Student engineers from across North America gathered in Austin, Texas for the Engineers for a Sustainable World (ESW) Conference in late March. The event is dedicated to advancing student-led solutions to global sustainability challenges. ABET was proud to sponsor the attendance of two University of San Diego students, Logan Scottlind and Danielle Thompson, who share our mission of building a better world. “Through workshops like the one led by ABET on communication and problem-solving, I learned how important it is to think beyond just the technical solutions and consider social and environmental impacts,” Thompson said.
Collaboration Across Disciplines
A central theme of ESWCon26 was the importance of collaboration when taking on complex global challenges. For both students, this conference created space for that collaboration along with a connection and deeper understanding of what it means to engineer for impact. “It was amazing to meet and connect with so many other students with a similar mindset and care for sustainable solutions,” Scottlind shared. “Hearing different perspectives from people with different backgrounds broadens how you think about solutions.”
The diverse viewpoints were a defining feature of the experience. Students worked across disciplines to take on the world’s challenges. “It was incredibly inspiring and meaningful,” Thompson noted. “It was especially impactful to engage in these conversations and connect with students and professionals across the U.S. and Canada.”
Human-Centered Solutions in Sustainability
Thompson and Scottlind emphasized that effective engineering solutions go beyond technical expertise. Sessions throughout the conference highlighted the importance of communication and teamwork in engineering practice. “Sustainability isn’t just a technical problem, it’s also a people problem,” Scottlind said. This perspective aligns with ABET’s emphasis on outcomes-based learning. Students at the conference explored how global collaboration and clear communication are essential in engineering practice.
Thompson saw this firsthand during the conference’s design challenge, where teams of students worked together to design a sustainable city block. “It reinforced that sustainability is interdisciplinary and that everyone has a place in this space,” she said.
Connecting With Purpose
Beyond peer-to-peer collaboration, the conference created opportunities for students to engage with industry professionals. Both students noted that these interactions felt purpose-driven and authentic, rather than just formal networking. “Professionals weren’t just there as representatives for their companies, they clearly cared about the same things we did,” Scottlind said. Thompson said the conversations helped clarify her own professional aspirations. “It helped me reflect on the kind of impact I want to have in my future career.”
Lasting Impact
Thompson and Scottlind returned from the conference with new insights, stronger networks and a renewed commitment to sustainability. As the University of San Diego’s ESW chapter continues growing, both students look forward to applying what they learned on campus and beyond. “The conference gave us tools and confidence to approach challenges in a practical way,” Thompson said.
Looking Ahead
When asked what they would tell others, both students emphasized the value of the experience. “It’s worth going,” Scotllind said. “it’s not just a conference where you sit and listen, you’re actively collaborating and learning.” Thompson echoed the same sentiment. “Whether you’re deeply involved in sustainability or just starting to explore it, there is something valuable to gain,” she said.
By supporting student participation in events like ESWCon, ABET continues to advance its mission of ensuring quality education to address global challenges.