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Changing Perception of Engineering in K-12 Education

Changing Perception of Engineering in K-12 Education. Zoran Nenadic, DSc Assistant Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (courtesy) University of California, Irvine June 30, 2009. Problem Statement :

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Changing Perception of Engineering in K-12 Education

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  1. Changing Perception of Engineering in K-12 Education Zoran Nenadic, DSc Assistant Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (courtesy) University of California, Irvine June 30, 2009

  2. Problem Statement: • Engineering is not attracting enough people to the field • Engineering is not attracting the diversity of background needed • Students who are good in math and science may not be aware of • engineering careers • If this trend continues, the U.S. may lose its competitiveness in • the global economy • Moving Forward to Improve Engineering Education, National Science Board, 2007 • A central issue: the way engineering is perceived by • prospective students • teachers • guidance counselors • parents

  3. Background: Society at large does not have an accurate perception of the nature of engineering

  4. Significance: In contrast to these common public perceptions, it is an exciting time to be an engineer • - The next generation of U.S. engineers will be challenged to find holistic solutions to: • population • energy • environment • food • water • terrorism • housing • health • transportation problems • - New subfields of engineering continue to emerge: • nanotechnology • biotechnology • information technology • logistics

  5. Opportunity: Biomedical Engineering (BME) is here to stay. Biomedical Engineers combine engineering, biology, and biomechanical principles to the design, development, and evaluation of biological and health systems and products, such as artificial organs, prostheses, instrumentation, medical information systems, and heath management and care delivery systems.

  6. Opportunity: Orange County is the center of biomedical device industry (~200 companies) It takes 4 years to earn a BME degree (comparable to science degree, and much shorter than medical and law degrees) Mean annual wage for BME professionals: $81,120 Mean annual wage for BME professionals (California): $91,590 Other engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, chemical, civil) have similar wages source: United States Department of Labor, 2008

  7. Approach: - “Make a Difference” message is key - This represents a paradigm shift from the previous message where the challenge of math and science skills were emphasized - Encouraging young people to make a difference in the world through an engineering career is more likely to attract them to engineering. Changing the Conversation: Messages for Improving Public Understanding of Engineering, National Academy of Engineering, 2008 The four messages that tested best are: •Engineers make a world of difference •Engineers are creative problem solvers •Engineers help shape the future •Engineering is essential to our health, happiness, and safety

  8. Brain Computer Interface (BCI) featured at “60 minutes”

  9. BCI research at UC Irvine

  10. BCI research at UC Irvine

  11. BCI research at UC Irvine

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