I'll admit that the editing and sound quality aren't the greatest because we were working with what we had available, but below are the links to the 2 episodes we made for class. You are welcome to share them if you would like to. (As a side note, the opinions expressed in the podcast should not be considered official or professional opinions, and they do not necessarily reflect the stances of ASCE or UDLAP.)
https://soundcloud.com/heidi-wallace-863112519/calidad-en-la-construccion-en-mexico?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
https://soundcloud.com/heidi-wallace-863112519/calidad-en-la-construccion-podcast-2?utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
I think the biggest differences I noticed during my limited time in Mexico in relation to civil engineering were the lack of enforcement of safety regulations, less governmental transparency/accountability, unreliable infrastructure (like water not always being sent to the homes through the mains when it was supposed to be), and fewer women in the construction industry. There were a lot of women in my classes, but based on conversations with them, there weren't many women ahead of them in their jobs.
Corruption and slow judicial intervention unfortunately kept my university closed to entering campus until near the very end of my studies in Mexico (unrelated to the pandemic regulations), so I didn't get to experience in-person courses on campus, but technology allowed us to still have class and group sessions remotely.
Overall I had a great experience in Mexico despite a worldwide pandemic and some unfortunate decisions by people in authority that impacted the students and staff at the university. The people were welcoming, my professors and classmates were patient with me as I worked to regain my fluency in Spanish, and it was wonderful to learn more about the culture and history of Puebla.
The content of my masters degree gave me hope that there are people with the vision to take Mexico's construction industry in a positive direction, and I am looking forward to seeing the progress that the next generation of engineers and project managers can help facilitate.
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Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
Tulsa, OK
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Original Message:
Sent: 06-20-2024 03:57 PM
From: Javier Herrera
Subject: The Evolution of Civil Engineering Education in Mexico
¡Hola, Heidi!
I hope you had a great experience in Mexico and at UDLAP. It sounds incredible that you were able to have these kinds of conversations and turn them into a podcast.
What are the main differences between USA and Mexico?
Are they available to listen to? Do you think we could share them on our ASCE Mexico Section social media?
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Javier Herrera Ing., M.ASCE
Mexico
Original Message:
Sent: 06-20-2024 09:49 AM
From: Heidi Wallace
Subject: The Evolution of Civil Engineering Education in Mexico
Thanks for sharing!
I moved to Mexico in fall of 2020 to study at UDLAP for my Master of Construction Project Management, and some of these topics were discussed frequently. For one of my courses, we had to make a couple podcast episodes in our groups. My group partners were two young women in the construction industry in Mexico, and we had some interesting discussions on where the industry is headed and their hopes for the future. My group partners were interested in my experience as a woman in the industry in the United States, and my experiences seemed to give them some hope for what can be achieved in the coming years.
I was very pleased with the quality of the education I received at UDLAP, and I am looking forward to seeing the outcomes of these initiatives as they benefit the Mexican construction industry and the communities it serves.
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Heidi C. Wallace, P.E., M.ASCE
Tulsa, OK
Original Message:
Sent: 06-19-2024 04:38 PM
From: Javier Herrera
Subject: The Evolution of Civil Engineering Education in Mexico
I am pleased to share with you some of the current advancements and trends in civil engineering education in Mexico. As we all know, this discipline is fundamental to the development of infrastructure and the improvement of quality of life in our country. Below is a detailed analysis of the initiatives and transformations that are making a difference in this field:
1. Incorporation of Advanced Technology
Mexican universities are adopting cutting-edge technologies to improve the quality of education. This includes structural simulations and the implementation of virtual reality for project visualization. These tools not only facilitate a deeper understanding of theoretical concepts but also provide an unprecedented practical experience, preparing students for the current challenges of the labor market.
2. Promotion of Sustainability
A growing focus in civil engineering programs is sustainability. Educational institutions are integrating courses and projects focused on sustainable construction, efficient resource use, and minimizing environmental impact. Students are being trained to design structures that reduce the ecological footprint, thus contributing to the development of a more sustainable future for our country.
3. Industry Linkage and Professional Internships
The relationship between universities and the construction industry has been significantly strengthened. Many institutions now offer professional internship programs, where students can get involved in real projects with construction companies, consulting firms, and government agencies. This practical experience is invaluable for students, facilitating their transition into the labor market and enhancing their professional skills.
4. Continuing Education and Specialization
Civil engineers in Mexico have more opportunities to continue their academic training. Universities offer a wide range of diplomas and master's degrees in specialized areas such as structural engineering, geotechnics, transportation, and construction management. Additionally, the increasing availability of online courses facilitates access to continuing education, allowing professionals to stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in the sector.
5. Promotion of Research
Research in civil engineering is receiving growing support, with initiatives aimed at promoting innovation and the development of new technologies. Both students and professors are participating in research projects that address local and global challenges, from disaster resilience to the implementation of advanced materials. These efforts are positioning Mexico as a relevant player in the field of civil engineering research.
6. Inclusion and Diversity
Educational institutions are working hard to foster an inclusive and diverse environment. Programs and scholarships are being implemented to increase the participation of women in civil engineering and to support students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. These initiatives are essential to ensure that all talents can contribute to the development of the sector.
Conclusion
Civil engineering education in Mexico is undergoing significant transformation to face the challenges of the 21st century. The integration of advanced technology, focus on sustainability, industry linkage, continuing education, research promotion, and fostering of diversity are creating a new generation of civil engineers prepared to build a better future for all.
I hope this information is of interest to you, and I remain available for any further comments or discussions on these topics.
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Javier Herrera Ing., M.ASCE
President Mexico Section
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