1. Engineering is Everywhere
David T. Bowker
Purdue College of Engineering

2. 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

4. 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 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

5. 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

6. 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

7. “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

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

9. 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!

10. 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

11. I N N O V A T I V E
Engineers are…

12. 850 books (2/3 of a ton)

13. Problem Solvers
Engineers are…

14. C T e V e a R i
Engineers are…

15. How are these the same?

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

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

18. 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…

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

20. 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

21. 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

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

23. BS Engineering Degrees
2005 Engineering Degrees by Ethnicity & Gender
Women %
African American %
Hispanic %
Native American %
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

24. 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

25. 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

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

27. Contact us at Office Phone: (765) 494-3975

28. For more information: www.purdue.edu www.eweek.org