Engineering Education with Jeremy Waisome - Full Interview

Engineering Education with Jeremy Waisome - Full Interview

Author: Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure September 28, 2022 Duration: 37:24

Today we delve into engineering education with Jeremy Waisome, instructional assistant professor at the University of Florida. As well as being an engineer and researcher, Waisome is an eloquent science communicator. She’s dedicated to educating the next generation of engineers — and the public — about vital engineering concepts. Among her many roles, she leads education and outreach efforts at the NHERI University of Florida facility.

Waisome describes a variety of pathways to engineering and why having a diverse workforce is so important. “There’s so much that we underestimate what we do as engineers — and the impact it has on other people’s lives.” she says. At the University of Florida, Waisome trains high school teachers at Title 1 schools to incorporate engineering projects into their classrooms.

We learn the importance of exposing high school and college students to engineering education as a college major. Waisome explains enriching opportunities such as the NHERI Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and the importance of having role models and mentors who come from one’s own community. She also talks about her own podcast: Modern Figures, which features Black women in computing.


The forces that shape our world aren't always gentle. Earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and tornadoes are a reality of life on this planet, but the scale of their impact is something we can influence. DesignSafe Radio, from the Natural Hazards Engineering Research Infrastructure team, delves into the human ingenuity working to soften the blow of these events. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's a close look at the rigorous testing, data, and engineering research funded by the National Science Foundation that aims to protect communities. Each episode pulls back the curtain on how scientists and engineers are learning from past disasters to fortify our future. You'll hear conversations about the tools and methods transforming how we understand structural resilience, offering a tangible sense of how research translates into real-world safety. The goal is straightforward: to ensure the next natural hazard doesn't escalate into a catastrophe for families and neighborhoods. Tune into this podcast for a grounded perspective on the intersection of science, education, and practical solutions, where complex research is made accessible and the focus remains firmly on building a more durable society.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

DesignSafe Radio
Podcast Episodes
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Duration: 13:58
Arindam Chowdhury, wind engineer and NICHE project PI, describes a variety of specific engineering problems this NSF-funded facility will enable researchers to tackle.
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