McMaster, along with McGill University, Monash University, University of Auckland, University of Southern California, University of Toronto, and University College London, have partnered to deliver the Global Engineering Design Studio (GEDS) program.
The goal of GEDS is to bring talented and engaged engineering undergraduate students from different parts of the world to work on some of our global society’s highest priority challenges. This year, GEDS will focus on Sustainable Cities and Communities – UN Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11. Design teams consisting of students from different universities with the guidance mentors and faculty, will appy human-centred design approaches to further focus on one of three more specific challenges:
- How can we preserve or improve the quality of our water in critical areas? (also intersecting with SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation)
- How might we preserve our biodiversity? (also intersecting with SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure)
- How might we navigate traffic congestion as populations in urban settings surge? (also intersecting with SDG 15: Life on Land)
Unique to GEDS, the challenge areas will offer every student the opportunity to learn about global perspectives from their peers on these essential topics.
The program is the result of a strategic collaboration among some of the most progressive and innovative faculties and schools of engineering in the world. Here’s what those involved have to say about this new program:
“The GEDS is another example of McMaster Engineering’s commitment to amplifying experiential learning as part of The Pivot. We are delighted to be partnering with some of the world’s most innovative universities in creating this opportunity for students to apply their learning to real-world problems in creative ways.” – Heather Sheardown, Acting Dean, McMaster Engineering
“A global perspective is one of the most valuable experiences for next generation engineering leaders. GEDS offers an amazing opportunity for students to experience engineering in collaboration with peers from around the world.” – Elizabeth Croft, Dean of Engineering, Monash University, Australia
“This was a true collaboration among the participating institutions from day one and the quality of the resulting program shows it. We are looking forward to a very successful event this year and are expanding the reach of the program in future years.” – Tom Lee, Walter G. Booth Endowed Chair in Engineering Entrepreneurship & Innovation
“This will be an amazing opportunity for all of the students. We’re used to participating in competitions against other institutions, but this program will allow us to work together and learn from another. I’m extremely excited to be part of a diverse teaching team with mentors from some of the best universities in the world.” – Ali Hamdy, McMaster Engineering Student
So, are you ready to address world challenges with human-centred design?
