Calling All Engineers to get involved in Chicagoland Engineers Week. This year’s observance may be one of the most influential gatherings in history. Members of more than 30 engineering societies will gather in the Chicago area to honor the profession and network with other professionals and civic leaders. At the same time, they will be introduced to a new generation to the field of engineering. 2008 Award recipient Dean Kamen is an inventor, entrepreneur, and a tireless advocate for science and technology. He is the founder and president of DEKA Research & Development Corporation, where he develops internally generated inventions and provides research and development for major corporate clients. He holds more than 440 U.S. and foreign patents for innovative devices that have expanded the frontiers of health care worldwide. Some of his notable inventions include the first wearable insulin pump for diabetics, the HomeChoice™ portable peritoneal dialysis machine, the INDEPENDENCE® IBOT® Mobility System, and the Segway® Human Transporter. Among Mr. Kamen's proudest accomplishments is founding FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organization dedicated to motivating the next generation to understand, use, and enjoy science and technology. Mr. Kamen was elected to the National Academy of Engineering in 1997, received the Heinz Award in 1998, and was awarded the National Medal of Technology in 2000. In 2002 he received the Lemelson-MIT Prize, and was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame in May 2005. Click here for your invitation to this year's event.

Vision of Chicagoland Engineers Week:

• Stimulate junior and senior high school students to consider careers in engineering, especially through hands-on school projects
• Highlight the contributions of engineers to the well-being of society, especially in Chicagoland.

Engineers work behind the scenes to help improve the quality of life in our communities. Their work isn't always visible, but we count on them for a number of different services. The water we drink is purified by engineering processes. The structure of our houses, the utilities and lighting were enhanced by engineering. Anything our earth's residents use and exist with relies on engineering to make it happen.

Realizing Our Vision

Last year hundreds of middle to high school aged students participated in a variety of mathematic and science programs and competitions. Forty-five of the top achievers get to attend the Chicagoland Engineering Awards Benefit where they will get the opportunity to rub elbows with esteemed engineers such as Michael Brick, as well and receive awards and the accolades of hundreds of teachers, parents and other students at the gathering.

Many who participate in an Engineers Week program will go on to a career in engineering. And those who don't will have caught a glimpse of the important work engineers do and the career heights they can achieve.

Recognizing New Faces

The New Faces of Engineering campaign strives to promote the accomplishments of young engineers by highlighting their engineering contributions and the resulting impact on society. Engineers 30 years of age or younger as of December 1, 2007, are the focus of the recognition program. Nominees must have a degree in engineering from a recognized U.S. college or university, or from an equivalent international educational institution.  Degrees in engineering technology, science, computer science, and similar disciplines do not qualify; a degree in computer engineering is acceptable. The nomination deadline is approaching. Click here for information.

JETS launches Clubs

JETS (Junior Engineering Technical Society) is launching the new JETS Clubs this month!  Clubs are for students, parents or teachers looking for engineering resources and are free.
 
JETS Clubs help members explore the vast world of engineering with lesson plans, college and career information and other information on current events in engineering. Members will receive a monthly club-only email September to May, with all resources in a concise format. Other benefits include: a subscription to the JETS Pre-Engineering Times, periodic special discounts at the JETS Store, TEAMS and NEDC updates and registration fee promotions and access to all JETS has to offer.   For more information, contact clubs@jets.org or (703) 548-5387 x 104.