Research Foci:
The Department of Mechanical Engineering is beginning to conduct research in the areas of engineering education. Specifically, Dr. Anne Spence is focusing her research on awareness of and interest in engineering career opportunities for students in K-16 with the hope of increasing their participation in all areas of engineering, as well as, on methods of improving teaching content knowledge in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) areas.
In addition to Dr. Spence's research interest, the department research questions include:
- How do middle school and high school students become interested in the field of engineering and chose engineering as a career field?
- How can STEM faculty involvement in K-12 schools actively engage students and increase their interest in engineering as a college major?
- How does STEM faculty involvement in the K-12 community prompt faculty to change their practice in the college classroom?
- What mathematics, science, and technology courses best prepare students for college entrance into an engineering department?
- What professional development is needed for K-12 teachers in actively engaging students in engineering?
- How can school systems change their curriculum to best serve students in STEM areas?
Contact Information:
Dr. Anne Spence
Assistant Professor
The Department of Mechanical Engineering
College of Engineering and Information Technology
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
1000 Hilltop Circle
Baltimore, MD 21250
Email: aspence@umbc.edu
Voice: 410-455-3308