Nathan Mentzer


YONG 347
Biography
Nathan Mentzer is an associate professor in the Purdue Polytechnic Institute with a joint appointment in the College of Education at Purdue University. He prepares Engineering/Technology candidates for teacher licensure. Dr. Mentzer’s educational efforts in pedagogical content knowledge are guided by a research theme centered in student learning of engineering design thinking on the secondary level. Nathan was a former middle and high school technology educator in Montana prior to pursuing a doctoral degree. He was a National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) Fellow at Utah State University while pursuing a Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction. After graduation he completed a one year appointment with the Center as a postdoctoral researcher.
Dr. Mentzer is active in graduate education. He welcomes advising master's and PhD students who are interested in Technology and Engineering Education, Design Thinking Education, and Integrated/Integrative STEM Education. Dr. Mentzer has a variety of funding opportunities for graduate students. Potentially interested graduate students should contact him to discuss research and funding opportunities.
Education:
2008 Ph.D., Curriculum and Instruction, Utah State University, Logan, Utah
Concentration in Engineering and Technology Education
Dissertation: ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AS A PREDICTOR OF STUDENT GROWTH IN ACHIEVEMENT AND MENTAL MOTIVATION DURING AN ENGINEERING DESIGN CHALLENGE IN ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION. Advisor: Kurt Becker, Ph.D.
2001 M.S., Curriculum and Instruction, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
Thesis: Impact of PT3 Professional Development Activities on Teacher Education Faculty at Montana State University – Bozeman. Advisor: Scott Davis, Ph.D.
1999 B.S., Technology Education, Montana State University, Bozeman, Montana
Montana Secondary Standard Teaching Certificate, Technology Education Endorsement
2017 Distinguished Technology Educator, International Technology and Engineering Educator’s Association highest honor of achievement in performance, leadership and accomplishment for the field.
2016 Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation Outstanding Faculty in Discovery, Purdue University
2015 Leader to Watch, International Technology and Engineering Educator’s Association
2015 Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation Outstanding Faculty in Discovery, Purdue University
2015 Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation Early Career Teaching Award, Purdue University
2014 Outstanding Research Award, Association of Career and Technical Education
2014 Recognized for Excellence in Service Learning: Featured as March in the Center for Instructional Excellence Service Learning Calendar
2013 Nominee for the Purdue University Murphy Award
2013 College of Technology Dwyer Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, Purdue University (student selected)
2013 Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation Dwyer Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award, Purdue University (student selected)
2013 Department of Technology Leadership and Innovation Outstanding Faculty in Learning Award, Purdue University (faculty selected)
2013 Teaching for Tomorrow Faculty Fellow, Purdue University
2011 Outstanding Manuscript Award – Research Category, Journal of sTEm Teacher Education
2009 Twenty-first Century Leader Associate, Council on Technology Teacher Education
2007 Donald Maley Spirit of Excellence Outstanding Graduate Student, International Technology Education Association
2005 Teacher of the Year Award, Darby High School Student Council
2004 Educator of Distinction Award, Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation
2003 Teacher of the Year Award, Darby High School Student Council
2003 Outstanding High School Teacher, Darby Civic Group
2002 Polette / Armstrong Award, Technology Education Association of Montana
1999 Most Outstanding Senior in Secondary Education, Montana State University
1999 Leo L. Knuti Scholarship, Montana State University
Full Articles in Refereed Journals
Ryu, M., Mentzer, N. & Knobloch, N. (Under Review). An examination of preservice teachers' learning of STEM integration: Implications for integrated STEM teacher preparation. International Journal of Science Education.
Johns, G. & Mentzer, N. (Accepted). STEM Integration through Design and Inquiry. Technology Engineering Teacher.
Mentzer, N., Laux, D., Zissimopoulos, K., R. Richards, K. & Parupudi, T. (Accepted). Peer Evaluation as a Formative Educational Intervention. Journal of Technology Education.
