SCDxAE3xEdGSC Poster Session: Amplifying Graduate Student Research
SCDxAE3xEdGSC Poster Session:
Amplifying Graduate Student Research
In a captivating collaboration, the Siebel Center for Design (SCD), the Academy for Excellence in Engineering Education (AE3), and the College of Education joined forces to foster innovation and interdisciplinary dialogue. The culmination of their partnership was evident at the SCDxAE3xEdGSC Poster Session, held as an exclusive pre-conference event during the 15th Annual College of Education Graduate Student Conference themed "Designing Futures: Education as Innovation and Interdisciplinarity".
The essence of the Graduate Student Conference lies in building robust networks within the educational realm, addressing issues of access, equity, and opportunity in society. The collaboration between SCD, AE3, and the College of Education mirrored this ethos by providing a platform for graduate students to exhibit their research, grounded in Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles, and to explore real-world challenges.
The evening of February 29, 2024, witnessed a gathering of 24 passionate poster presenters and eager members of the campus community at the Siebel Center for Design's lower level. Dr. Saad Shehab, Associate Director of Assessment and Research at SCD, set the tone with a warm welcome address, emphasizing the importance of collaborative research endeavors.
The Research Showcase that followed was a testament to the depth and diversity of projects undertaken by SCD and AE3. This showcase offered an inspirational testimony to the power of interdisciplinary research.
The subsequent poster presentation segment was a whirlwind of energy and intellect. As each presenter took the stage for their one-minute elevator pitch, the room brimmed with enthusiasm and anticipation. From exploring innovative approaches to language learning to delving into student experiences in diverse educational settings, the array of research topics showcased a remarkable breadth of inquiry.
Back at their poster stations, presenters showcased their projects with fervor, engaging both judges and audience members alike. Conversations flourished as attendees delved into the intricacies of each research endeavor, exploring innovative solutions to complex problems.
After a lively hour of discussion and deliberation, three standout projects emerged victorious in their quest for the coveted cash awards:
Shafagh Hadinezhad and Sourabh Garg unveiled their project, "Reinventing Farsi Learning through a Multimodal Pedagogy," aimed at making Farsi learning engaging and accessible for young learners.
Jeongsan Hwang delved into the intricacies of international students' sense of belonging in their project, shedding light on the factors shaping their experiences at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.
Arikpo Dada presented "A Different Way to Participate - Early Development of Community-based STEM Activity Structures," emphasizing the importance of fostering STEM identities and access in marginalized communities.
These projects not only exemplified the dedication and ingenuity of graduate students but also underscored the power of collaboration in addressing societal challenges, fostering a spirit of cooperation and creativity essential for driving meaningful change in education and beyond.
The SCDxAE3xEdGSC Poster Session stands as a testament to the transformative potential of partnership and interdisciplinary dialogue. As the evening drew to a close, it left a lasting impression on all those in attendance, inspiring a new wave of research and innovation in the field of education.