A novel REU program to develop the skills of the Engineer of 2020

Since 2009, the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology (SDSM&T) has hosted a new Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Site entitled Back to the Future. The focus of the REU site is metallurgical engineering research with an emphasis in art and history. This latter aspect is embedded within the site as there is significant evidence that a richer learning environment can be created in engineering by establishing a context within the liberal arts, as described in the recent National Academy of Engineering´s Educating the Engineer of 2020 report. In addition to being involved in research projects to develop specific technical skills in engineering, students in this program are engaged in unique supplemental activities that support learning the societal context and potential impact of their research. Specific program activities for a “holistic” approach to an engineering REU experience are described in the paper. A combination of professional development activities, societal context and diversity activities, and library activities are performed to investigate the broader impacts of student research. These activities lead to substantial opportunities for student self-reflection. Finally, assessment activities and results are also described in the paper with a focus on the development of students with different learning-styles and implications for recruiting from underrepresented groups in the STEM disciplines.