Designing an Interdisciplinary REU Site in Advanced Air Mobility Around Student-Centered Learning Outcomes

Every Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) site is uniquely designed by its principal investigators, as the National Science Foundation (NSF) entrusts them to determine the most effective approach for achieving the goals of their REU sites. This paper presents and evaluates the design of the Interdisciplinary Research Experiences in Advanced Air Mobility for Undergraduates (IREAAMU) REU site at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Specifically, this paper aims to: 1) compile a comprehensive list of scientific literature on pedagogy theories and REU sites to promote theory-based and evidence-based REU design centered around students' learning outcomes, 2) document the design of an interdisciplinary REU and share IREAAMU resources with the public, 3) stress the importance of quantitative and qualitative assessments for continuous improvements of REU sites, and 4) highlight research outcomes produced by early-career researchers and encourage established researchers to mentor and explore innovative ways to include these early-career researchers in research projects. The hope is that this paper further emphasizes the value of undergraduate research and fosters collaborations and discussions among pedagogy experts and engineering domain experts.