ENGINEERING FOR A BETTER
For Aerospace Engineering major Izel Tuncer (’25), joining Engineers Without Borders (EWB) at Embry-Riddle was an obvious choice. The organization offers aid to communities in need and gives members an opportunity to practice their engineering skills and gain valuable knowledge in a real-world setting.
“Engineers Without Borders is here to help build a better world. This is the heart of engineering; using our skills to help those who need it most,” Tuncer said, thinking of the organization’s purpose. “We’re able to build connections and find solutions for communities.” To receive assistance from Engineers Without Borders, communities in need must reach out and request it. El Túnel, Nicaragua, reached out to EWB about five years ago, was approved for assistance and assigned to work with the Embry-Riddle chapter. The problem in El Túnel: lack of accessibility to clean water. In early 2023, the EWB Embry-Riddle chapter finally traveled to Nicaragua to begin surveying the land and testing the soil and water, led by Dr. Jeff Brown, professor of Civil Engineering. To prepare, the group not only spent time fine-tuning their surveying and engineering skills but also completed crucial health, safety, CPR and first-aid training. The end goal is to provide the El Túnel community with a well and a steady supply of clean water.
Next steps for the project include finalizing design plans and hiring a remote team to complete the well digging and implementation process before deciding if they’ll need to add another well. At the end of 2023, they plan to take a larger team back to El Túnel. EWB is not only making impressive strides in developing relationships between communities in need and those who can assist them but also in inclusion within their own organization. According to the impact page on EWB’s website, “More than 40% of EWB-USA’s student member engineers are female, which is more than double the 14% industry average.” “I’m continually inspired and motivated by the thought that I can make a difference, no matter how small I am in the grand scheme of things,” said Tuncer.
My favorite part was... when we talked with the community about what we had done and what our plan is. Everyone was so grateful... we can really make a difference in these people’s lives.”
Izel Tuncer ’25 Aerospace Engineering
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