Historically, engineering has been a largely monolithic profession dominated by white males. As representatives of the engineering community and, especially as members of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), we must ask whether this bodes well for the future of the profession and the nation.
Engineers and engineering have made essential contributions to the quality of life in the United States, and the American public usually embraces technological advances, including advances in national security that are developed for its benefit and the benefit of the nation.
At the same time, however, the public is largely unaware that these benefits are designed and produced by engineers.