Dean Andrew Singer of the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences participated in the Public Policy Colloquium held by the American Society of Engineering Education (ASEE) from February 3 to 5 in Washington, DC. The event is part of the Engineering Dean’s Council, established in 1991, and organized by a committee of engineering deans who are ASEE members.
The colloquium serves two main purposes: enhancing discussions on engineering education and research issues between engineering deans and public policymakers, and helping deans refine their public policy agendas.
Singer joined fellow deans from Columbia University, Cornell University, University at Albany, University at Buffalo, and the University of Rochester. They met with legislators from New York districts, including Representative Nick Lalota. Meetings were also held with teams from Representative Adriano Espaillat, Representative Paul Tonko, and Representative Josh Riley.
The discussions focused on research advancements and student achievements facilitated by federal support. These developments play a crucial role in advancing emerging technologies while addressing societal challenges such as national security and health.
Dean Singer emphasized the importance of ASEE's role: “As a member of ASEE, we are responsible for training the next generation of engineers and computer scientists and running the research facilities where scientific discoveries become the building blocks of innovative products, industrial processes and services.”
ASEE was initially founded as the Society for the Promotion of Engineering Education (SPEE) in 1893 during a period of significant growth in American higher education. It emerged amid the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair. During World War II, increased federal emphasis on research led SPEE to form the Engineering College Research Association (ECRA). Post-war integration with ECRA resulted in ASEE's formation in 1946. Over time, ASEE has grown in membership and recognition as an essential resource for information on engineering education.