Abstract
In most countries, Electrical Engineering is referred to as Electronics and Electrical Engineering. It is that branch of engineering that deals with the study and application of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity. The study encompasses the study of power, telecommunication, controls, and signal processing. There is though a slight distinction between electronics and electrical engineering. While electronics engineering deals with small-scale information transmissions using electricity, electrical engineering is concerned with large-scale electrical systems and energy transmission (Clifford, et al. 1990, p.26).
Electrical engineering dates back to the 17th Century, with the first electrical engineer being William Gilbert who designed a device that was able to detect objects which are statistically charged. It was not until the 19th Century that advancements in electrical engineering shot several folds very dramatically by the involvement of players like Thomas Edison, Nicola Tesla, Heinrich Hertz, Michael Faraday, Karl B. Ferdinand, George Ohm, and Walter Brattain among others (Asimov, 1973, p11-14). Electrical studies are mostly related to Physics, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Project Management. The regions of Idaho, Utah, Montana, and Wyoming had their share of discoveries and were never left behind. This paper will present in historical context, the advancement that Electrical Engineering has had n in the above-named places and how the study has revolutionized the job market.
Electrical Engineering in the North West Mountain Region
Electrical Engineers in Idaho
The history of Engineers in this region has been docked by ups and downs since its infancy. Those who aspire to be Electrical Engineers do have varied motivations to their course; but whatever is the driving force to this effect, Electrical Engineers are regarded as the most refined in this corner of the world. They have graduated from the use of simple manual gadgets to using computer screens in an attempt to develop new electrical program versions. Teamwork has played a big role in most of the advancements in Idaho in literally all sectors of development, particularly in product design. The field of electrical engineering has provided its professionals with great job opportunities running into their thousands and it’s not about to slow down. Technological advancement is seeing more automation and the emergence of more complex equipment, hence opening up many jobs for individuals in the engineering field. Competition across the globe is pushing engineers into coming up with many discoveries to stay afloat (Armytage, 1966, p.235).
There has been a unanimous attempt to electrify every gadget in possession of man…this can never happen in the absence of electrical engineers; thus putting them at the center stage of any new invention. Some claims going around hold it that engineering jobs are not well paying, but it is never about cash but comfort and enjoyment of what one is Idaho. But contrary to this claim, reports in (Ryder, 1984, p.15) revealed that more than 91% of engineers in this southern part of the continent said that their careers were full of fun and that the job offered good satisfaction. 80% said that they would recommend engineering to their children. This shows that they are making a handsome living out of engineering.
Electrical Discoveries in Idaho
The electrical engineers in Idaho have never gone to sleep, always on their toes going for discoveries every time. They have set up a Discovery Centre where the professionals show their might and prowess during electrical exhibitions. The Idaho Discovery Centre is helping individuals who have chosen this career path to boost their understanding of motion, electricity, light, matter, electricity, energy, and other natural phenomena. Some great discoveries in this state include an Uphill Roller, which can defy gravity by making a ball roll up the hill. Another “crazy” electrical discovery is a unique kind of Water Freezer. I call it crazy because of the way it operates. It can cause water to boil and at the same time a sheet of ice forms on the same container; a non-intuitive event bringing real life to thermodynamics. In addition to the above, there are also Electrical Bolts, Geyser Eruptions, and Grouped Pendulums.
Idaho discoveries can not go without mentioning Steven Swanson, the Astronaut by discovering a Space Shuttle. The discovery was made with the help of Idaho University Staff. Along with Steve is his nephew, Greg Swanson, an electrical graduate from the University of Idaho who was nominated by NASA as the Astronomy Student Ambassador in 2007-2008 to represent the State. The Idaho flag is flying high (Reader, 1987, pp.41-43). The state has also diversified its electrical engineers into the nuclear field where they help in the ongoing research on coming up with alternative sources of cheap energy. The state through the help of the federal government has invested in the production of high-speed computers at a speed of 43,000 MPH. this has proved to be of aid to NASA in their new probe.
