Jump into STEM: A Case Study in Student Research

Abstract

Jump into STEM is a Department of Energy Challenge for undergraduate and graduate college students. The challenge focuses on innovate technologies for energy resources for the future. Similar to the Solar Decathlon, there are opportunities for construction students to participate in a national level competition while providing opportunities for a variety of research pathways. The Challenge encourages a diverse team, allowing students to find research funding through existing programs at the university through non-traditional sources like the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program. Applicable coursework and pedagogy are discussed. Students applied a variety of construction skills during the project. Examples of research frameworks and an overview of how the project was completed are provided. The case study is a success story in interdisciplinary research across multiple education levels where the construction program does not have a graduate student program.