to engineer world's futureSharjah, March 13th, 2007 (WAM) - Engineering students need tostart tackling issues that will engineer the world's future forthe next 100 years, said Dr. Farouq El Baz, renowned NASA scientist,Research Professor and Director of the Center for Remote Sensing,Boston University, USA, at the American University of Sharjah(AUS) today.

"Some of the greatest accomplishments in engineering have occurredduring the past 100 years, and engineering students need to continueto contribute even greater advances to society and civilizationas a whole over the coming 100 years," Dr. El Baz said at a keynoteaddress of the Engineering Open Day held at the university andattended by AUS Chancellor Dr. Winfred Thompson, senior officials,faculty, staff, students, and members of the public.

Speaking to full audience occupying the 1000-seat AUS Main Auditorium,Dr. El Baz spoke of the "Future Challenges for Engineering" andspecified 10 major areas requiring new innovations by futureengineers. These fields, he said, can transform life altogetherand include water supply, healthcare, alternatives energy sources,electronic education, space, etc.

To develop such life-altering advancements and to confront themany challenges society will face over the next century, Mr.

El Baz said to the engineering students, "One needs proper trainingwhich is what you are doing here at this accredited institution.

You also need the vision and much perseverance." With regards to Open Day in particular, El Baz said such an eventis effective in bringing awareness about engineering and shouldbe held frequently at different venues to reach more of the public.

"We need to tell people what engineering is and that it is notjust about gizmos and gadgets. It provides innovative solutionsto suit human needs," he said.

Other speakers included Mrs. Lama Farsakh and Mr. Fadi Jabrifrom Nikken Sekkei/ECG who presented about "Sustainable Engineeringin Design." Mr. Sabri Al Aziz CIO of Dubai Holding also attendedto speak of "Integration of Engineering Companies."In addition to the lectures, representatives from internationaland local companies were present to speak with students throughoutthe day.

"Engineering Open Day aims at connecting students with the jobmarket and introducing them with the various engineering specializations,"CAPS Manager Maysun Nimr said, "It also aims at creating an environmentwhere faculty can interact with representatives of the field'sindustry to help improve the design of the curriculum and createjob opportunities for AUS graduates."Senior engineering students also displayed their projects concerninga variety of engineering issues from wireless robotics to trackingsystems. The day ended with an air show as well as several gamesand competitions.