American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE): Advancing Engineering and Technology Education

The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), a non-profit organization founded in 1893, is dedicated to advancing education in engineering and engineering technology. Through a multifaceted approach encompassing instruction, research, public service, and practice, ASEE strives to promote excellence and provide valuable resources to its members.

ASEE's Mission and Objectives

ASEE's core mission revolves around furthering education in engineering and engineering technology. To achieve this, the society focuses on:

Promoting excellence in instruction, research, public service, and practice.
Exercising worldwide leadership in engineering education.
Fostering the technological education of society.
Providing quality products and services to members.

These objectives are pursued through various programs, policies, and collaborative efforts.

A Hub for Diverse Stakeholders

ASEE serves as a crucial communication link between corporations, government agencies, and educational institutions. Its membership base comprises over 12,000 individuals, including:

Deans
Department heads
Faculty members
Students
Government and industry representatives

These members represent all disciplines of engineering and engineering technology, creating a diverse and comprehensive network. ASEE's organizational membership includes 400 engineering and engineering technology colleges and affiliates, more than 50 corporations, and numerous government agencies and professional associations.

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ASEE's Historical Roots and Evolution

Initially established as the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education (SPEE) in 1893, ASEE emerged during a period of significant growth in American higher education, fueled by the Morrill Land-Grant Act of 1862. This act provided states with funding to establish public institutions focused on practical skills, particularly in agriculture and the mechanic arts. As higher education became more accessible, engineering professors began advocating for a more rigorous approach to teaching fundamental scientific and mathematical principles, rather than solely relying on hands-on apprenticeship experiences. SPEE was formed to support this shift in engineering education.

The 1893 Chicago World's Fair, also known as the World's Columbian Exposition, played a pivotal role in SPEE's formation. The event showcased the promise of science and engineering, inspiring SPEE members to dedicate themselves to improving engineering education at the classroom level. Over the years, ASEE has published numerous influential reports on engineering education, including the Mann Report (1907), the Wickenden Study (1920s), and the Grinter Report (1955).

During World War II, increased government emphasis on research led SPEE to form the Engineering College Research Association (ECRA), which focused on research and advocated for federal funding. In 1961, ASEE established a staff headquarters in Washington, DC, adopting a more proactive stance. However, the social unrest of the 1960s and the Vietnam War created an anti-technology sentiment on many campuses. In response, ASEE presidents Merritt Williams and George Hawkins reorganized ASEE to better represent its members and refocus on teaching. This led to ASEE administering government contracts related to teaching, such as NASA's summer faculty fellowships and the Defense Department's Civil Defense Summer Institutes and Fellowships. ASEE also launched initiatives to recruit minorities and women into engineering, including the Black Engineering College Development program.

ASEE Publications and Resources

ASEE offers a variety of publications and resources related to engineering education:

Prism: A monthly magazine covering the role of engineering in the world.
Journal of Engineering Education: A peer-reviewed journal covering research in engineering education
Advances in Engineering Education: A peer-reviewed journal covering research in engineering education
Profiles of Engineering and Technology Colleges: A compilation of data on engineering colleges and universities.
eGFI: Engineering, Go For It!: A resource aimed at inspiring middle-schoolers to consider engineering.
Computers in Education: An academic journal covering all aspects of computation in education.

ASEE Awards and Recognition

ASEE annually recognizes outstanding accomplishments in engineering and engineering technology education through its awards program.

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ASEE Conferences and Events

ASEE and its members organize various conferences, meetings, and workshops, including the ASEE Annual Conference, which brings together educators, exhibitors, and presenters. Regional conferences and international forums also provide opportunities for collaboration and networking.

ASEE Fellowships and Research Opportunities

ASEE administers fellowship and research opportunities funded by federal agencies like the Department of Defense (DOD), NASA, and the National Science Foundation (NSF). These programs range from summer internships for high school students to research programs for faculty members.

ASEE's Impact on Engineering Education

ASEE's work has significantly impacted engineering education in several ways:

Promoting Rigorous Curriculum: ASEE has advocated for a curriculum that emphasizes fundamental scientific and mathematical principles.
Fostering Collaboration: ASEE provides a platform for collaboration among educators, industry professionals, and government agencies.
Supporting Diversity: ASEE has actively worked to increase the representation of women and minorities in engineering.
Disseminating Knowledge: ASEE publishes journals, magazines, and reports that share research and best practices in engineering education.
Recognizing Excellence: ASEE's awards program recognizes and celebrates outstanding achievements in engineering education.

