11 a.m.- Noon, Friday, January 28
TI AUDITORIUM (ECSS 2.102) AND TEAMS

What does engineering have to do with social justice? Given what we know about engineering impacts society, both positively and negatively, this question was particularly disturbing to hear. What made it especially troubling is the fact that it came from an engineer. Researchers have long noted the disconnect between engineering and societal impacts in the perceptions of the public,pre- college students, amd engineers themselves. One reason may be that the mantra "Engineers are problem solvers" has historically excluded a key element - people. More prevalemnt now than ever is the need to recognize the importance of the importance of solving problems with, not just for, people. Building on her work in advancing justice, equity, diversity and iclusion (JEDI) in engineering contexts, Dr. pearson will share insights and engage the audience in discussions that draw connections among ethics and equitable engagement in engineering education, research and practice.

Dr. Yvette E. Pearson is vice president for diversity, equity and inclusion(DEI) at The University of Texas at Dallas. A fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers(ASCE), Pearson was the inaugual chair of ASCE's board-level committee, MOSAIC (Members of Society Advancing an Inclusive Culture), which is charged with leading the society in all matters of DEI for the profession. As past vice of the Committeebon Diversity and Inclusion, she was part of the team that introduced DEI into ASCE's Code of Ethics, providing leadership for the principal that requires engineers to consider the diversity of the communities they serve and to include diverse perspectives in planning and design. Among her numerous awards and honors are ABET's Claire L. Felbinger Award for Diversity and Inclusion, ASCE's Professional Practice Ethics and Leadership Award, University of Texas Regents' Outstanding Teaching Award, the Society of Women Engineers' Distinguished Engineering Educator Award, and ASCE's President's Medal. Pearson is a registererd professional engineer, a commissioner on ABET's Engineering Accreditation Commission, and host of Engineering Change Podcast, which has listeners in over 50 countires on six continents.