Empowering Through Engineering
"Scientistsstudytheworld asitis;engineerscreatethe worldthatneverhasbeen."
–TheodorevonKarman
Engineering Minds in Ac on
Fromayoungage,curiosityabouttheworldoftenleadstoremarkablejourneysin
creativityandinnovation.Inmanycases,thissparkisnurturedbytheenvironmentone growsupin.Forsomeoneraisedinahouseholdfilledwithengineeringminds,the influencecanbeprofound.Surroundedbyfamilymemberswhoconstantlyexperimentedand solvedproblems,afascinationfordesignandimprovementbegantoflourish.
Thisearlyexposuretoengineeringcanignitealifelongpassionforcreatingandrefining solutions.Theactofwatchingaparentfixaleakyfaucetorbuildamodelfromscratchcanbe incrediblyinspiring.Questionsarisenaturally:Howdoesthiswork?Whatifitweredone differently?Suchinquirieslaythefoundationforcriticalthinkingandinventiveskills.
Engaginginhands-onprojectsbecomesaplaygroundforimagination,allowingideastoevolve andtakeshape.Overtime,thiscuriositytransformsintoadeterminationtoproduceinnovative designsthatcanpositivelyimpacteverydaylife.Thejourneyfromfascinationtoactionoften leadstomomentsofdiscovery,wheresimpleconceptsevolveintocomplexsolutionsthatmake lifeeasierormoreenjoyable.
Asthispassionmatures,itopensdoorstoendlesspossibilitiesinvariousfields,from technologytosustainability Theinitialspark,nurturedbyasupportivefamilyenvironment, fuelsalifelongcommitmenttolearningandcreating,provingthattheseedsofcuriositycan leadtoextraordinaryachievements.
Inthelatesteditionof The CIO World,titled"TheMostAspiringEngineerDrivingChange andInnovationin2024,"wecelebrateKristyMandigo,herinquisitivenatureanddriveto improvedesignsandcreateinnovativesolutionsweresparked atayoungageandfosteredbya familyofengineers,includingherfather,whowasalwaystinkeringandfixingthingsaroundthe house.
Haveagreatreadahead!
CIO
FEATURING
Kristy Mandigo Empowering Through Engineering
ARTICLES
18.
6 Notable Engineering Achievements in History
22.
The Role of Engineers in Sustainable Development
CEO KMK Enterprises LLC,
Author and Chief Engineer at RTX
Kristy Mandigo
Kristy
Empowering Through Engineering
Mandigo
I believe, when possible, it is important to strive for an integration and interoperability framework that can be repeated and expanded for new platforms and systems.
How One Woman's Passion for Innovation Transformed Industries and Lives!
Whenyoufindsomething
that doesn't quiteworkthe wayyouthinkitshould, whatisyourreaction?Forsome,the naturalimpulseistosimplyacceptit andmoveon.Butforothers,thereisa deepdrivetofigureouthowto improveitandmakeitmore functional.Thispassionforimproving designiswhatfuelsinnovationacross industries.
Thosewithaneyeforfunctionality can't helpbutanalyzethethingsthey encounter intheirdailylives.Whether it’s usingakitchengadget,acomputer
program,oranelectronicdevice,their mindsarementallyredesigning elementstomaketheexperience smoother,moreefficient,andbetter adaptedtothe user's needs.Where othersmightnotthinktwiceaboutan annoyinglyplacedbuttonor unnecessarilycomplicatedwebsite menu,theyimmediatelystart brainstormingbetterdesignsolutions.
"I always wanted to make a tool or design more functional," affirmsKristy
Herinquisitivenatureanddriveto improvedesignsandcreateinnovative solutionsweresparked atayoungage andfosteredbyafamilyofengineers, includingherfather,whowasalways tinkeringandfixingthingsaroundthe house.
Bornwithcerebralpalsyinasmall towninupstateNewYork,Kristy foundherselfnaturallyinclinedtolook atthingsdifferently. "Iwasalways inspiredbyhowthingsworked," she says. "I’d trymultiplewaysofusinga particulartool,findadifferentusefor it,orsometimesevenmodifythetool, alljusttomeetmyneeds." This resourcefulnessextendedtohelping othersaswell.
Kristydiscoveredanicheinsupporting strokeandheartattackvictimstorelearndailytasksand "tricks" fora worldbuiltforthe able-bodied.Though left-handedwithlimiteduseofher rightside,Kristyhasdefied expectationsthroughversatile problem-solving. "Ihidethelimited usagewell," shesays. "Thisgrantedme accesstomanypossibilities!Imay have beenleftbehind ifI didn't find waystobeinspiredtobemorethanmy visibleandinvisibledisabilities."
