Thinking in Systems: Engineering, Complexity, and Social Responsibility (feat. Prof. Corrinne Shaw)

In this episode, we speak with Prof. Corrinne Shaw, whose work bridges engineering management, systems thinking, and engineering education. Drawing on her research and experiences in South Africa, Corrinne explores how systems shape the way we teach, learn, and practise engineering, challenging us to question assumptions about power, transformation, and responsibility. Together, we discuss what it means to prepare engineers who can navigate complexity, think critically about the systems they work within, and contribute to more just and socially responsible futures.Links:⁠Prof CS LinkedIn⁠Engineering as a Captive Discourse paper: Johnston, S., Lee, A., & McGregor, H. (1996). Engineering as captive discourse. Techné: Research in Philosophy and Technology (originally published as Philosophy and Technology), 1(3–4), 128–136.Paper with Prof. Bruce Kloot (podcast Ep01): Shaw, C. B., & Kloot, B. (2025). Engineering under oppressive regimes: Exploring the role of engineers during apartheid South Africa. European Journal of Engineering Education, 50(3), 493–511. https://doi.org/10.1080/03043797.2024.2419399#FeesMustFall movement: Mbembe, A. (2016). Decolonizing the university: New directions. Arts and Humanities in Higher Education, 15(1), 29‑45. https://doi.org/10.1177/1474022215618513Shaw, C., & le Roux, K. (2017). From Practitioner to Researcher: Designing the Dissertation Process for Part Time Coursework Masters Students. Systemic Practice and Action Research, 30, 433–446. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11213-016-9402-7Mingers, J. (2014). Systems thinking, critical realism and philosophy: A confluence of ideas. Routledge.“Languages and literacies in and for decoloniality in research and practice in undergraduate STEM education,” International Journal of Qualitative Studies in Education (2025):  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09518398.2025.2601559Le Roux, K., Ngoepe, M., Shaw, C., & Collier-Reed, B. I. (2022). “Language and disciplinary literacies for accessing, learning and communicating meaning: students’ experiences of the transition from school to first-year undergraduate engineering.” European Journal of Engineering Education, 47(6), 1144–1163.Ngoepe, M. N., le Roux, K., Shaw, C. B., & Collier-Reed, B. (2022). Conceptual tools to inform course design and teaching for ethical engineering engagement for diverse student populations. Science and Engineering Ethics, 28(2), 20 pages. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11948-022-00367-4Winberg, C., Engel-Hills, P., Garraway, J., & Jacobs, C. (2013). Professionals' knowledge and practice in engineering and engineering education. Higher Education, 66(2), 143–155.