Our mentoring philosophy: systems thinking.
In STEM education, systems thinking is important because it allows researchers to consider the interactions between various components within an integrated entity. The lack of it leads to an oversight of the broader context and impairs the ability to identify unintended consequences, anticipate system behavior, and develop effective solutions. Our interdisciplinary research serves as an excellent model for cultivating systems thinking skills. By integrating sensors, actuators hardware, software, and humans, students can gain an understanding of how they interact to create functional materials and electronics that enhance human well-being.
1. Curricular offerings bridging science, engineering, society, and ethics.
MATSCEN5631 – Biomaterials Laboratory: The objective of this course is to provide students with a perspective that went beyond individual components and emphasized the design, fabrication, integration, and testing of chemical sensors. This interdisciplinary class encourages students to consider the interplay between various elements and their impact on the overall system performance. We took the initiative to publish the design and details in the Journal of Chemical Education in 2023 (Journal of Chemical Education 100.9 (2023): 3595-3603). This publication shared the innovative approach, experimental procedures, and educational outcomes with a broader scientific and educational community.
2. Translating Engineering Research to K-8 (TEK8) at OSU
TEK8 is an established program that pairs undergraduate research with the engineering design process with the result captured in engineering design challenges for a middle school audience. The team plans to support one TEK8 student each year. Each TEK8 project is two-semester project: in the summer, undergraduate students will obtain background knowledge and research experiences in materials science and electrical engineering related to bioelectronics in the team as a foundation. In the fall, the students will take a three-credit hour class (ENGR 4850) to learn how to develop and deliver age-appropriate, hands-on engineering design challenges based on their research experiences. The program aims to convey the scientific principles, engineering design concepts and societal impacts to the targeted audience.
3. K-12 outreach activities – “The Bodies” Program at Metro Early College High School
We have been working with the Bodies Learning Center at the Metro Early College High School) in developing interdisciplinary outreach research programs, which aim to help students investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases. Working with senior research mentors at OSU, the high school students will gain hands-on experience in bio-integrated electronics. They will showcase their project outcomes in a 10 min Capstone Symposium presentation held by Metro each May.
