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Leeker, Jessica Rush

Scholar in Residence and Stephen M. Dunn Professor of Engineering Management

Positions

Research Areas research areas

Research

research overview

  • Dr. Rush Leeker primarily focuses on transformational change in STEM. Dr. Rush Leeker's studies are in sustainability and operations that focus on practical methods for outreach and mentorship in informal STEM education. In addition, Dr. Rush Leeker is the Director of Undergraduate Education for Engineering Management, including Entrepreneurship, for the College of Engineering and Applied Science.

keywords

  • Transformational Change in STEM, Sustainability in STEM Education, STEM Operations, Informal STEM Education, Outreach and Mentorship in STEM, Engineering Management Education, STEM Entrepreneurship, Undergraduate STEM Curriculum, Applied Science in Engineering Education, Leadership in Engineering Education, Engineering Education

Publications

selected publications

Teaching

courses taught

  • EMEA 5057 - Your World and What Shapes It
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
    Advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion (DEI) requires a process of examination, self-reflection, and action. In this course, students will examine their identity and background and reflect on how it has shaped their thoughts, activities, and relationships with others. The student will also explore the historical narratives and power dynamics that have shaped their environment. Discussions surrounding course topics will be approached through a global lens.
  • EMEA 5058 - Their World and How You Define It
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
    As future leaders in workplace DEI initiatives, it is essential to develop an awareness of the experiences faced by others and cultural empathy. In this course, students will listen to and reflect on the voices of women, black, LGBTQ+, and neurodiverse experiences. Through listening, students will learn to look inward and confront their own ignorance, biases, or stereotypes.
  • EMEA 5059 - Our World and How to Accept It
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Fall 2023 / Spring 2024
    In this course, students will learn the history of DEI in the workplace and how DEI initiatives can be successfully implemented in a global environment. The course will provide students with a toolkit to make lasting changes for themselves and their interactions with others.
  • EMEN 4055 - Designing for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Engineering
    Primary Instructor - Summer 2022 / Spring 2023 / Summer 2023 / Spring 2024
    Students will focus on the historical narrative of institutions and structures that have shaped instances of inclusion and exclusion in engineering, how their own identity and background shape their thoughts and actions, how transformational leadership is enacted for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and how involving DEI in the strategic planning process of designing can create additional innovations and opportunities.
  • EMEN 4800 - Technology Ventures and Marketing
    Primary Instructor - Spring 2021 / Spring 2022
    Learn marketing concepts, skills and tools to launch new products and ventures. Engage with faculty, classmates, guest speakers, industry professionals, potential customers and one's leadership team to help you launch your venture. Develop the necessary skills and tools to be successful colleagues, managers and leaders in industry. Gain valuable business acumen using a hands-on learning environment.
  • EMEN 4820 - Entrepreneurial Product Development
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2020 / Fall 2021 / Fall 2022 / Fall 2023
    A practical, hands-on course that introduces engineers and business students to the exciting world of product development. Each student will create a concept for an innovative product, assess its commercial potential, construct simple digital and physical prototypes, and evaluate its impact on the environment. The course culminates in a trade-show like event where everyone showcases their world-changing product to their peers.
  • EMEN 4830 - Special Topics
    Primary Instructor - Summer 2021 / Spring 2022
    May be repeated up to 9 total credit hours.
  • EMEN 5050 - Leading Oneself
    Primary Instructor - Fall 2020
    Provides working professionals the framework to build leadership skills by first starting with oneself because the foundation for great leadership starts with personal excellence. Topics include accountability, authentic leadership, personal branding, self-awareness, growth mindset, emotional intelligence, personal mastery, feedback and communication skills.
  • EMEN 5055 - Leading for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Engineering
    Primary Instructor - Summer 2022 / Summer 2023
    This course focuses on the importance of embedding diversity equity inclusion (DEI) in engineering workplace environments. Students focus on the historical narrative of institutions and institutional structures that have shaped instances of inclusion and exclusion in engineering, how their own identity and background shape their thoughts and actions, and how transformational leadership is enacted for DEI in a challenging atmosphere.
  • EMEN 5830 - Special Topics
    Primary Instructor - Summer 2021
    May be repeated up to 9 credit hours.

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