Education agents seeking universities that go above and beyond offering traditional academics will find Trine University’s approach particularly attractive. By joining programmes like Engineers Without Borders (EWB), Trine students don’t just study engineering, but they apply their knowledge to solve real humanitarian challenges.

Real-world problem solving in Ecuador

This summer, four Trine engineering students have been working alongside EWB faculty advisor Dr. Tim Tyler to address water scarcity in Tuntatacto, a rural Ecuadorian community of 1,200 residents nestled in the Andes highlands. This agricultural community faces critical water shortages during dry seasons when spring flows become insufficient to meet community needs.

The student team, representing civil, mechanical, electrical and biomedical engineering disciplines, recently completed comprehensive assessments of the existing water infrastructure. Their work included surveying storage tanks, conducting water quality tests, evaluating flow rates and exploring innovative solutions such as capturing snowmelt from the nearby Chimborazo volcano at 14,000 feet elevation.

Hands-on learning with global impact

‘It was hands-on, technical work,’ explains mechanical engineering student Livia Montgomery. ‘I really enjoyed the opportunity to apply what I’ve been learning in a real-world context.’ Each student contributed expertise from their specific engineering discipline while learning collaborative problem-solving skills essential for their future professions.

This was the second of Trine’s projects in Ecuador, following the successful 2017-2022 initiative in Comuna Guangaje, where student efforts exceeded expectations in improving water supply and quality for another remote village.

Building tomorrow’s engineering leaders

These experiences develop more than technical skills. Students gain leadership capabilities, cultural competency and deep understanding of engineering’s humanitarian potential. As civil engineering student Emma-Lyn Stephenson notes, ‘It’s a chance to contribute to global service, grow as a leader and make a meaningful impact.’

The programme exemplifies Trine’s commitment to producing engineers who understand their profession’s power to transform communities worldwide. Ready to connect your students with engineering education that extends far beyond textbooks? Contact Trine University today to learn about our engineering programmes that contribute meaningful global impact.