From the Editor
Welcome to the March issue of the Pre-Engineering Times! It's hard to believe it's already almost Spring! I hope all of you had an excellent Engineer's Week last month and that your celebration is still going. It's a great time to be an engineer. After all, we make good money, are usually good looking and according to Geek Rapper Rajeev Bajaj, people "respect my mind". In case you don't recognize that lyric, it's straight off of the new hit release called Geek Rhythms. It's music for engineers and other technology infused people that enjoy making their brain cells occasionally reverse direction. More ...

Feature Story: Electrical/Electronic Engineering
A company builds electronic communications equipment for aircraft and spacecraft. Ann is leading a design team that is working on the microwave circuit boards for a new type of spacecraft. The boards use controller chips based on silicon, but newer chips based on gallium arsenide are supposed to work better. Ann and her co-workers, Miguel and Jonathan, check the specifications of both chips and find that the newer ones are more efficient; their use will allow simplifying other circuits and increase the reliability of the device. The team is prepared to make the changes, but the added cost of the new chips will cancel the savings resulting from the simpler circuits. They decide to recommend the gallium arsenide chips anyway because of their high reliability. Reviewers in the company and in the government's space agency agree. The result of the team's design is a device that will do the job better with no increase in cost.More ...

Feature Links  

Check out the more than 10 links related to electrical/electronic engineering.

News You Can Use
Teachers, parents, students and counselors have a unique opportunity to glimpse at the world of engineering from some of the best in the business. On March 24-25, the National Engineers Week Foundation will facilitate a global marathon for, by and about women in engineering. The purpose is helping to create awareness for STEM issues related to women, including pre-college and college students. At any and all times during a 24-hour period, a "conversation" will be taking place on these issues somewhere in the world. The marathon will be a combination of live Internet chats and teleconferences. Presentations are originating from the United States, Europe, Qatar and other points around the globe. Topics include "Strategies for Success in Engineering Studies" by Southern Methodist University and "Questions Parents and Students Should Ask When Choosing an Engineering College" by Stevens Institute of Technology. See the developing calendar at www.eweek.org. The schedule is subject to change. More ...

JETS Update
The final 2005 TEAMS competition was held on Monday, March 14 the New Jersey Institute of Technology. This year TEAMS was held at over 90 locations across the country reaching over 14,000 students. TEAMS is an academic timed competition where high school students work together to solve college-level engineering problems. JETS is currently tabulating the scores from each of the local competitions to determine state rankings. From the state rankings, the top ten teams in each division will advance for national scoring and awards. Stay tuned to the JETS TEAMS website for updates and more information about 2005 TEAMS state and national rankings and awards. More ...

EESC Update
Engineering funwear! Check out these new pins and magnets designed by a student at the University of Idaho! You just gotta have one! Visit the pin and magnet section of our store to get yours. Save by purchasing sets. Mix and match your way to engineering fashion bliss. You'll be the envy of all your friends. More ...

This newsletter is a publication of JETS. JETS opens the world of engineering and technology to students, parents, and educators by providing career guidance and through programs and resources that illustrate real-life teamwork and problem solving skills.