 Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics Laboratory of EPFL
For a research project on the seismic response of stone masonry buildings, the Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics Laboratory of EPFL ( http://eesd.epfl.ch/ ) invites applications for a PhD Position in Structural Engineering. For the seismic analysis of masonry buildings, accurate predictions of the in-plane displacement capacity of unreinforced masonry walls are required. The objective of the project is to develop mechanical models for the deformation capacity of stone masonry walls. The project will comprise large-scale experimental tests as well as the development of analytical models Your profile: *You have a Master's Degree in civil or structural engineering *A strong background in mechanics is required *Knowledge in earthquake engineering and structural masonry is of advantage but not mandatory *You are proficient in spoken and written English http://emploi.epfl.ch/page-132825-en.html What they offer: A challenging position at EPFL with outstanding infrastructure and an international working environment. The position is funded. For further information see phd.epfl.ch/edce . Application procedure: If you are interested in this position, please send your motivation letter, CV and all university records as a single pdf-file to Katrin Beyer (katrin.beyer@epfl.ch). Applicants should also apply in parallel to the doctoral program in Civil and Environmental Engineering ( http://phd.epfl.ch/edce ) or Mechanics (http://phd.epfl.ch/edme ). The PhD Position in Structural Engineering is open until filled. About EPFL: EPFL is Europe’s most cosmopolitan technical university with students, professors and staff from over 120 nations. A dynamic environment, open to Switzerland and the world, EPFL is centered on its three missions: teaching, research and technology transfer. EPFL works together with an extensive network of partners including other universities and institutes of technology, developing and emerging countries, secondary schools and colleges, industry and economy, political circles and the general public, to bring about real impact for society.
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 UNDP Pakistan is looking for eligible female candidates to fill one of it's roles for the UNDP FATA Recovery Project. See attached. Interested candidates, please send in your resumes to ramla.qureshi@womenengineers.pk
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This work requires extensive experience of field monitoring of infrastructure schemes across KP and FATA which will involve working closely with Government counterparts, contractors and Pakistani security agencies. Note from Recruiter: UNDP Pakistan has received CVs of very good male candidates. However, in order to outreach further, we do need very good female candidates interested to work in KPK (Peshawar, Bannu and DI Khan). It is that time of the year again, the circle of life as it were. High school has ended; and students have already sent their university applications, and are now eagerly waiting for their Hogwarts letters to arrive. We all are victims from suffering the many dilemmas before applying to university; Such as where should we apply? What universities are better for applying in the degree we want to major in? What universities are closer or further to home? Which universities offer hands-on top-of-the-notch learning experience? This question, that question.. That is why, to make this process easier for you, I have come up with a list of Top 10 engineering universities in Pakistan, that prospective makers and builders of tomorrow, the engineering students of today, can apply to. Top 10 Engineering Universities in Pakistan: (in no particular order)Please note that we are only enlisting the top 10 engineering universities in Pakistan, and by no means are rating them. For a list of international ratings for engineering schools and universities in the country, please visit HEC Ranking Lists webpage here. Number 1: Pakistan Institution of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) Established in 1990, this university is located in Islamabad - the capital of Pakistan. The university offers a good learning environment as the campus is divided into two faculties: one is for Engineering and the other is for Applied Sciences. To further add to the merits of this university, it is ranked by the HEC and the PEC, as one of the best universities for engineering in Pakistan. Nestled in the serene setting of a beautiful countryside, it is recognized as a preeminent federal public university devoted to higher education in specific disciplines of engineering, natural sciences and formal sciences. The engineering faculty is highly qualified, with 135 world-class, highly qualified full-time faculty members in the diverse fields of physical sciences, engineering and medicine. PIEAS makes a wonderful topper for our list of Top 10 Engineering universities in Pakistan. Number 2: National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Established in 1991. This university is located