ASEE Leadership

Past presidents of ASEE include:

Robert I. (1929-1930)
Wallace T. (2000-2001)
Gerald S. (2001-2002)
Eugene M. (2002-2003)
Duane L. (2003-2004)
Sherra E. (2004-2005)
J.P. (2009-2010)
Stephanie G. (2019-2020)

Key Initiatives and Divisions within ASEE

ASEE encompasses various divisions and initiatives, each focusing on specific aspects of engineering education:

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Engineering Leadership Development (LEAD) Division: Focuses on the development of leadership skills in engineering students.
Women in Engineering Division: Promotes the participation and advancement of women in engineering.
International Division: Facilitates international collaboration and exchange in engineering education.
Technological Literacy and Philosophy of Engineering (TeLPhE) Division: Explores the broader societal and ethical implications of engineering.
Civil Engineering Division: Addresses issues specific to civil engineering education.
Environmental Engineering Division: Focuses on sustainability and environmental considerations in engineering education.
Liberal Engineering / Engineering in Society (LEES) Division: Examines the intersection of engineering with social sciences and humanities.
First-Year Programs Division: Supports the development of effective first-year engineering programs.
PCEE Division: Focuses on continuing professional engineering education.
Education Research and Methods Division (ERM): Promotes research on engineering education methodologies.

Notable Individuals Associated with ASEE

Many prominent individuals in engineering education are associated with ASEE, including:

Angela Bielefeldt: Professor and Director, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering; Integrated Design Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Bernard Amadei: Professor, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Kenneth Anderson: Professor and Chair, Computer Science at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Frank Barnes: Distinguished Professor Emeritus, Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Azadeh Bolhari: Teaching Associate Professor, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Christopher Bowman: Professor, Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Christy Bozic: Professor and Faculty Director, Engineering Management at the University of Colorado Boulder.
David Clough: Professor Emeritus, Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Vanessa Dunn: Director of Analytics, Assessment and Accreditation, College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Mona ElHelbawy: Associate Teaching Professor, Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Tanya Ennis: Director, SpectrumX Center Broadening Participation at the University of Colorado Boulder.
John Falconer: Professor Emeritus, Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Jeffrey Forbes: Professor Emeritus, Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Dan Godrick: Teaching Assistant Professor, Integrated Design Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Michael Gooseff: Professor, Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Keith Graham: Teaching Associate Professor, Electrical, Computer and Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Jean Hertzberg: Professor, Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Bobby Hodgkinson: Teaching Assistant Professor, Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Novella Keeling: Teaching Assistant Professor, Biomedical Engineering Program at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Daniel Knight: Research Associate, Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Rebecca Komarek: Associate Director, Idea Forge at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Daria Kotys-Schwartz: Teaching Professor, Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering; Director, Idea Forge at the University of Colorado Boulder.
William Krantz: Professor Emeritus, Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Jessica Leeker: Scholar in Residence, Engineering Management Program at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Katherine McConnell: Scholar in Residence - Industry Outreach, Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Keith Molenaar: Dean, College of Engineering & Applied Science: Professor, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Roseanna Neupauer: Professor, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Gretchen O'Connell: Senior Assistant Dean, Graduate School at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Derek Reamon: Teaching Professor, Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Massimo Ruzzene: Professor, Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering; Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation and Dean of the Institutes, CU Boulder.
Robyn Sandekian: Director of Faculty Advancement, College of Engineering & Applied Science at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Trudy Schwartz: Associate Teaching Professor, Ann and H.J. Smead Aerospace Engineering Sciences at the University of Colorado Boulder.
JoAnn Silverstein: Professor Emerita, Civil, Environmental & Architectural Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Michael Soltys: Teaching Professor, Integrated Design Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Nick Stites: Director, Integrated Teaching and Learning Program; Instructor, Integrated Design Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Robert Streeter: PhD Candidate, Electrical, Computer & Energy Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Jennifer Taylor: Assistant Director, Pre-College Engineering Education, Integrated Teaching & Learning Program at the University of Colorado Boulder.
Joany Tisdale: Teaching Assistant Professor, Integrated Design Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.
- Janet Tsai: Teaching Associate Professor, Associate Chair, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Paul M. Rady Mechanical Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder.

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