Publications
Learning and accountability are at the heart of our mission. By sharing our work in peer-reviewed journals, we both validate our impact and contribute to global knowledge on bridge, WASH, and service learning development. These publications reflect the dedication of our staff, the expertise of our volunteers, and the insights of our community and academic partners.
Publications About EIA
Our work has been featured in peer-reviewed journals, professional engineering outlets, and global media. These publications showcase not only our technical excellence, but also the heart of our mission: community-driven projects that transform lives, foster learning, and inspire the next generation of global changemakers.
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![Join a global movement using technical skills to address pressing humanitarian issues worldwide.]()
Proceedings of the Institution of Civil Engineers – Structures and Buildings
Educating Global Engineers Through Footbridges
This academic article presents the Edlangeni Footbridge in Eswatini as a case study of service-learning in action. It demonstrates how EIA’s bridges double as classrooms - strengthening engineering skills while shaping globally competent, community-centered professionals. (Published 2020)
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![We offer a clear, transparent path for tracking the success of your philanthropic investment.]()
Advances in Engineering Education
Reevaluating Traditional International Service-Learning During a Global Pandemic
In this peer-reviewed study, EIA’s student program is examined during the COVID-19 pandemic, offering fresh insights on flexibility and resilience in global service-learning. It highlights how EIA adapted to uphold both community commitments and student learning when international mobility was disrupted. (Published 2020)
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![Our community-led design model ensures project relevance and lasting local ownership.]()
Development Engineering
Aligning Learning Objectives and Approaches in Global Engineering Graduate Programs
This peer-reviewed article, co-authored by EIA collaborators at CU Boulder’s Mortenson Center, proposes new standards for graduate education in Global Engineering. It highlights EIA’s role within a global movement to train engineers in cross-cultural humility, systems thinking, and equity-driven practice. (Published 2022)
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![Beyond borders: Engineering for community empowerment.]()
STRUCTURE Magazine
The Edlangeni Footbridge - Rural Isolation in Eswatini
Authored by EIA alum and CU Boulder professor Jay Arehart, this feature uses the Edlangeni Footbridge to illustrate the dangers of rural isolation and the transformative impact of footbridges. It reinforces EIA’s mission of building safe, lasting connections to schools, healthcare, and markets. (Published 2019)
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![Deepen your company’s social responsibility to operate with impactful infrastructure projects.]()
e-BRIM Magazine
Collaborating Across Cultures for Community-Centric Bridge Construction
This peer-reviewed feature highlights how EIA integrates community voice, cultural respect, and modern tools like BIM into rural bridge building. It emphasizes that technical excellence and cultural understanding go hand-in-hand in delivering essential infrastructure that truly serves communities. (Published 2024)
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![Customized CSR initiatives align your corporate values with measurable community outcomes.]()
Engineering News-Record
Bolivian Bridge Is a Tribute to PCL Exec’s Daughter
This ENR feature tells the story of the MerBear Memorial Bridge in Huaraca, Bolivia - built in memory of Meredith Malone. Constructed in partnership with EIA, the bridge honors her legacy while ending a dangerous river crossing for over 1,200 people. It’s a moving example of how EIA projects connect personal passion with lasting community change. (Published 2022)
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![A white business card with the Enbridge logo in black and yellow, placed on a white surface against a dark background.]()
Enbridge
A Bolivian Adventure and a Bridge to Safety
Published by Enbridge, this story follows volunteer Catherine Dumsday as she joins EIA in Bolivia to construct the Río Pocoata Bridge. Her reflections capture the heart of EIA’s model - living alongside local families, building together, and leaving behind not just a bridge, but lasting connections and opportunity. (Published 2024)
Listen Up
Want to learn more about our work? Our team has shared insights on various podcasts. Check out these links to hear directly from our engineers and experts about the challenges we face and the innovative solutions we're implementing.
Recommended Publications
In addition to our own peer-reviewed publications, we highlight influential research that validates the power of service learning and global engineering education. These works provide context for our approach and demonstrate why programs like ours are vital for preparing the next generation of global changemakers.
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Service Learning in Engineering
Bielefeldt & Pearce highlight service learning as a powerful tool for engineering education, showing how hands-on, real-world experiences deepen technical learning and foster professional skills. This reinforces EIA’s model of engaging students in meaningful global service projects.
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Transformative Learning Model for Service Learning
Kiely’s model shows how international service learning can spark transformative growth in students’ worldviews, professional development, and civic responsibility. EIA’s work exemplifies this model, fostering change not only in communities but also in the volunteers who serve alongside them.
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![Engineer a better, more equitable world.]()
Global Engineering Competency
Jesiek and colleagues define the competencies needed for engineers to thrive in a global context - cross-cultural awareness, ethical responsibility, and systems thinking. These are the very skills EIA programs cultivate through immersive, community-based partnerships.
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![Foundations: Invest in proven models creating a legacy of positive engineering change.]()
Call to Educate Engineers as Global Citizens
The Newport Declaration is a call to action for engineering education to prepare globally competent citizens. It underscores the importance of programs like EIA, which give students direct experience working across cultures to solve real-world challenges.
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![Our commitment to local ownership guarantees long-term project sustainability post-build.]()
Attributes of the Engineer of 2020
The National Academy of Engineering identifies creativity, global competency, communication, leadership, and ethics as essential attributes for future engineers. EIA’s programs directly foster these qualities by engaging students in real-world, cross-cultural problem solving.
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Distinguishing Engineers of the Future
This study of projects by EIA partner organization, EWB, demonstrates that international service learning leads to measurable educational and professional benefits for students. Together with EIA’s own evidence and publications, it contributes to the growing recognition that global service partnerships are a powerful form of engineering education.
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![Three construction workers in safety vests and helmets standing in a grassy outdoor area, engaged in a discussion.]()
Missed Opportunities Within Student Design Competition Teams
Research on traditional student competition teams reveals missed opportunities for leadership and diversity. EIA offers a different model - one that centers inclusion, cross-cultural collaboration, and real community impact.
