Resurrecting american dominance in science and engineering: The demise and rebirth of the American doctoral student in science and technology

Throughout our history, the ability of the United States to produce new innovative technology has made this country a world power, economically, politically, and technologically. However, the country is losing its dominance as a technological superpower. One of the reasons for this ldquoquiet crisisrdquo, as identified by Thomas Friedman, is the fact that the United States is losing scientists and engineers faster than can be replaced. There is a troubling shortage of young scientists and engineers to replenish the technical workforce and an even more severe shortage of American students opting to continue graduate education. The shortage is so severe that some view it as a threat to national security. One reason suggested for the shortage of American students in master's and Ph.D. programs is the present structure and philosophy of graduate programs in our universities. The vast majority of Ph.D. granting universities is focused on the traditional model of Ph.D. education: to create graduates for placement in other universities. This paper discusses the genesis of the ldquoquiet crisisrdquo from economic, political, and technological points of view and suggests an alternative approach to graduate education that broadens the focus to include much close collaboration with the private sector and government.