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The National Academy of Sciences (NAS), the parent organization of NAE, was established in 1863 by an Act of Incorporation signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Academy of Sciences was indeed established in 1863 by an Act of Incorporation signed by President Abraham Lincoln, serving as the foundational body for the later National Academies.
Engineering was first formally recognized within the National Academy of Sciences' committee structure in 1919 with the establishment of a dedicated engineering section.
Answer: False
Explanation: Engineering was first formally recognized in 1899 with a 'physics and engineering' committee. A dedicated engineering section was established in 1919, but this was not the *first* formal recognition.
George Ellery Hale's 1913 vision for the Academy included actively supporting newly recognized disciplines, industrial sciences, and the humanities.
Answer: True
Explanation: George Ellery Hale's vision for the Academy in 1913 indeed encompassed a broad engagement with science, including newly recognized disciplines, industrial sciences, and the humanities.
Hale's suggestions for creating sections of medicine and engineering were widely accepted due to their clear commercial benefits.
Answer: False
Explanation: Hale's suggestions were initially met with protest, with one member arguing that these professions were 'mainly followed for pecuniary gain,' indicating a resistance rather than wide acceptance due to commercial benefits.
An Academy study group concluded in 1917 that claims of repeated interruptions to Panama Canal traffic due to slides were well-founded.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Academy's study group concluded in 1917 that claims of *future repeated interruptions* to Panama Canal traffic due to slides were unfounded, despite an earlier slide delaying the canal's opening.
Engineering societies contributed to national preparedness before World War I by offering technical services to the Federal government, such as through the Naval Consulting Board.
Answer: True
Explanation: Prior to World War I, engineering societies actively supported national preparedness by providing technical services to the Federal government, exemplified by their involvement with the Naval Consulting Board and the Council of National Defense.
President Woodrow Wilson requested the National Academy of Sciences to organize a 'National Research Council' in 1916, with assistance from the Engineering Foundation, to stimulate research and strengthen national defense.
Answer: True
Explanation: In 1916, President Woodrow Wilson indeed requested the National Academy of Sciences to establish the National Research Council, with support from the Engineering Foundation, to advance research and bolster national defense.
The representation of engineers within the National Academy of Sciences significantly increased from its founding in 1863 to the early 20th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Contrary to an increase, the representation of engineers within the National Academy of Sciences actually declined significantly from its founding in 1863 to the early 20th century, with only one representative remaining by 1912.
The first dedicated engineering section within the National Academy of Sciences was established in 1919, with Henry Larcom Abbot as its initial chairman.
Answer: True
Explanation: The first dedicated engineering section within the National Academy of Sciences was indeed established in 1919, and Henry Larcom Abbot, a Civil War veteran, served as its inaugural chairman.
After World War I, the engineering profession's prestige generally increased due to its wartime contributions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Following World War I, the engineering profession's prestige actually declined, partly due to the ascendancy of science in the public perception, despite engineering's wartime contributions.
Eric Arthur Walker, President of the Engineers Joint Council, was instrumental in planning for the establishment of the new National Academy of Engineering.
Answer: True
Explanation: Eric Arthur Walker, as President of the Engineers Joint Council, was a pivotal figure in the planning and establishment of the National Academy of Engineering, recognizing the opportunity for engineers to advise the government.
Who signed the Act of Incorporation that established the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) in 1863?
Answer: President Abraham Lincoln
Explanation: President Abraham Lincoln signed the Act of Incorporation on March 3, 1863, formally establishing the National Academy of Sciences.
When was engineering first formally recognized within the National Academy of Sciences' committee structure?
Answer: 1899
Explanation: Engineering was first formally recognized within the National Academy of Sciences' committee structure in 1899, with the establishment of a 'physics and engineering' standing committee.
What was a key aspect of George Ellery Hale's vision for the Academy at its 50th anniversary in 1913?
Answer: To engage with industrial sciences and the humanities.
Explanation: George Ellery Hale's 1913 vision for the Academy emphasized an expansive agenda, including active engagement with industrial sciences and the humanities, alongside newly recognized scientific disciplines.
Why were Hale's suggestions for creating sections of medicine and engineering initially met with protest?
Answer: One member argued these professions were 'mainly followed for pecuniary gain.'
Explanation: Hale's proposals for medicine and engineering sections faced initial protest from a member who contended that these professions were primarily driven by 'pecuniary gain,' reflecting a historical bias against applied fields within the Academy.
What was the outcome of the Academy's 1913 investigation into the Culebra Cut slide in the Panama Canal?
Answer: The report concluded that claims of future repeated interruptions were unfounded.
