“My research focuses on the core IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles, and it was great to see that ASEE, as an organization, really embraces and supports all these aspects. They create an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and heard. The emphasis on equity and accessibility was truly inspiring.” -Mr. Animesh Paul, PhD student under direction of Dr. Racheida Lewis

This June 2023, Animesh Paul received the ASEE 2023 National Conference Paper Award in the Division for Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies for his publication on “Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Remote Laboratories.” Animesh just completed his first year as a Ph.D. student under the direction of Dr. Racheida Lewis in the DREAM Lab at the University of Georgia, which focuses on Diversity, Retention, Equity, Access, and Matriculation patterns within engineering.

Dr. Racheida Lewis explained, “The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) is the largest organization/conference for those in the Engineering Education field. Animesh and I submitted 3 papers each (2 joint) and it’s a requirement/customary that at least one paper author is present to present at the conference.”

This was Animesh Paul’s first time attending the ASEE National Conference. “The ASEE, American Society for Engineering Education, is a well-respected organization that’s all about boosting engineering and engineering technology education. They’re all about raising the bar in teaching, research, service, and practice within the field of engineering education. It was an amazing opportunity for me to connect with awesome educators, researchers, industry pros, and fellow students through ASEE. I used this opportunity to share ideas, the best ways to do things, and work together on cool and creative approaches to take my research to the next level,” said Mr. Paul.

“My research focuses on the core IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility) principles, and it was great to see that ASEE, as an organization, really embraces and supports all these aspects. They create an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone feels valued and heard. The emphasis on equity and accessibility was truly inspiring.”

When asked about his research focus, Animesh explained, “One area I am particularly passionate about is supporting the transition of LGBTQIA+ engineering students into the workforce. This focus reflects my commitment to promoting a more inclusive and equitable environment for all aspiring engineers.” Animesh said that his current research ideas have been inspired from the Cambridge Handbook of Engineering Education, one of his 8010 course reads for Introduction to Engineering Education taught by Dr. Lewis.

Animesh said he would absolutely recommend the ASEE Conference to other students, “It provided me with a tremendous amount of learning and allowed me to reflect on my own journey with a great sense of positivity. Witnessing numerous individuals who defended their theses not too long ago and are now thriving in academia, sharing the same identity as mine that instilled a sense of hope within me. It made me believe that I too can achieve my goals and succeed in a similar way.”

When asked what his future plans are after graduating from UGA, Animesh said he would like to pursue a career in academia, but he understands the importance of keeping options open.

In addition to the paper award, Animesh Paul and co-authors had three other papers accepted for publication by the ASEE, including:

1. Paul, A., Moyaki, D., Morelock, J. R., & Lewis, R. S. (2023). Faculty Perception of the GRE as a Graduate Admission Requirement Faculty Perception of the GRE as a Graduate. American Society for Engineering Education.
2. Paul, A., Moran, M. J. I., May, D., & Hussein, R. (2023). Exploring Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Remote Laboratories. American Society for Engineering Education.
3. Moran, M. J. I., Paul, A., May, D., & Hussein, R. (2023). RHLab: Digital Inequalities and Equitable Access in Remote Laboratories. American Society for Engineering Education.
4. Lewis, R. S., Fletcher, T. L., & Paul, A. (2023). Facing a Double Pandemic: Viewpoints of African American Engineering Students during COVID-19 and Racial Unrest in the United States. American Society for Engineering Education.

Congratulations Animesh! Keep up the amazing work!