T3 - Innovation and Accessibility in STEM

Developing an Entrepreneurial Mindset in Engineering Students Through New Modules Integrated Within Existing Courses

This project aims to incorporate innovation and entrepreneurship concepts and practice into existing engineering undergraduate courses through the creation and execution of new T&L modules to develop an entrepreneurial mindset in our students. This is important so they can “create personal, economic, and societal value through a lifetime of meaningful work.” This will enhance their engagement, learning, retention and produce a more real-world experience, which will be beneficial to their academic and future career success.

Presenters: Katya Marc, Zinan He, Amanda Saxe, and Michael Avedesian

Empowering Faculty for Inclusive STEM Instruction: Insights from a University Initiative

A supportive community is essential for fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion in university classrooms. Navigating departmental hierarchies, as well as knowing where to begin can hinder meaningful action. McGill University’s Faculty of Science Inclusive Teaching Initiative addresses these challenges by providing a platform for instructors to exchange ideas, while building on existing practices and areas of interest. We will outline the initiative, highlight participant’s strategies to enhance classroom inclusivity, and reflect on key insights gained.

Presenters: Victoria Marie Glynn, Diane Dechief, Charlene Lewis-Sutherland and Andrea Miller-Nesbitt

Teamwork and EDI in Engineering: Building Interpersonal Skills Into Technical Courses

The increasing value placed on effective, diverse, and globally minded engineering teams calls for universities to embed interpersonal skills development into engineering education. In McGill University’s Faculty of Engineering, the E-IDEA Teamwork Program has developed a unique framework to integrate the development of teamwork learning into technical courses. By offering tools, coaching, and targeted material to support student learning, the Teamwork Program aims to build capacity for inclusive teamwork and collaboration among students and instructors.

Presenters: Renee Pellissier and Shay Heans-Moreyra