Explanation: The Academy's 1917 report on the Culebra Cut slide in the Panama Canal concluded that predictions of future repeated interruptions to canal traffic were unfounded, despite the initial delay caused by the slide.
Which of the following was an example of engineering societies contributing to national preparedness before World War I?
Answer: The formation of the Council of National Defense in 1916.
Explanation: Engineering societies contributed to national preparedness before World War I through initiatives such as the Naval Consulting Board of 1915 and the Council of National Defense of 1916, offering crucial technical services to the federal government.
What was the primary purpose of the National Research Council (NRC) as requested by President Woodrow Wilson in 1916?
Answer: To stimulate research in various sciences and their application to useful arts, and strengthen national defense.
Explanation: President Wilson's request for the National Research Council in 1916 aimed to stimulate research across various sciences and their applications, thereby strengthening national defense and promoting public welfare.
How did the representation of engineers within the National Academy of Sciences change from its founding in 1863 to the early 20th century?
Answer: It steadily declined, with only one representative of the Corps of Engineers remaining by 1912.
Explanation: From its founding in 1863, where engineers comprised nearly a fifth of the membership, their representation within the National Academy of Sciences steadily declined, reaching a low of only one Corps of Engineers representative by 1912.
Who was the first chairman of the first dedicated engineering section established within the National Academy of Sciences in 1919?
Answer: Henry Larcom Abbot
Explanation: Henry Larcom Abbot, a Civil War veteran, was the first chairman of the dedicated engineering section established within the National Academy of Sciences in 1919.
What was the prevailing perception of the engineering profession's prestige after World War I?
Answer: It declined, partly at the expense of science's ascendancy.
Explanation: After World War I, the engineering profession experienced a decline in prestige, largely due to the rising public and institutional prominence of science.
Who was identified as the 'prime mover' in planning for the establishment of a new National Academy of Engineering?
Answer: Eric Arthur Walker
Explanation: Eric Arthur Walker, then President of the Engineers Joint Council, was recognized as the 'prime mover' in the strategic planning for the establishment of the National Academy of Engineering.
The National Academy of Engineering (NAE) is an independent governmental organization that advises the President directly on engineering matters, separate from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NAE is a nonprofit, non-governmental organization and is part of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM), not separate from it. It advises the federal government, not solely the President directly.
A primary function of the NAE is to operate engineering programs that address national needs and to acknowledge significant accomplishments of engineers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The NAE's primary functions include operating engineering programs to address national needs and acknowledging significant accomplishments of engineers, as well as advising the federal government.
New members of the NAE are selected by a government-appointed committee based on their contributions to national defense.
Answer: False
Explanation: New NAE members are elected by existing members based on distinguished achievements in original engineering research, not by a government-appointed committee or solely on national defense contributions.
The National Academy of Engineering was formed as a fully independent organization, completely separate from the National Academy of Sciences.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NAE was formed as an autonomous parallel body *within* the National Academy of Sciences, representing a 'purposeful compromise' rather than complete separation.
Augustus B. Kinzel was the first President of the National Academy of Engineering, taking office in 1964.
Answer: True
Explanation: Augustus B. Kinzel was indeed the inaugural President of the National Academy of Engineering, assuming leadership upon its formal organization in December 1964.
One of the NAE's main stated purposes was to advise state governments on engineering matters when called upon.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NAE's stated purpose was to advise *Congress and the executive branch* on national engineering matters, not state governments.
All members of the National Academy of Engineering must be U.S. citizens; non-citizens are not eligible for any form of membership.
Answer: False
Explanation: While formal members must be U.S. citizens, non-citizens are eligible for 'international member' status, recognizing their distinguished global contributions to engineering.
Nomination for NAE membership requires contributions in either engineering research, practice, or education, or pioneering new fields of technology.
Answer: True
Explanation: NAE membership nomination indeed requires distinguished achievements in categories such as engineering research, practice, education, or pioneering new technological fields.
As of late-2024, Harvard University is associated with the highest number of NAE members.
Answer: False
Explanation: As of late-2024, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is associated with the highest number of NAE members, not Harvard University.
Which of the following best describes the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)?
Answer: An American nonprofit, non-governmental organization that is part of NASEM.
Explanation: The NAE is accurately described as an American nonprofit, non-governmental organization that functions as a component of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM).
What is a core mission of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE)?
Answer: To advise the federal government on engineering-related matters.
Explanation: A core mission of the NAE is to advise the federal government on engineering-related matters, a role it shares within the broader National Academies framework.
How are new members primarily selected for the National Academy of Engineering?
Answer: Elected by existing members based on distinguished achievements in original research.