Electrical engineering in Utah
The state of Utah is ranked the most dynamic state as far as the economy is concerned; this makes it possible to satisfy any requirement regarding electrical engineering. There Utah case is no different from the Idaho one, the individuals in this profession feel to be at the top of the world, very happy and loving every bit of their profession. With The tourism and mining industries being the cornerstones supporting the state, electrical engineering is coming in handy. The field has become so marketable that there has been an allowance by the syllabus organizers to authorize direct entry once one is done with the high school upon hitting some minimum mark, or after attending some pre-major course to give. Many of the graduates find places in industrial and manufacturing fields. The sectors of computing, broadcasting, and communication also enjoy the services of electrical engineers. They are concerned with the design, analysis of electrical devices, and any technical matter. The bank about $55,000 annually overall; combining both in the electrical sector and other related fields.
Utah has invested so much in this department and strict regulation has been put for institutions that offer Electrical related discipline. Almost every institution has a research center that is supported by the state of Utah. This move by the state has been prompted by the shortage of electrical engineers in Utah. The government has also established an outreach program to try to find more students to join the field and pursue the profession to higher levels. The program tries to introduce students to innovative ideas and mentor them into reaching greater heights with the knowledge that they have gained so far. It combines outreach and public relations.so that whatever the students get to learn can be of benefit to the Utah community and the nation at large (Armytage, 1966, p.240).
Electrical Discoveries in Utah
Just as the discoveries were on top gear then, they have never been over in Utah; as the world encounters new challenges every time, so as the electrical engineers in constant discoveries to wave the difficulties. They have discovered ways to reduce the energy trouble by discovering the source of oil from which the locals can draw livelihood before the oil gets drained. But until then, the locals will still be enjoying every bit of it. For now, no car or truck will stop because of lack of fuel, neither will any train sit idle. The fuel crisis in the past few months almost brought the entire universe to a near halt bringing the economy close to crumbling under its burden. The Oxfam Club was behind this wonderful move-in Utah. On top of the world headlines was Brent Singleton who made public his moves to make a highbred train on a ’32 Ford Hot Rod. This was to be an advancement on the electric dragster that he had been driving since twelve. The train will be towed with fuel which can be renewed, Solar panels, and wind turbines (Bruno, 1995, pp.305-311).
The Utah electrical engineers are on what they term as “a move that will change the world”. As presented in (Fox, 1996, p.3). Fox talks of a new technology discovered in Utah that will go a long way to save the entire world with its energy crisis. There are a total of four discoveries being worked on to this effect. They include; the new hydrogen energy (what the Japanese call cold fusion), Magnetic Super motors, Solid-State Plasma type (electromagnetic) devices, and finally, low energy nuclear reactors. All the above discoveries fall in the field of electrical engineering. Utah’s mining industry also relies so much on the expertise drawn from the electrical field. The sector is daily in contact with the electrical professionals for services related to power supply, heating, and cooling works, telephone, computers, office equipment, internet supply, cameras, radios, television, motion pictures, automobiles, cables, and satellites among others.
Electrical Engineering in Montana
This mountainous state receives so many tourists and just like Utah, receives so many visitors; he, therefore, calls for more advanced technology. Electrical engineers in this part of the world have left no department un-revolutionized. For easy crisscrossing of the state, communication, electricity has to come into play. Montana is the native home of ancient Americans’ first inhabitants being the battlefront of most ancient wars. This fact made the state get an early wake up in terms of technology and electricity use to be particular (Channell, 1989, p.311). The biggest University in the area is Montana State University where aspiring Electrical Engineers get their professional training. Unlike the first two stages, the economy of Montana depends highly on Agriculture and is a hub of a good number of processing factories. The politics and demography of the state have not very much interfered with its development. It is a swing state and every leader who comes into play tries to do his/her best to keep afloat.
The driving force behind the Montana Electrical engineers is the art, research, and services in the tertiary institutions in the state. Some of the great discoveries to have resulted from this area include hi-tech computing, mixed-signal design, optoelecoectics, optics, and other electronics. The students and the public are in most cases integrated with the development programs, for instance in dissemination and discoveries. The state has gone down to organizing volunteer work for the community and engineering competition. Job opportunities are numerous and no individual trained in electrical engineering has ever since the advent of the study been locked out of the job market. It has always been a wonderful adventure in the Engineering field in this corner of the world. And America is the home of great discoveries, professionals in this field have mastered the art of confronting the challenges. Reports indicate that Montana Engineers are one of the best in design to boost standards to the satisfaction of their clients within and outside the state. An organization going by the code name Ac/Dc spreads into operations in Montana, Utah, and Wyoming (Kline, 1992, pp.14-17).