in Islamabad that is the capital of Pakistan. It was created for the particular promotion of higher scientific education in the country, especially in the fields of science and technology. By providing a stable and disciplined academic environment together with need-based research, pertinent to industrial requirements. The University was granted its Charter in 1993. Over the years, the university has expanded in scope, services and stature and has emerged as a leading comprehensive University in the public sector. Since 2015 NUST is ranked as the 1st highest university for engineering in Pakistan. Today the university is a multi- campus institution. As it is a new-age university, defining new frontiers in teaching and research. The programs are distinctive for their high-quality research orientation. Notwithstanding the significance of undergraduate courses, there is ever-growing emphasis on postgraduate studies and research output. Creativity and innovation are embedded as core values in all scholastic activities. The conducive academic environment at the campuses facilitates educational pursuits. moreover, NUST has developed linkages with international universities of repute to ensure two-way flow of knowledge and to be in step with modern trends. Split programs and visits of eminent professors from reputed foreign universities is a regular feature of the academic activity. These eminent scholars deliver lectures on the latest developments in their respective fields and also help update and review the academic programs. Number 3: Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institution of Engineering Science and Technology (GIKI) This university is located in Pakistan’s North- West Frontier Province. It is Pakistan’s 3rd highest rated engineering university. If that is not reason enough, the university offers a wide range of courses and as the campus is located away from city life it offers a peaceful environment for study. The Institute aspires for the leadership role in pursuit of excellence in engineering, sciences and technology. The Institute provides excellent teaching and research environment to produce graduates who distinguish themselves by their professional competence, research, entrepreneurship, humanistic outlook, ethical rectitude. the university adopts a pragmatic approach to problem solving, managerial skills and ability to respond to the challenge of socio-economic development to serve as the vanguard of techno-industrial transformation of the society. Therefore, for those under graduates to be who want both a merger of theoretical and practical implementation of knowledge. GIKI is the place to go. Number 4: University of Engineering and Technology (UET) This university is located in Lahore. Offering its students a lively and always happening city environment. Today the university is spread over 4 campuses, which just goes to show its outreach and regional curriculum agenda. The University is known for playing a leading role as a University of Engineering and Technology. The teaching style, research, innovation and commercialization that is internationally relevant with this University is great. Therefore, if you are looking for an economically feasible, higher education then UET is the place for you. Number 5: University of Engineering and Technology (UET, Taxila) This university is one of the top engineering universities in Pakistan. It is located in the historic and culturally rich city of Taxila. it is a campus extension of the University of Engineering and technology in Lahore. The city of Taxila is 35 km from the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi on the main Rawalpindi-Peshawar highway. The University buses commute daily between the campus and the cities of Islamabad, Rawalpindi and Wah Cantt. The campus covers an area of 163 acres. All the teaching departments, residential colony for teachers/ employees, student hostels, guesthouse, post office and bank are housed on campus. Thus, for anyone who wants to be away from the hustle and bustle of city life but still have the option for the city weekend. Then this is the university if for you. Number 6: Institution of Space and Technology Located in Islamabad, established in 2002, it is known as the center of excellence. Their aim is provide the state-of-the-art training facilities that will enable students to acquire hands-on experience, an acute requirement in the professional world. What makes this university unique is that it provides specialized education in space and related science to bring our nation at par with the international community. Thus, the Institute of Space Technology is a great option for those students that are certain they want a career in aerospace dynamics field of study. Number 7: Air University Located in Islamabad AIR University is a federally chartered university. Its headquarters in Islamabad are surrounding the Margalla hills. A central place for engineering student’s right in the heart of Islamabad’s main street. The mission of Air University is to achieve excellence in teaching and research for producing graduates