Explanation: New members of the NAE are primarily elected by existing members, recognizing their distinguished and continuous achievements in original engineering research.
How was the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) structured upon its formation in 1964?
Answer: As an autonomous parallel body within the National Academy of Sciences.
Explanation: Upon its formation in 1964, the NAE was structured as an autonomous parallel body within the National Academy of Sciences, a 'purposeful compromise' to ensure its distinct yet affiliated status.
Who served as the first President of the National Academy of Engineering?
Answer: Augustus B. Kinzel
Explanation: Augustus B. Kinzel was the first President of the National Academy of Engineering, assuming his role upon the NAE's formal organization in December 1964.
Which of the following was NOT one of the three main stated objects and purposes of the newly created NAE?
Answer: To regulate the licensing of professional engineers nationwide.
Explanation: Regulating the licensing of professional engineers nationwide was not among the three main stated objects and purposes of the newly created NAE; its focus was on advising the government, cooperating with NAS, and addressing national engineering problems.
What are the formal citizenship requirements for members of the National Academy of Engineering?
Answer: Members must be U.S. citizens, but non-citizens can be 'international members.'
Explanation: While formal NAE membership is restricted to U.S. citizens, non-citizens are eligible for recognition as 'international members' due to their distinguished global contributions to engineering.
Which academic institution is associated with the most NAE members as of late-2024?
Answer: Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Explanation: As of late-2024, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is associated with the highest number of NAE members, followed by Stanford University and the University of California at Berkeley.
The Committee on Public Engineering Policy (COPEP) was established by the NAE in 1966 to provide policy guidance on engineering matters.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Committee on Public Engineering Policy (COPEP) was indeed established by the NAE in 1966 with the explicit aim of offering policy guidance on engineering-related issues.
In 1971, the NAE advised the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey to construct additional runways at JFK airport, which the Port Authority then implemented.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1971, the NAE advised *against* constructing additional runways at JFK airport, and the Port Authority accepted this recommendation.
NAE member Robert W. Rummel served on The Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident in 1986.
Answer: True
Explanation: Robert W. Rummel, an NAE member and aerospace expert, did serve on The Presidential Commission investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident in 1986.
In 1995, the NAE recommended that doctoral education in science and engineering should focus on producing more narrowly specialized researchers.
Answer: False
Explanation: In 1995, the NAE, along with other Academies, recommended reshaping doctoral education to produce more 'versatile scientists' rather than more narrowly specialized researchers, advocating for a broader approach.
The NAE's 'Engineer of 2020 Studies' project concluded that current engineering education was adequately preparing American engineers for future practice.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Engineer of 2020 Studies' project concluded that engineering education needed reform, asserting that without changes, American engineers would be *poorly prepared* for future practice.
The Frontiers of Engineering program aims to bring together senior engineering leaders (over 60) to discuss established research.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Frontiers of Engineering program targets *emerging* engineering leaders, typically aged 30–45, to discuss *cutting-edge* research, not senior leaders discussing established research.
The NAE's diversity office focuses on increasing and broadening the domestic talent pool in engineering.
Answer: True
Explanation: The NAE's diversity office is dedicated to increasing and broadening the domestic talent pool within the engineering profession through various studies, workshops, and coordination efforts.
The 'Engineering and the Environment' program aims to highlight engineering's historical role in causing environmental harm.
Answer: False
Explanation: The 'Engineering and the Environment' program aims to recognize engineering's current role in *mitigating* negative environmental impacts and guiding policy towards a sustainable future, moving beyond its historical association with environmental harm.
The Center for Engineering, Ethics, and Society works to engage engineers in identifying and resolving ethical issues in engineering.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Center for Engineering, Ethics, and Society actively engages engineers and the profession in identifying and resolving ethical issues pertinent to engineering research and practice, often in collaboration with the Online Ethics Center.
When was the Committee on Public Engineering Policy (COPEP) established by the NAE?
Answer: 1966
Explanation: The Committee on Public Engineering Policy (COPEP) was established by the NAE in 1966 to provide policy guidance on engineering matters.
What advice did the NAE provide to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey in 1971 regarding JFK airport?
Answer: To advise against constructing additional runways.
Explanation: In 1971, the NAE advised the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey *against* the construction of additional runways at JFK airport, a recommendation that was subsequently accepted.
Which NAE member served on The Presidential Commission on the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident in 1986?
Answer: Robert W. Rummel
Explanation: NAE member Robert W. Rummel, an expert in space and aerospace engineering, served on The Presidential Commission investigating the Space Shuttle Challenger Accident in 1986.
What recommendation did the NAE make in 1995 regarding doctoral education in science and engineering?