Shealsofacedotherchallenges.She wasbornwithasignificantlearning disabilitythatmadereading,writing, andrecognizinglettersextremely difficult.Ratherthanbeingdeterred, sheadoptedearlyintervention. "At a very young age, I learned differently. She explained how everything was on tape or read to her, and she found tricks to distinguish between different letters and numbers.
She still remembers how many use the word "retarred," she explained. She doesn't doubtthatshewas very odd andmaybeunfriendly,as she livedina differentworld,butshewas certainly notdumbbut rather resilient.Hermind never turnsoff,shedeclares. She remembers thestrugglesshewent through andthecreativenavigation strategiessheusedtogether engineeringdegree.
My mom and dad always told me to reach for the stars! They told me I was the only one who wasn't going to hold me back. I was lucky to have
both sets of my grandparents for most of my life and still one living grandmother, and they all had the same mindset that I was unique.
KristyMandigo hasneverletbarriers standinherway.Beingthe CEO of KMKEnterprisesLLC, Author, and ChiefEngineer at RTX allof which allow hertoworkacross multiplesectors:government,writing, andnon-profit.
Her inspirational story showcases how viewing challenges as opportunities can reveal innovations.
OvercomingObstacleswith Determination
Livinginasmalltown,everyone knew Kristy's everymove,from her doctor's appointmentstoherfalling downthestairs. Theschoolsystemwas notalwayskindtoher,andshehadto fight alongside herparentstoget the helpsheneeded tothrive. Witha rigorousindividualeducationalplanin place,Kristy wasableto excelinmath andscience,evenifsheneeded assistanceinwritingandreading.
Despitethelaughter andjokesfromherpeers, adults,teachers,anddoctors,she learnedtohaveconfidenceinher abilities.Sheknewshe wasgoing to makeadifferenceintheworld, eveniffewpeoplebelievedin her. "Theworldwould 'wantme,' and I was ‘enough,'" sheshares.
StrugglestoInspiring Millions
Asshegrewolder,shediscoveredher passionforengineeringandlater realizedshewantedtoshareherstory tohelpothersnavigate life's challenges.Beingdifferent,she learned,couldbeempowering.
Withthesupportofhersiblings, parents,andgrandparents,Kristy was determined tosucceed. "My mom and dad always told me to reach for the stars! They told me I was the only one that's going to hold me back," she recalls.Shesucceededinearningthe EngineeringPerseveranceAwardat CedarvilleUniversity.
Herlifehas beenfilled withdiverse challenges,includingherepilepsyand otherneurodiversegaps.Shehas alwaysbeenajournalistanddictatorof notes,documentingherexperiences andlessonslearned.Amentoronce challengedhertoshareherstorywith theworld,encouraginghertowritea book,startablog,mentorothers,and beopentospeakingengagements.
AsaChiefEngineeratRaytheon Technologies,hasdemonstratedthe significanceofcollaboration throughouthercareer.AtRTX,shehas observedhowvariousdepartments unitetoembracechangeandpromote innovationinbothgovernmentand commercialsectors.
Inparallelwithherengineeringrole, shefoundedKMK-EnterprisesLLC,a platformforherpersonalbrandand literarywork.Herbook,"AskWhybut NotWhyMe,"isacollectionof personalstoriesshowcasingher resilienceandjourney Thewriting processinvolvedcollaborationwith otherswhosharedsimilarexperiences.
Afterpublishingherbook,Kristy launchedawebsitefeaturingablog, videos,andarticlesthatupliftpersonal growthamongreaders.Sheoperates socialmediaandexternalpartnerships topromotehermessageaboutmaking informedlifechoices.Looking forward,sheplanstogetonabook tourtoinspirebroaderaudiences.Her journeyreflectsthepowerof collaborationinachievingboth personalandprofessionalsuccess.
JourneyintheSpaceandAerospace Industry
Drivenbyapassionforcreatingnovel approachesthatchallengethe boundariesofscienceandtechnology totransformhowweconnectand safeguardourplanet.Kristystartedher careerwithRaytheonin2003.Her engagementinthedaughtersofthe AmericanRevolution(DAR)and her patriotic, andBaptistChurchfamily moldedherupbringing,whichmade herfeelproudofherwork.