Mentzer, N. & Fosmire, M. (2015). Quantifying the information habits of high school students engaged in engineering design. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research (J-PEER), 5(2), 22-34. http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/2157-9288.1108
Mentzer, N., Becker, K. & Sutton, M., (2015). High School Student Engineering Design Process. Journal of Engineering Education, 104(4) 417-432.
Mentzer, N., Farrington, S. & Tennenhouse, J. (2015). Strategies for Teaching Brainstorming in Design Education. Technology Engineering Teacher, 74(8), 8-13.
Daugherty, J., Mentzer, N. & Nunez, H. (2014). The reality of the classroom: Learning the value of instructional planning. Technology Engineering Teacher, 74(3), 1-4.
Mentzer, N. (2014). Holding students accountable in team design projects. Technology Engineering Teacher, 74(3), 14-20.
Mentzer, N. (2014). Team based engineering design thinking. Journal of Technology Education, 25(2), 52-72.
Mentzer, N. (2014). High school student information access and engineering design performance. Journal of Pre-College Engineering Education Research, 4(1), Article 4. http://dx.doi.org/10.7771/2157-9288.1074.
Mentzer, N., Huffman, T. & Thayer, H. (2014). High school student modeling in the engineering design process. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 24(3), 293-316.
Pieper, J. & Mentzer, N. (2013). High school students’ use of paper based and internet based information sources in the engineering design process. Journal of Technology Education, 24(2), 78-95.
Mentzer, N. (2011). High school engineering and technology education integration through design challenges. Journal of sTEm Teacher Education, 48 (2), 103-136.
Mentzer, N. & Becker, K. (2010). Academic preparedness as a predictor of achievement in an engineering design challenge. Journal of Technology Education, 22 (1), 22-42.
Mentzer, N. & Becker, K. (2009). Motivation while designing in engineering and technology education impacted by academic preparation. Journal of Industrial Teacher Education, 46(3), 90-112.
Conference or Symposium Proceedings
Knapp, S., Mentzer, N. & Laux, D. (Under Review). The Influence of Instructor Experience on Students’ perceptions of successful active learning environments. Paper presented at the International Conference on Engineering and Product Design Education. Norway.
Kardgar, A., Chesley, A., Laux, D. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Developing Strategies for Instruction and Assessment of Infographics for First-Year Technology Students. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Coots, M., Knapp, S., Chesley, A., Laux, D. & Mentzer, N. (Accepted). Assessing the Impact of an Interdisciplinary First-Year Experience Program. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Parupudi, S., Chesley, A., Laux, D. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Comparing Team Member Effectiveness in Integrated and Non-Integrated First-year Introductory Design Courses. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Knapp, S., Chesley, A., Laux, D. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Factors Influencing Students’ Perceptions of Successful Active Learning Environments. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Jackson, A. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Cluster Analysis for Freshman Design Decision Making. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Jackson, A. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Enhancing student motivation and efficacy through soft robot design. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Jackson, A. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Analyzing first-year technology students’ visual communication skills. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Jackson, A. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Out of the Frying Pan and Into the Fire: Taking Soft Robotics Design from the Laboratory to the Classroom. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Karabinus, A. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Building an Integrated Foundation: Learning Beyond Disciplines in a First-Year Program Model. Paper presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Fosmire, M., Johnson, N., and Mentzer, N. (2016). Using Design Journals to Uncover Information Literacy Habits of First-year Students. In Proceedings of the 2016 Frontiers of Education Conference. Erie, PA.
Chesley, A., Mentzer, N., Jackson, A., Laux, D. & Renner, M. (2016). Integrating Technology, English, and Communications Courses for First-Year Technology Students. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE 2016 Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans: LA.
Jackson, A., Mentzer, N., Laux, D. & Sears, D. (2016). Student Self-Perceptions of Design and Creative Thinking (Fundamental). ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE 2016 Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans: LA.
Jackson, A., Mentzer, N. & Laux, D. (2016). Impact of Collaborative Learning on Student Persistence in First Year Design Course. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE 2016 Annual Conference and Exposition, New Orleans: LA.
