NEW KENSINGTON, Pa. — Penn State New Kensington faculty member Courtney Cole, assistant teaching professor of engineering, presented research at the 2026 American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Annual Conference, held June 21-24 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference brings together engineering educators, researchers and industry professionals to share research and innovations that advance engineering education.
Cole presented the paper, “Designing for Climate Resilience and Adaptation with Electric Power Systems in Engineering Design Teams,” a collaborative research project with Laura Cruz, research professor at the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence at University Park.
The research examined the behaviors and attitudes of first-generation and non-first-generation students participating in engineering design projects focused on climate resilience and adaptation. The study also explored students' perceptions of tools used to gather information on climate vulnerabilities and adaptation strategies.
Using a design challenge centered on electric power systems, the researchers incorporated findings from the Electric Power Research Institute's Climate READi initiative to help students develop engineering solutions related to power generation, transmission and distribution. The project also encouraged students to take a more creative approach to engineering design while using industry-informed tools and resources.
The study highlights how introductory engineering courses can incorporate real-world challenges that affect modern infrastructure while using industry-developed tools to strengthen students' engineering design skills and understanding of climate resilience and adaptation.