Duringherinterviewprocess,her determinationandenthusiasm resonatedwiththe "Yes,hireme" attitudethatultimatelysecuredher position.Althoughtheroadto becomingachiefengineerwaslong andchallenging,thejourneyhas been immenselyrewarding forher.
Withastrongsenseofpurposeandan obligationtoquality, Kristy's experienceintheaerospaceandspace industrieshasshaped theway she approachesengineering. Her connectionwithgroupssuchasthe DARand thelegacyofherfamily has givenheraprofoundunderstandingof theimportanceofhercontributionsto scientificgrowthandnationalsecurity
Effective
StrategiesforLeading EngineeringTeams
AsChiefEngineer,Kristyemploys severalstrategiestoeffectivelymanage herteamoncomplexengineering projects.Shebelievesthatearningher team'srespectandtrustisneeded, startingwithclearlydefining expectationsforrolesandtasksto fostercohesiveness.Recognizingthat shecan'tbeeverywhereatonce,Kristy prioritizesdelegation,allowingher teamwhileinstillingexcitementabout engineeringandaccentuatingthe importanceoftheirworktosociety
Strivingforexcellenceinallaspectsof herrole,sheviewseveryassignmentas botharesumebuilderandapieceof herheart.Thisloyaltytoquality extendstohercollaborationwithsubteams,whichsheconsidersvitalfor success.Throughsharingknowledge andhelpingothersdiscovertheir passions,Kristynotonlyteaches valuableskillsbutalsopreparesherself fornewchallenges.
Supportedbyherfamily,friends, co-workers,andcustomers,sheis
motivatedtobringherbesteveryday. Ultimately,hergreatestimpactcomes fromwitnessingteammemberslearn fromherandthenteachothers,making theirsuccessthemostrewardinggift shecouldreceive. "It is important to manage your engineering team well and be mindful of the needs of the team," Kristysuggests."I try to take serious thought and effort into complex engineering design and infrastructure and adapt as changes arise."
SteeringWork-LifeBalance
Inthequestforwork-life balance,oneindividual hasnavigatedthe challengesofjuggling professionalandpersonalduties withremarkablesuccess.Initially prioritizinghomelifeduringher children'searlyyears,shelatershifted focustohercareerastheygained independence.Thesupportofher husband,whoworksinthesame industry,hasbeenimportantduring thistransition.
Akeystrategysheemploysis maintainingajournaltodocumenther workandlifeaspirations.Thispractice allowshertoreflectonhervalues, goals,andboundaries,makingiteasier toadapttochanges.Embracingthe abilitytopivothasenabledherto recoverquicklyfromsetbacksand maintainapositiveoutlook.
Moreover,sheactivelytrackshermood andexperiences,recognizingwhenshe needstoadjust.Whetheritinvolves seekingnewjobopportunitiesor stingingbackonunproductive activities,thisself-awarenessfostersa healthierbalance.
Herjourneyhighlightstheimportance ofadaptabilityandself-reflectionin achievingafulfillingwork-life balance,demonstratingthatprioritizing
passionswhilenurturingfamily connectionscanleadtoathriving personalandprofessionallife.
CombiningDigitalToolsand Consistency
Usingteamdigitalworkspacesand maintainingconsistencyin allof her workweretwoof Kristy's mainpoints. Avoidingrepeatingthesame mistakes repeatedly seemedtofither personality,sheclaimed.
Herapproachconsistedofdeveloping environments that were based onactual operationsbydesigningsystemswitha singleprimarysourceofinformation. Totheextentthatteamscompletely embracedthisparadigmandstructure, thisapproachcontributedtoincreased efficiencyinengineeringandanalysis.
However,sheadmittedthatwhen teamsonlydidithalfway,theywere oftenunsuccessfulinavoidingmanual laborandduplicationofworkbasedon thetechsetup. Overall, itis key to strive foraframeworkthatcanconnect everythingand bereused fornew productsandsystems.
Toadvanceherteamstowardafully digitaltwinrepresentation,Kristy encouragesthemtocompetein the company's innovationchallenge, concentratingmostly ondigital
engineeringandconsistencyprojects. Herstrategiesunderlinehowimportant itistouseshareddigitalspaces, maintainalignment,andwelcomenew ideastostreamlineprojectsand make thembetter overtime.
AVoiceforContent
Kristybelievesthateveryonehasthe
ThroughherroleatKMKEnterprises, sheiscommittedtomentoring emergingtalents,particularlywomen inSTEMfields.Sheactively participatesininitiativesaimedat promotingdiversityandinclusion withinengineeringandtechnology sectors.Kristy'sallegianceto empoweringothersisevidentinher desiretocreateasupportive environmentwhereindividualscan thrivedespitetheirchallenges.
