Engineering is Everywhere David T. Bowker Purdue College of Engineering

What Do Engineers Do? 2003 1998 Builds/constructs/makes things 38% 26% Designs/draws/plans 19% 27% Mechanic/mechanical work 9% 2% Train operator 7% 5% Creates/is creative 3% Mathematics/physics Develops new technologies - Application of technology Equipment maintenance repair Works with computers Is a growth since 1998 in the public’s perception that engineers create things. But there was also an increase in the number of people that think we drive trains…no kidding. That’s pathetic. Where are the positive image icons for our profession? What sitcom represents hip, creative, young professionals engaged in jointly addressing the challenges of our time? And enjoying career satisfaction and making a decent living while making a contribution to society? In essence, where are the connections for our youth? Engineering is an ultimately creative endeavor, but as you can see from these results, we keep that a secret, enjoyed by the anointed within our ranks. We need innovative thinkers; people with wild ideas to join our profession. Of note is that the general public doesn’t make the connection between the development of new technologies with the role engineers play in society. We build bridges and roads. Bridges and roads are a good things, but there is more to our profession… And early, relevant exposure of youth to the excitement of engineering to integrate the science, math and technology already in pre-college curricula is a means to broaden the public’s perception of the creativity and relevance of our profession. Source: Harris Poll, December 2003

Contributing to Society Engineers Scientists Make strong leaders 56% 32% Care about the community 37% 51% Sensitive to societal concerns 28% 61% Save lives 14% 82% Encouraged that the public sees engineers as strong leaders, and that they see us as caring about the community more than they did in 1998. However, I am troubled that they see us as far less sensitive to societal concerns than they did in 1998. From a gender inclusion perspective, I would posit that it would serve our profession well to be viewed as sensitive to societal concerns. While adults are twice as likely to see us as saving lives now than they did in 1998, we do not enjoy the public appreciation for this that scientists do. Source: Harris Poll, December 2003

Change the World Be creative Be a leader Design material devices that save lives Feed the world Live on Mars Protect the environment Never stop learning Be challenged Provide a safe water supply Be bold Provide affordable healthcare

Engineering is… …the application of creativity and teamwork using Math and science principles as tools to solve problems OR You might be wondering what the difference is between science and engineering, well… …creating things that will benefit society

“Engineers have a hand in designing, creating, or modifying nearly everything we touch, wear, eat, see, and hear in our daily lives.” - American Society of Engineering Education

Engineering is everywhere Everyone knows things like…. Purdue University College of Engineering

But other engineering innovations include… Safe drinking water Microwave ovens Baseball bats Hershey Hugs Seat belts and air bags Elevators Movie Special Effects Cell phones Heart Pacemakers CD’s, VCR’s, and DVD’s Instant Messaging Skyscrapers Facial recognition devices Rollercoasters and much, much more!

ENGINEERING EDUCATION Aeronautical & Astronautical Electrical Environmental Agricultural Industrial Biological Biomedical Interdisciplinary Materials Science Engineering Chemical Civil Computer Mechanical Aeronautical Engineering – Physics and Aerodynamics Agriculture – Impact of the structure on the land and soil Biological – How will the g-forces impact the rider? Biomedical – Chemical – Hydraulics fluids, Paint Civil – Structure Computer – creating the design, running the coaster itself CEM – Overseeing the job site Electrical – Environmental – how the coaster will impact the environment, increased traffic = increased emissions, water usage, soil erosion Industrial – parts creation, operator interaction Interdisciplinary – Materials – What the structure, rider compartment, rider belts/harnesses/bars, etc. are made of Mechanical – Multidisciplinary – All of the above Nuclear – alternate energy sources for running it? Construction Engineering Management Multidisciplinary Nuclear

I N N O V A T I V E Engineers are…

850 books (2/3 of a ton)

Problem Solvers Engineers are…

C T e V e a R i Engineers are…

How are these the same?

Top 10 Engineering Skills Problem-solving Analytical/Creative Thinking Design-Oriented Communication-written & oral Adapt to change

Top 10 Engineering Skills Learn to learn Global perspective/cultural awareness Project management Political/Social Sensitivity Ability to work in diverse team settings

Engineers are… Men and Women from every culture in the world People who like a challenge and to build, break, and design things Trusted for having good judgment & making sound decisions Strong in math & science Resourceful Able to express their ideas Engineers are…

Fields of Engineering Civil Mechanical Aerospace Industrial Chemical Mining Petroleum Materials Electrical Computer Agricultural Biological Construction Biomedical Geomatic Nuclear

Engineering Functions Research Development Testing Design Analysis Systems Manufacturing and Construction Operations and Maintenance Technical Support Customer Support Sales Finance Management Law Medicine Business Education

Leadership 17% of the Fortune 500 CEO’s have a business degree. 20% of the Fortune 500 CEO’s have an engineering degree and 22% of the Fortune 200 CEO’s. Patent law requires a degree in Engineering or science

Why we NEED more Engineers Aging engineering workforce Fewer students choosing engineering Global competition Integration of technology into all of society Diversity = Innovation -

BS Engineering Degrees 2005 Engineering Degrees by Ethnicity & Gender Women 19.6% African American 6.5% Hispanic 5.4% Native American . .05% All lower than 1999! African Americans, Latinos and Native Americans comprise 30% of college-age people, and 25% of the U.S. workforce Source: ASEE PRISM, September 2004

Let’s talk about Engineering High School Girls Enjoying what I do Good working environment Making a difference Good income Flexibility Engineering Community It’s a challenge Go for it! It’s difficult, but rewarding Use math and science to solve problems

Average starting salaries at Purdue university 2008 Aerospace $55,772 Chemical $66,311 Civil $53,231 Computer $62,940 Electrical 58,896 Industrial $57,519 Materials $58,325 Mechanical $60,000

High School Preparation Pre-calculus or calculus Chemistry Physics Writing, Communication Computer - programming, drafting, general Honors & advance placement This gives you career choices!!

Contact us at Office Phone: (765) 494-3975 Email: dbowker@purdue.edu

For more information: www.purdue.edu www.eweek.org www.engineeringk12.org www.discoverengineering.org www.jets.org