engineering with real effect how engineers without borders is making a difference on a global scale...

Engineering with real effect

How Engineers without Borders is making a difference on a global scale

Lexi Randall-L’Estrange,

Fourth Year Environmental Engineering

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Overview

• How did I get here?

• Why did I choose engineering at RMIT?

• Environmental engineering at RMIT

• Engineers without borders at RMIT

• Integrated workplace project

• What does my future look like?

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How did I get here?

March of year 12: plans for the future

• Subjects in year 12 : English, maths methods, specialist maths, environmental science, physics, english literature,

• Year 11: History and philosophy

Course selection criteria

• Highly regarded profession

• Practical influence on peoples lives

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Why did I choose engineering at RMIT?

• First preference

• Practical, practical, practical!

• Application to the real world from day one!

• Links with industry

• Impressive graduates

• Location, location, location!

• Overseas programs; student exchange, Vietnam interdisciplinary environmental research project

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What is environmental engineering?

Understanding of engineering fundamentals as well as application of civil engineering, chemical engineering, environmental science and social impacts

• Waste management – water, solid, air pollution, groundwater and land contamination

• Research and develop new technologies and techniques

• Evaluate environmental and social impacts of projects

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What is environmental engineering?

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What is environmental engineering?

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What is environmental engineering like at RMIT?

• Choice of three minors

– Groundwater

– Civil

– Chemical (wastewater treatment and processing)

• Practical applied learning

• Engineers without borders challenge – First year engineering

• Community project

• Presentations, reports, group projects

• Software – AutoCAD, ArcGIS, RORB….

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Vacation work and integrated workplace project

Requirement: Vacation work

– 12 weeks working with engineering company getting practical hands on experience

– Can apply any time, some students end of first year, second or third year

– Often offered opportunity to continue work during studies

– I have been working since August 2008

Requirement: Final year project

- Work on real industry based project

- Link with professional mentors

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Engineers Without Borders at RMIT

• Engineers without borders challenge

• EWB RMIT development scholarship

– Three engineering students

– 10 weeks living and working in Vietnam

– Habitat for humanity, HCMC

• RMIT chapter

– All engineering students, other disciplines are welcome

– RMIT based volunteer group

– Local projects, events, link with other universities

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Vacation work and integrated workplace project

• EWB RMIT development scholarships

• Disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation in Long An

• Working with households to improve access to appropriate environmental sanitation facilities in flood relocation zones

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What does my future look like?