2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

Integrating Interdisciplinary Learning and Workforce Readiness: A Mixed-Methods Assessment of H2EDGE Hydrogen Education

Presented at Sustainability in Materials and Makerspaces- ENVEST Division (Tech Session 7/7)

The Hydrogen Education for Decarbonization Global Energy (H2EDGE) program represents a national effort to prepare the next generation of students for careers in the rapidly evolving hydrogen economy. This study presents a mixed-methods assessment of H2EDGE, integrating student reflections with survey data to evaluate how the curriculum supports interdisciplinary learning, safety awareness, and workforce readiness. Qualitative data were collected through structured reflection questions on topics such as hydrogen value-chain capstone projects, curriculum modules (e.g., Basic Hydrogen Science, Hydrogen in Power Generation), industry mentorship, and safety engagement with the Hydrogen Safety Panel. Quantitative measures of course participation, delivery modes, satisfaction ratings, and exposure to hydrogen-related industries complemented these insights.
Findings highlight that participation in H2EDGE broadened students’ technical understanding of hydrogen’s role in decarbonization, reinforced the importance of safety in research and experimentation, and emphasized diversity, equity, and inclusion in workforce development through initiatives such as the “Connect the Dots” workshop. Quantitative results showed strong engagement with multi-modal course delivery, high levels of satisfaction with instructional content, and increased awareness of hydrogen career pathways. Collectively, the study demonstrates that H2EDGE effectively integrates interdisciplinary learning with practical workforce competencies, while also addressing gaps in curriculum and professional readiness. These results underscore the value of coordinated partnerships among universities, industry, and communities in building a skilled and inclusive workforce for hydrogen.

Authors

Dr. H Bryan Bryan Riley South Carolina State University [biography]

Dr. H. Bryan Riley, who joined South Carolina State University in the spring of 2024, is leading the newly established Center for Energy and Environmental Solutions (CEES). The mission of the CEES is to foster innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration in energy production, environmental sustainability, and technological advancements. CEES offers innovative research opportunities for student engagement, workforce development, and industry engagements that address the evolving challenges of energy and environmental management.
Dr. Masoomeh Ghasemi http://orcid.org/https://0000-0002-2252-7028 South Carolina State University [biography]

Dr. Masoomeh Ghasemi is a Staff Research Engineer at South Carolina State University, with expertise in hydrogen energy systems, fuel cell modeling, and computational fluid dynamics. Her research focuses on multi-energy hub integration, techno-economic analysis of renewable energy systems, and optimization of energy efficiency. She has published extensively on energy conversion and sustainable energy technologies.
Seyed Majid Ghoreishian http://orcid.org/0000-0001-6203-3332 South Carolina State University [biography]

Dr. Seyed Majid Ghoreishian received his Ph.D. degree in Biological Sciences and Bioengineering from Inha University (South Korea) in 2021 and joined the Department of Chemical Engineering, University of South Carolina (USA) as a Postdoctoral Researcher. Currently, he is a tenure-track faculty member of the Center for Energy and Environmental Solutions (CEES) at South Carolina State University (USA). He has genuinely contributed to the catalysis and sustainable energy fields, having published over 62 high-ranking peer-reviewed articles and garnered more than 3000 citations (h-index: 31 and i10-index: 55). During his Ph.D. study, he was awarded Outstanding Research Award for Excellence of Journal Publication, President’s Award for Outstanding Research, and Top-ranked Graduate Student. His research interests include the development of functional nanomaterials for catalytic processes toward environmental remediation and hydrogen generation.
Dr. Nasrollah Hamidi http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4321-6488 South Carolina State University [biography]

Dr. Nasrollah Hamidi is a Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Biological and Physical Sciences at South Carolina State University (SCSU). His research focuses on polymer synthesis and characterization, waste plastic depolymerization and recycling, and atmospheric water generation. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and has extensive experience with analytical techniques including GPC, light scattering, DSC, and TGA. Dr. Hamidi has contributed to projects involving VOC detection in water using EPA methods and the development of high-temperature carbon composite materials. He has served as PI/PD on multiple Evans-Allen projects and participated in NSF HBCU-UP initiatives, as well as serving as co-PI in a Minority Leadership Program. His recent work emphasizes hydrogen generation and education for sustainable energy advancement.

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