Kotys-Schwartz, Daria

Research

research overview

Dr. Kotys-Schwartz has focused her research in engineering student learning, retention, and student identity development within the context of engineering design. She is currently investigating the impact of cultural norms in an engineering classroom context, performing comparative studies between engineering education and professional design practices, examining holistic approaches to student retention, and exploring informal learning in engineering education. Potential outcomes for engineering, include: improved student attitudes towards engineering, development of an engineering identity, knowledge of engineering practices, and broadened participation in engineering.

keywords

learning design in engineering, informal learning in engineering education, product design, macro level manufacturing processes

Publications

selected publications

conference proceeding
- Teaching Engineering Ethics in 2024: A Lightning Discussion on Definitions, Successes, and Failures Across Disciplines 2024
- Exploration of role assignment in engineering design teams on leadership. 2023
- Preparing for Engineering Work: Interpersonal Relationships in the School to Work Transition. Frontiers in Education Conference. 2022
- Designing the Project-Based Learning Experience using Motivation Theory 2022
- Teams, Tantrums, and Tears: Conflict Resolution in 2020 2022
journal article
- Understanding the Joint Development of Engineering and Leadership Identities. Engineering Management Journal. 497-507. 2022
- Entering the community of practice: changes in engineering students' engineering identities and perceptions of the field. European Journal of Engineering Education. 968-986. 2021
- New Engineers' Transfer of Communication Activities From School to Work. IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication. 105-120. 2021
- Thanks to Reviewers!. Journal of Engineering Education. 2021
- Competing Values Framework to Map the Development of Leadership Skills as Capstone Design Students Transition to the Workplace. 2020

Teaching

courses taught

CSCI 4368 - Multidisciplinary Design Project 1
Primary Instructor - Fall 2024
Design, develop, test, and deploy software that is integrated into a mechanical system. Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that could include students from computer science, mechanical, and electrical disciplines. Develop project management and communication skills as they pertain to a multi-disciplinary team. Support the project team through self-directed study. First semester of a senior capstone course. Students must take this course and CSCI 4378 contiguously as the project spans the entire academic year. Department-enforced prerequisites differ for BS and BA degree. Contact academic advisor for details. Senior Capstone courses are optional for BA students. BA students interested in taking this course should contact their advisor(s) early in their major.
CSCI 4378 - Multidisciplinary Design Project 2
Primary Instructor - Spring 2024
Design, develop, test, and deploy software that is integrated into a mechanical system. Participate as a member of a multi-disciplinary team that could include students from computer science, mechanical, and electrical disciplines. Develop project management and communication skills as they pertain to a multi-disciplinary team. Support the project team through self-directed study. Second semester of a senior capstone course. Students must take this course and CSCI 4368 contiguously as the project spans the entire academic year.
CSCI 4830 - Special Topics in Computer Science
Primary Instructor - Fall 2023
Covers topics of interest in computer science at the senior undergraduate level. Content varies from semester to semester. Only 9 credit hours from CSCI 4830 and/or CSCI 4831 can count toward Computer Science BS or BA.
MCEN 4045 - Mechanical Engineering Design Project 1
Primary Instructor - Fall 2018 / Fall 2019 / Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023 / Fall 2024
First part of a two-course capstone design experience in mechanical engineering. Covers problem definition, determining design requirements, alternative design concepts, engineering analysis, proof-of-concept prototype and CAD drawings. Students make several oral design reviews, a final design presentation, and prepare a written report. IDEN-BSIDE students are not required to complete MCEN 2000, MCEN 3022, MCEN 3030 or MCEN 4026 but have additional prerequisites of GEEN 1400, 2400 and 3400.
MCEN 4085 - Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Project 2
Primary Instructor - Spring 2018 / Spring 2019 / Spring 2020 / Spring 2021 / Spring 2022 / Spring 2023 / Spring 2024
Second part of a two-course capstone design experience in mechanical engineering. Includes refinement of prototype, design optimization, fabrication, testing, and evaluation. Students orally present the final design and prepare a written report and operation manual for the product. GEEN-BS and GEEN-BSEPL students are not required to complete MCEN 4026.