Revolutionizing Engineering Education: NAE’s Grand Challenges Program

In September 2019, Prof. Kwadwo Osseo-Asare embarked on a transformative journey to London, where he joined an international assembly of engineering minds at the joint US National Academy of Engineering, UK Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Chinese Academy of Engineering Summit on Global Grand Challenges in Engineering. This biennial event aims to revolutionize engineering education for the 21st century, drawing inspiration from the NAE’s 14 Grand Challenges.

One of the remarkable initiatives catalyzed by the NAE Grand Challenges is the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, envisioned to equip future engineers with the tools to address the most pressing issues of our time. This program focuses on five pivotal competencies: research-driven talent, interdisciplinary collaboration, multicultural experiences, entrepreneurial spirit, and a keen sense of social responsibility. Launched in 2010 at just three institutions, it has now flourished to include nearly 80 active programs worldwide, with a dozen beyond US borders, signaling its global impact.

Student attendees from Kenya

Notably, over half of the students in this program are women, and an increasing number hail from underrepresented backgrounds. This surge in diversity is not only cultivating a new generation of change-makers but is also propelling the engineering profession towards a more inclusive and representative future.

The 2019 London summit drew in over 700 dynamic college students from across the globe, all driven by a shared commitment to engineering solutions for our planet’s most critical challenges. Among these attendees were passionate young minds from Kenya, exemplifying the global reach and impact of this pivotal gathering.

One of the summit’s most inspiring reunions was with former Ph.D. student Prof. Virginia Ciminelli of the Federal University of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Prof. Ciminelli has been at the forefront of leading the Grand Challenges Scholars Program in Brazil, a testament to her dedication to fostering the next generation of engineers equipped to tackle complex global problems. Recognized with Penn State College of EMS’s prestigious Hosler Alumni Scholar Medal in 2020, Prof. Ciminelli’s exceptional academic achievements and leadership in research and international collaboration serve as a beacon of inspiration.

During his time in Prof. Ciminelli’s lab, Prof. Osseo-Asare had the privilege of meeting Dr. Roberta Froes, a post-doctoral researcher with a remarkable journey. Dr. Froes, one of the few Afro-Brazilians in her technical high school, emerged as the sole individual to complete the course. Today, she stands as a professor of Analytical Chemistry at the Federal University of Ouro Preto, Brazil, a living testament to the transformative power of education.

This journey to London and the encounters with Prof. Ciminelli, Dr. Froes, and the vibrant cohort of global scholars serve as a vivid illustration of the monumental impact that focused educational initiatives and cross-cultural collaborations can have on shaping a future generation of engineers. Through inclusivity, mentorship, and unwavering dedication, these stories inspire hope and exemplify the potential for positive change that lies within the hearts and minds of engineers worldwide.

Related Sources:

1. https://www.nae.edu/220262/Welcome-to-the-NAE

2. https://www.raeng.org.uk/policy/partnerships/international-policy-and-development/ggcs/2019/welcome

3. http://aqueousol.blogspot.com/2015/06/a-tribute-to-excellence-virginia.html

4. Dr. KOA’s conversation with Prof. Ciminelli’s during her post-doc days is posted on his website and on YouTube.  https://aqueousol.blogspot.com/2011/05/if-you-educate-girl-part-vii.html