The Chair for Women in Engineering was made possible by a $3-million gift from an anonymous engineering alumnus passionate about ensuring that more women become leaders in engineering education and practice.
Our goal is to increase both the number of women pursuing engineering and the retention of existing women in the field.
Chair program activities will encompass outreach, advocacy, curriculum development, and research opportunities for girls and women at all levels:
Increasing diversity in engineering is important for all of us. We all benefit from a diverse community. Recent, well documented successes demonstrate the trend can be dramatically changed with targeted, research-supported efforts. Changing our current trajectory requires significant effort from our whole community. We would like to invite you to join us in this effort.
Make an Impact
Your contribution will help increase the number of women who become practicing engineers and scholars.
Give NowDr. Heidi Ploeg, BSc’88, MSc’91, PhD’00, is a professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and Smith Engineering's inaugural Chair for Women in Engineering.
Dr. Ploeg will be re-introducing MECH 333 Gender, Engineering and Technology.
MECH 333 Gender, Engineering and Technology
Instructor: Dr. Heidi Ploeg, P.Eng.
This course examines relations between gender and technology. The main topics covered are: the role of technology on the shaping of society particularly in terms of gendering of jobs and exclusion of women, gender issues in the workplace, the impact of technology on women's lives, and diversity in product design. Historical perspectives are presented and contemporary examples from western and developing countries are discussed. The course content will include readings, viewings of films, and external speakers. Course deliverables include short writings, presentations, and a take-home exam.
Dr. Kevin Deluzio, Professor and Dean of Smith Engineering at Queen's, announces the new Chair for Women in Engineering and highlights the importance of diversity in engineering.
The Chair for Women in Engineering is an important part of equity, diversity and inclusion at Smith Engineering. To learn more about EDI planning and initiatives, please visit our Engineering for Everyone page.
