Dr. ir. Gillian Saunders-Smits

Books

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2020

Saunders-Smits, G.N., Melkert, J.A., and Schuurman, M.J., (2020). 80 Years of Aerospace Engineering Education in the Netherlands, ISBN 9789463663380, TU Delft Open, the Netherlands DOI:10.34641/mg.12

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2005

de Graaff, E., Saunders-Smits, G.N., and Nieweg, M.R., editors,(2005). “Research and practice of Active Learning in Engineering Education”, ISBN 978 90 8555 091 2, Amsterdam University Press, Amsterdam.

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Book Chapters

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Brügemann, V.P., Brummelen, H. van, Melkert, J.A., Kamp, A., Reith, B.A., Saunders-Smits, G.N., Zandbergen, B.T.C., (2005) "An example of active learning in Aerospace Engineering", in Research and Practice of Active Learning in Engineering Education, Editors: E. de Graaff, G.N. Saunders-Smits and M.R. Nieweg, ISBN 978 90 8555 091 2, Amsterdam University Press, Amsterdam, pp. 156-164. 

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Conference Proceedings

 

2025

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Klomp, M., Claij, C., & Saunders-Smits, G. N. (2025). Meet MIRTE - Using Affordable Open Science Robots in Engineering Education. SEFI 53rd Annual Conference (SEFI 2025), Tampere, Finland. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.17631419

 

Howard, T. P., Di Benedetti, M., Saunders, G., & Garrard, A. (2025). Open Educational Resources (OER) in Engineering Education: From Awareness to Action. SEFI 53rd Annual Conference (SEFI 2025), Tampere, Finland. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.17631273

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Van Den Broeck, L., Cooke, N., Di Benedetti, M., Johannsen, T., Tilley, E., Griffiths, J., Winkens, A.-K., Kovacs, H., Manzini, R., Hadgraft, R., & Saunders, G. (2025). SIG Engineering Skills - Complementing the Conventional: Engineering Competencies and Skills for an Uncertain Future. SEFI 53rd Annual Conference (SEFI 2025), Tampere, Finland. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.17631732

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2024

Klomp, M., Araffa, K. & Saunders-Smits, G. N., (2024) "MIRTE: an affordable, open, mobile robot education platform", Proceedings of the 52nd Annual Conference of the European Society for Engineering, SEFI 2024 : Educating Responsible Engineers. Dehler Zufferey, J., Langie, G., Tormey, R. & Nagy, B. V. (eds.). European Society for Engineering Education (SEFI), p. 1650-1659 10 p. DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.14256821

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2023

Van der Niet, A.M., Claij, C.C., and Saunders-Smits, G.N. (2023). “Educating future Robotics Engineers in Multidisciplinary Approaches in Robot Software Design”, 51st Annual SEFI Conference, 10-14 Sept 2023, Dublin, Ireland. DOI: 10.21427/W6WB-Z113

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., Bossen, R.C., and de Winter, J.C.F. (2023). “From curriculum to career: Analysing the contribution of Delft University’s Robotics MSc Programme to the career path of its alumni”, 51st Annual SEFI Conference, 10-14 Sept 2023, Dublin, Ireland. DOI: 10.21427/3VA6-M479

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Van der Werf, V., van Helden, G., Schleiss, J., and Saunders-Smits, G.N. (2023).” A Framework for Investigating Educational Theories in Engineering Education Research”, 51st Annual SEFI Conference, 10-14 Sept 2023, Dublin, Ireland. DOI: 10.21427/PM7V-MD26

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Wint, N., Saunders-Smits, G.N., and Penlington, R. (2023). “Supporting Engineering Students with Disabilities: Promoting Awareness and Sharing Good Practices”, 51st Annual SEFI Conference, 10-14 Sept 2023, Dublin, Ireland. DOI: 10.21427/CCH3-GY21

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2022

Saunders-Smits G.N., (2022). “The Future of Women Aerospace Engineers in Academia – a numbers game”, 50th SEFI Annual Conference, 19-22 Sept 2022, Barcelona, Spain, doi: 10.5821/conference-9788412322262.1205

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2021

Jivet, I. & Saunders-Smits G.N., (2021) The Effect of the COVID-19 Pandemic on a MOOC in Aerospace Structures and Materials, 49th SEFI Annual Conference 13-16 Sept 2021, Berlin, Germany.

