<strong>YONGSAN GARRISON, Republic of Korea</strong> -- The Far East District Corps of Engineers held an Engineers Day at Seoul American High School May 15, bringing more than a dozen engineering experts to introduce students to the changing impact of new technology and science.
First observed in 1997, Engineers Day gives students a unique opportunity to talk face-to-face with practicing engineers and scientists. This year, students and teachers interacted with subject matter experts in eleven technical demonstration booths in the school library.
"The purpose is to raise awareness of the contributions engineers make to our nation, as well as generate excitement and motivation to students who may be thinking about a career in math, engineering, and science," said Doug Bliss, FED Corps of Engineers Chief of Geotechnical and Environmental Engineering Branch.
The underlying theme of this year's program was the Korea Relocation Program, which involves the massive relocation of Yongsan Garrison's facilities to the expanding Humphreys Garrison.
"The Corps of Engineers and other military organizations are very busy with the Korea Relocation Program, so the demonstrations we are giving today have an underlying theme of how engineers are going to accomplish it," Bliss said. "It involves master planning, design and construction that involves all aspects of engineering."
Two of the engineers who demonstrated real-world engineering techniques were Jennifer Yoon and Matthew Curran. They recently became part of the FED Corps of Engineers working on the relocation project in Humphreys Garrison.
"I showed the students how civil, environmental and electrical engineering disciplines are collaborating and involved in designing the relocation project for numerous facilities like elementary and high schools," Yoon said. Before coming to Korea, she designed roadways in Los Angeles.
Curran, one of the youngest engineers from Geotechnical Engineering Branch, explained to students how engineers work on drainage issues. "We are adding about 11 million cubic meters of fill to raise the elevation to protect it from flooding. That is going to cause consolidation of the soil below," Curran explained.
"It was great to learn about how these engineering technologies are going to affect us," said 11th grader Natalie McKiernan. "I really appreciate that they put on this program for us."
"What caught my attention was the 3-D Computer Aided Design and Drafting," said 12th grader Christopher McCormick. "It showed us how to use computers to design structural bases and the design process. It really helped me to know about possible careers in engineering and that there is more to engineering than I initially thought."
"This is a great opportunity for us to interact with the students and get them interested in math and science," said FED Corps of Engineers Commander Col. Dave Turner. "This will also give them some idea about the transformation and construction plans in U.S. Forces in Korean peninsula."
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