MSPE Ozark chapter dedicated to public health, safety

The Missouri Society of Professional Engineers - Ozark chapter recently celebrated our 60th anniversary of providing engineering designs that protect the health, safety and welfare of the public.

Designs by Ozark chapter professional engineers have included storm sewers to address local flooding problems; new intersections to reduce traffic congestion in Springfield and Branson; site development and design of the foundation, structural frame, and heating/ cooling systems for many new buildings, including the Jordan Valley Ice Park, the Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Central High School renovations; and manufacturing of a wide variety of items such as agricultural, dairy, and rubber products, printed circuitboards, and structural steel for roller coasters.

A registered professional engineer has received at least a bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university, has at least four years of professional experience, and has passed an eight-hour engineering test in his or her specialized field of practice.

Engineering schools in Missouri include the University of Missouri system schools at Columbia, Kansas City and Rolla, and Washington University in St. Louis.

Ozark chapter engineers work in mun-icipalities, utility companies, industries, and private practice. A professional engineer's seal on design drawings and specifications is a sign that the design is in compliance with all federal, state and local laws, regulations, codes and ordinances.

Ozark chapter MSPE members, who number about 220, volunteer by sponsoring and organizing several programs that benefit children and the community. Here are a few of the activities that the chapter sponsors or supports:

Salute to Construction The chapter supports this joint effort between design and construction professionals to promote the importance of the construction industry to our local economy. Many chapter members participate in planning the event and speaking to high and middle school students about design professions.

Scholarships The Ozark Chapter awards between $6,000 and $7,000 every year to seniors in high school planning to study engineering. Interested high school students (or parents) can contact their guidance counselors or ask a chapter member.

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 chapter members speak to area junior high classes about engineering.

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. Chapter members serve dinner to the students and help answer questions regarding science and engineering.

Discovery Center The Ozark Chapter contributed funding for preliminary design of a new "Mechanical Advantage" interactive display. The preliminary design will be used for fund-raising to actually build the display.

The Ozarks Science and Engineering Fair This junior- and senior-high fair is held in April at Southwest Missouri State University's Hammons Student Center. The chapter helps provide funding for the fair and assists with judging. The 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 until they break! 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 these activities, the chapter holds one fund-raiser every year. This 60-year tradition draws more than 1,800 people from all over the state. Admission includes hot boiled 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 every year at Fantastic Caverns.

MSPE is a state group affiliated with the National Society of Professional Engineers, and we adhere to NSPE's values, which include: protection of the public; ethical conduct; professionalism; competency; licensure; and service to the public.

The Ozark chapter of MSPE is very proud to help sponsor Salute to Construction. For more information or to find out how to become a member, write us at Ozark Chapter MSPE, PO Box 551, Springfield, MO 65801 or visit our Web site at www.pcis.net/mspe.

(Bill Lindsey, a principal of Midwest Environmental Consultants, is president-elect of the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers-Ozark chapter.)