Likewise,herimpactasanauthorat KMKEnterprisesisrootedinher personaljourneyofovercoming adversity.Bysharingherinsightson resilience,choice,andequality,she hopestoinspireotherstorecognize theirpotentialandstriveforsuccess againstallodds.
ritingHerBookBecamea PassionProject
Whilewritingherbookabouther childhood,Kristyrelivedboth challengingandjoyfulmoments, which wouldberead andmeantto inspireotherstoworkpastadversity andnotgiveup.Additionally,she aimedtoencouragereadersnotto envy others' circumstancesbutinstead toembracetheirownlives.From experience,sheacknowledgedthatthis couldbeadailystruggle.Shewasborn unique,withmissingbrainmatter, limitedmobility,andneurological
However,thesechallengesmotivated theminwayssheneverexpected.She learnedthatshe iswired toredesign andfindnewwaysoflivingbetterand moresustainably.Manyareaswithin engineeringrequireout-of-the-box thinkingtomeettherequirementsof customers,end-users,orinternal management.Shebelievedshe was
meant tobeanengineer,andwhile writingherbook,shewasalso planningher next five-yearcareerpath.
WhenKristy first beganwritingher book,sheworkedinsystems engineeringasan individualcontributor.
Afterrealizingthat empathywashermainarea forimprovement,shemoved intomanagingindividual contributors.
Hermentorassistedherindeveloping theseabilities.Shediscoveredthat establishingcustomized communicationplans,encouraging teamcollaboration,andlisteningtoher teammembersallhelpedherteam achieve retention andgrowherstaff.
“Being excited about your work sparks excitement in others,” sheexclaimed. Shediscoveredthatself-empowerment occurswhenonepracticesservant leadershipandempowersothers.She subsequentlystartedworkingonvery technicalprojectsandeventuallyrose tothepositionoftechnicallead.
Kristy's challenges,whetherher inabilitytouseherrighthand, not beingable todrive,experiencing seizures,orstrugglingwithreadingand writing,madeherstrongerbecauseshe approachedproblemsfromdiverse perspectivesandsolvedthemusing differentmethods.
Leadingateamofdiverseindividuals intechnicalaspectsratherthanbeinga peoplemanagerhasbeenasignificant stepinhercareerpath,andshecredits hergritandperseverancethroughout her life toherfamily,friends,and her own experiences.
Writingherbookcementedhergoals andshowedhowherdiversitygaveher
manystrengths. Shebelieves thatanyone,whether inSTEM, baking,writing,athletics,music, medicine,animals,ordrama, canfind theirpassionandthereasontowork throughextremechallengesbyreading herbook.
MeasuringSuccess
Kristydefinessuccessthroughpersonal growthandproactiveproblem-solving. Shepointsoutthatsuccessisnot merelyaboutmeetingexternallyset goalsbutratheraboutstrivingto becomethebestversionofoneself.
Unlikeotherswhomaywaitfor directives,sheactivelyresearches solutionsandcollaboratesacross engineeringareastoboostefficiency andresults.
Togaugehereffectiveness,Kristy conductstimestudiesonprojectsto
assesstheirprogressand identifyopportunitiesfor automationorimprovement.She believesthatsuccessvariesamong individualsandteams,oftenmeasured throughperformanceindicatorssuchas cost,schedule,andtechnical achievements.Understandingthe objectivesandtheneedsof stakeholdersisessentialindetermining success.
Kristyadvocatesforanempowering environmentwhereteamscanthrive. Shemeasuresteamsuccessby analyzingthevaluetheycreatefor programsandcustomers,utilizing scorecardstotrackimpact,cost savings,andnewbusiness opportunities.Herwarrantto
continuousimprovementisevidentas sheseekstosharehertechniqueswith others,findingfulfillmentwhenher colleaguesachievesimilarorbetter results.
Eventually,sheviewssuccessasa journey—onethatinvolvesexploring newheightsdailyandfosteringa cultureofempowermentwithinher teams.
SocietyofWomenEngineersandthe PRISMAward
GettinginvolvedwiththeSocietyof WomenEngineers(SWE)while she was incollege,Kristyandherfellow femaleengineeringstudentsrallied aroundeachother,findingstrengthin theirsharedexperiences.