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2020

Saunders-Smits, G. N., & Leandro Cruz, M.,  (2020). Towards a Typology in Literature Studies & Reviews in Engineering Education Research, 48th SEFI Annual Conference, 20-24 Sept 2020, Twente, the Netherlands – Winner of best paper award.

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., Melkert, J.A., and Schuurman, M.J., (2020). 80 Years of Aerospace Engineering Education in the Netherlands, AIAA SciTech 2020 Forum: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc. (AIAA), p. 1-19 19 p. AIAA 2020-0643. 6-10 Jan 2020, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. DOI: 10.2514/6.2020-0643 

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., Rans, C.D., Teuwen, J.J.E., Sinke, J., Alderliesten, R.C., and van Valkenburg, W.F., (2020).  Teaching Aerospace Structures and Materials to the World: Analysis of the edX MOOC Introduction to Aerospace Structures and Materials, AIAA SciTech 2020 Forum: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics Inc. (AIAA), 10 p. AIAA 2020-0326. 6-10 Jan 2020, Orlando, Florida, U.S.A. DOI: 10.2514/6.2020-0326

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2019

Leandro Cruz, M. and Saunders-Smits, G. N., (2019). “Transversal Competency Level of Engineering Graduates Dictated by European Industry”, ASEE 2019 126th Annual Conference and Exposition, 16-19 June 2019, Tampa, Florida, U.S.A. DOI: 10.18260/1-2--33464

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2018

Leandro Cruz, M. and Saunders-Smits, G. N., (2018).  “Pilot study boot camp: professional engineering roles experienced in a week”, 6th Annual Symposium of the United Kingdom & Ireland Engineering Education Research Network, 1-2 Nov 2018, University of Portsmouth, United Kingdom. 

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Leandro Cruz, M., and Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2018). “Design and Implementation of New Communication and Lifelong Learning elements in a Master Engineering Course”. 46th SEFI Annual Conference,17-21 Sept. 2018, Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Pinxten, M., Saunders-Smits, G.N., Langie, G., (2018). “Comparison of first-year student conceptions on their future roles as engineers between Belgium and The Netherlands”. 46th SEFI Annual Conference, 17-21 Sept. 2018, Copenhagen, Denmark.

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Schuurman, M.J., Saunders-Smits, G.N., Rans, C.D., (2018). “Increasing Bloom’s Hierarchical Learning in Aerospace Engineering – a Case Study of Forensic Engineering Course using a ‘Chain of Events’ “. 2018 Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations Conference, Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.A. DOI:10.2514/6.2018-3201

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., De Breuker, R., Rans, C.D., Schuurman, M.J, van Staalduinen, J.P., (2018). “A paradigm shift in teaching Aerospace Engineering: from campus learners to professional learners – a case study on online courses in Smart Structures and Air Safety Investigation”, AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, 8-12 Jan. 2018, Kissimmee, Florida, U.S.A., DOI:10.2514/6.2018-0810

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2017

Leandro Cruz, M., Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2017). “Comparison of Transversal Competence Levels of Engineering Students with Labour Market Requirements. Time for Change” – 5th Annual Symposium of the United Kingdom & Ireland Engineering Education Research Network, 23-24 Nov. 2017, London, United Kingdom.

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Craps, S., Pinxten, M., Saunders-Smits, G.N., Leandro Cruz, M., Gaughan, K., Langie, G.,  (2017). “Professional Roles and Employability of Future Engineers”. 45th SEFI Annual Conference, 18-21 Sept. 2017, Azores, Portugal.

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2016

Saunders-Smits, G.N.,  Schuurman, M.J., and Rans, C.D., (2016). "Hands on Workshop on Teaching Forensic Engineering Teaching Students Critical Thinking by Investigative mindset." 44th Annual SEFI Conference, 15 -19 Sept 2016, Tampere, Finland. 

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Rans, C.D., Teixeira De Freitas, S., van Campen, J.J.M., & Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2016). "(Blended Learning)2: Blending content- and learning-oriented objectives in a blended learning environment".  44th Annual SEFI Conference, 15 - 19 Sept 2016, Tampere, Finland. 

