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Presentation for Summer Teacher Institute Zoran Nenadic, DSc Assistant Professor Department of Biomedical Engineering Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (courtesy) University of California, Irvine August 12, 2009 Poll Question #1: The best career choice for K-12 students who are good in math and science is: A) Math or science teacher B) Financial sector (banking, insurance) C) Engineer D) Research scientist (graduate degree required) Poll Question #2: Your students would consider becoming engineers because: A) Engineering is challenging, exciting, hands-on and rewarding B) Engineering has a good career potential (pays well, especially in the long run) C) Engineers make a difference D) Engineering requires skills in math and science and they are good at both Poll Question #3: Which message is the most appealing: A) Engineers make a world of difference. From new farming equipment and safer drinking water to electric cars and faster microchips, engineers use their knowledge to improve people’s lives in meaningful ways. B) Engineers are creative problem-solvers. They have a vision for how something should work and are dedicated to making it better, faster, or more efficient. C) Engineers help shape the future. They use the latest science, tools, and technology to bring ideas to life. D) Engineering is essential to our health, happiness, and safety. From the grandest skyscrapers to microscopic medical devices, it is impossible to imagine life without engineering. E) Engineers connect science to the real world. They collaborate with scientists and other specialists (such as animators, architects, or chemists) to turn bold new ideas into reality. Poll Question #4: If your students wanted to tell their families and friends why they were going to engineering, what would they say? A) I want to turn ideas into reality B) Because my dreams need doing C) I want to design things that work wonders D) I want financial security E) I want to be a part of making the next big invention Changing Perception of Engineering in K-12 Education Problem: •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 (YOU) •guidance counselors •parents Background: Society at large does not have an accurate perception of the nature of engineering Myth Reality Engineering is only responsible for economic growth and defense Engineering improves health, the quality of life and environment Engineers know math and science and are interested in “things” Modern engineering is about people, communication and leadership skills Engineering is for loners not interested in social issues Modern engineering is about teamwork and increasingly about social issues Engineering is not for women and minorities 1 in 10 engineers is a woman (1 in 2) 1 in 20 engineers is Hispanic (1 in 7) 1 in 30 engineers is black (1 in 7.5) (we need more!) 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 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. 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 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 students 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 Brain Computer Interface (BCI) featured at “60 minutes” BCI research at UC Irvine 10-20 International Standard A B C D E F G A B C D E F G H I H J K L M N “E” O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z , . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 < 8 9 0 ? I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z , . 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 ! > < 8 9 0 ? 400 ms ! > 80 points (numbers) T=? 2 numbers 640 numbers Q: How would you increase the performance? Q: What else can be done?