Call for Panel Members on “Education and Promotion of New Technologies”

Over the last 30+ years, there has been a rapid increase in the number of new technologies and engineered materials. The ability to rapidly take advantage or spread the knowledge of new technologies within various engineering fields is limited by the engineering educational system or continuing education methodology. One example where technology has experienced this difficulty is “geosynthetics”, which are planar polymeric materials used in earthen construction.

One method of education for a new technology is within the coursework of a college engineering program. In fact, the fundamental knowledge for all engineering technologies starts within the math, science and engineering sciences coursework. The ability to revise engineering coursework to include the fundamentals of new technologies requires multiple work efforts by interested parties within different organizations over many years.

This issue is to be reviewed during a Panel Discussion Session, “Education and Promotion of New Technologies,” at the Geotechnical Frontiers 2017 Conference in Orlando, Florida, March 12-15, 2017. The proposed panel will address the issues that either limits or promotes the inclusion of new technologies within engineering coursework. It is hoped through this discussion, conference attendees can begin to comprehend the scope to work effort required to promote the education of new technologies. It is also the goal of this panel discussion to start developing other approaches and to build a force majeure to take on the task(s) to improve engineering coursework to include new technologies.

The International Geosynthetic Society – North American Chapter is seeking panel members who represent other engineering technologies that have been experienced similar difficulties in the education and promotion of new technologies and/or materials. If you are interested in being on this panel, please contact:

Bob Mackey, P.E., BCEE
Member, Program Committee
Geotechnical Frontiers 2017
407-475-9163
bmackey@s2li.com