This research paper presents the findings of an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) case study of the experience of shame in a woman engineering student. Our overarching research question that framed this study was: How do woman students with multiple salient identities psychologically experience shame in the context of engineering education? We present findings derived from in-depth analysis of an interview with a single case: A White, female student-athlete who majored in mechanical engineering at a private, liberal arts university (pseudonym: Nicole). We selected Nicole as a case in order to critically examine the tensions experienced among multiple salient identities in women engineering students. The findings demonstrate how the study participant internally negotiated the expectations of others with her own self-concept. That is to say, in reaction to a shame experience, the participant evaluated and often adjusted the value she ascribed to the expectations of others and the ways in which those expectations fit into her core identity. Overall, the findings provide a sensitive description with which connections can be forged between broader discussions of engineering education and how cultural expectations manifest within the lived experience of the individual student.
I graduated with my B.S. in Psychology in 2019 and am currently working as a Post-Baccalaureate Research Associate on an NSF grant. I am a member of the Beyond Professional Identity research group based in Harding University located in
Searcy, Arkansas. I plan to further my studies in psychology through attending a graduate program for school or child psychology. It is my hope that these processes can lead to a career as both a researcher and practitioner.
Dr. James Huff is an Assistant Professor of Engineering Education and teaches courses in design thinking and ethics. In the context of his research lab Beyond Professional Identity (BPI), he mentors undergraduate students, doctoral students, and academic professionals in using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) as a qualitative research method to conduct psychological investigations on identity as experienced in and out of professional domains. He received his Ph.D. in Engineering Education and M.S. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Purdue University. Dr. Huff also received his B.S. in Computer Engineering from Harding University
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 the University of Georgia. Her research interests include interpretive research quality, 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.
Dr. Joachim Walther is a Professor of engineering education research at the University of Georgia and the Founding Director of the Engineering Education Transformations Institute (EETI) in the College of Engineering. He is dedicated to lowering the barriers for STEM faculty and students to conduct high-quality, interpretive, educational research. He co-developed the ProQual approach, a method that is designed to demystify interpretive research for faculty and students from technical backgrounds.
Dr. Benjamin Okai is a Licensed Professional Counselor and holds specializations in supervision and technology assisted counseling/supervision. He received his MSc.MFT from Harding University and completed his PhD in Counselor Education & Supervision at Regent University VA. He is a member of the American Counseling Association and a reviewer of conference papers for the American Society for Engineering Education. He has worked in a variety of professional clinical settings including outpatient, inpatient, residential facilities, church-based, and private practice. Dr. Okai has strong motivation and active engagement in scholarship and research in psychosocial studies that spans from the phenomenon of Shame, to Advocacy, Diversity, Marital relationships, and Severe Mental Illness. He presents on topics related to marriage and mental health challenges among children and adolescents in developing countries. He and his wife, Olivia, and their three children have been involved in foster care system since 2012. Dr. Okai’s family reside in Searcy Arkansas and are members of the Cloverdale Church of Christ where he serves as one of the elders.
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