Undergraduate Research in Engineering Technology as a High-Impact Learning Experience

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to explore various formats of undergraduate research as high-impact learning experiences within engineering technology programs, and specifically in a Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology degree offered at Texas A&M University. Though undergraduate research is identified by the Association of American Colleges and Universities as a high-impact educational practice, it is not commonly encouraged or pursued within engineering technology programs (as compared to engineering programs) predominantly due to the hands-on and experiential nature of the curriculum. This paper will outline and compare the different types of undergraduate research activities pursued by various students within this engineering technology program; these include single and multi-semester individual and group research projects, accelerated projects over summer sessions with and without university-level schedules/organization, projects having participants from multiple departments, research as part of honors theses, research involving exchange students and/or multi-location projects, and research project topics having a primarily hands-on nature vs. hypothesizing/fundamental research. The paper will conclude with reporting and reflecting on their experiences and feedback, the effectiveness of the activities as high-impact learning experiences, the lessons learned, and best practices moving forward.