The Observer, February 10, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 16
Engineers Without Borders open to all
click to enlarge
A fairly new organization on campus, Engineers Without Borders Case (EWB) is currently striving to provide help and assistance to not only the surrounding Cleveland area, but also to exotic locations outside the country.
Though the group's name is Engineers Without Borders, the officers don't want students to get the wrong impression about the group. Without non-engineering students, their projects wouldn't be as successful as they are.
The organization's goals are international and focus on health issues. "[The issues] often are resolvedby implementing an engineering solution but require an understanding of the economics, culture, language, and finances of the region to make it happen," officer Travis Okel said.
The group recently returned from the Dominican Republic where members and local electricians from Speelman Electric installed a backup power system for a medical clinic in a community north of the capital, Santo Domingo.
The power for the medical clinic was normally only on from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. As a result of the power limit, the emergency room could not operate past 4 p.m. EWB members helped solved the problem by constructing a backup power system.
"EWB-Case hopes to continue to work in theDominican Republic,though the next project has not yet been decided on," officer Katherine Schaad said.
"One thing I find unique about our organization, is that our active members contribute a lot of their free time to the organization. Although this may seem like it should deter students from joining, you will get the opportunity to travel to foreign countries and make a difference in numerous people's lives," said Jacob Crandall.
However, without participation from non-engineers, the projects would go significantly slower. "Non-engineers are greatly encouraged to join, in fact we are moving to be known on campus as just EWB to try and cut down on this misconception. On our Dominican Republic trip, Spanish majors and anthropologists were instrumental in making the trip a success," Okel said.
"Every project involves fundraising,managing a budget that can be in the tens of thousands, working with foreign consulates, logistical planning for all the transportation and on-site housing. There are plenty of exciting opportunities for management, accounting, and other majors to get involved," Crandall said.
"We are also developing the possibility of trip based local projects more in line with our international efforts," Okel said.
The organization is also holding a Dodgeball Tournament Fundraiser on Feb. 25. Contact joan.chase@case.edu for more information or to sign up a team.
The next meeting will be held on Feb. 15 at 5 p.m. in Thwing, and all students are welcome to attend. Students can also contact travis.okel@case.edu to be put on the e-mail list for future events.