Answer: To produce more 'versatile scientists' rather than narrowly specialized researchers.
Explanation: In 1995, the NAE recommended reshaping doctoral education in science and engineering to cultivate 'versatile scientists' with broader training, moving away from an exclusive focus on narrow specialization.
What was the key conclusion of the NAE's 'Engineer of 2020 Studies' project?
Answer: Engineering education needed reform to prepare engineers for future practice.
Explanation: The NAE's 'Engineer of 2020 Studies' project concluded that significant reforms were necessary in engineering education to adequately prepare American engineers for the evolving demands of future practice.
What is the primary objective of the Frontiers of Engineering program?
Answer: To bring together emerging engineering leaders to discuss cutting-edge research.
Explanation: The Frontiers of Engineering program's primary objective is to convene emerging engineering leaders (aged 30–45) to engage in discussions about cutting-edge research and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.
What is the focus of the NAE's 'Engineering, Economics, and Society' program area?
Answer: Studying the connections between engineering, technology, and the economic performance of the United States.
Explanation: The 'Engineering, Economics, and Society' program area within the NAE focuses on analyzing the intricate relationships between engineering, technology, and the economic performance of the United States, aiming to highlight engineering's contributions to the domestic economy.
What is the purpose of the NAE's 'Engineering and the Environment' program?
Answer: To promote engineering as a field for mitigating negative environmental impacts and creating a sustainable future.
Explanation: The 'Engineering and the Environment' program aims to highlight engineering's proactive role in mitigating negative environmental impacts and guiding policy towards a sustainable future, rather than solely documenting past harms.
Neil Armstrong announced the 20 top engineering achievements of the 20th century in February 2000.
Answer: True
Explanation: Astronaut and engineer Neil Armstrong indeed announced the NAE's list of the 20 top engineering achievements of the 20th century in February 2000.
The NAE's top engineering achievement of the 20th century was the automobile, due to its profound impact on global transportation.
Answer: False
Explanation: According to the NAE, the top engineering achievement of the 20th century was electrification, not the automobile, due to its pervasive impact across modern society.
The NAE's list of 20th-century engineering achievements was criticized for ranking space technology too highly, given its limited societal impact.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NAE's list was criticized for ranking space technology (Spacecraft) *twelfth*, potentially *underestimating* its impact, rather than ranking it too highly.
The NAE's Grand Challenges for Engineering primarily focus on purely technical solutions to isolated engineering problems.
Answer: False
Explanation: The NAE's Grand Challenges address 'wicked social issues' that are global in nature and require systems thinking, often extending beyond purely technical solutions to involve public policy and social sciences.
The NAE's Grand Challenges for Engineering were announced in February 2008 and were categorized into four broad areas, including energy and sustainability.
Answer: True
Explanation: The 14 Engineering Grand Challenges were indeed announced in February 2008 and organized into four broad categories, with energy, sustainability, and global climate change being one of them.
Carl Mitcham argued that the NAE's Grand Challenges should have included a challenge for engineers to reflect on the ethical limitations of engineering power.
Answer: True
Explanation: Carl Mitcham critically suggested that the Grand Challenges should have incorporated a call for engineers to engage in ethical reflection regarding the pervasive influence and limitations of engineering power.
A criticism of the Grand Challenges related to sustainability was that they failed to define a sustainable level of energy use on a global scale.
Answer: True
Explanation: A specific criticism of the sustainability challenges was their focus on individual elements without defining a global sustainable level of energy use, highlighting a gap in comprehensive planning.
The Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) was developed by the NAE in 2010 to prepare graduate students for careers related to solving the Grand Challenges.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) was developed to prepare *undergraduate* engineering students, not graduate students, for careers related to solving the Grand Challenges.
One of the five core components of the GCSP is a global dimension to address international challenges.
Answer: True
Explanation: A global dimension, aimed at addressing international challenges, is indeed one of the five core components of the Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP).
The first Global Grand Challenges Summit was organized solely by the National Academy of Engineering of the United States in 2013.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first Global Grand Challenges Summit in 2013 was a joint effort, organized by the NAE of the United States, The Royal Academy of Engineering of the United Kingdom, and the Chinese Academy of Engineering, not solely by the U.S. NAE.
Who announced the 20 top engineering achievements of the 20th century in February 2000?
Answer: Neil Armstrong
Explanation: Astronaut and engineer Neil Armstrong publicly announced the NAE's list of the 20 top engineering achievements of the 20th century in February 2000.
According to the NAE, what was the top engineering achievement of the 20th century?
