Saturday STEM Seminar - 'How Engineers Learn From Disasters' Presented by Robynn Andracsek

The Kansas City Skywalk Tragedy – Engineering Ethics: In 1981, the collapse of the skywalk at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Kansas City killed 114 people and was the most devastating structural failure ever in the U.S. in terms of loss of life and injuries—and the cause was a direct result of engineers who violated their ethical code. What lessons have the design and construction industry learned from this event? This presentation will describe the events leading to engineering disaster and the disciplinary outcome – gross negligence, misrepresenting safety to the architects, and refusing to take responsibility for the project.

Robynn Andracsek, PE, has two engineering degrees from the University of Kansas where she also teaches Air Quality and Engineering Ethics.  Robynn is a Senior Air Permitting Engineer with Providence Engineering and Environmental LLC. She has 27 years of experience and is a licensed professional engineer in 12 states.  Robynn actively engages with the Kansas City community to promote STEM education and engineering ethics to high school and college students.