Last year, School of Mines students from Engineers and Scientists Abroad (ESA) traveled to Chile to do engineering and science work for an orphanage. Recently, the organization has added the South American country of Suriname to their travel list. Recently, mechanical engineering student Andrew Muxen, of Doland, traveled with civil engineering professor Dr. M.R. Hansen to Paramaribo, Suriname, in search of potential humanitarian projects. The pair were joined by LTC Tracy Settle of the South Dakota National Guard.
The trip was made possible through the State Partnership Program, which represented ESA. The purpose of this trip was to establish relations with potential partners in Suriname and define potential engineering and science projects for the ESA.
These humanitarian projects, if selected, will be developed and executed by students at the School of Mines, giving ESA members international and technical experience as they represent their organization, the School of Mines, the state of South Dakota and the United States around the world and in the Republic of Suriname. These projects benefit everyone involved. The students gain international, cultural, ethnical and technical experience as well as a feeling of personal fulfillment that comes from helping others. The project partners receive engineering expertise that they would not otherwise be able to afford.
"There is so much potential for ESA to lend its services to our associates in Suriname. The opportunities for both parties to help each other leaves the door wide open," Muxen said. "I am very grateful for the opportunity to participate in this trip and help the people of Suriname, but there is still much work ahead of us."
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