Seminar Series: Dr. Nicola Sochacka

Join us at Dr. Sochacka's lecture on engineering education as an autopoietic system

Presentation Title:

Engineering education as an autopoietic system: A narrative analysis of stories ‘told’ about engineering in the public discourse

 

Abstract:

According to the late media scholar, George Gerbner, “whoever tells the stories of a culture defines the terms, the agenda, and the common issues we face.” In this seminar, I will discuss a study that aims to identify and examine a particular type of story, those about engineering that have emerged as most influential in, first, defining what engineering is and, second, informing our efforts to attract more and more diverse participation in the field. Drawing on prior literature, theory, and a methodological framework called Narrative Policy Analysis, I will make the case that stories both shape and reflect engineering cultures and that we, as engineering educators and researchers, must begin to recognize these stories and understand how they implicitly convey certain norms and values.

 

Bio:

Dr. Nicola Sochacka is the Associate Director for Research Initiation and Enablement in the Engineering Education Transformations Institute (EETI) in the College of Engineering at UGA. Dr. Sochacka’s research interests include systems thinking, diversity, STEAM (STEM + Art) education, and the role of empathy in engineering education and practice. Her work has been recognized through multiple best paper awards and keynote presentations at international and national conferences and workshops.