A female oriented capstone experience: Generations of engineers passing the torch

Abstract

This paper describes how several students in the undergraduate Civil Engineering program at Lawrence Technological University, interested in focusing on diversity and a creating a meaningful experience in their senior year, formed the first all-female capstone team. The project the team selected was the conceptual design of a performance and visual art center for an existing nonprofit "village" that houses physically and emotionally abused girls. Each team member was responsible for the design of a component of the project based on her civil engineering subdiscipline. An all-female group of industry practitioners agreed to serve as mentors to the capstone team throughout the project cycle. With significant input from the practitioner-mentors, the students designed the project and not only presented to faculty and advisory board members, they also presented to the local chapter of a female-based construction industry association. Most importantly, the students evolved from mentees to mentors. They shared their knowledge of civil engineering, their work on the capstone project, and their college experiences through presentations and STEM activities with groups of middle school-aged, at-risk girls at the village. Thus, the girls were provided with two rare experiences: they learned about civil engineering concepts and how they apply to their everyday lives, and the girls were also able to interact with confident and caring female mentors who demonstrated that opportunities are unlimited for women in college and in industry.