Jackson, A., & Mentzer, N., & Laux, D., & Sears, D., & Asunda, P. (2016, June), Student Self-Perceptions of Design and Creative Thinking (Fundamental) Paper presented at 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition, New Orleans, Louisiana. 10.18260/p.25927
Ryu, M., Mentzer, N., & Knobloch, N. (2016). An examination of pre-service teachers’ sense-making of STEM integration in an STEM education methods course. Paper presented at American Educational Research Association Annual Conference, Washington: D.C.
Ryu, M., Mentzer, N., & Knobloch, N. (2015, July). 미국의 한 대학의 사례를 중심으로 살펴본 융합교육 교사 양성 프로그램의 가능성과 해결과제, Possibilities and challenges of integrated STEM teacher education: Experiences of a U.S. university. Paper presented at the biannual meeting of the Korean Association for Science Education, Daejeon, Korea.
Becker, K. and Mentzer, N. (2015). Engineering Design Thinking: High School Students’ Performance and Knowledge. Paper and Poster Session. World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF) Annual Conference, “Engineering Education for a Resilient Society”, September 20th to 24th, Florence, Italy
Jackson, A., & Mentzer, N. (2015). Teacher Self-Efficacy: A Qualitative Study of the Effects of Practice on Graduate Student Instructor Beliefs. Conference Proceedings. Paper Presented at the Society for Information Technology and Teacher Education International Conference 2015, Las Vegas: NV
Jackson, A., Mentzer, N., & Zissimopoulos, A.N. (2015). Factors of Group Design Decision-Making. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE 2015 Annual Conference and Exposition, Seattle: WA.
Mentzer, N., Jackson, A., Richards, K.A., Zissimopoulos, A.N., & Laux, D. (2015). Student Perceptions on the Impact of Formative Peer Team Member Effectiveness Evaluation in an Introductory Design Course. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE 2015 Annual Conference and Exposition, Seattle: WA.
Connolly, P., Laux, D., Mentzer, N. & Jackson, A. (2014). Development and implementation of courses to meet the requirements of a core curriculum. Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE IL/IN Section Conference, Terre Haute: IN.
Connolly, P., Laux, D., Mentzer, N. & Jackson, A. (2014). Establishing a core curriculum at the college level. Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE IL/IN Section Conference, Terre Haute: IN.
Gregory, S., Becker, K. & Mentzer, N. (2014). African American high school students' human-centered approach in design. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at ASEE 2014 Annual Conference and Exposition, Indianapolis: IN.
Becker, K. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Modeling as an element of design thinking in U.S. secondary schools. International Conference on Engineering Education Research Proceedings. Paper presented at the International Network for Engineering Education and Research Annual Conference, Cape Town: South Africa.
Huffman, T., Mentzer, N. & Becker, K. (2013). High school students modeling Behaviors during engineering design. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at the ASEE 2013 Annual Conference and Exposition, Atlanta: GA.
Becker, K. & Mentzer, N. (2012). High school student engineering design thinking and performance. Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at the 2012 World Engineering Education Forum (WEEF), October 15th to 18th, Buenos Aires: Argentina.
Becker, K., Mentzer, N. & Park, K. (2012). High school student engineering design thinking and performance. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at the ASEE 2012 Annual Conference and Exposition, San Diego: CA.
Mentzer, N., Becker, K., & Park, K. (2011). High school students as novice designers. ASEE Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at the ASEE 2011 Annual Conference and Exposition, Vancouver: Canada.
Daugherty, J. L., Mentzer, N., & Kelley, T. (2011). Technology design and engineering design: Is there a difference? Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at the IAJC/ASEE International Joint Conference on Engineering and Related Technology, Hartford: MA.
Daugherty, J. L., Mentzer, N., & Lybrook, D. (2010). Perspectives on technology leadership. Conference Proceedings. Paper presented at the Technological Learning and Thinking: Culture, Design, Sustainability, Human Ingenuity International Conference Proceedings, Vancouver: Canada.
Park, K., Pieper, J., Mentzer, N., & Becker, K. (2010). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Conference Proceedings. In P12 Engineering and Design Education Research Summit Proceedings, Seaside: OR.
