Engineering...Beyond the Classroom

An article in New Scientist notes that NASA some five years ago agreed to comply with a directive that all departments of the U.S. Federal government move toward exclusive use of the metric system of measurement. And with the space shuttle now being phased out, to be replaced by an all-new launch vehicle program, one would think this would be a perfect time to make the move to metric. But it seems that NASA has second thoughts. The space agency is now saying that it would be cost-prohibitive to switch over any time soon.

Could failing to adopt the world standard measurement system hamper development of a global civilian space industry?

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Instead of the blaring warning sirens, some cities have been opting for a new emergency alert system that details the nature of the emergency and provides detailed instructions of what residents should do. In an impending disaster (from terrorist attacks to boil-your-water advisories), the personal notification device receives a text message in seconds via radio signals.

Should text messages replace blaring sirens for emergency alerts? Why, or why not?

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Part of Project Bloodhound's assault on the land speed record involves public relations — not only for the challenge, but for the science and technology behind it. As Royal Air Force fighter pilot and designated Bloodhound driver Andy Green points out, students young and old, not to mention the general public, are eager to learn about structural design, aerodynamics, and materials research when they impact such a high-stakes project. How can universities better leverage such projects to boost enrollment in their science and engineering programs?

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Because fewer women with math or science PhDs stay in academia than men, students are "losing the perspective that women can bring to scientific problems." A recent survey of top-tier research universities has Scientific American asking the question, "Why aren't more women tenured science professors?"

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The American Chemistry Council has announced a new initiative to "dramatically" increase plastic bag recycling. The program calls on plastic bag manufacturers to boost recycled content to 40% by 2015. Will this move finally settle the paper or plastic debate?

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