Presenter: Dr. Stephanie Wettstein
Dr. Stephanie Wettstein
Abstract: Effective communication is a critical skill for engineers, yet industry consistently reports that
new graduates struggle with technical writing and oral communication. To address this challenge, we
implemented a situated learning approach in senior-level chemical engineering laboratory courses,
integrating industry-relevant scenarios and assessment methods. This seminar presents findings from
industry feedback, rubric development, and student self-efficacy studies aimed at improving engineering
communication education.
Through industry surveys, we identified key communication skills valued by practicing engineers,
including clarity, conciseness, and audience awareness. We redesigned course assignments to mirror
real-world technical reporting, positioning students as interns and new employees responding to client
needs. A validated rubric, developed in collaboration with the Montana State University’s Writing
Center, was used to ensure consistency in grading and align instructor expectations with industry
standards. Results showed that students’ writing self-efficacy significantly improved, and instructor
grading consistency increased with training.
This presentation will discuss best practices for integrating industry perspectives into engineering
communication instruction, strategies for rubric design and validation, and recommendations for
improving student engagement in technical writing. Attendees will gain insights into how engineering
educators can better prepare students for professional communication challenges in the workplace.
Bio: Dr. Stephanie Wettstein has a B.S. is in Paper Science and was a Process Engineer for 3 yrs at
Kimberly-Clark post-graduation. Then, she obtained her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from CU-Boulder
and completed a post-doc at UW – Madison. Her technical research focuses on producing products from
renewable resources while approximately five years ago, began research in engineering education. Dr.
Wettstein focuses on improving students’ technical communication skills to be better prepared for their
future careers. She is the Kern Entrepreneurial Education Network (KEEN) lead and the Associate
Director of the Montana Engineering Education Research Center at MSU. She received the 2019 NACOE
Excellence in Teaching Award, the 2022 MSU Innovation in Teaching Award, the 2022 SWE Emerging
Engineering Educator Award, and was selected as a 2023 KEEN and 2025 SIARM Fellow.
For more information, contact Paige Zoltewicz, pzoltew@clemson.edu
