Past, present, future: Engineers build civilizations

  • Published
  • By Debbie Aragon
  • AFCEE Public Affairs
LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Curiosity, the saying goes, killed the cat, but most engineers would also argue it has and continues to build civilizations, and the structures and products that keep them going.

The National Professional Society of Engineers sponsors Engineers Week each year to celebrate the important contributions of engineers and encourage younger generations to pursue careers in that field. This year's celebration, the 60th anniversary of the event, takes place Feb. 20-26.

The week, held around George Washington's birthday, was established in 1951 to increase public awareness and appreciation of the engineering profession. Many view the nation's first president, who was also a military engineer and land surveyor, as America's first engineer.

From air and water quality to construction and remediation, many engineers at the Air Force Center for Engineering and the Environment here and around the Air Force make contributions daily in various areas of engineering.

There's civil engineer Christine O'Brien, for example, who serves as the director of AFCEE's Operations Support Division and as the Air Force Civil Engineer career field manager, ensuring the continued strength of the profession.

There's Chris Kruzel, a mechanical engineer who supports the Air Force's military construction program by providing engineering assistance to project managers by reviewing drawings and giving insight into technologies or building systems.

There's general engineer Thomas Rech, who provides technical reach-back support, expert consultation services and products for the planning, development, design and construction of sustainable installations.

In Afghanistan, there's 1st Lt. Tiffany VanDenBroeke, who is an AFCEE Afghanistan engineering project manager and contracting officer responsible for developing and managing large construction projects being built for the Afghan National Army and Afghan National Corps of Police.

All say their path to a career in engineering began at an early age with things like curiosity and problem solving.

"As a kid, I always loved to know how things work and, as I got older, I appreciated good design," said Mr. Kruzel. "It's funny because I started out wanting to be an architect, but in high school I really fell in love with physics. At that point, I saw engineering as the career that suited me better."

Ms. O'Brien said she's never been one to tinker around with things but was always naturally inquisitive.

"I grew up in south Florida and did a lot of walking in the woods so nature was always around me and I was always curious how nature worked ... life cycles, biodiversity, that type of thing," she said.

Specializing in electrical engineering, Mr. Rech said he has always been curious about how things work too. "That and the fact that I couldn't spell very well seemed to make being an engineer my natural profession," he said.

He also remembers an engineer who talked to his 8th grade class on career day. "I can't tell you what he said or did now, but I still remember the impression it made on me," he said.

Lieutenant VanDenBroeke, who specializes in systems engineering, recalled her time in 8th grade as well.

"I went to my science teacher and asked him what kind of career fields used skills in science and math, and he answered, 'Engineering,'" she said. "Since my dad was an engineer, I decided that was probably a good fit, and stuck to that career path since middle school."

While in the 10th grade, Ms. O'Brien was headed toward a career as a math teacher when one of her teachers opened her eyes to engineering.

"In high school, I had a really good teacher that influenced me," she said. "She recommended engineering and really encouraged me to look into what engineering was instead of just limiting myself to being a math teacher or studying mathematics. She knew I was good in science too and I enjoyed the environmental piece growing up along the river banks in Florida."

With recently released statistics from the 2009 Program for International Student Assessment for 15 year olds in 34 countries, some may worry about future generations when it comes to engineering. In the assessment, the United States ranked below average in math and average in science and reading; all key areas for those interested in engineering careers.

"America certainly needs to improve and place more priority on math and science," said Mr. Rech. But one of America's strengths, he added, is cultivating an entrepreneurial spirit that breeds innovation and creativity in all areas, including engineering.

Lieutenant VanDenBroeke agreed.

"I think the United States is an extremely competitive country that promotes free thinking. So, what we potentially lack in education, we make up with ingenuity and a true desire to better ourselves," she said.

Giving children goals and good role models can also help children overcome the potential gap in the areas of math, science and reading, Mr. Kruzel said.

"As engineers and professionals, I think it's important for us to show the benefit of hard work," he said.

As the person entrusted to build and guide tomorrow's Air Force engineers, Ms. O'Brien agreed outreach is very important.

While participating with the Society of Women Professional Engineers several years ago, Ms. O'Brien visited with a couple of young female high school students. A few years later, she received a card from one of the students letting her know she'd graduated from college and was excited to be going to work for an engineering firm.

"She was very grateful we had the conversation we did," Ms. O'Brien said. "Being able to find those touch points, those opportunities for interface, is very important."

So what would these engineers say to a student who might be considering a career as an engineer?

"Being good in math and science is important," Mr. Rech said, "but having an inquiring mind, problem-solving abilities and a willingness to ask 'why' is just as important."
Mr. Kruzel said he would encourage students to follow their passion.

"If they love to solve problems using math and science, then I would say that engineering is a great career to consider," he said.

"Try it, why not?" Ms. O'Brien would say. "Normally, you have to take a basic curriculum of mathematics and science in school anyway, but I would encourage them to participate in things like Explore UT."

Explore UT, with information at www.utexas.edu/events/exploreut, allows visitors of all ages to visit the University of Texas Austin campus and learn about its research, experience its history and traditions, and interact with faculty, staff and students.

"It's a great way to get to meet some kids and get involved in the problem-solving work they do in the various areas of engineering," she said. "Engineering is such a broad discipline that any young person should be able to find something they're interested in."

Lieutenant VanDenBroeke would simply tell them, "Go for it!"

Engineering has been and always will be a needed profession in this world, she said, "from pyramids, to coliseums, to battleships, to fighter jets, to everything! An engineer was involved at some point in designing anything that can be touched and being part of that legacy is absolutely incredible."

For more information on Engineers Week and programs to promote engineering in the workplace and in schools year round, visit the National Engineers Week Foundation Website at www.eweek.org.