SheattendedseveralSWEconferences locally,regionally,andglobally. Recently,shewashonoredtobea keynotespeakerataregionalSWE conferenceafterwinningthe prestigiousPRISMaward. Thisaward recognizedherasanindividualwho chartedherpaththroughouthercareer, providingleadershipinengineering andtechnology,aswellas other professionalorganizations.
Reflectingonherjourney,she acknowledgedthatherlifeandcareer hadbeenapathlesstraveled,andit
hadbeenastruggleattimes.However, shefoundit tobe arewardingpaththat eventuallyledhertohercurrentroleas aproductchiefengineer Throughout hercareer,Kristyhascontinuedto embarkonnewdevelopment, production,andsustainingactivities.
She hasmaintainedhercommitment to mentoringandleadingprofessional organizationssuchasSWE,the EpilepsyFoundation,andthe DaughtersoftheAmericanRevolution (DAR).Shehopestobecomeinvolved inthedisabilityinclusionaffinity group,assheknowsfirsthandhow challengingtheSTEMfieldcanbefor everyone,particularlythosewith disabilities.Despitethestigma,she believesincapitalizingonstrengthsto overcomeweaknesses.
UnquenchableThirstforKnowledge andGrowth
Despiteherimpressive qualifications, Kristy's motivationto continuegrowinganddevelopingher skillsstemsfromherbeliefin the importanceof stayingaheadofeverchangingtechnology.Asanengineer, sherecognizesthatitisimperativeto expandherknowledge onanongoing basis,whetherwithinthecompanyor throughexternalresources.
Kristytakesadvantageofthe educationalassistanceprovidedbyher company,allowinghertoprogress throughhercareerwhilecontinuously broadeningherexpertise.Herrecent achievementofobtainingaproject managementcertificatefromCornell Universityisatestamenttoher commitmenttolifelonglearning.More thanjustaprofessionalpursuit,her eagernesstolearnandgrowinher understandingofhowtheworldworks isadeeplypersonalendeavor.
Kristy's grandmother's words, "Be useful," haveleftanindeliblemarkon heroutlookonlife.Sheconstantly evolvesforthebetter,drivenbyasense ofpurposeandadesiretoglorifyher Creator,God,forshebelievesthatshe wouldnotbehereotherwise.Her unquenchablethirstforknowledgeand growthstemsfromherconvictionthat stayingaheadofthecurveand continuouslyexpandingherhorizonsis notonlyessentialforherprofessional successbutalsoafundamentalpartof her life's purpose.
InsightsfromKristy Kristystressesthe importanceofself-awareness andauthenticityforaspiring leaders.Shebelievesthatindividuals mustdefinetheiridentitiestoprevent othersfromdoingso.Understanding one’sboundariesisbasicforeffective leadership.
Sheadvocatesforrecognizingboth strengthsandweaknesses,encouraging activelistening,andrefining communicationstylestobuild meaningfulrelationships.Thisfocuson personalgrowthaugmentstheability tomotivateandinspireothers.
PrayerplaysavitalroleinKristy's approachtorelationships.Sheseeks wisdomandguidancetodirect interactionswithopennessanda willingnesstolearn,whichdeepensher faithandreinforcesherbeliefina uniquepurposeforeveryone.
Kristyacknowledgesthatlife’s challengescanleavepeoplefeeling stuck,yetsheencouragesembracing one’sjourney—whetherslowingdown ormetaphorically"running"alongside her
Whileshemaynotphysicallyrun,her mindisfilledwithideasand aspirations.
Further,Kristy’sinsightsremindus thateffectiveleadershipstartswith self-knowledgeandacommitmentto growth.Byfosteringself-awareness, engaginginprayer,andembracing personaljourneys,aspiringleaderscan realizetheirpotentialandcontribute meaningfullytotheircommunities.
Here are some key insights that Kristy has learned through their experiences:
• Don’tholdontoknowledgeand yourtaskstoolong;teachothers yourskillstocreatespacefor yourowndevelopment.This practicefosterscollaborationand continuouslearning.
• Findpeoplethatinspireyou,as engagingwithmotivational figurescanhelpbreakfreefrom stagnantthoughtprocessesand encourageinnovativethinking.
• Listentobothconstructiveand nonconstructivecriticism,and alwaysexpressgratitudeto critics.Followinguptoshare insightsgainedfromtheir
feedback—whetheryouagreeor disagree,canleadtodeeper understandingandstronger relationships.
• Neverstoplearningand recognizethatyouarenotthe smartestpersonintheroom.This humilityfostersadesirefor continuousimprovementand opensdoorstonewknowledge andperspectives.
