A novel REU program to develop the skills of the Engineer of 2020

Abstract

Since 2009, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) has hosted a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site entitled Back to the Future. The focus of the REU site is metallurgical engineering research with an emphasis in art and history. This latter aspect is embedded within the site as there is significant evidence that a richer learning environment can be created in engineering by establishing a context within the liberal arts, as described in the recent National Academy of Engineering's Educating the Engineer of 2020 report. In addition to being involved in research projects to develop specific technical skills in engineering, students in this program are engaged in unique supplemental activities that support learning the societal context and potential impact of their research. Specific program activities for a "holistic" approach to an engineering REU experience are described in the paper.A combination of professional development activities, societal context and diversity activities, and library activities are performed to investigate the broader impacts of student research. These activities lead to substantial opportunities for student self-reflection. Finally, assessment activities and results are also described in the paper with a focus on the development of students with different learning-styles and implications for recruiting from underrepresented groups in the STEM disciplines.

NSF REU entrepreneurially minded applied energy program evaluation: traditional delivery versus alternative delivery (implemented during COVID-19)

“…The survey section focuses on three main areas: career goals, abilities to conduct research and entrepreneurial competencies. The survey questions focus on academic research, and career goals were based on two previous studies of REU programs (Gonzalez-Espada and LaDue, 2006; West et al ., 2011). The survey section focuses on entrepreneurial competencies and was based on a previously validated survey from another investigation in the area (Štemberger and Žakelj, 2021).…”

A Comparative Analysis on the Engineer of 2020 - A Holistic REU Program

“…These skills were then displayed in online electronic portfolios (e-portfolios) that could be added to LinkedIn accounts to display new talents and research developments. The overall activities are similar to other REUs invested in developing Engineers of 2020 [4]. Keystone activities are described in the following subsections.…”

Research Experiences for Undergraduates' Social Programs: A Key Ingredient for Success

“…All REU sites provide students with hands-on research opportunities with faculty mentorship [1]. Most sites offer a variety of research training programs and technical seminars (e.g., [2]) and training in technical writing (e.g., [5]). Sites are also required to offer training in research ethics [1].…”

“…Sites are also required to offer training in research ethics [1]. Many sites also provide training about how to select and apply to graduate school (e.g., [5]), for students who choose to pursue further education. However, even with all of these programs (some of which may be offered outside of normal work hours), the bulk of student time at REU sites is spent on research activities.…”