Crisis zones
professional preparation in the world's most difficult climates
Due to the number and severity of cases, it is said the best doctors come from Gaza. Moreover, the lack of supplies and hospital infrastructure challenges medical professionals to think creatively to provide treatment. Similarly, engineers working in hazardous environments face intense conditions—shaping the next generation of professionals who will define the future of global infrastructure.
Undoing plans
The predictability of an economy allows for products and solutions which are repeatable and scalable, and hence an engineering workforce who are ready to deliver services. A cozy nine to five corporate job in the midwest will provide a healthy paycheck, office pizza parties, and insurance benefits to keep an army of engineers ready on stand-by. However, hurricanes, tsunamis, tornados will easily put a wrinkle in engineering plans impacting government spending and design solutions set for a certain trajectory.
Building skills
Whether an academic or professional education, the training makes an assumption that we have all the information. In addition to the unpredictable nature of the environment, humans are often quite unpredictable as well. Hence, a book or office smart engineer may not always have the aptitude to deal with the stress and emotion on the ground when there is an environmental crisis.
Indigenous engineer
The indigenous engineer is familiar with his land and people. He or she can more easily coordinate labor on the ground to prepare, repair and restore the built environment tailored to the needs of his people. Rather than an corporation entering with their set process, an indigenous engineer can work more fluidly within the context of his people.