• Pickaleadershipstylethat resonateswithyourvaluesbutbe adaptable.Embracingchange whilemaintainingconsistencyin coreprinciplesallowsyouto respondeffectivelytovarying situations.
mentees.Sheemphasizesthe importanceofhardworkandtheneed todismantlebarriersthathinder progress,believingthatatruelegacyis builtthroughconsistentactionrather thanmerewords.
Throughoutherlife,shehasdedicated herselftobecomingthebestversionof herself,showcasingherpledgeto personalgrowthasaleader,engineer, author,andinnovator.Heractivemind isfuelledbyherpassionforlearning, andsheoftenhumorouslycredits caffeineforhelpinghermaintainfocus.
• Learntosay“no”asitisacritical skillformanagingtimeand priorities.Thisempowersyouto focusonwhattrulymatters, preventingburnoutandensuring energyisdirectedtoward meaningfultasks.
ALoyaltytoValuesandGrowth
Kristyenvisionsalegacyrootedin inspirationandvalues,aimingto impactherchildren,readers,and
Proudofherjourney,Kristysees herselfassomeonewhowill persistentlypursuehergoals.Her determinationservesasmotivationfor thosearoundher,asshesharesher knowledgeandexperienceswith family,coworkers,andreaders.She livesbythephilosophythatlifeistoo shorttodwellonsetbacksand encourageseveryonetobeusefulevery day
Eventually,Kristy'slegacyisoneof inspiration,hardwork,andasteadfast promisetopersonalgrowth.Through heractionsandteachings,sheaimsto empowerotherstoembracetheir potentialandcontributemeaningfully totheworld.
Engineeringhasbeeninstrumentalin
transformingthemodernworld, influencingthemannerinwhichpeople live,work,travel,andcommunicate.Throughout history,manyengineeringfeatshavelefttheir indeliblemarkonsociety
This article covers six of the most outstanding achievements in engineering that showcase human creativity, innovation, and determination.
TheGreatWallofChina
Oneofthemosthistoricengineeringfeatsofall timeistheGreatWallofChina.Theenormous structureisabout13,170mileslongandbuilt overthecourseofdifferentdynasties.Itwas originallyconstructedasfarbackasthe7th centuryBC.Primarilyconstructedfordefense purposesagainstthenomadicinvasion,thewall usedawiderangeofmaterials,suchasearth, wood,bricks,andstone,accordingtothe resourceavailabilityofthearea.
TheGreatWallwasverylaboriouslyand organizationallyconstructedasittookhundreds ofthousandsofworkers,rangingfromsoldiersto peasantsandconvicts,andisestimatedthat aboutamillionpeoplewerekilledtobuildit. Thissuperengineeringfeathelpedinfulfilling thepurposeforwhichitwasbuilt-fordefense.At thesametime,ithelpedestablishtradeand communicationbetweenthoseregions.
TheRomanAqueducts
Oneothermagnificentfeatofengineering includestheRomanaqueductssystem.These werestructuresintendedtocarrywaterfrom otherpartsofthecityandintocitiesandtowns forpurification,thusgreatlyimprovinghealth andsanitationinthecitiesandtowns.The Romansconstructedmorethan400milesof aqueductacrosstheirempire,takingwateralong aseriesofchannelsbybridgesandtunnels.
OneofthemostprominentaqueductsisthePont duGardinFrance,a160-foothighstructure extendingapproximately900feetinlength. Aqueductssucceededinusingnewtechniques-
theuseofarchesandprecisegradient-whichguaranteed waterflow.Therefore,thesesuccessfulaqueductsarepart ofreasonswhytheRomancitieskeptgrowingand, consequently,theRomanEmpireremainedstrongforsuch alongtime.
TheEiffelTower
TheEiffelTower,completedin1889,isamasterpieceof engineeringanddesign.Standingat1,083feettall,the towerwasdesignedbyGustaveEiffelforthe1889 ExpositionUniverselleinParis,celebratingthe100th anniversaryoftheFrenchRevolution.Initially,thetower facedcriticism,withmanydeemingitaneyesore.However, ithassincebecomeoneofthemostrecognizablestructures intheworld.
Theirontowerwasputtogetherfrommorethan18,000 individualpiecesthatwereheldtogetherby2.5million rivets.ThedesignoftheEiffelTowerreflectsprinciplesof structuralengineeringthatgiveittheabilitytosustainwind pressureandstayinplace.Today,theEiffelTowerhosts millionsofvisitorseachyear,standingasamonumentto theingenuityofengineering.
