Engineering Design Gaps: Overlooking Social Factors and Displacing Vulnerable Populations

Authors: Danielle Dumas, Asif Ahmed

SUNY Campus: SUNY Poly

Presentation Type: Poster

Location: Old Union Hall

Presentation #: 33

Timeslot: Session C 1:45-2:45 PM

Abstract: The current research aims to identify the lack of connection between social factors in engineering design and the displacement of vulnerable populations. With the changing weather patterns in recent decades, natural disasters have become a frequent phenomenon in our society, often leading to the reconstruction and redevelopment of the affected areas. This project began by researching what studies have been done on the topics of engineering, natural disasters, and their effect on marginalized communities. We’ve gathered census, population, housing, and construction/redevelopment data of relevant study areas for our project. With the data collected, we hope to find key connections between the displacement of vulnerable populations and the redevelopment of their community after being affected by a natural disaster. Current focus areas are New Orleans before and after Hurricane Katrina, New York City before and after Superstorm Sandy, and Puerto Rico before and after Hurricane Maria, along with many other possible study areas. Within these case studies, we are looking for average income variations, property value fluctuations, demographic changes, and redevelopment estimates after these disasters occurred. The study could lead to engineering design frameworks that integrate social impact assessments, ensuring infrastructure projects minimize displacement and promote equitable development. In engineering courses, curriculum interventions could incorporate case studies, ethical decision-making models, and community engagement practices to train future engineers in socially responsible design.