Catherine Lacavera, Convocation 2017 Honorary Degree recipient

TL;DR

Engineering graduates are entering an exciting time of technological advancements, where they have the tools to innovate and make a positive impact on various fields and industries.

Transcript

good morning everyone thank you to president Gertler and Sabine Aman and Sabine Iacobucci and to Professor Nam here somewhere professor Ozaki and the awards committee for the very very great honor of this degree and for the great privilege of addressing all of you here today congratulations to the graduating class of 2017 you have made it as dean a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🤔 Engineering is not just a degree but a way of thinking that empowers individuals to solve real-world problems.
• 🙈 The last two decades have seen significant advancements in technology, and engineers have played a pivotal role in these advancements.
• 👮 Legal battles have shaped the future of technology, and engineers must continue to navigate the evolving laws and ethical implications.
• 🏑 Embracing change, taking risks, and gathering experiences are key to personal and professional growth in the engineering field.
• 🌐 Engineering graduates have the opportunity to build a global network, stay connected, and support each other's successes.
• 🏑 The speaker shares their own experiences of switching career paths, highlighting the value of embracing change and learning from different fields.
• 👻 The speaker encourages graduates to compete only with themselves and to allow their imagination to drive their success.

Questions & Answers

Q: How does earning an engineering degree pave the way for making science fiction into science fact?

Engineers are responsible for designing and building the infrastructure and technology that shape our lives, from roads and buildings to healthcare advancements and digital innovations. They play a crucial role in transforming ideas and concepts into tangible realities.

Q: What are some of the key legal battles the speaker has been involved in within the engineering field?

The speaker has been part of legal battles concerning free expression on the internet, user-generated content platforms like YouTube, open-source software like Android, and genetically engineered insect crops. These legal battles have helped shape the future of these technologies.

Q: What are some challenges engineering graduates may face in the future?

Graduates may face challenges related to artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, life-extending technologies, privacy, and data security. As technology continues to advance, the legal and ethical implications of these fields will need to be addressed.

Q: What advice does the speaker give to engineering graduates about their career paths?

The speaker advises graduates to both follow their passion and do what they are good at. They encourage graduates not to be afraid of change, as it allows for growth and learning. The importance of collecting experiences, memories, and valuable connections is also emphasized.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The speaker reflects on the honor of addressing the graduating class and highlights the accomplishments of engineers in various fields.

• Engineering is not just a degree but a way of thinking that provides the foundation and tools to solve problems and turn dreams into reality.

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of embracing change, taking risks, and gathering experiences to grow and succeed in the engineering world.