The Artist & The Engineer. Nicholas Schefsky. University of Wisconsin Sheboygan

Size: px

Start display at page:

Download "The Artist & The Engineer. Nicholas Schefsky. University of Wisconsin Sheboygan"

Janel Gilbert
8 years ago
Views:

1 The Artist & The Engineer Nicholas Schefsky University of Wisconsin Sheboygan 1

2 Artist. The word art conjures up images of someone engaged in a creative process such as a painter or sculptor. We think of an artist as a musician or an actor, but how often do we think of artist as an engineer? It wasn t until I entered my high school apprenticeship in the engineering field at Kohler Company that I became aware of the blurred lines between math and science and the world of creative expression. My formal education with classes in the liberal arts arena cemented the idea that artist and engineer may be one and the same. Further reflection of the word art, reveals that it is derived from the Latin word ars, which means technique. Thus the word artisan is born defining a craftsman who is able to do work better than others, providing skilled excellence. Engineering is problem-solving when a product or process fails or is in need of improvement or when insight is used to predict, analyze and then mitigate a problem so the problem never actually occurs. This takes a special ability that is not just science and mathematics. It takes creativity to bring a thought or an abstract idea to life, turning it into reality with the criteria that the idea must be implemented in a cost-effective and practical approach for the world today. In the essay Only Connect, William Cronon outlines ten qualities that define a liberally educated person. When you 2

It wasn t until I entered my high school apprenticeship in the engineering field at Kohler Company that I became aware of the blurred lines between math and science and the world of creative

3 apply his criteria to the engineering field there is not just one quality that embodies a liberally educated engineer but many that enhance the ability to connect and create. An idea cannot take shape if one does not hear or understand. Creativity can be endless but needs to be captured within the parameters set forth on a project using knowledge and values. By using our connections we can solve the puzzles and problems needed to make the world a better place. More than anything else, being an educated person means being able to see connections that allow one to make sense of the world and act within it in creative ways. (Cronon, par. 18) The embodiment of this ideal is the heart of a successful engineer. It is the connection we make with the science we need that produces the outcome of a project, be that success or failure. Problem solving strategies are the steps that are used in critical thinking: taking knowledge, facts and data to solve problems. Preconceived notions of engineering tell us that all problems have only one solution, like a math problem that has only one correct answer. But is this a truth in reality? The real world is constantly changing. Problem solving and critical thinking both take the ability to use our knowledge and the facts to effectively solve a problem. The problem may not be solved immediately using logic alone for the answer, but instead 3

By using our connections we can solve the puzzles and problems needed to make the world a better place.

4 the answer lies in the process. The ability to think on your feet, assess problems and find solutions. The ability to accept defeat and go back to the drawing board and try again until success is achieved. The ability to develop a well-thought-out solution and apply science and creativity to reach an end defines that success. After all, the world is ever-changing and unpredictable; it is unrealistic for a solution to be static. My first true experience in engineering came in the form of what I first thought was abstract art. I came to work one day and found, sitting on my desk, a dirty pile of metal all linked together. I wondered to myself what this was and why it had found a home on my desk. The questions were soon answered. This was to be my creation, a prototype that needed to be improved. It was a problem I had to solve by listening to the concerns of the production staff who were using the machinery this piece functioned in. I had to use my knowledge of math and science as well as, of course, my creative abilities. My design needed to satisfy the workers using the machinery and management all at the same time, by making it reliable and safe. There were real people involved and of course real budget constraints to keep in mind as well. I had the science down in my head. I had all the calculations needed to complete this project, but there was one 4

The ability to develop a well-thought-out solution and apply science and creativity to reach an end defines that success.

5 thing missing: input. I needed teamwork and communication. These two ingredients were going to be my biggest allies for success on this project. Everything on this fixture was connected through welds. One piece relied on another to achieve the end result, just like a production line. The glaring problem was that the pivot points were round tubes welded to a bar; they were unsafe, because the welds could be easily broken. Keeping in mind that not only did this fixture need to perform its function effectively, it needed to be safe. Discussions with the production staff raced through my head. They didn t want to take any chances, as they saw the potential for a dangerous situation and it was my job to make sure that no harm came to them. My days of playing as a child with the construction and building toys called K nex came to mind. The use of a bolt system would accomplish the pivoting needed. A few customdesigned parts fashioned out of aluminum could provide an inexpensive and safe solution for the rest of the fixture. Creativity and ingenuity went to work. The real test came when the fixture was complete. It needed to be tested and I would receive feedback. Hoping for the best possible outcome, my ego was deflated when I was told that the aluminum was flexing and my initial design was a failure. 5

The glaring problem was that the pivot points were round tubes welded to a bar; they were unsafe, because the welds could be easily broken.

6 This didn t mean that the battle was lost; it was just part of the process. I needed to work through the problem. I needed to remember to be a good team member. I needed to listen. Hearing what production observed would be my salvation. Their shared thoughts, my knowledge, science and critical thinking would help provide the answer. The solution was to change some of the critical aluminum parts to steel to increase the strength of the fixture. After the changes, it performed flawlessly. The cold and glaring facts of science that proved me wrong initially were now my allies. The drive to achieve excellence, as well as the human desire to succeed, supports the importance of being a liberally educated person. This ability to take a thought, abstract idea or problem and translate it into reality is what separates engineers from other fields of science and mathematics and makes an engineer an artist. After all, A liberal education is about gaining the power and wisdom, the generosity and the freedom to connect. (Cronon, par. 18) 6

The solution was to change some of the critical aluminum parts to steel to increase the strength of the fixture. After the changes, it performed flawlessly.

Young homeless people on healthcare. The views of the National Youth Reference Group

Young homeless people on healthcare The views of the National Youth Reference Group Introduction The Queen s Nursing Institute s Homeless Health Project visited the St Basil s Charity in Birmingham in