“A system of education is not one thing, nor does it have a single definite object, nor is it a mere matter of schools. Education is that whole system of human training within and without the school house walls, which molds and develops men.” – Dr. W.E.B. Du Bois
Investigating how Black philosophical and educational perspectives can be integrated into engineering curricula and pedagogies to create more wholesome and liberative responsive learning environments.
BLACK EPISTEMOLOGIES IN ENGINEERING
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Researching how engineering can be contextualized within Black communities, focusing on projects and problems that are relevant to these communities and incorporating local knowledge and expertise.
COMMUNITY-BASED ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS
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SYSTEMIC BARRIERS AND EQUITY IN ENGINEERING
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Examining the structural and institutional barriers that contribute to racial disparities in engineering education and the profession, with a focus on developing and evaluating reparatory to enact racial justice.
COUNTER-STORYTELLING IN ENGINEERING EDUCATION
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Exploring how counter-narratives from Black engineering students and professionals can challenge dominant discourses in engineering education and highlight the unique experiences, challenges, and strengths of Black individuals in the field.
I am grateful for whatever brought you here, I hope you stay awhile and come again. I’m an educator trying to change the way engineers think about and practice engineering by centering Blackness. This platform is a space to share the breadth of my intellectual work.
To do this work I founded the Enkofa Research Village and facilitate socials with an educational purpose through The Sankofa Project. As an Afro-Epistemic Academic the intended outcomes of my work are racial equity and justice through the development of engineering-literacy among racially minoritized pre-college youth and fostering social consciousness among engineering practitioners. I possess expertise within the disciplines of engineering and education separately, which uniquely position me to contribute to the field of engineering education. Additionally, I provide keynote speeches, seminars, and consulting services for folks who want to make racial equity a reality within engineering study and practice.
Dr. James Holly Jr.
Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering
University of Michigan