Hi. My name is Mark Martin and I am the founder and president of PsyberSimula, in Arkansas. You might say I am a technological entrepreneur using industry-leading innovation in the application of computational and numerical techniques for visualization, modeling, analysis, and virtual prototyping of mechanical, biological, and biomechanical systems. It is really fun and diverse work that includes stuff like biomechanics of human injury; kinematics and kinetics of human movement. We work out of the Genesis Technology Incubator at the University of Arkansas Engineering Research Center.

I am just barely old enough to vaguely remember the pull-out from Vietnam, but do remember still wearing a POW-MIA bracelet in the first grade. I was in high school in the 80s and know that the radicals then were not asking any questions and definitely didn't know any answers. I'm still trying to figure out what happened in the 90s. If you have a theory, please fill me in.

I think that together those decades have impacted what are now young engineers. The result of which is political and life philosophy that is a very different twist for most young people today, especially YEs who tend to be more logical and less relativistic than Gen-X as a whole.

I have been actively involved in NSPE since 1998. I currently serve on the Board of Directors of the national society, the Board of Trustees for the NSPE-PAC, the Young Engineers Advisory Committee (YEAC), the PEPP YEAC. I am state Webmaster and Government Relations Chair Arkansas section of ASME.

I firmly believe that tomorrow's society will need engineers to become the premier leaders if it is to survive and thrive. Not just any engineers or scientists, but Professional Engineers who have committed themselves to a code of ethics and creed that proudly proclaims an honest and ethical "servant leadership" rather than tyranny and force.

I am convinced that the NSPE needs to quickly create leaders to fill the many, many leadership roles that will be rapidly vacated by retiring baby boomers. These leadership areas will include, but are not limited to, business, industry, academia, service organizations and non-profits, and government at all levels.

A key to NSPE's appeal is its strength that is applicable to all engineering disciplines. That strength is developing LEADERS! As young engineers see that NSPE can put them on the fast track to becoming CEOs, CTOs, CIOs, company presidents and vps; deans and chancellors; representatives, senators, governors, and yes even president, they will beat down NSPE's doors to become members.

I see NSPE members as creating innovation, harnessing energy, and developing an individual's internal motivation. I see members who participate passionately to make the organization excel. My definition of a good leader - a "servant leader" - is one who gives direction to an organization that helps it excel, even if it sometimes requires voluntary sacrificial service. Such members are emerging in NSPE state societies and chapters throughout the country and it is exciting to be a part.

I urge all engineering students to get on the licensure path (http://www.nspe.org/lc1-gamb.asp) and to join the National Society of Professional Engineers as the best career move you can make!

Mark R. Martin, P.E.