Reviewed Conference Presentations
Coots, M. & Mentzer, N. (Under Review). Leveraging Low-Resolution Prototypes to Test Solution Functionality. Presented at the 18th Annual Midwest Conference of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, South Bend: IN
Mentzer, N., & Chelsey, A. (Accepted). Integrated First Year Design Experience. Poster presented at the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association STEM Showcase, Dallas, TX.
Jackson, A., Mentzer, N., Kramer, R., & Zhang, J. (Accepted). Increasing STEM self-efficacy and motivation through soft robotics design. Poster presented at the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association STEM Showcase, Dallas, TX.
Mentzer, N., Grubbs, M. & Love, T. (Accepted). STEM Focal Points. Presented in the Administrators Strand at the 77th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Dallas: TX.
Schnell, M, Erdei, R., Mentzer, N. & Laux, D. (Accepted). Employing Undergraduate Teaching Assistants to Distribute Classroom Instructional Load. Presented at the 18th Annual Midwest Conference of the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning, South Bend: IN
Jackson, A., Mentzer, N., Kramer, R., & Zhang, J. (Accepted). Increasing STEM self-efficacy and motivation through soft robotics design. Presentation at the 2nd Annual Indiana STEM Education Conference, West Lafayette, IN.
Kardgar, A., Chesley, A., Mentzer, N. & Laux, D. (Under Review). Infographics Assessment for First-Year Technology Students. Poster presented at ASEE 2017 Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH.
Chelsey, A., Mentzer, N. & Laux, D. (2016). Design, Communication, and Writing: Interdisciplinary Integration for First Year Technology Students. Paper Presented in the SIGDOC '16: Proceedings of the 34th ACM International Conference on the Design of Communication, Silver Spring: MD.
Risse, K., Lipps, E., Erdei, R., & Mentzer, N. (2016). The Benefits of Employing Undergraduate Teaching Assistants to Support Instructors within an Active Learning Environment. Poster session at the Purdue University Teaching Academy Day. West Lafayette, IN.
Jackson, A., Mentzer, N., Kramer, R., & Zhang, J. (2016). Increasing STEM self-efficacy and motivation through soft robotics design. Presentation at the 13th Annual ASEE Workshop on K-12 Engineering Education, New Orleans, LA.
Jackson, A. & Mentzer, N. (2016). Graduate student forum: Increasing STEM self-efficacy and motivation through soft robotics design. Presentation at the Council on Technology and Engineering Teacher Education/International Technology and Engineering Educators Association 2016 Annual Conference, Washington, DC.
Mentzer, N. (2016). Integrative STEM in context: Soft Robotics Research in EbD’s Foundations of Technology. Presented in the Administrators Strand at the 76th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Washington: D.C.
Jackson, A. & Mentzer, N. (2016). Evaluating and Enhancing Group Design Decision Making. Presented in the 76th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Washington: D.C.
Mentzer, N. & Huffman, T. (2016). Soft Robotics Grant Project. Presented at the NSF ITEST PI conference, Washington: D.C.
Mentzer, N. &Huffman, T. (2015). Engineering Infusion: Integrative STEM (iSTEM) Through Inquiry, Design. Presented in at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Milwaukee: WI.
Mentzer, N. (2015). Integrative STEM Opportunities. Presented in the Administrators Strand at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Milwaukee: WI.
