Tesla, Latimer, and Ayrton: How the history of electricity can bring diversity to engineering

About Tesla, Latimer, and Ayrton: How the history of electricity can bring diversity to engineering

Abstract

Research has shown that underrepresented minorities and women leave STEM majors at higher rates than their white male peers. This attrition results from several factors, many of which are outside the scope of influence for engineering educators. However, tangible interventions and contributions can be made to promote minority students’ belongingness and success in STEM fields. Specific to electrical engineering , as undergraduate students are introduced to the concepts of alternating current and direct current, the history of how the modern electrical system was established is often discussed. Typically, the discussion focuses on the competition between the champion of DC power system, Thomas Edison, and the inventor of the AC induction motor, Nikola Tesla. While this “war of currents” is a thrilling tale, the traditional teaching of this history also provides an opportunity to discuss diversity in the engineering classroom. Born in modern-day Croatia and immigrated to the United States in 1856, Tesla’s novel ideas were underappreciated and disregarded by Edison. Often forgotten are the notable contributions of Lewis Latimer who was the only person of color to be an inaugural member of the Edison Pioneers. Also, a lesser-known figure, Hertha Marks Ayrton was considered an expert on electric arcs, and she was the first woman member of Institution of Electrical Engineers (IEE). Presenting students with this more diverse historical account allows for minority students to see representations of themselves within the history of their discipline, thereby encouraging stronger STEM identities and sense of belonging . The Bible is not silent about the value of ethnic diversity in the kingdom of God. The apostle Paul teaches in 1 Corinthians 12 , “For just as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that body, though many, are one body —so also is Christ. ” Christian engineering educators can expand and bolster these efforts by thinking and discussing diversity from a biblical perspective. Presenting minority students with these examples of significant contributors from their field can help encourage their own sense of belonging, inspire their own potential contributions to engineering history, and emphasize their worth to God and His kingdom.