"The number of collapsed buildings this time is less, and most are old houses that were built long before, " added Wang Ruheng, dean of the school of civil engineering and architecture at Southwest University of Science and Technology in the city of Mianyang, in Sichuan province.

WSJ: After China Quake, Efforts Turn to Recovery

Stancell is Emeritus Professor and Turner Leadership Chair at the Georgia Institute of Technology, School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering.

WHITEHOUSE: President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts

Ensuring that young people learn the importance of science, technology, engineering, and math while in school is crucial to maintaining our culture of innovation, but so is exposing youth to the types of career opportunities available in these and other high-growth fields.

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