Mentzer, N., Laux, D., Locker, C. & Van Scoy, M. (2014). Creating a dynamic learning experience for 1000 1st year students. Presentation at the Purdue University Center for Instructional Excellence March Celebration of Teaching and Learning, Changing the Classroom Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Mentzer, N., Laux, D. & Connolly, P. (2014). Transforming the core course in the college of technology. Poster presentation in the Purdue University Center for Instructional Excellence March Celebration of Teaching and Learning, Changing the Classroom Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Beckwith, L., Nunan C. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Human centered design thinking in high school. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Dewar, J., McKeever, Z. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Team design thinking performance in high school. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Farrington, S. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Ideation in high school team design. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Huffman, T., Mentzer, N., Kaluf, K. & Kelley, T. (2013). How students learn design: Lessons from the classroom. Presentation at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Huffman, T., Mentzer, N. & Oaks, W. (2013). EPICS: Engineering projects in community service. Presentation at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Mentzer, N. & Oaks, W. (2013). Service learning through EPICS. Presentation at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Huffman, T., Mentzer, N. & Thayer, H. (2013). Student utilization of modeling during design. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Locker, C. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Rapid prototyping in context. Presentation at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Mentzer, N., Becker, K. & Locker, C. (2013). Expert and novice design thinking comparison. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Mentzer, N., Fosmire, M, Marsh, K. & Conklin, A. (2013). Information literacy in engineering design. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Zakaria, P. & Mentzer, N. (2013). High school student transition through design stages. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 75th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Columbus: OH.
Becker, K. & Mentzer, N. (2012). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Poster presented in the P12 Engineering and Design Education Research Summit, Washington D.C.
Becker, K. & Mentzer, N. (2012). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Poster presented in DRK12 Principal Investigators Annual Meeting, Washington D. C.
Mentzer, N., Becker, K., & Pieper, J. (2012). High school student design thinking and performance. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 74th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Long Beach: CA.
Pieper, J., Mentzer, N., & Becker, K. (2012). High school student information sources and design. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators at the 74th Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Long Beach: CA.
Becker, K. & Mentzer, N. & (2011). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Poster presented in DRK12 Principal Investigators Annual Meeting, Washington, D. C.
Mentzer, N., Laux, C., & Pieper, J. (2011). Thinking lean for sustainability in the classroom. Presentation at the 73nd Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis: MN.
Park, K., Pieper, J., Mentzer, N., & Becker, K. (2011). Teacher education implications of a national pilot study on design thinking. Poster presented in the Council of Technology Teacher Educators Poster Session at the 73nd Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis: MN.
Sayers, J. & Mentzer, N. (2011). Integrating 3D scanners. Presentation at the Engineering/Technology Educators of Indiana Annual Conference, Indianapolis: IN.
Becker, K. & Mentzer, N. & (2010). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Poster presented in DRK12 Principal Investigators Annual Meeting, Washington, D. C.
Denson, C., & Mentzer, N. (2010). Using modified verbal protocol to assess engineering design thinking of high school student teams. Presentation at the Design Principles and Practices Conference, Chicago: IL.
Lammi, M., Mentzer, N., & Denson, C. (2010). How students think and learn with STEM design. Presentation at the 72nd Annual International Technology Education Association Annual Conference, Charlotte: NC.
Mentzer, N., & Pieper, J. (2010). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Presentation at the ACET Engineering and technology Education Division and Association for sTEm Teacher Education (ACTE) Joint Research Symposium at the Association for Career and Technical Education annual Conference, Las Vegas: NV.
Mentzer, N. & Becker, K. (2009). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Poster presented in DRK12 Principal Investigators Annual Meeting, Washington, D. C.
Chapters in Books
Daugherty, J., Mentzer, N., Lybrook, D., & Little-Wiles, J. (2013). Philosophical Perspectives on Technology Leadership. In S. Wang and T. Hartsell (EDs.), Technology Integration and Foundations for Effective Technology Leadership (Chapter 3, pages 42-56). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.
Government, University, Industrial Reports and Standards
Householder, D. & Hailey, C. Eds. (2012). Incorporating engineering design challenges into STEM courses. Logan, Utah: National Center for Engineering and Technology Education.
Explanation of Dr. Mentzer’s role: Consultant and contributor for the NSF-funded National Center for Engineering and Technology Education’s Caucus (2012) that produced a report entitled “Incorporating Engineering Design Challenges into STEM Courses” (edited by D. Householder and C. E. Hailey). Responsibilities included engagement in intensive dialogues during on-campus sessions, preparation of statements on aspects of the development and selection of authentic engineering design challenges, and suggestions for revisions of successive drafts.
Mentzer, N. (2011). External summative evaluation of northwestern alaska’s bridge to employment through career and technical education. West Lafayette, IN: Purdue University, Department of Technology, Leadership and Innovation.
