MSPE: Engineers involved in many phases of development, community

Ryan Howard is a senior engineer with Engineering Consultants Inc. and is president-elect of the Ozark Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers.

Engineers have more impact on the quality of our everyday lives than almost any other profession. They design the heating and air conditioning systems to make our buildings comfortable. Engineers design the plumbing, electrical and communication systems to make them convenient. They design the structural and fire-suppression systems to make our buildings safe.

Engineers bring us safe water to use and help to safely dispose of wastewater. They are instrumental in the generation and distribution of the electricity that we often take for granted. Engineers are responsible for improving the safety and convenience of our roads and other transportation systems.

Engineers are involved in the design and manufacture of almost every product that we use, from our computers to our cars. They help with the initial design of the product and then design the process to manufacture the products. This may involve designing new manufacturing equipment, as well as new facilities.

Engineers also are instrumental in protecting our environment. They design drainage and runoff systems, detention basins and dams to reduce flooding. They help to dispose of hazardous materials safely, and if necessary, they determine the best way to clean up hazardous waste sites. They also work with manufacturers to help reduce the generation of hazardous wastes.

The Ozark Chapter of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers is a group of about 210 of these engineers in Springfield and the surrounding area. They are helping to build the quality of life in this area. Through their products and service they also are improving the lives of people throughout the country and around the world.

MSPE is a state group affiliated with the National Society of Professional Engineers. Part of what makes the Ozark Chapter of MSPE members outstanding is their adherence to NSPE's values which include: protection of the public, ethical conduct, professionalism, competency, licensure and service to the public. These values are largely displayed in Ozark Chapter members' behavior and attitudes, both professionally and personally.

MSPE members encourage education by helping the public and young engineers understand professional and ethical issues involved in consultant selection, design, construction, inspection, competent practice and licensure. They also actively monitor and react to any legislation that affects public health, safety, and welfare or the practice of the engineering profession.

The Ozark Chapter members are dedicated to encouraging education for our children and promoting the engineering profession in our area. These engineers volunteer much of their own time to organize activities that benefit our kids and our community. Here are a few of the activities that the Ozark Chapter sponsors or supports:

Scholarships The Ozark Chapter awards three $2,000 scholarships every year to college engineering students. Interested high school students (or their parents) can contact their guidance counselors or ask any Ozark Chapter MSPE member.

Salute to Con-struction The Ozark Chapter supports this joint effort between design and construction professionals to promote the importance of the construction industry to our local economy. Many Ozark Chapter members participate in planning the event and speaking to high school and middle school students about the engineering profession.

MathCounts This is a national mathematics competition for junior high students. It is held in February in conjunction with National Engineer's Week.

National Engineer's Week This event takes place every February to recognize the contributions of engineers to our country and standard of living. A local display is set up and Ozark Chapter members speak to area junior high classes about engineering. Also, the mayor of Springfield is usually asked to issue a proclamation regarding the event.

Career Night Held on the first Thursday in March, this is an opportunity for universities to make presentations, display exhibits and to interact with area high school students. Ozark Chapter members serve dinner to the students and help answer questions regarding science and engineering.

The Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair This junior and senior high school fair is held in April at Southwest Missouri State University's Hammons Student Center. The Ozark Chapter helps provide funding for the fair and assists with judging. The Ozark Chapter also provides two awards for the competition.

Model Bridge Contest This contest is held in conjunction with the Science and Engineering Fair. High school students build model balsa wood bridges, which are then loaded to failure (some are quite spectacular). The top two finalists are eligible to enter the International Bridge Contest.

Engineering for K-4 This activity is designed to introduce engineering to kindergarten through fourth grades. The students build a 6-foot-long truss bridge that they then climb through while it is supported on chairs. This activity really makes a lasting impression on the kids.

Shrimpfeed To fund all of these activities, the Ozark Chapter holds one fund-raiser every year. Shrimpfeed has been a tradition for more than 60 years and draws more than 1,800 people from all over the state. Admission includes plenty of fresh shrimp, special secret recipe cocktail sauce, cold cuts, chips, liquid refreshments and lots of fellowship. The Shrimpfeed is held on the first Thursday of August at Fantastic Caverns.

The Ozark Chapter of MSPE is very proud to help sponsor Salute to Construction. This is just one other way that we help to build the quality of life in this area. For more information or to find out how to become a member, write us at Ozark Chapter MSPE, P.O. Box 551, Springfield, MO 65801 or visit our Web site at www.pcis.net/mspe.