G9: GCSP Cohort 9

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I decided to join the GCS Program because I would like to get into research to how I would like it as well as I want to make an impact in this world, and I felt like the Grand Challenges was going to do that for me as some other the challenges are ones that are trying to improve the world. I also wanted to join because I like the thought putting
ethics and our majors together the solve a problem.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

I like the thought of doing something in the sustainability area like Make Solar Energy Economical, Provide Energy from Fusion, or Provide Access to Clean Water. I feel as if these areas will provide a footprint I make based on the research that I would do and I would like to make an impact onto the world. The other Grand Challenges I would be interested in is to Enhance Virtual Reality because I would like to get into robotics and AI and virtual reality can be closely related to that.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I would like to get a job that would pay for me to go back to college and get my masters. I would also like to maybe get my Doctor’s in robotics, but is for
the far future me to decided.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

Ever since I decided that I wanted to enter STEM, I knew that I wanted to use the skills I learn to improve the world around me and to help my communities. This has been a significant motivator for me for several years now but the more I took classes in engineering the more I became overwhelmed with the thought. The courses that I have taken up to this point have shown me all the different solutions engineers have designed and could design, but my time in college has also shown me all the challenges this world faces. I became so excited at the thought that I could be one of these intelligent figures that I look up to so much, but also nervous at the thought that the systems I design could have such a major (positive or negative) impact on the lives of others. For these reasons, when I heard about a program that was dedicated to helping me understand the impact I can have as an engineer and that gave me a space to discuss many of the complicated conflicts I see every day, I felt that it wa exactly what I was looking for.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

I am most interested in the Joy of Living Grand Challenge because I feel that it describes different sectors of everyday life which is where I’d want to start in terms of creating solutions for all.

What are your plans after graduation?

After I graduate from UMBC, I plan to enter a Ph. D program where I will study Biomedical Engineering, possibly with a focus in neuroscience or prosthetics. After I earn my Doctorate, I hope to either conduct research with the government or with a research institute that is committed to engineering solutions that improve equity and accessibility.

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Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I wanted to step out of my comfort zone and try something new, beyond my academic major.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

Advanced personalized learning seems so interesting to me because of the huge potential it has. To change education by focusing and tailoring learning experiences to cater to people’s needs, strengths, and learning styles. Advancing health informatics also interests me because I’m currently pursuing a certificate in that field. By expanding my knowledge on this topic, I hope to explore how technology can improve healthcare delivery, data management, and patient outcomes.

What are your plans after graduation?

I’m thinking of pursuing a master’s in health IT and find a stable job.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I genuinely wanted to be a part of something. I feel like I have joined so many groups in school but I have not really be committing. So I joined the Grand Challenger Scholars programs because I feel like it will push me to commit and I can learn more. I also read and heard about it from a few students in other schools and it looked interesting.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

All of the challenges looks very exciting but “Providing energy from fusion,” “Reverse-Engineering the brain,” “Securing cyberspace,” “Enhancing virtual reality,” and “Restoring and improving urban infrastructure.” These challenges looks really interesting to me, so I am a bit confused.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plan after graduation is to do BS/MS as UMBC. This was a plan I came up with a month ago. I knew I wanted to go to my masters right after but I was not sure of they step I am going to take or the school I will go, but I think I have a mind rest with this.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I joined the GCSP because it offered a structured way to engage deeply with pressing global issues.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

The challenge of securing cyberspace interests me the most. As our world becomes increasingly connected, the importance of protecting sensitive information and ensuring the integrity of our digital infrastructure can’t be overstated. I want to contribute to solutions that enhance cyber resilience and safeguard against evolving threats.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD, focusing on research that advances the field of cybersecurity. Parallel to my academic pursuits, I aim to develop my career by engaging in industry projects and collaborations that allow me to apply theoretical insights to practical challenges in securing cyberspace.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I am deeply interested in exploring how the latest technologies can advance the pursuit of more sustainable living. I believe it’s possible for most of the earth’s population to thrive with the available resources, with the right amount of innovation and creativity, and I’m excited to be a part of this incredible challenge!

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

Although I’m very excited about all topics in the sustainability area, I’m most excited about providing energy from fusion. This is because a majority of residential and industrial processes rely on energy, which produces roughly 75% of total greenhouse emissions globally. Furthermore, the electrification drive currently underway will be of minimal effect unless our energy sources are truly environmentally-friendly. Beyond its environmental benefits, the market potential for fusion energy is enormous, and I’m certain that working in this field will offer the rewarding experience of making a meaningful difference while enjoying the benefits of being at the forefront of a transformative industry.

