CSI president Ashraf Habibullah presented an engaging, informative and humorous talk to the Masters structural engineering students at Stanford University on May 23. He discussed structural engineering as a profession, specifically the oft-overlooked topics of image and perception in the context of building a successful career. He also offered advice for what it takes to create an impact in a competitive global economy. He ended by discussing a topic he's particularly passionate about -- the connection between engineering and the arts -- and the ways that engineers bring art, form, and function to our everyday lives. The students left with a renewed appreciation for the ways that structural engineers make the world a better, safer, and more beautiful place to live.

"Ashraf always infuses a tremendous amount of energy into our students and gives them an inspiring, positive outlook on the field of engineering. His talk was particularly timely as we approach graduation because he discussed so many topics that our students need to be thinking about as they prepare to enter the professional world," said Michael Lepech, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Stanford.

Laura Ryan, one of the students, said, "Ashraf's take on our profession is uniquely refreshing. I feel proud to do what I do."