Research & Trends

Cultural Competency Programs

“What difference is the education making not only in their lives, but in society and in the profession?” (Academic Quality Improvement, 2004 Higher Learning Commission Annual Meeting) Engineering as a discipline has become more cognizant of the preparation of culturally competent students as reality sinks in regarding the “composition of the engineering faculty and the profession’s workforce”. (Chubin, May & Babco, 2005). Students have to be prepared for a changing world where there is a call for new skills in leadership, systems thinking, performance in cross-functional teams, technology, and appreciation for diversity. (Jones, 2002)

Ph.D. Student Candidate : T. Akim Nilausen
Born and raised in Iowa City, IA I made the easy decision to stay close to home and attend the University of Iowa. After receiving my B.S. in chemical engineering I decided to stay around for further studies in the graduate program. I am doing research on the feasibility of using extremophilic organisms to convert agricultural wastes into usable chemicals and environmentally friendly products. I have benefited from the Ethnic Inclusion Effort by having the opportunity to interact with students from different backgrounds with the same issues as me.

 

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