Carolyn Seepersad

Project Title: Freshman Introduction to Research in Engineering (FIRE) 

 

Project Summary: The goal of this initiative is to establish a freshman research program for mechanical engineering students that can serve as a template for an engineering-wide freshman research program.  Many first-year students express an interest in participating in engineering research early in their college careers, but the perceived barriers can be high.  It can be difficult for first-year students to navigate the research enterprise, and many professors are hesitant to hire first-year students.  The potential advantages of freshman research, however, are much greater than the barriers.  Freshman research can engage students in meaningful research experiences in their very first semester on campus, help them gain entry into the research enterprise on campus, and provide valuable experiences and knowledge that help them secure undergraduate research positions and corporate internships in future semesters.  A track record of successful undergraduate research bolsters students’ applications for graduate school and the most competitive career tracks.  Freshman research aligns well with the goals of the Mechanical Engineering Department, the Cockrell School of Engineering, and the University of Texas at Austin to attract the best undergraduate students, retain them in their programs of study, and graduate them within 4 years. Thirty-eight students were enrolled and worked on 11 faculty-led projects. Current students are surveyed and the progress of former FIRE students is tracked to document the impact of the course on the students. A conference paper is being prepared to document and disseminate the results of this initiative.