Industry-coached STEM experiential learning for social and environmental sustainability

Creating an inclusive environment where different innovators can feel welcome and exploit their talents is an ethical imperative no company can ignore. The scientific literature also provides clear evidence that diverse teams are more creative and high-performing, and that the engineering industry has a diversity problem. The general objective of this proposal is to research methodologies, outcomes and best practices for STEM experiential-learning environments that engage student teams in community-driven projects that address societal-impactful, sustainability problems. Engaging women and other underrepresented talent in solving real world problems with a societal impact is a powerful strategy to provide STEM education, empower the participants and stir interest for a long-life career choices in STEM. This project benefits from the sponsorship and mentorship of a number of industrial partners passionate about STEM education in experiential, real-world projects, and in providing guidance, workspace and other project support to students engaged in these developments and research projects around STEM education in community-engaged projects.

Faculty Supervisor:

Daniela Damian

Student:

Partner:

Checkfront;WSP Canada Inc;Redbrick Technologies;Unless Consulting Ventures;McElhanney;PBX Engineering;IBM Canada Ltd

Discipline:

Computer science

Sector:

Agriculture; Construction and infrastructure; Information and cultural industries; Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

University of Victoria

Program: