Incorporating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Content Into Bioengineering Curricula: A Program-Level Approach

Area of Science:

• Bioengineering Education
• Curriculum Development
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI)

Background:

• DEI principles are crucial in bioengineering but historically lacking in accreditation and curricula.
• There is a growing need to educate bioengineers on DEI to meet evolving accreditation standards and societal demands.

Purpose of the Study:

• To implement and assess a program-level strategy for integrating DEI content and inclusive pedagogy into an undergraduate bioengineering curriculum.
• To develop resources for instructors to facilitate DEI integration and to evaluate its impact on student learning.

Main Methods:

• A program-level approach was adopted, including the development of a DEI planning worksheet for instructors.
• Instructor surveys were conducted pre- and post-course, alongside direct assessment of DEI content through student assignments, surveys, and program reviews.
• Bioengineering-related DEI content was categorized into five competencies: bioethics, inclusive design, inclusive scholarship, inclusive professionalism, and systemic inequality.

Main Results:

• 74% of instructors responded to surveys, with 91% reporting curricular improvements and 88% adopting new inclusive pedagogical approaches.
• Students reported an average of 3.79 (on a 5-point scale) for DEI competency development.
• Instructors successfully incorporated DEI content across various courses, as evidenced by student performance and feedback.

Conclusions:

• A structured, program-level framework effectively integrates DEI into bioengineering education.
• The developed methods and lessons learned can guide other programs in training DEI-competent bioengineers and fostering inclusive educational environments.