What are your plans after graduation?

I hope to pursue a graduate degree (M.S. or PhD) in Energy Systems or Engineering, with a focus on enabling technologies.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I decided the join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program because I enjoy learning computer science and its applications in different fields, and specifically computer science’s intersections with ethical issues. During a previous internship I began to understand how technical problems could be solved using multiple lenses, and this worldview aligns with the purpose of the Grand Challenge Scholars Program. I am interested in developing and strengthening these skills through GCSP.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

I think I would be most interested in researching solutions within the Security sector of the Grand Challenges Problem. I am interested in this problem because I believe the digital age has brought a multitude of problems which should be thoroughly researched to find solutions. I am interested in learning about what work has been done in this field and learning about how I can contribute. I am also very interested in learning about the human side of digital security issues.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation my plans are to explore and expand on internship and career opportunities I have had and will have during college. I would like to work where I know my job is impactful. I am looking forward to all the connections I will make during college and what potential career paths they will open! This will allow me to explore my interests and have a better understanding of where exactly I want to work.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I have big ideas about how to positively impact the world and I wanted the support and advising to make it possible.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

Making Solar energy economical because my dream is to bring solar energy to my village in Nigeria.

What are your plans after graduation?

I would like to get a PhD and go into industry while I figure out my dream of bringing solar energy to my village in Nigeria.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I decided to join the Grand Challenge program because I am excited to see how I can help develop solutions to the problems that are presented to us. I am excited to see how my background and my ideas will contribute to the challenge I end up picking. The idea of working with people of different backgrounds to solve an issue that affects most of us sounds like something I wanna be part of. GCSP also aligns with my career expectations by working on clean energy sources.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

The challenge that is of most interest is to make solar energy economical. Solar energy is one of the most clean energies we can obtain. It is a source that is offered to us every day, it can help by making other types of energy production more efficient. By making solar energy more efficient and less expensive we could cut a ton of usage on fossil fuels, helping our planet and those who don’t have access to energy.

What are your plans after graduation?

My hope after graduation is to work for a company located in Costa Rica named Ad Astra Rocket Company. I want to work in their department of renewable resources. They work on things like green hydrogen production. Let’s hope one day I will be able to.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I decided to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program to envision where taking on a challenge as an engineer will take me. Gaining the skills of the practice that are not widely seen beyond industry such as teamwork, problem solving, creativity, and innovation is very important to me. I hope this program helps me develop the character of an engineer tackling a problem that needs a sustainable solution.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

The Grand Challenge that interests me the most is advancing personalized learning. I am a student who has always been passionate about learning but have had multiple factors hindering my education through the years, so this issue is critical to me. There are endless circumstances that influence an individual’s learning and one learning model is not a one-size-fits-all thing. Education is vital for the advancement of our society and we are struggling to go beyond the standardized models of today. As this keeps going, we limit the potential of amazing minds. Access to education and personalized learning are things I am excited to work on during this program.

What are your plans after graduation?

My plans after graduation range from getting my PE license to working in education. My priority lies in creating engineering programs for students of my home town in Mexico. I may go for a master’s degree if I don’t get too busy.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I joined GCSP because I saw it as a valuable opportunity to receive guidance in research and discover the types of problems where I can be both most comfortable and effective in finding solutions.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

I’m particularly interested in advancing personalized learning because I believe the lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped education, and many students are still navigating these changes. My goal is to enhance personalized learning approaches to help
students adapt more effectively and avoid falling behind in their studies.

What are your plans after graduation?

I intend to continue into grad school, with the option of furthering my mechanical engineering studies or shifting toward business administration.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I am particularly interested in developing solar energy and other renewable energy, which is a part of the grand challenges. I felt that through the program I could further my involvement in renewable energy.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

Making solar energy more economical interests me the most because renewable energy has been a special interest of mine for years and is the reason why I chose chemical engineering.

What are your plans after graduation?

I am currently considering higher education but I may decide to enter the workforce, hopefully developing renewable energy.

Why did you decide to join the Grand Challenge Scholars Program?

I enjoy the engineering process. I want to be more educated about the effects of any solution we make and its impact on the world.

Which of the Grand Challenges interests you most, and why?

The Grand Challenge that interests me the most is to secure cyberspace, its why I chose it as my major as well. I feel that with the increasing reliance of the internet in our lives, it is very important to keep it safe for everyone.

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I plan to pursue a Master’s and to secure job opportunities in the government.

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