New
developments in the field of engineering owe a large debt to engineers with
degrees from the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics
(STEM). These developments are making huge strides for organizations across the
board, but the environmental, medical and manufacturing industries in
particular. Here are four examples.
3D
Printing
Prototypes
are a key part of turning a concept into a final product, but creating one was
labor-intensive before the advent of 3D printing. 3D printing allows mechanical
engineers to put their imaginations to the test and build 3D visual
representations much faster than physical prototypes. In addition to speed, 3D
printing is also more cost-efficient and easier to use than physical
prototyping.
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology
is changing the way mechanical engineers work by opening up the possibility of
manufacturing devices on the molecular and atomic level for custom
applications. These devices, which are designed to reduce weight, volume and
power demands, carry the added benefit of greater sustainability.
For
example, a nanotechnology engineer may work in the environmental industry
testing different pollutants in the world’s food supply on the cellular level.
Successful research would reduce these pollutants on a nanoscale and lay the
groundwork for a more sustainable future.
STEM-focused
curriculums provide an advantage in nanotechnology, because students work with
cutting-edge technology to find solutions for real-world challenges. STEM
universities also quickly adapt to industry changes to ensure best practices
are taught for creating these materials.
Grid
Decentralization
Electrical
engineers focus primarily on up-and-coming fields in the engineering industry,
including grid decentralization. Grid decentralization is gaining popularity
from Colorado to Denmark as a way to reduce the environmental impact created by
its communities. Unlike conventional power stations, grid decentralization
technology uses renewable energy sources like solar and wind to create power.
STEM studies have helped cities and countries transform the way they collect
power by thoroughly covering topics ranging from micro-grids to “smart” grids.
More importantly, these studies put creative power directly into the hands of
students with hands-on projects, internships and real-world challenges.
Lean
Manufacturing
Lean
manufacturing has dramatically reshaped the roles of industrial engineers over
the past decade. Driven by STEM studies, lean manufacturing is focuses on
eliminating waste from production processes to create a more agile system. With
a primary focus on making systems more sustainable, faster and cost-effective,
industrial engineers developed this principle based on studies in STEM subjects
including: multifunctional materials, nanotechnology, supply chain logistics,
Six Sigma and system analysis.
Universities
offering industrial engineering degree programs take a pragmatic approach
to learning in the classroom. Students can expect to concentrate on applying
the principles of design, analysis and manufacturing to real-world challenges
to improve mechanical systems.
Artificial
Organs
Biomedical
engineering fuses engineering principles with biology to build life-saving
medical technologies such as artificial organs. Although biomedical engineering
has had a long history, the most recent groundbreaking technologies are a
result of advanced education in STEM subjects. Artificial hearts and iPills,
for example, are two biomedical engineering breakthroughs that have restored
hope for critically ill patients. Biomedical engineering students in STEM learn
how to develop and maintain improved medical systems, and perform research on artificial
organs, implanted devices, prosthetics and radiation therapy.
STEM
focuses solely on the four subjects used most frequently by engineers, and it
essentially guarantees that more breakthroughs and improvements are to come.
With the help of a STEM education, engineers can apply best practices for
reducing energy consumption, minimizing environmental impact and increasing
efficiency. From 3D printing to nanotechnology, there’s no denying the future
of engineering is bright and full of potential.
Lauren Willison
As the Director of Admissions at Florida Polytechnic
University, Lauren Willison is responsible for supporting the Vice
Provost of Enrollment in managing recruitment efforts. She develops and
coordinates on- and off-campus events, as well as manages the campus visit
experience.
