Search for: All records

The purpose of this research full paper is to examine the development of undergraduate students’ research identity during a summer undergraduate research experience. Identity development through socialization experiences is crucial for students to explore future career paths, especially in careers that require research-focused graduate degrees. However, literature is limited on how effective socialization occurs for research and future research-related careers. This paper follows 10 undergraduate engineering and physics students participating in an engineering-focused Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at an R1 institution to explore this gap in knowledge. As part of a longitudinal multi-method study, participants completed a pre- and post-experience survey, and participated in three interviews over the course of the summer. Survey data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Interviews were analyzed through the lens of academic self-concept theory for common themes of socialization and identity development in research through the course of the program. Findings indicate that undergraduate students’ research self-concepts are heavily influenced by research experiences and comparisons to their peers. The students’ increase in research self-concept as well as their experiences and interactions within the program allowed them to see research careers as attainable and increased their interest in pursuing graduate degrees after the program. Survey data showed a statistical increase in research self-efficacy and research identity at the end of the program, reinforcing the idea that students’ experiences in the REU helped them grow as researchers and engineers. This research increases our understanding of students’ research identity development and provides potential ways to implement research self-concept and identity development to similar undergraduate research experiences. 

Swirl-stabilized flames are used in many gas turbine combustor configurations due to their enhanced static stability. The effects of combustor geometry, fuel composition, and bulk velocity on flame stability in swirling flows are well studied, but the effects of centerbody temperature have not been rigorously considered. The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of centerbody temperature on flame shape and dynamics. A newly instrumented variable-angle swirl-stabilized combustor was used to perform a repeatability study, and blowoff equivalence ratio was measured at centerbody temperatures ranging from 150 to 350°C and bulk velocities ranging from 16 to 55 m/s. Blowoff equivalence ratio generally decreases with centerbody temperature. Two structures were observed during blowoff: a cone shape and flame chugging. Blowoff equivalence ratio was consistently lower when the cone structure occurred, though the mechanism that excites these behaviors is still under investigation.