Answer: Electrification
Explanation: The NAE identified electrification as the top engineering achievement of the 20th century, recognizing its fundamental and pervasive impact on nearly all aspects of modern society.
What criticism did the NAE's list of 20th-century engineering achievements receive regarding space technology?
Answer: It was criticized for ranking space technology twelfth, potentially underestimating its impact.
Explanation: The NAE's list faced criticism for placing space technology (Spacecraft) at twelfth, with some arguing this ranking potentially underestimated its profound historical and societal impact.
What kind of issues do the NAE's Grand Challenges for Engineering primarily address?
Answer: 'Wicked social issues' that are global in nature and require systems thinking.
Explanation: The NAE's Grand Challenges are designed to confront 'wicked social issues' that are global in scope, demanding not only technological innovation but also interdisciplinary systems thinking and engagement with public policy.
Who led the blue-ribbon committee responsible for identifying the Grand Challenges for Engineering?
Answer: William Perry
Explanation: Former Secretary of Defense William Perry chaired the blue-ribbon committee tasked with identifying the key engineering challenges for improving life in the 21st century, which became the Grand Challenges for Engineering.
When were the 14 Engineering Grand Challenges announced?
Answer: February 2008
Explanation: The 14 Engineering Grand Challenges were officially announced in February 2008, outlining critical areas for engineering innovation in the 21st century.
Which of the following is one of the 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering identified by the NAE?
Answer: Provide energy from fusion.
Explanation: Among the 14 Grand Challenges for Engineering identified by the NAE, 'Provide energy from fusion' is a key objective, alongside other critical areas like making solar energy economical and providing access to clean water.
What critical perspective did Carl Mitcham offer regarding the NAE's Grand Challenges?
Answer: He argued they should have included a challenge for ethical reflection on engineering power.
Explanation: Carl Mitcham's critical perspective suggested that the NAE's Grand Challenges ought to have incorporated a challenge for ethical reflection, prompting engineers to consider the societal implications and limitations of their pervasive power.
What was a criticism raised about the Grand Challenges related to sustainability and energy use?
Answer: They concentrated on specific elements without addressing a global sustainable energy use level.
Explanation: A notable criticism regarding the Grand Challenges' sustainability aspects was their focus on individual problem elements without comprehensively defining a global sustainable level of energy consumption.
What is the primary purpose of the Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) developed by the NAE?
Answer: To prepare undergraduate engineering students for career fields related to solving the Grand Challenges.
Explanation: The Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) was specifically designed to prepare undergraduate engineering students for future careers focused on addressing the complex, global Grand Challenges.
Which of the following is NOT one of the five core components of the Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP)?
Answer: Mandatory military service for engineering students.
Explanation: Mandatory military service is not a component of the GCSP. The five core components include research experience, interdisciplinary curriculum, entrepreneurship, a global dimension, and service learning.
Which three national engineering academies organized the first Global Grand Challenges Summit in 2013?
Answer: US, UK, and Chinese Academies.
Explanation: The inaugural Global Grand Challenges Summit in 2013 was a collaborative effort organized by the National Academy of Engineering of the United States, The Royal Academy of Engineering of the United Kingdom, and the Chinese Academy of Engineering.
The Bernard M. Gordon Prize awards $500,000 solely to the individual recipient for their achievements in engineering research.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Bernard M. Gordon Prize awards $500,000 for new educational approaches to engineering, with the award split between the recipient and their institution, not solely to the individual for research achievements.
The Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize is awarded annually for advancements in aerospace engineering.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize is awarded biennially for bioengineering achievements that have significantly impacted society, not annually for aerospace engineering.
The Charles Stark Draper Prize is named after the 'father of inertial navigation' and is awarded for the advancement of engineering.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Charles Stark Draper Prize is indeed named after Charles S. Draper, the 'father of inertial navigation,' and recognizes advancements in engineering and public education about the field.
What is the purpose of the Bernard M. Gordon Prize?
Answer: To honor leaders in academia for developing new educational approaches to engineering.
Explanation: The Bernard M. Gordon Prize specifically recognizes academic leaders for their innovative development of new educational approaches within the field of engineering.
What type of achievement does the Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize recognize?
Answer: A bioengineering achievement that has significantly impacted society.
Explanation: The Fritz J. and Dolores H. Russ Prize is awarded for a bioengineering achievement that has demonstrably and significantly impacted society and advanced the human condition through widespread application.
Who is the Charles Stark Draper Prize named after?
Answer: A prominent aerospace engineer known as the 'father of inertial navigation.'
Explanation: The Charles Stark Draper Prize is named in honor of Charles S. Draper, a distinguished MIT professor and aerospace engineer widely recognized as the 'father of inertial navigation.'