Development of Innovative Educational Modules to Empower High School and Undergraduate Students to Pursue Careers in Resilient Coastal Infrastructure

This research-to-practice full paper delineates the development and impact of an educational initiative at the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagiüez, sponsored by the Coastal Resilience Center at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. This initiative utilizes constructivist, experiential, and immersive learning theories to create engaging, practical learning experiences for high school and undergraduate students, specifically tailored to the unique challenges of Puerto Rico-a region frequently subjected to extreme natural events and exposed to multihazard risk. The primary objective of this educational initiative is to address the severe shortage of professionals capable of managing and aiding recovery from natural disasters in coastal and neighboring regions. Through educational modules hosted on the Interactive Learning Hub (IL-HUB), the program aims to attract talented STEM and other disciplines students, cultivate a skilled workforce, enhance infrastructure resilience, foster innovative problem-solving skills, and bridge the gap in professional expertise necessary for effective disaster response and recovery. The initiative is particularly relevant given Puerto Rico's vulnerability to hurricanes, earthquakes, and other natural hazards. By leveraging real-world scenarios and hands-on activities, students gain a deep understanding of resilient coastal infrastructure (RCI) and disaster management practices. A mixed-method, performance-focused survey approach was employed to evaluate the effectiveness of this initiative, involving quantitative pre- and post-module assessments complemented by qualitative feedback from participants. Survey responses indicate that 85% of participants rated the lectures and activities positively, expressing satisfaction with the quality of the presentations, organization, and clarity of expression. Additionally, 85.7% of students reported a heightened curiosity or commitment to pursuing further studies or careers in resilience-related fields, highlighting the significant impact of the program on student engagement and interest in RCI. These results demonstrate a significant level of student engagement and understanding of RCI suggesting that these modules substantially promote learning and resilience planning while encouraging students to consider these areas as a professional career path. The paper outlines specific educational outcomes, including enhanced student interest in RCI careers and better preparation for addressing coastal challenges. By detailing these methods and results, the paper aims to provide a replicable model for educators seeking to integrate similar frameworks into their curriculum. This approach contributes valuable insights into the practice of engineering and resilience education in disaster-prone areas, ultimately supporting the development of a new generation of professionals equipped to handle the complexities of coastal resilience and disaster management.