Q&A with Madeline

Humanitarian Engineering

Why did you choose Humanitarian Engineering as your concentration?
I chose Humanitarian Engineering because it allowed me to broaden the scope of available classes and it let me discover subjects related to the environment, global issues, and policy. I felt that it truly encompassed what I wanted to do with my engineering degree, and I've met like-minded individuals along the way! 

What experiences have possibly shaped your area of humanitarian engineering? (Internships, etc.)
My internship with enFocus, a South Bend, Indiana based nonprofit, shaped my area of humanitarian engineering. I worked with local stakeholders involved with a specific neighborhood facing a high rate of children testing positive for lead poisoning. I was able to leverage my engineering problem solving skills to develop a plan to effectively deploy grant money to reach vulnerable populations. I learned that I wanted to be involved with solving complex issues for my community and empower community members to organize and work together. 

COVID-19 Pandemic

Has the pandemic given you a new or different perspective on the engineering roles played out at this time? More specifically:

With your practice in engineering, would you change any of what our leaders are doing or have ideas on how to solve any number of the issues discussed in the media?
Yes, absolutely! I believe there is a more effective way to manage resources and communicate among entities. That is something that must be developed as a standard, not just as a reaction to a crisis. Some of my courses have dealt with inventory management and process flow. I can see the application of those classes in hospitals, stores, aid distribution, absentee voter processes, etc. I just recently used the instant-cart service for the first time and left the store with several ideas on how to improve the process. I think we are all learning a lot about limitations and possibilities with the world we live in, and engineers are coming up with ways to address them. 

What do you see as the most critical to fix? 
I would say the most critical item is implementing wide-spread testing. My mom is a civil engineer and people on her team are involved in a potential project to test wastewater and identify neighborhoods that are infected before the individuals are even tested. We know this is going to be long process to get back to 'normal', and we (engineers) are needed at every step of the way to create effective + sustainable change.  

Madeline, a student intern for the Purdue Office of Campus Planning & Sustainability, is pursuing plans for post-graduation in the non-profit, sustainability, and local government sectors. We wish Madeline all the luck, and as said in our response to her, we need her out there times thousands more engineers just like her!