Introduction to Creativity and Innovation for Engineers

Emphasizing the Importance of Innovation and Creativity for Engineers

This first edition of Introduction to Creativity and Innovation for Engineerswas primarily designed for engineering students interested in acquiring knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) that will help them be more creative and innovative. While intended primarily for engineering students, the widely applicable principles, ideas, tools, and methods introduced will also be useful for practicing engineers and as well as members of other disciplines.

The text argues for a “whole-brain” approach to the study of engineering, using neuroscience as a foundation. While the left brain (logical and analytic) is essential to the study of engineering, the author believes that engineering students and practitioners will be more successful if they learn to also engage in more right brain processing (intuitive and emotional). Similarly, they should draw on knowledge of conscious and subconscious thinking and view the brain as a muscle that can be continuously strengthened.

Building on that “Neuroscience 101” foundation, the text prepares future and current engineers to work smarter—either as individuals or within teams and organizations—by generating and developing new ideas. The nine chapter structure uses clear objectives, many examples, and numerous exercises to explicate its methods, ultimately enabling students and practitioners to realize that they’re already capable of creative - innovative thinking. They only need to apply the 20 methods described in the book to unlock their brain’s natural capabilities and then produce creative-innovative results for their benefit and for the benefit of others.

Stuart G. Walesh, PhD, PE, D.WRE, Dist.M.ASCE, F.NSPE, provides management, engineering, and education/training services as an independent consultant for business, government, academic, and volunteer sector organizations. He earned his BS in civil engineering at Valparaiso University, his MSE at Johns Hopkins University, and his PhD from the University of Wisconsin–Madison. He is a licensed professional engineer.

Stu has over four decades of engineering, education, and management experience in the government, academic, and business sectors; he has served as a project manager, department head, discipline manager, author, marketer, sole proprietor, professor, and dean of an engineering college. As a member of various organizations, Stu mentored and coached junior professionals in areas such as communication, team essentials, and project planning and management.

Water resources engineering is Stu’s technical specialty. He led or participated in watershed planning, computer modeling, flood control, storm water and floodplain management, groundwater, dam, and lake projects. His experience includes project management, research and development, stakeholder participation, litigation consulting, and expert witness services. Areas in which he provides management and leadership services as an independent consultant include technical and nontechnical education and training (on-site and distance learning), mentoring and coaching, corporate universities, writing and editing, speaking, marketing, meeting planning and facilitation, project planning, and team essentials.

In addition to Introduction to Creativity and Innovation for Engineers (2016), Stu authored Urban Surface Water Management (Wiley 1989); Flying Solo: How to Start an Individual Practitioner Consulting Business (Hannah Publishing 2000); Managing and Leading: 52 Lessons Learned for Engineers (ASCE Press 2004); Managing and Leading: 44 Lessons Learned for Pharmacists (co-authored with Paul Bush, American Society of Health-System Pharmacists 2008); and Engineering Your Future: The Professional Practice of Engineering (Wiley 2012; the first and second editions were published in 1995 and 2000). He also authored or coauthored hundreds of publications and presentations in the areas of engineering, education, and management and facilitated or presented hundreds of workshops, seminars, webinars, and meetings throughout the United States.