Unilever Research in the Netherlands.
Dr. Leah Granger North Carolina State University at Raleigh [biography]

Leah Granger is an assistant teaching professor in the Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department at North Carolina State University where she teaches courses in thermodynamics, reactor design, engineering analysis, and material and energy balances.
Dr. Amanda Portis Malefyt Trine University [biography]

Amanda Malefyt is currently a professor in the McKetta Department of Chemical and Bioprocess Engineering at Trine University. She received her B.S. degree from Trine (formerly Tri-State) University and Ph.D. from Michigan State.

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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