Most people have a very limited understanding of what engineers do – and we engineers don’t do a good job of expanding that view. But if we did, the benefits could be impressive.
Yesterday’s earthquake in central Italy has resulted in many deaths. But it is not the earthquake that claims victims but our built infrastructure. Why is this so?
Tara P. Dhakal, Binghamton University, State University of New York
Solar power has enormous potential, but provides only about one percent of world electricity today. An engineer explains the many steps it takes to make solar panels that are efficient, clean and cheap.
Lowering maths prerequisites to study science, engineering and commerce at university has led to students playing catch up for years. This should be fixed.
We are beginning to be able to control very precisely how light interacts with matter, creating opportunities for invisibility, soundproofing and even earthquake damage prevention.