Panels

This panel describes the shape of four international engineering communication programs, spread across North America and Europe. 

Each of these programs attempt to break the typical silos that separate communication instruction – writing, presenting, and visual communication – in engineering from disciplinary knowledge and the students’ technical curriculum. In describing the history, structure, and curricular practices of each of these programs, we hope to give attendees strategies for building integrated transdisciplinary skill development directly into technical courses, providing undergraduate engineering students with the most relevant instruction possible. 

This panel features engineering students sharing diverse experiences with and without participation in first-year programs such as Summer Bridge. 

The panel session will explore how structured interventions influence their success in the first year, while others navigated the transition independently. The panel will explore how these experiences influenced academic readiness, belonging, and persistence in engineering through their perspectives and guided discussion. Attendees will gain insights into the successful elements and limitations of these programs, as well as practical suggestions for improving first-year programs and fostering welcoming learning environments across engineering education. 

This panel session will bring together educators and practitioners to engage in critical reflection and discussion around the future of engineering. 

The facilitator proposes the idea that engineering focused on creating positive impact produces the best engineers. Specifically, this session will present humanitarian projects as an avenue to create engineers that exemplify qualities like care and compassion. Humanitarian projects are unique because they provide an opportunity to engage in purposeful and impactful work that is not always apparent in traditional engineering projects. Additionally, the purpose and impact of humanitarian projects encourages stronger commitment and dedication from engineers, potentially resulting in better satisfaction and joy in their career. Representatives with varying levels of experience with humanitarian engineering projects will be invited to share their thoughts and the audience will be encouraged to participate in the discussion as well.