The UConn CEE Environmental Engineering Program and the Center for Environmental Sciences and Engineering

Invite you to join us for the

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING SPRING 2020 COLLOQUIUM SERIES
Friday, February 12, 2021 • 12:00 PM
“Revolutionizing Engineering Diversity In Civil and Environmental Engineering at Rowan University”

By

Kauser Jahan, Department Head
Tiago Forin, Lecturer
Stephanie Farrell, Interim Dean

Abstract:

The engineering profession today is practiced in a world where society and technology are changing faster than ever - where population growth, limited natural resources and global warming create enormous challenges, and technological breakthroughs present an abundance of opportunities.  To solve these 21st century technological challenges, society will rely upon today's undergraduate engineering and computer science programs and their ability to prepare communities of students with professional skills. In 2015, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) launched a new program called REvolutionizing engineering and computer science Departments (RED).  Over five years, NSF granted 26 RED awards totaling over $30 million to departments across the U.S. in a variety of engineering disciplines as well as computer science.  The goal of these projects is to effect cultural and organizational change to address a wide array of enduring challenges in engineering education; these projects are changing the landscape of engineering education in the U.S.

This talk will examine Revolutionizing Engineering Diversity, an exciting RED project at Rowan University which will redefine and expand our traditional conceptions of diversity. It aims to increase participation of all underrepresented and underserved groups in engineering such as LGBTQ+ students, students with disabilities, and low income / first-generation college students.  We will discuss several elements of our multipronged approach to DEI in Civil and Environmental Engineering, including research on the climate for diversity in engineering, establishing a more holistic admissions process, development of inclusive pedagogy, innovative approaches to mentoring, changes in faculty tenure and promotion criteria, establishing a reward system, and lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic.