Physics & Astronomy Joe Tranquillo, Bucknell: "Engineering as a Liberal Art?"

Engineering is the practical discipline that brought us the wheel, printing press, steam engine and smartphone. The building of tools has always been a hallmark of our species, and technology has become an important driver of social change. But what is it to be an engineer? In what ways are the stereotypes of engineers an outdated 1950s caricature? In this talk we will focus on who engineers are becoming by highlighting projects at the intersection between technology and the liberal arts. These will include projects on landmine-detecting rats, biomusical instruments, the re-creation of historical scientific instruments, and the design of medical devices. The talk will conclude with some ideas on where technology might take us next.