WPI at ASEE 2026

WPI researchers are at the forefront of exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping engineering education—both inside and outside the classroom.

• Mitra Varun Anand, D. Matthew Boyer, and Can Sabuncu will present a poster on Turning Chatbot Conversations into Learning Analytics for Troubleshooting in an Undergraduate Engineering Lab, highlighting how AI-driven insights can deepen understanding of student problem-solving.
• Building on this work, Jonah Cohen, Zachary Zoladz, Tim Ransom, Matthew Boyer, and Can Sabuncu examine the expansion of AI conversational agents to enhance troubleshooting in lab environments.
• Reza Ebadi, Kimberly LeChasseur, and Jessi Hill explore how institutions can support educators in a rapidly evolving landscape in Supporting Faculty in the AI Era: Lessons from a New AI Pedagogy Role.
• Crystal Brown and collaborators introduce a Convergence–Divergence Framework for teaching with and about AI—offering a structured approach to integrating emerging technologies into engineering curricula.
• Kimberly LeChasseur and Koksal Mus contribute two complementary studies focused on generative AI in asynchronous learning, examining both student engagement and learning outcomes and strategies to enhance engagement in online courses.

WPI faculty are also leading efforts to design learning environments that support skill development, adaptability, and instructional excellence.

• Can Sabuncu, Matthew Boyer, and Karen High present work on capacity building for troubleshooting-focused learning environments, helping educators cultivate critical engineering competencies.
• Jessi Hill and collaborators, including undergraduate partners, showcase innovative approaches to instructional improvement in Beyond Course Evaluations: Hands-on Exploration of Student Consultation for Instructional Growth—demonstrating the power of student–faculty collaboration.

Creating inclusive pathways in engineering remains a core focus of WPI’s educational mission.

• Crystal Brown and colleagues share insights from WPI’s PASS-CS Program in Creating Pathways of Belonging and Achievement, highlighting strategies to foster inclusion and success in computer science education.

WPI’s commitment to experiential learning is reflected in sessions that bring theory into practice through laboratory innovation.

• Samuel David Gervasi and Pradeep Radhakrishnan present two hands-on lab innovations:
  • Experimental Verification of Four-bar and Crank-slider Linkages in a senior-level design course
  • An introductory mechatronics lab focused on understanding system components and integration

WPI’s presence at ASEE also includes research and thought leadership from emerging scholars:

• Zach Taillefer will present both a paper and participate in a panel discussion, contributing to broader conversations shaping the future of engineering education.