THE ENGINEER - Engineers Nova Scotia

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Currently this is a challenge; many engineering materials contain environmentally hazardous chemicals in their composition or production processes. Emerging environmental issues include additive biocides which are environmentally toxic and can cause antibacterial-resistance; fire retardants which are environmentally toxic; additive phthalates which pose uncertain environmental risks; and greenhouse gases which cause climate change. Although awareness of the environmental consequences of these materials is emerging, their use has been managed in-part by engineers for many years. Hence, the more significant challenges for engineers are to sufficiently evaluate the lifecycle environmental hazard posed by new materials before they enter the environment and make ethical decisions regarding their use accordingly. In coming years the engineering profession needs to be primarily focusing on sustainable development rather than managing the environmental consequences of materials with previously unknown adverse properties. The most significant emerging environmental challenges for engineers are the efforts outlined which are necessary to achieve this goal. Should Engineers Nova Scotia be concerned that the profession is not gender balanced? answer: When the world thinks of engineering the typical thought is that it is a man’s industry. This ideology was very typical in the 20th century and unfortunately is still present in many workplaces across Nova Scotia and Canada today. Yet there have been great strides taken in moving forward and making engineering a more gender balanced career. As a woman pursuing a career in the engineering field I understand that I may face some adverse situations solely based on my gender. Also with studies from Engineers Canada, showing that the female engineering enrolment has been declining since 2000 the engineering field may not have the needed increase of women so that the profession may become more gender balanced. With respect to Engineers Nova Scotia position on the concern of there being a gender imbalance, firstly it must be recognized that it is present. Steps can be made to protect any current women engineers from gender based decisions through the education of its members. Also with such a small percentage of new engineers being women, a proactive step to 20 The ENGINEER encourage young women to choose engineering as a career should be considered. Even though women may be underrepresented in the engineering field great steps have been made to create a more balanced and fair industry. The engineering field is a profession needed all around the world in almost all industries. With it being such an important part of our society it is important that it be gender balanced. answer: It is no secret that the engineering field is heavily weighted with male professionals. With approximately 80% male enrolment, it is a problem universities have been struggling with nationwide. It is also an issue that I believe would correct itself more efficiently if more resources were spent exposing children and teens to the benefits of an engineering career, regardless of gender. Society is currently at a crossroads where impeccably trained engineers are going to be crucial to its development; today’s engineers will face more diverse and complex problems than any other generation before them. The solutions chosen for these problems will have consequences which effect an entire civilization and many generations to come. We should be recruiting the best minds, regardless of gender, to tackle these problems; after all, we should be judged by what we can and have contributed, not by our sex, race, religion, etc. This is where I believe Engineers Nova Scotia should put its energy. More time should be spent making adolescents aware of the careers attainable upon completion of a BEng. As a student of a small rural high school, I was never introduced to the possibility of becoming an engineer; it was only through my own research that I discovered the perfect career fit for me. I often wonder how many other students with incredible potential simply never chose engineering for lack of guidance; this is certainly the best use of Engineers Nova Scotia’s recruiting resources – educate all high school students on the profession in order to attract the very best and brightest minds, regardless of gender.
Do you have a morning or an afternoon to volunteer? The Junior High School Egg Drop Competitions run all month long. This is a very fun and interactive competition that allows junior high science students to practice their problem solving, budgeting, and presentation skills to design a contraption that will (hopefully) protect an egg from breaking when it is dropped from a height of 3 metres. Gather up a team of people from your office, your network of contacts, or just send in your name to be grouped in with others. Can’t get away from the field or the office during the day? Why not participate in one of our student-professional social events. Usually setup during the evenings, these events provide an informal discussion forum with students about what it’s really like after university. Share your experiences and answer questions about what it’s like to work in your world; whether is in government or private sector, research and development or production, in the field or in the office. The Gearhead 1/10th Marathon is another fun way to get out there for National Engineering Month. This 4.2km run is for the early risers, starting in downtown Halifax at 7AM. This year we are trying something different; we’re inviting the public to join us, and we’re adding some engineering trivia questions about some of the landmarks you’ll be passing for you to consider on your run. Of course, as with any good trivia there will be prizes! Stay tuned, more details in the next edition of The Engineer. Looking for ways to get involved in the month long celebration of Engineering? Read on! Submitted by: Christopher Davis, P.Eng., Chair - National Engineering Month Committee If you want to get the whole family involved, why not check out the Annual Mic Mac Mall Public Engineering Display. There will be fun and games for the kids, and displays including university student projects, engineering historic sites and other engineering projects from around HRM and Nova Scotia. This is also the venue for the Provincial Junior High School Popsicle Stick Bridge Competition. Come see the student’s final designs be judged then tested for strength! The winning team will be announced after the testing. 2011 Popsickle Bridge Challenge Winners. Engineers Nova Scotia Annual Holiday Reception Thursday, December 8th, 2011, from 4:30pm—7:00pm. Members are invited to attend our Annual Holiday Reception to be held at our office at 1355 Barrington Street in Halifax, snacks and refreshments will be served. This festive event is a great opportunity to become re-acquainted with friends and colleagues. It’s early yet, and the Committee is still working on a lot of other events not listed here. If you’d like more information about how to get involved, contact Christopher Davis, P.Eng. (davisc@halifax.ca). Otherwise, watch for our full calendar of events in the Spring edition of The Engineer. I hope to see you at our events in March! The ENGINEER 21
Page 1 and 2: Newsletter of The Association of Pr
Page 3 and 4: The Association of Professional Eng
Page 5 and 6: CEO/Registrar Len White, MBA, CGA,
Page 7 and 8: Professional Practice Dermot Mulroo
Page 9 and 10: Professional Development Kris Dove,
Page 11 and 12: As a regular reader of The Engineer
Page 13 and 14: Being actively involved in professi
Page 15 and 16: I first met Mark de Jonge in 1998,
Page 17 and 18: EXECUTivE SUMMaRY In November 2009,
Page 19: Matthew Dugie (above) was selected
Page 23: The ENGINEER 23

THE ENGINEER - Engineers Nova Scotia

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