Electrical Discoveries in Montana
Just like the electrical engineers in the other states, Montana engineers are focused on reducing their expenditure on energy. Backed by their governor, the state is promoting the use of PHEVs. This is to encourage the use of solar and wind power which are friendly to the environment and are less costly. Wind and solar power have therefore been used by the community to warm water and power electrical appliances. Large-scale production also finds its way into the national grid for countrywide distribution. The Auto-Industry in Montana has also reaped benefits from electrical engineers who have come up with electric vehicles powered by portable batteries…the Montanans are drifting away from gasoline cars. Their government has aided this move, especially with their decision to impose a 15% tax credit on electric-powered cars. According to the EPRI (Electric Power Research Institute) journal, the move could reduce oil consumption by more than 60% and in the long run lower the overall expenditure. The integration of solar by day and electricity by night is just a wonderful concept (Weber, 1994, p.19).
Electrical Engineering in Wyoming
Electrical engineers over this side of the state are concerned with the fields of electronics, electromagnetism, and electricity. It has been made a great occupation since the 19th Century with most of the disciplines falling under the commercialization of electric power and its application. It advanced to signal processing, telecommunication, and control systems. The state has achieved this goal through the establishment of Digital Libraries, Knovels (Various engineering and science-based books), and Computer databases to ease the search. This concept has taken to greater heights ease access to information in the field by literally any interested party.
This northwestern state is the least populous in America. Most of the land (about 48%) is owned by the state government making most of the operations in the state be under state management…engineering department has not been left out. Just as a good percentage of the land is under government management, so are the programs related to education, employment, and such. The government, therefore, controls all or rather encourages individuals to pursue engineering-based courses across all genders and provides the candidates with a suitable environment to make good their dreams. Scholarships, career choice advice, and the availability of a well-equipped library are some of the facilities made available by the state (McMahon, 1984, p.35).
Native Americans hailed here and the same is true for many ancient electrical gurus. The state also offered hostage to some French explorers and trappers who came with their discoveries throwing the electrical advancement to greater stake. With the government keeps involvement in the state, the unemployment rate was reduced to slightly below 3.3%, by 2006, far much below what the national statistical revelation which stood at 4.6% then (Armytage, 1966, p.250). Another common factor with the other southern states is being a hot spot for tourists. It further reveals that more than 6 million visitors traveled to the state in 2002. This indicates how electrical advancements must be taken seriously to ensure the comfort and convenience of these tourists. Though Agriculture has been the main component of their lives, technology has seen them diversify into other fields powered by electricity…making the services of Electrical Engineers top in the priority with the changing world.
Electrical Discoveries in Wyoming
Electrical-related discoveries in Wyoming are mainly done under the umbrella body managing electrical projects in the state. Duke Energy carries the flag with its wind power project. Other discoveries include those in the other southern states, surrounding the telecommunication sector a replication brought about by the common interest in the advancing world. The dynamics call for a revolution in the transport, accommodation, communication, and service provision departments. Electricity is ruling the time (Fox, 1996, p.5).
Conclusion
From the facts presented in this paper, it can be said that research in literally all fields has made life more comfortable and enjoyable to live. The electrical researchers to be particular are a vital recipe for this dynamic world of automation. It does come in handy to counter the challenges brought about by globalization. The ancient discoveries gave a foothold to the later advancements which have seemed most of them improved a great deal. The modern fairs, exhibitions, and competitions that are organized by electrical professionals are a sign of a never-sleeping lot. Such discoveries are mainly to make the earth a haven.
Most of the witnessed advancements in the electrical department in the Southern states are inclined on the micro-electric packaging to help make the discoveries. This is the concept of putting together chips (also called technology). This is a move that has helped the links latest technological advancements in telecommunication, computers, and electric cars.
But among all the discoveries, the one which proves most vital and has been taken up by most parts of the world is the need to have a cheaper power source. With reduced expenditure on energy, any state or country can divert the funds meant for that to other income-generating activities.
The electricians and computer engineers are in constant move making advancements far and wide to solve emerging problems. The steps they have made have spelled out hearsay; what now remains is encouraging individual contribution and collective responsibility handling electrical-related issues. Patenting to protect innovations is encouraged to limit cases of piracy and forgery. With these steps followed to tee, then the world would be a haven of comfort. Thanks to Electrical Engineers.
References
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