On 7 May 2024, the Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) launched its first-ever photo challenge.
In The Running for Victory
Following our conversations with some of our initial participants and their photographic submissions, Learnmore and Savonnah, we now turn to Edward Nyamande and Angelo Taladtad for their perspectives.
What is your connection to EIT?
Edward: I am currently studying the 52883WA Advanced Diploma of Applied Electrical Engineering (Electrical Systems).
Angelo: I am currently studying the 52873WA Advanced Diploma of Civil and Structural Engineering. I have completed nearly half of the course since I enrolled in June last year.
Where are you based?
Edward: I am a Zimbabwean based in Cape Town, South Africa.
Angelo: I am currently based in Saudi Arabia, but I am originally from the beautiful country of the Philippines.
What inspired you to participate in the EIT photo challenge?
Edward: I take pride in my work and profession. Additionally, I am proud to advance my career with EIT, one of the most prestigious institutions in the world. Participating in this photo challenge allows me to blend these aspects together.
Angelo: The EIT photo challenge has provided me with a unique opportunity to express my happiness, pride, and gratitude for being part of the fascinating world of engineering. It has inspired me to convey, through my photo, how engineering can be applied across various disciplines to benefit the industry.
Can you describe what you do?
Edward: I am a qualified Instrumentation and Control Technician. My role typically encompasses responsibilities related to designing, installing, maintaining, calibrating, and troubleshooting systems that monitor and control various processes and equipment in industries such as oil and gas, marine, and manufacturing.
Angelo: I work as both a Surveyor and a Preventive and Corrective Maintenance Supervisor, roles that are closely connected. In my role, understanding engineering surveys and operating survey equipment is crucial for preventive maintenance, which aims to prevent major breakdowns in structures and equipment.
Survey data helps us identify issues early, allowing engineers to decide on necessary replacements and repairs, ensuring safety and minimizing production losses. The photo captures the result of our proactive maintenance efforts, preventing potential disasters and ensuring operational reliability.
How does the photo relate to engineering or your profession?
Edward: It depicts an aspect of measurement and control. A scrubber system reduces the emission of harmful gases into the atmosphere. Therefore, the system I was installing and commissioning measures and monitors the levels of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides emitted from ship exhausts. In addition, the photos visually represent the technical work, complex projects, and achievements I am involved in.
Angelo: In this photo, I am conducting a geometric survey of equipment known as a steel billet transfer combo car. My task involves verifying the wheel-to-wheel distance, vertical alignment of the wheels, and geometric alignment of the equipment to meet required standards. Specifically, I am measuring the alignment of the rail and girder beam to ensure that the center-to-center distance of the beam matches the required span of the transfer car. Once the beam meets the span requirement, the rail must be mounted precisely on the top flange of the beam girder, aligned accurately with the beam’s center and at a specific elevation.
All these alignments, span distances, and elevations must adhere to standard codes, emphasizing the engineering involved. By ensuring compliance with these standards, I ensure that the load from the transfer car distributes uniformly to the beam girder and ultimately to the foundation. This ensures structural safety, enhances operational efficiency for the company, and prolongs the equipment’s lifespan and structural integrity, benefiting all stakeholders involved.
How did you go about capturing your epic photo to participate in the photo challenge?
Edward: So, this was one of my proudest moments as I had completed this job in record time. I took the photo of myself pointing to the system during commissioning. I remember doing that because I wanted to send it to my former employer to prove that the system was operational, as he initially didn’t believe me. That’s how I ended up in that photo, pointing to a fully functioning system after a job well done. As a fun fact, I received a salary increase after completing that job, ha-ha!
Angelo: Mobile phones are not permitted at my workplace. However, the Leica TS 16 Robotic Total Station I use for surveying is equipped with a remote controller that includes a camera. I asked my colleague to capture a shot using this equipment, and here is the result.
Were there any challenges you faced while taking your photo, and if so, how did you address them?
Edward: Typically, I photograph my work after each job for my LinkedIn profile, aiming for clear images. In these photos, I faced a lighting challenge, which is crucial for capturing good images. To improve conditions, I opened a door and used my phone’s flashlight.
Angelo: The challenge was to capture a great photo, and I enlisted my colleague’s help. Interestingly, neither of us had photography expertise, resulting in many blurred, poorly angled, or improperly sized photos. After each attempt, I reviewed the picture to assess its quality. The pictures were often not good, I had to return to the survey instrument, pose, and smile again like crazy, ha-ha-ha. After all the effort and determination from both me and my colleague, we finally managed to get this epic photo.
If you win, what are you planning on doing with the cash prize?
Edward: I will pay my fees in advance to ensure that I won’t face any disruptions in my studies in case of unforeseen challenges in the future.
Angelo: If I win, I plan to distribute the cash prize into three parts: 25% will be donated to EIT and their community programs, a portion will be used to celebrate with my family, and the rest will go towards my tuition fees.
Announcement
The winner will be announced in August. Stay tuned and join the competition now!