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2015

Saunders-Smits, G.N., Schuurman, M.J., and Rans, C.D., (2015). "Forensic Engineering: Learning by Accident Teaching Investigation Skills to Graduate Students using Real-Life Accident Simulations", 53rd AIAA Aerospace Sciences Meeting, AIAA SciTech, Kissimmee, Florida, U.S.A. DOI: 10.2514/6.2015-1516.

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., Mebus, L.F.M., (2015). “Anytime, Anywhere – The development of an online course in Research Methodologies”. 43rd Annual SEFI Conference, 29 Jun - 2 Jul 2015, Orleans, France.

 

2014

Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2014).  “Design of an MSc Degree course in Aerospace Structures & Materials”.  42nd SEFI Annual Conference, 15-19 Sept. 2014, Birmingham, United Kingdom.

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2013

Groot Kormelink, J., Saunders-Smits, G.N., Dopper, S., (2013). “From on-campus to online distance education: a three-dimensional perspective: International market, institutional policies and implementation”. The Open and Flexible Higher Education Conference (EADTU2013), 23-25 Oct. 2013, Paris, France.

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., De Breuker, R., Mebus, L.F.M., Hol, J.M.A.M.,(2013). “The first steps towards an Online Master in Aerospace Engineering”. 41st SEFI Annual Conference Engineering Education Fast Forward 1973-2013, 16 - 20 Sept. 2013, Leuven, Belgium.

 

2012

Saunders-Smits, G.N., Roling, P.C.,  Brügemann, V.P., Timmer, W.A., Melkert, J.A., (2012). “Using the Engineering Design Cycle to Develop Integrated Project Based Learning in Aerospace Engineering”, EE2012 International Conference on Innovation, Practice, and Research in Engineering Education, 18-20 Sept. 2012, Coventry, United Kingdom.

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2011

Saunders-Smits, G.N., and Melkert, J.A., (2011). “Innovative Grading for Design Exercises”, 4th World Conference on Design, 31 October – 4 Nov 2011, IASDR, Delft, the Netherlands.

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Saunders- Smits, G.N., (2011). “Research Based Learning in a Project Based Learning Environment- A Case Study”. 39th SEFI Annual conference, SEFI & ISEL, 27-30 Sept 2011, Lisbon, Portugal – Winner of best paper award.

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., and Curran R., (2011). “Designing their own Future: Teaching Students How to Design Aerospace Operations Research”, 11th AIAA Aviation Technology, Integration, and Operations (ATIO) Conference, 20 - 22 Sep 2011, Virginia Beach, Virginia, U.S.A. DOI: 10.2541/6.2011-6821

 

De Graaff, E. & Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2011). “Peer evaluation and Peer review to support PBL Teamwork”, Second International Wireless Vehicle Technology, Information Theory and Aerospace & Electronic System Technology, 28 Feb – 3 Mar 2011, Chennai, India. DOI: 10.1109/WIRELESSVITAE.2011.5940815

 

2009

Saunders-Smits, G.N., Van den Bogaard, M.E.D., and Chiang, Y.C., (2009). Designing “Training Sessions for TAs: Experiences in Aerospace Engineering at Delft University of Technology”. 39th ASEE/IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference, San Antonio, Texas, U.S.A. DOI: 10.1109/FIE.2009.5350797

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Saunders-Smits, G.N.,(2009). “Engineering Heroes Wanted”.  37th Annual SEFI  conference, SEFI & Delft University of Technology, 1-4 July 2009, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

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de Kat, R. and Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2009). “3,2,1, Launch”. 37th Annual SEFI conference, SEFI & Delft University of Technology, 1-4 July 2009, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

 

de Breuker, R., Hol, J.M.A.M. & Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2009). “The use of Wiki-Pages as a Course Reader:  Conclusions after a One-Year Wiki Experiment”. 37th Annual SEFI conference, SEFI & Delft University of Technology, 1-4 July 2009, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.

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2008

de Graaff, E., van den Bogaard, M.E.D., and Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2008). “Peer evaluation to enhance performance in project work”,  37th International IGIP Symposium, September 2008, Moscow, Russia.