with sound professional knowledge, integrity of character, a keen sense of social responsibility and a passion for lifelong learning. The University shall stand committed to creating an environment conducive for attracting the best students, faculty and supporting staff for contributing to the development of a prosperous, peaceful and enlightened society. The university is achieving it's mission statement gradually and for engineering students that want to continue there stay in Islamabad. This is the university for you. Number 8: NED University of Engineering and Technology Located in Karachi, The NEDUET is the oldest university for teaching and turning out graduate engineers. The best quality about the NEDUET is that it offers engineering students a variety of disciplines to specialize in. To be exact the university offers, 25 disciplines of engineering. So, for students that have difficulty in deciding on a engineering field that they want to specialize in, this university is for them. As it offers the freedom of choice in sub- disciplining engineering. Number 9: KPK University of Engineering and Technology Established in 1990 the University of KPK offers a wide range of engineering disciplines. The university itself is historically very architectural, and has produced many notable engineers within the country. Though there has been a notably low male:female student ratio, the faculty and available courses call for more participation for women in STEM. Number 10: Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) The MUET is located in the region of Jamshoro, Sindh. Jamshoro is near the indus river a beautiful touristic site for students to explore over the weekends. The university has established a conducive environment for top of the class professional education and research. As they aim to produce quality professionals who uphold and advance for the integrity, honor, and dignity of their profession, while taking active part in the development of the society. – A well-rounded engineering student is their aim. Thus, it can be stated that there are several universities students wishing to pursue an engineering career can apply to in Pakistan. I wish you all, the best of luck and an amazing University experience. "There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children." — Nelson Mandela, Former President of South Africa  Education is the birth right of every child. It is seen as a birth right, a human right because of the catastrophic implications that exist when a child is denied this right. Opportunities are limited, growth is hindered, mental and social well- being of a child is put at risk and the whole manner in which their personality could have been shaped, changes its course. And mostly in most cases not for the better. Therefore, after realizing the sole importance of education itself our readers are bound to ponder over why; education in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics important for our kids as well? The answer, dear readers, is not simple but a complex one. And I shall do my best to convince you the hype around “S.T.E.M education” for children is important and valid in today’s day and age. In 2010, the United States President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology stated, “We must ensure a STEM-capable citizenry. All U.S. citizens should have an understanding of scientific and technological knowledge, engineering principles, and quantitative methods sufficient to succeed in public life and in their careers, and to make informed decisions about issues facing our Nation and our planet.” This statement illustrates just one key point as to why S.T.E.M education is crucial for our children from an early age. It is important because many of the issues that the world is facing today, whether it be global warming, famine, malnutrition, natural disasters all are in some way, shape or form linked to the field of S.T.E.M. Either the answer to the problem can be found in many S.T.E.M related solutions or the core problem can be found in S.T.E.M related technicalities and issues. Therefore, in order for the children of Pakistan to have even a fighting chance in impacting and changing and helping the world becoming a better place. STEM education is pivotal to the process. If Pakistani parents think that focusing and giving importance to S.T.E.M education is just a means by school systems to increase the fees of students while the child gains the same amount of knowledge as they did before. This is also entirely a wrong concept of thought. Yes, perhaps S.T.E.M education shall cost a little more on the pockets of parents but that is only because the right sort of equipment and classroom equipment and environment needs to be altered, In order to create a STEM friendly learning environment. After all, what is taking place is a revolutionary process within the education system of Pakistan. Moreover, to add further weight to the argument on June 17th, 2010 the USA White House, invited middle school and high school teachers that are working to try innovative new models and include more STEM education