Engineering the 21^<st> Century

Abstract

Engineering is often regarded as the "application of science" because engineers take abstract ideas and build tangible products from them. To "engineer" a product means to construct it in a manner that it will perform as designed to meet requirements, without any unintended consequences. Engineering has been a vehicle for change and progress throughout history, as well as a strong influence on our quality of life and economic prosperity. That trend is likely to increase as we move through the 21^<st> Century. How this century is "engineered" will be influenced greatly by the participation of women in the engineering profession.