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Projects

Computation for problem solving and design in disciplinary undergraduate education.

  1. BII: Emergent Mechanisms in Biology of Robustness, Integration & Organization (EMBRIO) [BII 2120200] (Aug. 2021 -  Aug. 2026; $12,500,000). PI: Umulis. SP: Magana. This research will determine how living systems employ signaling molecules and intracellular second messengers (e.g., calcium), from cellular to organismal levels, to integrate signals and develop a coordinated, whole-system response to perturbations.

    Role: ROcKETEd investigators will implement and validate a computational cognitive apprenticeship as a mechanism to facilitate faculty and trainee development of integrated knowledge and research approaches, which will prepare students to be competitive in the STEM workforce and contribute to new discoveries in Integrative Biology.

  2. Research: A Mixed-Methods Approach to Characterizing Engineering Students' Computational Habits of Mind [EEC 1826099];  (Aug. 2018-Aug 2021; $350,000).PI:Boutin; Co-PIs: Magana, Douglas   Finding solutions to complex problems in our society requires engineering graduates who not only possess the technical knowledge and skill set of a discipline, but also a professional mindset. "Habits of mind" are modes of thinking required to become effective problem solvers capable of transferring such skills to new contexts. Such skills form an essential part of engineer's professional mindset. This project studies undergraduate engineering students' habits of mind related to computing.
    Role: ROCkETEd investigators will be in charge of aligning computational curricular innovations with proper assessment methods that can then be feed into the machine learning algorithms.

  3. CAREER: Authentic Modeling and Simulation Practices for Enhancing Model-Based Reasoning in Engineering Education [EEC 1449238]; (Aug. 2015-July 2020; $500,000). PI:Magana This CAREER project seeks to understand and enhance modeling and simulation practices in undergraduate engineering education. Specifically, this project will identify and validate pathways that students may follow as they progress toward mastery of modeling and simulation skills now needed for workplace engineering readiness. Outcomes will also include factors that contribute to, or prevent, effective teaching and learning with modeling and simulation.
    Role: ROCkETEd investigators will engage engineering faculty, undergraduate and graduate students in classroom design-based research and also provide outreach and dissemination through professional development of K-12 teachers and instructors at community colleges

  4. Computational Worked Examples for Scaffolding Student Representational Fluency [EEC 1329262]; (Aug. 2013-July 2016; $313,889). PI:Magana; Co-PIs:Falk, Garcia. The goal for this Research in Engineering Education project is to identify how computational worked examples coupled with a fading strategy can effectively scaffold student development of representational fluency across qualitative and quantitative representations in engineering. 
    Role: ROCkETEd has been in charge of the discovery component of this project. We are leading the design of the learning materials and the design of the research component of this project.

  5. Research Initiation Grant: Integrating Computation into the Materials Science and Engineering Core [EEC 1137006]; (Sept. 2011-Aug. 2014; $150,000).PI:Falk; Co-PI:Magana. This engineering education research initiation grant looks at how programming skills taught in a material science context help students learn material science concepts. The proposed research investigates the impact the intervention has on both students and faculty at the participating institution. 
    Role: ROCkETEd is in charge of the discovery component of this project. We have designed all the research studies and has led the data analysis and interpretation of the findings.

  6. Mathworks Proposals for Innovative Curricula: Integrating Computation into Mechanical Engineering Core; (May 2013-May 2014; $40,000). PI:Nauman; Co-PI: Magana. The goal of this proposal is to simultaneously assess (1) the increase in computational literacy achieved by upper level undergraduate students who develop computational simulation tools for an undergraduate statics course, and (2) the ability of these computational simulation tools to improve student understanding in statics. 
    Role: ROCkETEd is in charge of designing the course and the research component of this study.

  7. Purdue PRF: Investigating the Role of Computation for Conceptual Understanding and Problem Solving in Engineering and Computing Education; (June 2013- May 2014; $17,241). PI:Magana. The goal of this proposal is to examine: What are the practices from worked examples and pair programming that can effectively support the integration of computation with disciplinary undergraduate courses in Material Science and Engineering? 
    Role: ROCkETEd is in charge of the discovery component of this project. We lead the conceptual aspects and theoretical aspects of the research.

Computing and cyber-physical systems affordances for learning and engagement in STEM fields.

  1. Productive Online Teamwork Engagement Through Intelligent Mediation [IIS 2113991]; (Oct. 2021 - Sept. 2024; $850,000). PI: Magana; Co-PIs: Benes, Kao, Richardson. This design-based research project will develop the PECAS Mediator, an educational innovation that provides (1) AI-enabled monitoring, (2) productive and unproductive interaction detection, and (3) faculty mediation via just-in-time guidance.

    Role: ROCkETEd is leading the cyberlearning and the design-based research components of this project.

  2. Haptic-Based Learning Experiences as Cognitive Mediators for Conceptual Understanding and Representational Fluency in Engineering Education [EEC 1606396]; (Jun. 2016-Jul 2019; $325,000). PI:Magana; Co-PIs: Benes, Berger, Ngambeki.  This research advances understanding of haptic-mediated learning by exploring specific affordances and constraints of visuo-haptic simulations in a laboratory experiment emphasizing statics misconceptions. Following a design-based research approach, this project investigates how we can best use touch technologies to help students connect system behaviors in terms of governing forces and their different representational forms.
    Role: ROCkETEd is leading the cyberlearning and the design-based research components of this project.

