Project Grant 2609426

This Research Initiation project grant, awarded by the National Science Foundation's Division of Engineering Education and Centers under CFDA 47.041 (Engineering program), provides $158,776 in funding to Austin Peay State University to investigate how undergraduate student veterans develop engineering identity and professional confidence through capstone design experiences. The project, which runs from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2028, delivers research findings and scholarly outputs examining the intersection of military and engineering identities as student veterans integrate technical knowledge, collaborate with teams, and begin establishing themselves as members of the engineering profession.

The primary deliverables include empirical research data and analysis on how prior military experiences—including leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills—shape student veterans' transition into engineering roles during capstone coursework. The project contributes to the broader understanding of professional engineer formation, particularly for nontraditional students and career changers, while expanding the engineering education research community. Outputs will inform how engineering programs can better support military-affiliated and nontraditional students in developing both technical competence and professional identity within undergraduate engineering and engineering technology curricula.