in their classrooms. And older elementary school students participated in numerous science fairs and maker fair’s at the White House. This illustrates the point that it is not just Pakistan that these positives changes, hopefully are going to be implemented. But in developed states such as that of the Unites States programs such as these have been already functioning, over the last 6 years or so. Erin Macpherson, in her article on Early STEM education for children pointed out a fantastic reason as to why children need to be educated from an early age in STEM. Not just in Pakistan but across the world. "It’s so important to encourage STEM learning early in schooling is that the process of inquiry that is integral to STEM is the way young children naturally learn." Young children explore, ask questions, and discuss their findings. In her article she describes first grade learners gathered around a sand table: "Students become engrossed with the sand, some marbles, and rulers, and soon, with the help of a few guiding questions, they are learning principles of physical science." This just goes to show children have a natural yearning to discover and explore the world around them. S.T.E.M education is simply providing children the platform to do so. Science4us is another means by which fun and STEM education can be achieved. If these are not reasons enough for you to tell your kids about STEM then know, that the long term material benefits of educating your child on STEM are a plenty. According to the US Department of Commerce research, workers in STEM fields earn 26% more than their counterparts and the job growth rate for STEM-related jobs are almost double that of non-stem occupations. This basically means, by giving our kids the tools they need to succeed in STEM, we are giving them a huge leg up as they enter the job market. Which is especially crucial for us Pakistanis as the job market keeps getting ,tougher and more competitive as the years go by. Lastly, Pakistani Parental readers it is not as complicated as a procedure to educate your child in STEM and create awareness among your children of STEM education. Doctor Green boils it down to the four essential tasks that teachers and or parents can do in order to lead their students to successful STEM education Step 1: Change your lens"Elementary teachers need the opportunity and the confidence to be engineers alongside their students," says Dr. Green. This can be as simple as changing the kinds of questions we ask our students. “By adding a few words to your classroom questioning vocabulary—words like design, experiment and model—a whole world of STEM learning can be opened up for students." It's all about tweaking the lessons, activities, homework and language just enough to create an environment where STEM is a natural but effective part of the curriculum. Step 2: Create a Village of STEM educatorsAs a teacher, you’re always busy innovating, finding new ways and cobbling together resources to help your students learn. But teachers shouldn’t have to carry the entire responsibility for STEM education; we need partners. And that partner can be the government as well as parents of Pakistani students. For example; recently, President Obama's administration launched the Educate to Innovate initiative. The initiative asks communities, companies, parents and teachers to partner with schools to encourage STEM education. “Community partnerships—both with education businesses and higher education institutions,” agrees Dr. Green, “are a key factor in the success of STEM programs.” Step 3: Integrate STEM across the curriculumIn Pakistan this seems like a complex task as there are different educations systems that exist.
Step 4: Give Pakistani children more access to technology The "T" in STEM stands for technology, but exposure to educational technology is not enough for true STEM learning. Exposing kids to tools like computers, iPads, e-readers and apps early on is important, but it's only through guided learning that these tools become an important part of STEM education, argues Green. “We need to take a whole-child approach to teaching children about technology,” explains Green. “Teachers can help kids make connections across various technologies to real-world concepts simply by strategic questioning and guided learning, especially if they have had access to research-based STEM education and teacher training.” Thus, by telling your children of the importance of STEM by making them aware of its possibilities, parents are nurturing their kids to become global leaders. I would like to end on a note by President Obama on STEM education. “[Science] is more than a school subject, or the periodic table, or the properties of waves. It is an approach to the world, a critical way to understand and explore and engage with the world, and then have the capacity to change that world..." Iman ShoaibVivacious sand making waves Many of our readers have trouble finding a job relating to the field of engineering because they have trouble finding companies that cater to their engineering qualifications and requirements.
