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Dean Yannis Yortsos
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Engineering+ = A New Vision for Engineering
With an ever accelerating faith in the power of technology and science, our community has eagerly looked to providing solutions to complex problems. The bio-nano-info revolution of the last two decades has ushered in unprecedented new tools we can use. And the advances in information technology and computer science have empowered the ability of engineering to confront issues at levels unthinkable even a decade ago: To engineer incredible new devices, materials and processes – and in the process, dramatically change the scope of the discipline.
The new canvas on which engineers now paint is one that I can characterize as
Engineering + {subject}
This evolution is manifested steadily and, most spectacularly, in medicine, through advances in health care and delivery. Our own Viterbi School is deeply immersed in this increasingly close relationship with medicine.
Engineering + is now the norm. But can this transformative feature help us get out of the current deep financial crisis?
I will not be saying anything novel by stating the relevance of the deductive sequence
Ideas --> Innovation --> Economic Health
More than even before, however, ideas and innovation must revolve around concepts that solve real problems and add real value.
Armed with new engineering weapons we can focus precisely and relentlessly on the new challenges. Solving problems under constraint, even under the severe conditions we currently experience, is the hallmark of engineering. The Viterbi School is committed to take part and be counted as a leader in this effort.
