College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Biomedical Engineering Department
Advisor
Daniel Frishberg, College of Engineering, Computer Science and Software Engineering Department
Funding Source
Cal Poly's Computer Science and Software Engineering Department, College of Engineering (CENG) diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI)
Acknowledgements
William Toll, Kyrene Tigas, and David Hernandez
Date
10-2025
Abstract/Summary
We build on prior work by others and by the PI investigating the needs and the state of support for neurodiverse students in STEM at the college level—beginning with the state of support at Cal Poly. Key questions we explore include institutional and peer support and belonging; neuroinclusive course design and the efficacy of syllabi; and the impact of low- versus high-stakes assessments on neurodiverse students. The project consists of three pillars: (1) theory—situating our research with respect to prior work; (2) empirical analysis—learning from the previous survey refining our research questions, and designing further experiments; and (3) institutional research—gathering information about the state of support for neurodiverse students at Cal Poly. For the student, this project will be an opportunity to engage with pedagogical theory as well as the state of research on neurodiversity; to assist in and shape the process of analyzing our data and possibly designing future experiments; and to help improve our understanding of institutional supports at Cal Poly by connecting with internal stakeholders. The work will consist of literature review, writing reading reflections and an experience report, as well as a data analysis component: analyzing patterns and drawing preliminary conclusions from previous quarters’ research.
October 1, 2025.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/ceng_surp/147