It is for these precise reasons that I have created two lists of companies for my readers; The first mentions top 5 engineering companies of Pakistan. Top Five Engineering Companies in Pakistan
As most of us are unlikely to land an engineering job in a high - tech company. Here is a list of other credible engineering companies alongside their contact information ( in the attached hyperlink). The companies are focus - centered around three cities:
IslamabadKarachiLahoreThat was your list for engineering companies within Pakistan. Make sure you CV is updated before emailing or contacting said companies. GOOD LUCK! Iman ShoaibVivacious sand making waves
Readers, today I will be answering three questions that may seem to have an obvious answer but it is actually more in- depth and like all things in life more complicated than it looks. Those three questions are;
Defining Gender Equality and its practical implementation in our society: According to GenderEquality.ie, gender equality means when women and men enjoy the same rights and opportunities across all sectors of society, including economic participation and decision-making, and when the different behaviours, aspirations and needs of women and men are equally valued and favoured. Moreover, gender equality is seen as a real comprehensive issue not something that is “made – up” or seen as women being “demanding” or creating unnecessary “drama.” It is for this exact reason that “The European Institute for Gender Equality” has compiled an online Glossary of gender mainstreaming concepts and definitions, drawn from international and regional women’s human rights instruments, European Union and Council of Europe legislative and strategy documents. The Council of Europe has also compiled a Gender Equality Glossary based on the definitions and terms of Council of Europe instruments and standards relating to gender equality and this is available online. This goes to show that gender equality with regard to women’s equal representation in engineering offices across Pakistan is an issue no to be taken lightly, in the slightest. This leads up to the second part of our discussion, why is gender equality in engineering a necessity, nay, and basic human right of women in Pakistan? Readers, allow me to answer this question, with another question; why the hell not? If a female male works hard, choses a career in engineering and on merit has the qualifications that cater to her profession in engineering to be denied a job/ to be denied to go into a specific engineering field , based solely on the fact that she is a woman is atrocious and highly backward. I use the term “backward” because I have noticed many literate people also respond in a negative manner when asked about equal representation in engineering for women. They and I quote argue with a “logical” answer – women are only suited for certain professions in engineering and men are suited for other professions, thus the divide is justifiable. As, men dominate in some fields while women in others. I’m sorry, (not sorry) to entirely disagree with this mind set. It is the right of the female to attain equal representation as a male in engineering regardless of the field. Let her decide; let her prefer one field over another. Do not go about dictating what is “best” or “appropriate” for her and what is not. Maybe, you are right, maybe some professions in engineering are better suited for females than males. But let the woman go out and discover this path for herself! Let her be free to make her choices, learn from her mistakes; bottom line, let her live. The last question to be addressed is how gender equality can be achieved in Pakistan practically in engineering offices. The feminist in me wants to rant “just use your common sense and hire more women people!” But the fact of the matter is, it’s more complicated than that. That is why I have come up with a list of pragmatic steps that can be taken to overcome inequality at engineering offices.
Mainly, these points were gathered from the author: Helena Trachsel. She is the Head of the Office for the Equality of Men and Women of the Canton of Zurich. Some have put the debate forward that the reason there exist more men than women in engineering offices is because most women get married after their graduation and then when their kids are grown do not wish to continue their careers forward or make use of their degrees. Though, this may be true for some women there are several ways to go about such a situation in Pakistan. Some solutions have been mentioned below; as to every problem there is a solution.
Lastly, know that despite these changes which can be made on an organisational or individual level for mass change to occur and catalyse the process of merging the gender gap in engineering offices policy changes need to occur. The article by the Houston Chronicle covers some impactful polices which I have amended so that they may be applied in Pakistan. Step 1: Establish a policy that ensures that men and women are compensated equally for performing the same work. Beyond equal pay for equal work, the policy should also ensure that both genders are treated equally in recruitment, training, hiring and promotion. Step 2: Establish a policy that allows both men and women to balance their work lives with their personal lives. This guideline would ensure that management supports employees' pursuit of further education to advance their careers, as well as family counselling, family time or other related efforts that assist employees in maintaining healthy and positive family relationships. Step 3: Establish a policy that strictly and specifically forbids any form of sexual harassment. Either in the policy itself, or in a related human resources procedure, describe in detail the professional consequences that will result from harassment. Provide employees with an avenue for reporting such activity directly to the human resources department without fear of retribution. Step 4: Establish a policy that ensures the non-discriminatory policies that apply to the company's employees also apply to all levels of company management. Gender equality means nothing in the workplace if it is not followed to the letter by all management