Dateline: Ambassador Hotel, Chicago
What a day! I attended some good sessions and heard some good ideas that I want incorporate into the Engineering and Public Policy class next year. Some we may even discus for the Introduction to Engineering class. I was especially impressed with the students who were here and co-presenting with their professors. It gives me some ideas for next year.
I had a great dinner with two leaders of the field and in the Engineering and Public Policy Division of ASEE. We only have about 150 members in the division but we had a little over 300 attend the distinguished lecture this morning. That is a good sign.
I am also happy that the number of schools that appear to be integrating public policy into the engineering curricula is growing. A couple of thoughts did cross my mind to day in some of the meetings.
First, there seems to be an us/them argument that is often cited. "Us" are the engineers who develop the technology and "them" are those who regulate the technology. For example, in nanotechnology, "we" have made some advancements, recognize some concerns, but "they" have not proposed any regulations. Should we wait for regulations or should we propose them? I fall firmly in the camp that "us", or at least some of us, should become "them". Why should engineers sit around and wait for the lawyers (no offense meant) to develop the regulations.
Fortunately, this week I have some students who seem to be well on their way to becoming them.
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