The International Research and Education in Engineering (IREE) program was initiated by the National Science Foundation (ENG/EEC) in 2006 to promote enhancement of global competency of 21st century engineering professionals, development of collaborations with engineering researchers abroad, and providing students with opportunities to experience the life and culture of another country. IREE also seeks to enhance U.S. innovation in both research and education, as well as enable connections between the research programs of NSF's divisions with the education of students. Funded by NSF and administered by Purdue University, the IREE 2010 China program sent 58 U.S. engineering students to China for an intensive 10 to 12 week research experiences in university and industry laboratories. Women and minorities students comprised 51.7 percent of the selected IREE participants. These underrepresented student groups in engineering are widely recognized and researched within the United States. As they participate in their IREE experience, their needs and issues were solicited through one-on-one interviews and focus group discussions. This paper presents select qualitative data and results by delineating the challenges and opportunities faced by female and ethnic-minority engineering students completing research internships in Chinese engineering labs.
展开▼
