Illustrating the multidisciplinary nature of engineering using engineering grand challenges

Abstract

Engineers work in an environment that requires many skills and capabilities. In addition to having strong technical abilities, engineers also need strong communication skills for both oral communications and for preparing written materials. In addition, engineers need team skills to participate in interdisciplinary teams that include engineers, scientists, computer economists, and environmental specialists. An excellent way to illustrate the multidisciplinary nature of engineering is through a set of grand challenges-fundamental problems in engineering and science with broad potential impact. In this paper, the authors present some grand challenges and illustrate examples of using them in the classroom.