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de Breuker, R., Hol, J.M.A.M., Saunders-Smits, G.N., Van den Bogaard, M.E.D., (2008). “GRASSROOTS: How to get lecturers to go digital? Advanced Use of BlackBoard for Online Testing in Aircraft Structural Design Courses”, SEFI 36th Annual Conference, 2-5 July 2008, Aalborg, Denmark.

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Hol, J.M.A.M., de Breuker, R., Saunders-Smits, G.N., Van den Bogaard, M.E.D., (2008). “GRASSROOTS: Social Software in education? Wikipedia to stay ahead in Aircraft Structural Analysis and Design courses”,SEFI 36th Annual Conference, 2-5 July 2008, Aalborg, Denmark.

 

2007

Van den Bogaard, M.E.D., and Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2007). “Peer & Self Evaluations as Means to Improve the Assessment of Project Based Learning”, 37th ASEE/IEEE Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, October 2007, Milwaukee, Wisconsin. DOI:10.1109/FIE.2007.4417988

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De Graaff, E., Van den Bogaard, M.E.D., and Saunders-Smits, G.N. (2007). “PEER Assessment and PEER review to support teamwork in engineering education”, 6th ASEE Global Colloquium on Engineering Education, 1 -4 October 2007, Istanbul, Turkey.

 

Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2007). “EUREKA Active and integrated learning is important for professional success, so say our alumni! ”, 7th ALE International Workshop (pp. 353-360), 4-6 June 2007, INSA, Toulouse, France. 

 

Saunders-Smits, G.N., Bogaard, M.E.D. van den & Graaff, E. de, (2007). “Team Building in International Design Projects”, In G. Moore & A. Hernandez (Eds.), 7th ALE International Workshop (pp. 71-78), 4-6 June 2007, INSA, Toulouse, France. 

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2007). “Looking Back – The Needs of an Aerospace Engineer in their Degree Course with the Benefit of Hindsight”, SEFI and IGIP Joint Annual Conference 2007, 1-4 July 2007, Miskolc, Hungary.

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., Roling, P.C., Melkert, J.A., Curran, R., Cooper, R., and Early, J., (2007).“Crossing Borders - 6 Years of International Aerospace Student Design Projects”, SEFI and IGIP Joint Annual Conference 2007, 1-4 July 2007, Miskolc, Hungary.

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Hol, J.M.A.M., and Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2007). “A New Approach to Teaching Finite Element Analysis for Large Audiences”, SEFI and IGIP Joint Annual Conference 2007, 1-4 July 2007, Miskolc, Hungary.

 

2006

Andernach, T. and Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2006). “The use of Teaching – Assistants in Project-Based Learning at Aerospace Engineering”, 36th ASEE/IEEE Annual Frontiers in Education Conference, 27-31 Oct 2006, San Diego, U.S.A. DOI: 10.1109/FIE.2006.322468

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2005

Saunders-Smits, G.N., and de Graaff, E., (2005). “Key Features in the Engineering Curriculum: What can we learn from Alumni Research”, SEFI 2005 Conference, 7 – 10 Sept 2005, Middle East Technical University, Ankara, Turkey, pp 522-528. 

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., Gürdal, Z. and Hol, J.M.A.M., (2005). "Innovative Teaching of Aircraft Structural Analysis and Design Courses – Mathematica in an Engineering Education Environment"  2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, 12-15 June 2005, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. DOI: 10.18260/1-2--14177

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Saunders-Smits, G.N. and de Vries, J., (2005)."Learning by doing: An innovative laboratory exercise to enhance the understanding of thin-walled Mechanics of Materials", Proceedings of the 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, 12-15 June 2005, Portland, Oregon, USA. DOI: 10.18260/1-2--15203

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Saunders-Smits, G.N., (2005). "The Secret of their Success: What factors determine the career success of an aerospace engineer trained in the Netherlands?" 2005 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition, 12-15 June 2005, Portland, Oregon, U.S.A. DOI: 10.18260/1-2--15571

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2003

Saunders-Smits, G.N., and de Graaff, E., (2003). “The development of integrated professional skills in Aerospace Engineering through problem-based learning in design projects”, 2003 American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference and Exposition, June 2003, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A. DOI: 10.18260/1-2--12480

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