Reviewed Publications in Trade Journals
Mathis, P. & Mentzer, N. (2011). Classroom resources for civil engineering. Children’s Technology and Engineering 15 (4), 12-14.
Mathis, P. & Mentzer, N. (2011). Classroom resources for environmental engineering. Children’s Technology and Engineering 15 (3), 12-14.
Pieper, J. & Mentzer, N. (2010). Classroom resources for mechanical engineering. Children’s Technology and Engineering, 15(1), 14-15.
Invited Publications and Scholarly Presentations
Mentzer, N. (2016). Teaching Technological Systems. Professional Development for 23 teachers and national supervisors. Kuwait Ministry of Education September 16-22. Kuwait City, Kuwait.
Mentzer, N. & Huffman, T. (2014). Integrative STEM (iSTEM). International Technology and Engineering Educator Association Workshop for the State Department of Education, Boise: ID.
Mentzer, N. (2013). What are students [engineering design] thinking? Opening session keynote presentation at the Pennsylvania Technology and Engineering Education Association 2013 Annual Conference, Camphill: PA. (approximate attendance: 350 teachers, administrators, national leaders)
Mentzer, N. (2011). Design thinking and information gathering. Presentation at the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education Preconference Research symposium at the 73nd Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis: MN.
Mentzer, N. (2011). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Presentation at the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education Preconference Research symposium at the 73nd Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis: MN.
Mentzer, N., Austin, C., Denson, C., Dixon, R. & Lawanto, O. (2011). Panel session: Inter-institutional research collaboration. Presentation at the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education Preconference Research symposium at the 73nd Annual International Technology & Engineering Education Association Annual Conference, Minneapolis: MN.
Other Submitted Publications and Editorial Contributions
Mentzer, N. (2015). Engineering Design Thinking: High School Students’ Performance & Knowledge. Purdue University School of Engineering Education Research Seminar Series, West Lafayette, IN.
Ryu, M., Mentzer, N. & Knobloch, K. (2015). Overview of the new course, Integrated STEM Methods. Invited Presentation at the K-12 Integrated STEM Teacher Education Seminar, West Lafayette, IN.
Nunan C. & Mentzer, N. (2013). High school student internalization of human centered design. Invited poster presented at the Technology and Engineering Educators Association Annual Conference, Camphill: PA.
Dewar, J., McKeever, Z. & Mentzer, N. (2013). High school team design thinking processes. Invited poster presented at the Technology and Engineering Educators Association Annual Conference, Camphill: PA.
Farrington, S. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Design ideation among high school teams. Invited poster presented at the Technology and Engineering Educators Association Annual Conference, Camphill: PA.
Huffman, T., Mentzer, N. & Thayer, H. (2013). Model utilization during high school design thinking. Invited poster presented at the Technology and Engineering Educators Association Annual Conference, Camphill: PA.
Locker, C., Mentzer, N., Becker, K. (2013). Engineers [expert] vs. high school [novice] design thinking comparison. Invited poster presented at the Technology and Engineering Educators Association Annual Conference, Camphill: PA.
Mentzer, N., Fosmire, M, (2013). High school information literacy in the engineering design process. Invited poster presented at the Technology and Engineering Educators Association Annual Conference, Camphill: PA.
Zakaria, P. & Mentzer, N. (2013). High school student transition through design stages. Invited poster presented at the Technology and Engineering Educators Association Annual Conference, Camphill: PA.
