2026 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

The Exploration of Energy and Electrification in Brazil program, offered by the [Left out for blind] School of Engineering, is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Brazil’s energy systems, focusing on renewable energy sources such as hydropower and the country’s efforts toward clean, renewable electrification. The study abroad course typically includes site visits to energy facilities, discussions on policy and infrastructure, and a comparison between Brazilian and United States energy strategies. Additionally, students are exposed to Brazilian culture and collaborate with local universities to enrich their academic experience.

However, during the spring 2024 program, Brazil was hit with its worst flooding in 80 years. The catastrophic effects of the flooding in southern Brazil displaced over 700,000 residents and transformed the intended focus of the course. Faced with a natural disaster of this magnitude, students and faculty pivoted from their planned activities to join humanitarian relief efforts, partnering with [Left out for blind] University to support local communities. With scheduled site visits canceled and critical infrastructure in crisis, the group assisted over 1300 displaced refugees by organizing supplies, distributing bedding, and providing support. This experience offered profound lessons for students, faculty, and administrators, highlighting the importance of empathy, leadership, and adaptability when responding to real-world crises.

This paper examines the impact of the experience on all participants, emphasizing the lessons learned while navigating the complexities of such a significant natural disaster. It explores how the shift from a technical curriculum to crisis response enriched the students’ professional and personal development and how faculty adapted to maintain a positive learning environment. The study underscores that engineering education must extend beyond technical training to prepare students for the unexpected, fostering resilience and compassion in future engineers.