personnel. Encourage managers to act as role models for non-discrimination. As I leave my dear readers, here is a reflection question from Baha’I International community; How does discrimination against women limit the ability of men and boys to develop to their full potential? How does it impact the progress and well-being of society as a whole? How will progress towards equality transform various facets of human society: the development of intellectual life; the practice of governance; the allocation of material resources; the condition of the family? I look forward to you as an individual and us a Pakistani community embracing the women of our society into not just engineering offices, but offices of all kinds. Iman ShoaibVivacious sand making waves  Career Options for Women in STEM in Pakistan: One of the guidelines before I was to write this article read “Please do not limit to professor, engineer etc. Research how they can do a variety of jobs.” I loved this statement! As it is spot on in representing our societal mind – set; career options for women in S.T.E.M (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) are limited in nature. And this goes without mention the “mainstream” subjects I am referring to in Pakistan are;
This is far from the case. I am talking fairy tales “once upon a time” that faaaar off. Now, some of you readers may be thinking that the professions listed above in actuality are not reflective of the limitations in STEM in Pakistan but just are career’s women in Pakistan feel more “comfortable” participating in. The rationale behind choosing such careers is that they offer;
But before we get into that, our readers need to understand that there is a whole spectrum of jobs that fall under the umbrella of S.T.E.M Let me mention a couple of sub – disciplines within the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
This illustrates the various career paths one can opt for when choosing a career under the banner of S.T.E.M. Mentioned below are some of the niche professions practiced in Pakistan that could use more female workforce participation. 1. Architectural Drafters:Job description includes preparing detailed drawings of architectural designs and plans for buildings. 2. Water and wastewater resource manager:Job description includes designing and / or overseeing projects involving provision of potable water, disposal of wastewater and sewage, or prevention of flood-related damage. Work may also result in preparing environmental documentation for water resources, regulatory program compliance, data management and analysis, and field work. 3. Astronomers:Job description includes observation, research and interpretation of astronomical phenomena. 4. Atmospheric and Space Scientists:Job description includes investigation of atmospheric phenomena and interpretation of meteorological data. Weather analysts are a common profession in the field. 5. Biologist:Job description includes research on basic principles of plant and animal life. 6. Chemists:Job description includes conducting qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products. 7. Clinical Psychologists:Job description includes diagnosing and / or evaluating mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological testing. This is in order to formulate and administer programs of treatment. 8. Dieticians and Nutritionists:Job description entails planning and / or conducting food service or nutritional programs to assist in the promotion of health and control of disease. 9. Environmental Restoration Planners:Job description entails collaborating with field and biology staff to oversee the implementation of restoration projects and to develop new products. 10. Epidemiologists:Investigate and describe the determinants and distribution of disease, disability, or health outcomes. 11. Risk Management specialists:Job description includes analysis and/ or management of issues related to risk by identifying, measuring, and making decisions on operational or enterprise risks for an organization. 12. School Psychologist:Job description entails investigation of the processes of learning and teaching and develop psychological principles and techniques applicable to educational problems. (This could be of great use to the education institutions in Pakistan) 13.Video Game Designers:Seemingly, not the most conventional profession for a female in Pakistan, This is a very creative and professional line of work. Job description entails designing the core features of video games. 14. Soil and Plant Scientist:Yes, you read correctly. A soil and plant scientist this job entails research in breeding, physiology, production, yield, and management of crops and agricultural plants or trees and their growth in soils, and control of pests. For a complete guide to sub disciplines and professions found in STEM that can be implemented by working women in Pakistan visit; http://www.onetonline.org/find/stem/?t=0 I came across some pleasantly surprising piece of information while conducting my research on this topic. Did you know that there are some professional fields in S.T.E.M that are predominantly female? Because I for one did not! Many people believed (including me) that an overwhelming majority of S.T.E.M. jobs are dominated by men. While not all S.T.E.M. fields have an equal mix of men and women, some have a higher percentage of women than you may have assumed. Others have more women than men. I have taken the liberty to list of the female dominated professions in S.T.E.M. They are as follows;
Dear readers, this exemplifies the point that I have been trying to make in every article thus far; do not succumb to the status quo or mainstream “understanding” of every female or male in our society. Do not generalize people into labels, categories, or boxes of what they should be or should not be. What they should do and what they shouldn’t. Give everyone the personal freedom of individuality to express themselves and/ or pick careers for themselves that they see fit. Whether this is the field of STEM or otherwise, it would be a shame; nay, crime even to shackle the women of Pakistan to careers “society” or “men” see best fit for them.
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