ThePanamaCanal
ThePanamaCanalisanotherremarkablefeatof engineeringthatchangedthefaceofglobaltrade. Completedin1914,thisartificialwaterwayconnectsthe AtlanticandPacificOceans,allowingshipstoavoidthe longandtreacherousjourneyaroundthesoutherntipof SouthAmerica.Theconstructionofthecanalwasfraught withchallenges,includingtropicaldiseasesanddifficult terrain.
InitiallystartedbytheFrenchinthe1880s,theprojectwas ultimatelycompletedbytheUnitedStatesaftertakingover in1904.Thecanalfeaturesasystemoflocksthatraiseand lowershipsacrosstheIsthmusofPanama,overcomingthe heightofthecentralmountainrange.ThePanamaCanal significantlyreducedtraveltimeforships,revolutionizing maritimetradeandincreasingtheefficiencyofglobal shippingroutes.
TheBurjKhalifa
Inthemodernage,theBurjKhalifarepresentsarchitectural andengineeringgenius.Theskyscraperwascompletedin 2010inDubai,standingatamind-boggling2,717feettall, makingitthetallestbuildingintheworld.Thedesignofthe
BurjKhalifaisinspiredbyIslamicarchitecture,witha seriesofsetbacksthatcreateaspiralingsilhouette.
Itisquiteachallengetoconstructsuchatallstructurewith highresistancetowindandseismicactivities.The foundationofthisbuildingisoneofthelargesteverbuilt, whichusedmorethan45,000cubicmetersofconcrete.The BurjKhalifahasbecomeaniconofhumanambitionand whatmodernengineeringcanachieve.
TheInternationalSpaceStation
TheInternationalSpaceStation,ISS,isasuperbexampleof internationalcooperationintheareaofengineeringand scientificresearch.Launchedin1998,theISSisnotonlya space-craftbutalsoanorbitingresearchlaboratoryplaced inspaceabout250milesaboveEarth.Itsdevelopmentwas theresultofinternationalcooperationamongtheUnited States,Russia,Japan,Canada,andseveralEuropean nations.
TheISScomprisesmanymodulesinterconnectedtoserve specificpurposeslikelivingquarters,laboratories,and controlcenters.Withinputfromdifferentspaceagencies,it hasenabledground-breakingresearchintomicrogravityand ledtobreakthroughsinmedicineandmaterialsscience, amongothers.TheISSiswhatcanbedonewhenthe nationscometogether,soitisalsoasignofthepossibilities ofcooperativeengineering.
Conclusion
Thesesixengineeringfeatsareagoodexampleofhuman creativityanddeterminationattheirheights.Fromthe ancientstructuressuchastheGreatWallofChinaand RomanaqueductstomodernmarvelssuchastheBurj KhalifaandtheInternationalSpaceStation,everyproject representsthechallengesandtriumphsofitstime.Theynot onlyprovideusefulapplicationsbutalsoinspirefuture engineerstochallengetheboundariesthatcouldneverbe reached,alegacyofinnovationthatwouldgoontoshape theworldwenowlivein.
The Role of Development Engineers in
Sustainabledevelopmentimportancehasnow
becomemoreobvious.Beittheclimatechange issues,resourcedepletion,orinequalityamong people,therehasbeenaprevalentissuewhichthe countriesoftheworldhavetocontendwithinevery corner.Engineers,withtheirtechnicalacumenand innovativeproblem-solvingskills,playakeyrolein addressingtheseissuesandpromotingsustainability inmanyindustries.
UnderstandingSustainableDevelopment
Sustainabledevelopmentreferstothewayofmeeting theneedsofthepresentgenerationwithoutaffecting theabilityoffuturegenerationstomeettheirneeds. Thisconceptrunsverydeepanddealswiththings suchasenvironmentalprotection,economicgrowth, andsocialequity.
TheUnitedNationshasdeveloped17Sustainable DevelopmentGoalsthatwillstrivetowardsmaking thisworldabetterplaceforallbytheyear2030. SDGsmeanthattheeconomic,social,and environmentalfactorsareinterrelatedand,therefore, requiremultilateralcooperation.
TheEngineeringView
Theprofessionalswhotransformtheconceptintoreal issuesorproblemsareengineers,applyingtheir professiontosustainablydevelopsolutionsthatwould meettheneedsofsocietybutatlessenvironmental cost.
Theirspecialtycutsacrosscivil,mechanical, electrical,andenvironmentalengineeringamong manymore.Everybranchinengineeringhas contributedtowardsustainability-frominfrastructure development,renewableenergysolutions,andmore.
