District presentation exposes engineering field to students

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District
Published Feb. 23, 2014
Dr. Chon Song-u, Geologist, Environmental Section talks to Seoul American High School students about environmental remediation during engineer day Feb. 20.

Dr. Chon Song-u, Geologist, Environmental Section talks to Seoul American High School students about environmental remediation during engineer day Feb. 20.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Far East District participated in Engineer Day at Seoul American High School on U.S. Army Garrison Yongsan Feb. 20.

The Far East District presented 11 technical demonstrations, each delivered by subject matter experts, with a concentration on real-world engineering currently taking place on U.S. military installations in Korea.s, with a concentration on real-world engineering currently taking place on U.S. military installations in Korea.

Sophomore Sam Mitchell, an aspiring future engineer, took a keen interest in the event.

“It’s a good way to get a basic knowledge of the different engineering jobs,” said Mitchell. “I like building things. Building bridges and architecture interests me. I’m interested in having engineering as my major in college.”

Mitchell was most interested in the ‘sustainability in engineering design’ presentation by civil engineer Jennifer Yoon and Architect Shim, Ka Young, part of the “green” efforts by the district.

“They (Yoon and Shim) were really friendly and gave a really good presentation and I’m very environmentally conscious,” said Mitchell. “Engineering can be a bit overwhelming but they made it easy to understand and it was good to see how they are modernizing engineering and are making it greener.”

Yoon and Shim’s presentation concentrated on new ways engineers are designing buildings, making them more efficient and earth friendly.

“By applying sustainable design methods into new and existing developments we increase the efficiency with which buildings and their sites use energy, water and materials and reduce building impacts on human health.” said Yoon.

Irby Miller, superintentendent of schools for the Korea district, said presentations like these expose students to what life is like as an engineer and was appreciative of the effort by the Far East District.

“I want to thank the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for doing such an outstanding job in promoting engineers day,” said Miller. “This is a true hands on experience where the Far East District is rolling up their sleeves and being an active participant in the education of our students”

This presentation was part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Defense Schools Korea District education partnership agreement signed on March 7, 2013, at Seoul American High School. The partnership centers on support for the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics initiative.