Challenges in Engineering Education Discussed at DesignCon 2007 as Dr. Leah Jamieson Serves Keynote Address

Business Wire, Jan 24, 2007

Jamieson, Dean of Engineering at Purdue University and IEEE President, shares the most challenging issues for today's young engineer at DesignCon 2007 in Santa Clara later this month

CHICAGO -- The International Engineering Consortium (IEC) presents Dr. Leah Jamieson, John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering at Purdue University and 2007 IEEE president, as a keynote speaker at DesignCon 2007, which takes place this January 29 through February 1 at the Santa Clara Convention Center in Santa Clara, California.

IEC President John Janowiak stated, "DesignCon aims at bringing the semiconductor industry together to discuss the latest challenges and issues in design engineering so that the industry can ponder solutions together. A vital part of making that happen is securing industry leaders from both academia and business to talk to the industry. Dr. Jamieson is no exception, and we are honored to have her address DesignCon attendees in Santa Clara."

Jamieson will discuss global and technological trends driving change in the semiconductor industry, which is ultimately driving change in engineering education as well. She will discuss how she has prepared Purdue students for careers where traits such as innovation and flexibility are as crucial as math, science, and traditional engineering fundamentals.

Jamieson will talk about what role professional societies play in the educational landscape and what unexpected opportunities might result from moving beyond the traditional scope of thinking. Jamieson will stress that the industry needs nothing short of a revolution in current thinking to properly prepare students for 21st-century careers.

"The 21st century is one of the most challenging and rewarding periods for students, educators and professionals," Jamieson said. "We are meeting those challenges by working side by side with industry to prepare students by giving them the fundamentals in math, science and engineering and also fostering traits such as innovation, teamwork and an interdisciplinary approach to research."

The Wednesday keynote address is open to all industry professionals with a complimentary exhibits pass granting access to all keynote addresses, major sessions, and the exhibition available at www.designcon.com/2007/registration. The exhibits pass is also available on-site at DesignCon in the Santa Clara Convention Center.

For complete information, visit www.designcon.com/2007/index.html or contact Lisa Reyes at lreyes@iec.org.