# CAREER: Improving Peer Interactions in Engineering: An Exploration of Peer Behaviors in Engineering Classrooms

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Eastern Michigan University (MI) · $500,000

## Abstract

Engineers need to create robust solutions for society through technological, infrastructural, and medical advancements.  To accomplish such tasks requires that they effectively work on teams with people from a variety of backgrounds. Effective teamwork involves skills to promote positive collaboration such as addressing challenging interpersonal situations. This project will identify the ways engineering undergraduate peers interact with each other in the classroom and whether or not they have self-awareness about their behaviors toward others. The project also aims to determine whether certain teaching practices positively influence peer interactions in engineering. The findings of the study will help instructors across engineering disciplines, through their teaching practices, help their students learn how to prevent negative peer interactions so they can effectively work on teams, a key skill needed for productivity in the engineering workforce. By focusing on peer interaction during undergraduate education, the domestic engineering workforce will be better equipped with the relational skills, including collaboration and cooperation, necessary to promote advancements in engineering at a more efficient pace. Overall, this study will improve teaching and learning practices and foster positive peer interactions in engineering classrooms, which will contribute to a more effective engineering workforce, which will in turn support the United States in achieving global competitiveness. This study aligns with the goals of NSF (1) to develop an innovative and inclusive technical workforce and (2) to improve inclusion and participation in engineering by addressing structural issues within educational systems.

The goal of this CAREER grant is to advance research on peer interaction in engineering classrooms and how instructors may mitigate negative interactions to enhance student’s abilities to work on teams to improve classroom learning experiences. This study examines 

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2543094
- **Awardee organization:** Eastern Michigan University (MI)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** STFNT4KCCDU3
- **PI:** Selyna P Beverly
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, EDUCATION RESEARCH, ENGINEERING EDUCATION
- **Estimated total:** $500,000
- **Funds obligated:** $500,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 09/01/2026 → 08/31/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2543094

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2543094, CAREER: Improving Peer Interactions in Engineering: An Exploration of Peer Behaviors in Engineering Classrooms. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-07-09 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2543094. Licensed CC0.

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