Building Bridges Between Engineers and Planners Through Service Learning

Michael Lowry
Department of Civil Engineering
and Department of Bioregional Planning


Tuesday, April 14, 2015
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
Whitewater Room, UI Commons

Abstract

Civil engineers and urban planners have overlapping careers, yet they often have vastly different educational background, unique methods for solving problems, and conflicting perspective on pressing issues. This presentation describes past experience at the University of Idaho to bridge the gap between students in engineering and planning. It will discuss the distinct learning style of these students and, in general, the challenges of teaching a diverse audience.

Biography

Dr. Michael Lowry is an associate professor with a joint appointment in the departments of Civil Engineering and Bioregional Planning. His research focuses on capital investment decision-making and transportation planning for bicyclists and pedestrians. Dr. Lowry teaches courses related to geographic information systems, sustainable transportation, statistics, and economic analysis. He earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Brigham Young University and a doctorate from the University of Washington before joining the UI faculty in January 2009.