Engineering for a better world.
Engineering is often understood as using science to make “cool things.” But, it has always meant so much more to me. Engineering is a way of bettering the world. Engineering is a way of solving problems for others. To me, engineering is an all emcompassing tool that can change lives.
This is why engineering cannot live in a bubble. Because of its importance and impact, it is not enough to simply know how to code up a neural network or wire up an RC filter. It is our responsibility as engineerings to use what we learn to help others. And, in order to do that, we need to understand the world around us through human-centered design and ethical priciples.
In the traditional engineering cirriculum, first years will sit through lectures of math, physics, and computer science. These dense technical classes are neccessary — don’t get me wrong. But, they fail to teach students how they have the change to change the world. This drives away the students looking to make a more meaningful impact in their careers and these are the students that would make the best engineers! Luckily, I got the opportunity to go to Olin College of Engineering, a place that emphasizes the impact engineers can have on humanity.
That responsibility is daunting. But, if you apply it to a cause you are passionate about or something you are determined to change it feels less scary. For me, that something is education. I have experienced first hand what motivating and supporting teachers can do and it is incredibly heart-breaking that very few kids feel powerful enough to know that they can use what they learn to shape the world in their eyes. When I think about this problem, I am pumped with adenaline and a sudden burst of motivation.
Every engineer needs that something that they want to change because without it it’s hard to see the importance of the engineering cirriculum. That is why (along with technical material) every engineering student needs to know how they can apply what they are learning to a more meaningful cause.
This is the first post of a challenge I am doing — one post a week for the month of March. I want to challenge myself to think deeply about a topic of importance for at least a few hours a week. If you catch me missing a week, I’ll buy you a coffee!