InfrastructureandUrbanPlanning
Themostimportantcontributionsofengineersto sustainabledevelopmentareininfrastructureand urbanplanning.Overtime,theworldisexperiencing populationincrement,andtheirhabitatstoliveinare becomingovercrowded.Statisticsrecentlyprojected thatnearly68%oftheworldpopulationwouldreside inurbanareasby2050.Suchchangesprovoke problemssuchastrafficcongestion,pollution,and houses.
Engineersdesignenvironment-friendlycitiesthatinclude publictransport,greenery,andenergy-savingbuildings.For example,theuseoftechnologyfordevelopingsmartcities toconsumeresourcesefficiently.Smartgridshelptotrack theamountofenergyconsumedandevenmonitortheway thesameenergyreacheseachlocationandsavesinreturn moreofthesameresourcesfromgettingwasted.Allthese facilitiesenhancelifeandreducecarbonfootprint.
RenewableEnergySolutions
Anotherkeyareawhereengineersareworkingisrenewable energy Theworldisshiftingfromfossilfuel,andengineers areplayingcrucialrolesinthedevelopmentand implementationofcleanenergytechnologies.Astheuseof solar,wind,hydro,andgeothermalenergyisexpanding faster,theglobalrenewableenergycapacityislikelyto reach4,800gigawattsby2030,reportsInternational RenewableEnergyAgency
Engineersdesignandoptimizerenewableenergysystemsto beefficient,cost-effective,andscalable.Theyimprove energystoragetechnologies,whichisanessentialpartof themanagementofintermittenceofrenewablesources. Theyarehighlyinvolvedinenergyconsumptionreduction andreductionofgreenhousegasesemissionthrough incorporationofenergy-efficientdesignsinbuildingsand infrastructure.
WaterManagement
Cleanwaterissoimportanttohumankind.Andyet,still somecornersofthisworldarealreadyrunninglowintheir cleanwatersuppliesduetoover-extraction,pollution,and climatechanges.Engineersareverymuchneededwhenit comestodesigningsystemsinwatermanagementand sustainability
Examplesincludethedesigningofrainwaterharvesting systems,wastewatertreatmentsystems,andwater recycling.Thewatersystems,besidesprovidingalternative sourcesofwater,protectlocalecosystemsfrompollution. Innovativedesignsalsoincorporatedesalinationand efficientirrigationtechnologiesinagriculturethatcan preservewaterresources.
WasteManagementandCircularEconomy
Theworldisincreasinglyproducingwaste,whichisa majorissueinsustainabledevelopment.Engineersare expectedtodesignsolutionsthatminimizethegenerationof
wasteandmaximizerecyclingandreuse.Thereisgrowing momentumbehindtheideaofacirculareconomy,whereby productsaredesignedtobereused,remanufactured,or recycled.
Engineersdesignproductsandsystemsfromresource extractionthroughtheirend-of-lifedisposal.Itreducesthe environmentaleffectsofwaste,savespreciousresources, andhelpspeoplelivemoresustainably.Acirculareconomy cancreate$4.5trillioninadditionaleconomicvalueby 2030,creatingjobsandmarketopportunities.
EducationandAdvocacy
Engineerscontributebothinatechnicalcapacityand througheducation,influencing'changeagents'to'act'for sustainability.Theyraisetheirvoicesabouttheissues affectingsustainablelifestylesbyengagingcommunities, businesses,andpolicymakers-they'sharetheirknowledge', runworkshops,andinteractwithmanystakeholders.
Thenatureofengineeringeducationischangingtowards theaspectsofsustainability Thecurriculaattheuniversities andcollegesensurethatthefutureengineersarecompetent enoughtofacethechallengesinachievingsustainable futures.
Conclusion
Theroleofengineersinsustainabledevelopment multifacetedandcrucial.Frominfrastructureandrenewable energysystems,tomanagingwaterresourcesandwaste, engineerswillalwaysbeapartofthesolutionsthatcan savetheplanetandimprovethequalityoflife.
Morecriticalissuestheglobalcommunitycontinuestoface areinthehandsoftheexpertsofengineerstoleadthemto pavethewaytoabetterfuture.Withtheirinnovativespirit andcommitmenttoproblem-solving,notonlyareengineers buildingstructuresandsystemsbutalsoshapingthefuture worldwheresustainabilitygoesalongsidehumanwellbeing.
Leadership is not about being in charge. Its about taking care of those in your charge.
- Simon Sinek
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