Beckwith, L., Nunan C. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Human centered design thinking in high school: Implications for teacher education. Poster presented at the Purdue University 2013 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Dewar, J., McKeever, Z. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Team design thinking in high school engineering and technology classrooms. Poster presented at the Purdue University 2013 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Farrington, S. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Ideation in high school engineering design thinking. Poster presented in the Purdue University 2013 Annual Graduate Student Educational Research Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Huffman, T., Mentzer, N. & Thayer, H. (2013). Student utilization of modeling during design. Poster presented in the Purdue University 2013 Annual Graduate Student Educational Research Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Locker, C., Farrington, S., Mentzer, N., Marsh, K. & Conklin, A., Fosmire, M, (2013). Information literacy in student design thinking. Poster presented at the Purdue University 2013 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Mentzer, N., Becker, K. & Locker, C. (2013). Expert and novice design thinking comparison: Implications for teacher education. Poster presented at the Purdue University 2013 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Thayer, H., Huffman, T. & Mentzer, N. (2013). Mathematical modeling in high school engineering. Poster presented at the Purdue University 2013 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Zakaria, P. & Mentzer, N. (2013). High school student transition through design stages: Implications for teacher education. Poster presented at the Purdue University 2013 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Beckwith, L., Nunan C. & Mentzer, N. (2012). High school student use of human centered design. Poster presented in the Technology Leadership and Innovation Departmental Advisory Board Poster Session at Purdue University, West Lafayette: IN.
Beckwith, L., Nunan, C. & Mentzer, N. (2012). Human/User-centered design. Poster presented in Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium.
Dewar, J., McKeever, Z. & Mentzer, N. (2012). Design team performance in high school sTEm education. Poster presented in the Technology Leadership and Innovation Departmental Advisory Board Poster Session at Purdue University, West Lafayette: IN.
Farrington, S. & Mentzer, N. (2012). High school student information gathering behaviors while designing. Poster presented in the Technology Leadership and Innovation Departmental Advisory Board Poster Session at Purdue University, West Lafayette: IN.
Huffman, T. Thayer, H., & Mentzer, N. (2012). A study examining how high school student modeling during engineering design challenges. Poster presented in Purdue University 2012 Annual Graduate Student Educational Research Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Locker, C. & Mentzer, N. (2012). Exploring engineering design knowing and thinking as an innovation in STEM learning. Poster presented in the Technology Leadership and Innovation Departmental Advisory Board Poster Session at Purdue University, West Lafayette: IN.
Thayer, H., Huffman, T. & Mentzer, N. (2012). High school student generation and unitization of modeling during design. Poster presented in the Technology Leadership and Innovation Departmental Advisory Board Poster Session at Purdue University, West Lafayette: IN.
Thayer, H., Huffman, T. & Mentzer, N. (2012). Modeling by design. Purdue University 2012 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN. [won Dean’s Choice Award]
Butler, I., Laux, C. & Mentzer, N. (2011). How students learn through lean simulation. Poster presented in Purdue University 2011 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Farrington, S., Moseley, K., Beckwith, L. & Mentzer, N. (2011). High school student design performance. Poster presented in Purdue University 2011 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Mentzer, N. (2011). Biodiesel in the classroom. Presentation at the Purdue University Technology Education Collegiate Association: Professional Development Series, West Lafayette: IN. [Note this presentation is repeated from 2009]
Mentzer, N. (2011). High school design thinking: Making meaning of the mess. Presentation at the Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning Advisory Board Spring 2011. West Lafayette: IN.
Mentzer, N. (2011). Good to great initiative: High school design thinking. Presentation at the Technology Leadership and Innovation Departmental Advisory Board Fall 2011. West Lafayette: IN.
Mentzer, N. (2011). Grant writing for teachers. Presentation at the Purdue University Technology Education Collegiate Association: professional development series, West Lafayette: IN.
Mentzer, N. (2011). Implications of those damn kappa values. Presentation at the Institute for P-12 Engineering Research and Learning Bi Weekly Seminar, West Lafayette: IN.
Moseley, K., Farrington, S., Beckwith, L. & Mentzer, N. (2011). High school student information gathering behaviors while designing. Poster presented in Purdue University 2011 Undergraduate Research and Poster Symposium, West Lafayette: IN.
Adamo-Villani, N., Cooper¸ S., Kelley, T., Laux, C., & Mentzer, N. (2009). STEM education research. Purdue University, College of Technology Presidential Provost Visit, West Lafayette: IN.
Mentzer, N. (2009). Biodiesel in the classroom. Presentation at the Purdue University Technology Education Collegiate Association: professional development series, West Lafayette: IN.