  3. Collaborative Research: SmartCAD: Guiding Engineering Design with Science Simulations [DRL 1503436]; (Aug. 2015-Jul. 2019; $3M). PI:Xie; Co-PIs: Magana and Chiu. Concord Consortium, Purdue, and UVA got awarded an NSF a $3M, four year DR K-12 project to conduct research and development on SmartCAD, an intelligent learning system for supporting engineering design learning based on automatic feedback generated using computational analysis of student work. 
    Role: ROCkETEd will lead all the research carried out at Purdue University.

  4. Collaborative Proposal Category 1: Learning Quantum Mechanics through Modeling-Based Instruction: Advancing STEM Education across Scale and Disciplines; (Jan. 2014-May 2016; $430,000). PI:Magana; Co-PIs: Bryan, Garcia. The primary goal for this proposal is to design curricular innovations that will include evidence-based pedagogical methods, learning strategies, cyberlearning technologies and teacher professional development to effectively infuse modern science and engineering into K-14 classrooms. 
    Role: ROCkETEd is leading the cyberlearning and the design-based research components of this project.

  5. FIRE: Conceptualizing Non-Contact Forces: The Efficacy of Visuohaptic Simulations [DRL 1043026]. PI:Tan; Co-PI:Jones; Collaborator:Magana. The project investigates the efficacy of real-time, interactive visuohaptic (visualization and force feedback) simulations for teaching STEM concepts. It focuses on the learning of non-contact forces, where conceptualization of force fields, traditionally represented visually by field lines, may be enhanced by the ability to feel the forces directly. 
    Role: ROCkETEd has lead all the research carried out at Purdue University.

Computer-based curriculum, assessment, and learning strategies to appropriately support learning processes.

  1. FMRG: Manufacturing USA: Cyber: Privacy-Preserving Tiny Machine Learning Edge Analytics to Enable AI-Commons for Secure Manufacturing  [CMMI 2134667] (Aug. 2021 -  Aug. 2025; $3,000,000).  PI: Shakouri, Co-PI:Magana. This Future Manufacturing Research Grant (FMRG) project is a fundamental reimagination of distributed AI/ML techniques to transform the future of manufacturing by establishing an AI-Commons that bridges multiple sites and companies using secure, distributed machine learning (ML), incentivized information sharing, and continuous quality improvement and training.

    Role: ROcKETEd investigators will collaborate with disciplinary experts to introduce AI in manufacturing curricula and its integration with workforce development.

  2. Planning Grant: Engineering Research Center for Resilient AI Network (RAIN) for next-generation manufacturing. [EEC 2124295] (Aug. 2021 -  Aug. 2022; $100,000). The vision of the proposed Resilient AI Network (RAIN) for next-generation manufacturing ERC is to empower U.S. manufacturers to increase resiliency and international competitiveness by successfully adopting privacy-preserving, scalable, certify-as-you-build AI/ML practices to erase the digital-divide and accrue the benefit of economy-of-scale without centralization. 

    Role: ROcKETEd investigators with assist with the planning of educational efforts of undergraduate students and training opportunities for current employees within manufacturing.

  3. Research Initiation: Investigating Engineering Students Habits of Mind: A Case Study Approach [EEC 1544244]; (Sept. 2015-Aug. 2017; $150,000). PI:Boutin; Co-PI:Magana. his project is an interdisciplinary study that aims to characterize undergraduate engineering students' "habits of mind", which are modes of thinking required for engineering students to become effective problem solvers capable of transferring such skills to new contexts.
    Role: ROCkETEd will mentor the PI in educational research methods and will develop expertise in machine learning.

  4. Li-Ion Battery Ceramics: Structural and Microstructural Evolution Mechanisms of Processing under an Electric Field [DMR 1305694]; (Jun. 2013-Jul. 2016; $350,000). PI:Stanciu; Co-PIs:Garcia, Magana. This project explores the fundamental hypothesis that applying an electric field during processing of ceramics, in particular lithium-ion battery relevant ceramics, has a significant effect on their porosity, densification, and ultimately on the reliability of the battery itself. 
    Role: ROCkETEd is in charge of the educational component of this project. We will design and implement the learning modules using nanoHUB.org as a dissemination mechanism. We will also conduct assessment of the effectiveness of the learning module.

  5. Engaged interdisciplinary learning in sustainability [subcontract to DUE 1023054]; (May 2013-Dec. 2013; $75,000). PI:Shakouri; Co-PIs: Yazawa, Magana. This subcontract to UC-Santa Cruz applies new pedagogical approaches in courses, laboratory exercises, internships, workshops and careful assessment of instructor and student achievements. The project includes elements of STEM education, cyberlearning, and technological and social literacy elements, directed toward education of skilled professionals. 
    Role: ROCkETEd is leading the design and evaluation of the cyberlearning component of this project.