Kennesaw State University associate professor Awatef Ergai has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to enhance communication and collaboration skills among engineering students. The two-year project is funded by NSF’s Division of Engineering Education and Centers.
Ergai will implement the “Story Circles” method, which uses structured exercises focused on active listening, empathy, reflection, and dialogue. Traditionally used in conflict management, Story Circles will be adapted for classroom use to help students practice communication as part of their teamwork.
“Engineering students often assume they’ll work in silos, but the reality is they’re going to be working in teams, often diverse teams, even across the globe. Improving their communication skills is of utmost importance,” Ergai said.
Unlike traditional approaches that may separate technical work from communication training, Story Circles integrates these elements within collaborative coursework. Students will take part in guided discussions and peer assessments with feedback from faculty. The aim is to ensure all team members participate equally rather than allowing a few voices to dominate.
“One of the most common problems I see is that a few students dominate while others remain silent, even if they have great ideas,” Ergai said. “Story Circles requires everyone to participate, which not only improves collaboration but also helps resolve conflicts and builds confidence.”
The program will initially target junior-level engineering courses where teamwork is essential. Its impact will be measured through surveys before and after participation, peer reviews, and external evaluations of student projects.
The research team includes Shane Peterson, associate professor of German; and Ginny Zhan, professor of psychology. Their interdisciplinary backgrounds contributed to securing NSF funding and are expected to strengthen the project’s focus on applied learning across different fields.
“If every instructor incorporates this approach, students will repeatedly practice and refine their communication skills throughout their degree program,” Ergai said. “By graduation, they will be far more prepared to work effectively in professional settings.”
Ergai intends to expand her research by tracking students over several years into their early careers to assess long-term effects on communication abilities.
Beyond research activities, Ergai directs KSU’s SPCEET Student Success Tutoring Center (S²), which supports academic development for engineering students. The center provides tutoring services and preparation for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam—a step toward professional licensure—and recently co-sponsored a Professional Engineer (PE) exam prep event with Professor Roneisha Worthy.
“Our goal is to equip students with every tool they need to succeed, not just in the classroom, but in their careers,” Ergai said. “Whether it’s passing the FE exam or mastering communication skills, we want them to leave KSU ready to thrive in the workforce.”
SPCEET Dean Lawrence Whitman highlighted how this initiative aligns with college goals: “Dr. Ergai’s research addresses one of the most critical skills employers look for, the ability to communicate and collaborate effectively,” Whitman said. “By integrating innovative approaches like Story Circles into engineering education, she’s not only helping our students stand out in the job market but also shaping the future of how engineers are trained.”
Ergai emphasized that as engineering becomes more globalized—often involving teams across countries—communication skills become increasingly vital: “Borders are disappearing in today’s engineering projects,” she said. “Our graduates will work with people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Strong communication and collaboration skills will give them a real competitive edge.”
