SPOTLIGHT
Freshmen Form UK Chapter of Engineers Without Borders
In Fall 2008, Louisville native Meredith Doll entered UK as a freshman mechanical engineering student. She already knew she wanted to get involved with Engineers Without Borders, a global volunteer organization for engineering students, but was disappointed to learn that UK’s chapter died out about five years ago.
Engineers Without Borders partners with developing communities worldwide to design and construct sustainable products that communities can then operate without external assistance to improve their quality of life. Projects include water purification systems, roads, housing and schools.
“I believe that in the U.S., there are many organizations designed [to provide] help. I just don't think that people in the Third World have those options, so I feel their need for my help is greater,” said Doll. “When I found that UK no longer had a group, I figured why not restart it myself.” She mentioned it to fellow freshmen Austin Dahlem, Susan Kelty and Tony Clarke and found that they were eager to get involved.
“Since UK used to have a group it wasn't very hard to get the faculty on board,” said Doll. “All the faculty in the College of Engineering are really excited, and they want the group to do well.”
To ensure the chapter’s success, the decision was made to invite students in all majors to participate. This includes forming a business team to focus on fundraising, as well design and engineering students who will implement the projects. “ If an art major wants to join, we will have a job for them. We want all sorts of talents,” said Doll.
The group set their plan in motion, becoming an official UK student organization and then a recognized chapter in the national organization. By the beginning of March, they had gained 40 members, and they continue to grow.
The next step is to apply for a project through the national organization, which the chapter will do this month. They have narrowed the options down to projects in Cameroon, Gambia and El Salvador.
“We also plan to do some projects locally, more or less to prepare for the situations that might come about when building in another country, and so that creates more opportunities to help more people,” says Doll.
To get involved, e-mail her at meredith.doll@uky.edu.