NSBE - November/December 2008 - (Page 43)

By Njema J. Frazier, Ph.D., NSBE National Alumni Extension Chair AEnIcHe A grassroots solutions s we look to tackle problems brought on by a weak economy, uncertain national security and a changing global environment, the technical talent and innovative spirit of black engineers is going to be crucial to the advancement and competitive viability not only of the black community but of the nation, as well. One of the most promising yet underutilized NSBE programs addressing the issues of our time is the Special Interest Groups, or SIGs. SIGs are the technical affinity groups within NSBE that focus on a particular engineering discipline or common interest. They are incubators where professionals in the same field come together to discuss issues they are facing professionally, intellectually and technically. Also known as “technical think tanks,” NSBE’s SIGs are forums for black engineers to find novel solutions to problems that impact the black community and the African Diaspora. From disaster recovery, pollution and the spread of infectious disease, to electronic voting, cyber security and wireless communication, NSBE engineers have the tools to address today’s issues, advance their fields and improve the affected communities. SIGs are close to my heart, not only because I am a former NSBE Technical Excellence chair but also because I am a scientist and a firm believer in NSBE’s ability to change the paradigm in education, technology, policy and business — through self-determination. This year, our Technical Excellence chair, Mary McWilliams, is leading the effort to add a dimension to SIGs, supporting interdisciplinary engineering discussions and projects that put the 400-plus SIG members in contact with one another and support the resulting grassroots efforts. The National SIGs for 2008–09 are Bioengineering, Environmental Engineering, Information Technology Think Tank (ITTT), Space & Aerospace, and Women in Science and Engineering. The Regional and Pilot SIGs for the year are Energy & Petroleum, Microelectronics, Transportation, and Wireless. In closing, it should be noted that one of the richest and most valuable traits of NSBE is the change one person can effect. From starting a SIG, to becoming a NSBE Jr. advisor, to joining a NSBE committee or donating to a NSBE scholarship, you can, as NSBE Alumni members and supporters, leave things better than you found them. We can all help strengthen this ever- “…NSBE’s SIGs are forums for black engineers to find novel solutions to problems that impact the black community and the African Diaspora.” changing, ever-developing organization and positively impact the lives of children, young adults and professionals. So, if you have ideas, input or questions about SIGs, we welcome your involvement. ■ GET INVOLVED! SIGs Info techex@nsbe-ae.org SIG Registration https://nol.nsbe.org/events/EV04EventDetail.aspx?eventID=3104 Alumni Programs Thzaira Charles at programs@nsbe-ae.org NSBE-AE Njema J. Frazier, Ph.D. at chair@nsbe-ae.org • november/december 2008 • 43 www.nsbe.org https://nol.nsbe.org/events/EV04EventDetail.aspx?eventID=3104 http://www.nsbe.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of NSBE - November/December 2008

NSBE - November/December 2008
Contents
How We Got Over
Obama Wins!
LaTanjia Robinson of Aerojet
Membership News: You Did It Again!
Cash In Your GPA!
NSBE-AE Signs On
Growing from One Love
New York Renaissance
Toronto Welcomes NSBE Convention Planners
Regional Officer Reconnects in Ghana
Texas A&M - College Station, NSBE's Distinguished Chpater of the Year
Lifetime Members: 118 and Counting!
NSBE Midshipmen
Vision and Change
The AE Niche
Thinking Green
Blacks in Computer Science: The Secrets of Their Success
NSBE Calendar
AE Programs Address Critical Goals
AE Members on the Move
Making Games for the Masses
Advertisers Index

NSBE - November/December 2008