Humanitarian Engineer Identity Development: Negotiation Between Engineering and Humanitarian Identity

• In Event: STEM Diversity From an International View

Abstract

Humanitarian Engineering extends engineering practice and provides a focus on addressing social inequities and contributing to sustainable development. This study investigated undergraduate engineering students' concepts of Humanitarian Engineering and motives to be Humanitarian Engineers as they acquire knowledge and skills, and build a professional identity as engineers. This study explores engineering students’ identity development as Humanitarian Engineers who can work in complex socio-technical sustainability contexts. To support sustainability education in engineering demands, initial motivation factors associated with Humanitarian Engineer identity development are researched to support potential future practice and career development.

Authors

• Mihee Park, Penn State University

• Jeremy Smith

• John Jongho Park, The Pennsylvania State University