Solving the mysteries of cancer requires the work of many experts, and engineers are among those contributing. Innovative engineers and professional engineers in a wide range of engineering disciplines are lending their know-how to a multidisciplinary offensive to stop cancer in its tracks. »

There might be an important element missing from the current engineering curriculum: management. Many engineers find themselves in roles where they must learn how to manage other engineers on their own. Great engineering managers must have the ability to learn from their mistakes, be advocates for their teams, and possess a passion for leadership.  

Professional engineers can offer more to disaster planning and recovery than design solutions. Another aspect that can’t be ignored, pre- or post-disaster, is policy. Engineers may be reluctant to get involved in this area, preferring to keep to the technical arenas where they feel most confident. But some PEs point to the need for engineers to contribute their technical knowledge to policy discussions, seeing such actions as part of the ethical responsibilities of their roles.  

Pay-to-play schemes and fraudulent acts are in direct violation of the principles outlined in the NSPE Code of Ethics. When professional engineers fail to place the duty to serve ethically and in the best interest of the public welfare over political influence and financial gain, the consequences can ruin reputations and careers.  

According to the Census Bureau, almost 20% of people in the country have a disability. Rehabilitation engineers work with these clients one-on-one. Their goal: maximize independent living and create personalized assistive technology.  

In the early 1940s, engineers attempted to develop one common code of ethics for all practicing engineers. Today, however, NSPE and technical societies have their own codes with many similarities and differences. As society changes, it’s the responsibility of these organizations to update their codes to help their members adapt to contemporary issues.  

Lessons-learned programs can help engineers improve their work on future projects. However, they can also come with a big risk: potential liability concerns.  

There are expanding efforts to encourage and support the entry of more women and people of color into the engineering workforce, but a significant challenge to the recruitment and retention of diverse talent can’t be ignored. Despite progress, the engineering workplace can still be a very trying experience for women and people of color.  

The ability to lead has become something of a prerequisite for becoming an engineer. Creating a sense of belonging or community and helping those under you to grow and develop are two of the hallmarks of modern leadership.  

Ensuring the integrity of the professional engineer license is a top priority for NSPE and its state societies—all in the interest of protecting the health, welfare, and safety of the public. PE takes a look at some of the most recent advocacy actions of state societies in partnership with NSPE.  

Science has learned more about the human brain in the last one or two decades than in the last one or two centuries. If engineers want to be more effective, creative, and innovative, then the time is right to apply what has been learned to the three-pound marvel between our own ears. »

Whether you’re an owner of an engineering business or an employee, the issues of professional liability, risk management, and loss prevention can make the difference between success and failure. This directory and the results from our annual survey and interviews with professional liability insurance providers can help you make decisions about your broker and policy. »