Civil engineering senior Lauren Case, 2010-11 president of the University of Arizona student chapter of  Engineers Without Borders, was invited recently to speak at an award ceremony honoring EWB's work in connecting engineering students with international development projects.

The UA student chapter of EWB-USA was exclusively invited to present at the Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology, which recognizes an invention, an innovative methodology, or exceptional leadership by an individual or team of individuals in construction technology.

At the ceremony Case shared the impact of EWB-USA’s efforts to provide clean water, sustainable energy and needed infrastructure to communities across the world, while also instilling a sense of global responsibility in the next generation of engineers.

“Just being there really reminded me why I am involved with EWB and why I do this kind of work,” Case said of the event. “For me, it was definitely a re-energizer for getting people involved and just wanting people to see the opportunities that EWB-USA gives to individuals.”

Case recently traveled to Africa to work on a project in the village of Mandoli in Mali centering on rainwater catchment and health education. The project teamed professional members of EWB-USA with engineering students for hands-on infrastructure development work.

Case says the attraction of EWB-USA is the example it sets for the next generation of engineers, introducing them to real world engineering that helps people’s lives -- such has building a home or building a sewer system for a community -- and can give engineers passion for what they do.

“I feel like it can be attractive to incoming freshman, especially if they’re not sure if engineering is right for them,” she said. “They’re really seeing how it interfaces with humanity, with people… seeing how it really affects individuals’ lives. I think that will inspire people -- even if they’re not doing development work -- to continue with engineering and working in their field.”

“It’s like, ‘Oh, this does have to do with people sometimes. That’s right. It’s not just a chemistry equation,’” she said.

In addition to being president of the EWB-UA student chapter, Case is also one of the UA College of Engineering’s da Vinci Scholars for 2010.

The UA student chapter of EWB is a student-run chapter recognized by EWB-USA as a premier chapter in 2010. The club is dedicated to using its collective knowledge to improve the world we live in, and welcomes students and professionals from all fields. The UA chapter has approximately 50 members in 2010, Case said.

The Henry C. Turner Prize for Innovation in Construction Technology ceremony was held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.