UDC Students Compete in the Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Competition

This year, I had the pleasure of attending the Lockheed Martin Ethics in Engineering Case Competition as a faculty advisor, accompanying two outstanding civil engineering students from the University of the District of Columbia (UDC). I was especially proud that UDC was represented by two teams this year — one from Civil Engineering and one from Mechanical Engineering. Seeing our students stand alongside peers from other institutions and engage deeply with complex ethical dilemmas was truly inspiring.

The competition challenged students to analyze a real-world engineering ethics case, conduct thorough research, and develop a well-reasoned position. Beyond simply identifying right and wrong, students were required to evaluate stakeholder interests, consider professional codes of ethics, assess potential risks, and defend their recommendations under questioning.

What impressed me most was not only their technical reasoning, but their growth in professional skills:

• Conducting independent and structured research

• Interpreting professional codes and standards

• Engaging in thoughtful ethical analysis

• Practicing negotiation and persuasive communication

• Defending positions under pressure

These are skills that cannot be fully developed through lectures alone.

As an engineering educator, I strongly believe that competitions like this are eye-opening for students. They recognize that technical excellence alone is not sufficient in the engineering profession. Engineers must also demonstrate integrity, communication ability, leadership, and sound ethical judgment. Real-world engineering decisions often involve ambiguity, competing interests, and public safety implications — and our students must be prepared for that reality.

Participating in this competition reinforced an essential lesson: college education is not only about mastering equations and design codes. It is equally about developing the professional identity and ethical responsibility required to serve society as engineers.

I am incredibly proud of both UDC teams for their dedication, preparation, and professionalism. Experiences like this strengthen not only their résumés, but also their confidence, judgment, and readiness for the engineering workforce.

I look forward to continuing to encourage our students to engage in competitions and experiential learning opportunities that shape them into well-rounded, ethical, and capable professionals.