Dr. Gbtonmasse Somasse, Social Sciences & Policy Studies,creates tools for technical experts to become more engaged with the public policy process.
With the rapid development and innovation as well as the broadening scope of high impact technologies, engineers often discuss laws and regulations regarding the technologies they design or deliver. In order for policymakers to keep up with new technologies and their impact on the workforce, engineers are invited to participate in developing, monitoring, and evaluating new public policies that can shape the future of the workplace. To ensure a success collaboration in this process, engineering education must prepare their students on topics like policymaking, social impact analysis, leadership, and risk communication.
Dr. Gbetonmasse Somasse’s project develops a policy studies practicum that provides engineering students with the relevant knowledge, skills, and mindset while they are familiarized with current public policy debates on technology and work. The practicum includes site visit, conference calls, and guest lectures where students can engage with policymakers in the U.S. and Canada. The project also creates classroom exercises to help students develop a comparative understanding of organizations that have articulated policy perspectives on the future of technology and work, such as the OECD, The World Economic Forum, The Brookings Institution, and the International Labor Organization.