(The following is a guest blog by STEM Sister Emily Paszkiewicz)
Though I had never seen myself as a science-minded person, my experiences in high school have motivated me to become an engineer. My initial exposure to the subject was during a summer school course through Johns Hopkins University.
The class, “Engineering Innovation” (http://engineering.jhu.edu/ei/) was the introductory level class taken by undergraduates. I learned the basics of mechanical, chemical and civil engineering. And now, I am taking a class entitled “Honors Scientific Research” in which each student conducts independent undergraduate-level research. My project focuses on increasing the lipid content in microalgae. The lipids can be used to produce biofuels, but the problem is that the biofuels are currently too expensive. But by growing the microalgae in certain conditions, the lipid content is increased and biofuels from microalgae become a more viable option.
I find the research so intriguing because when the microalgae grow, they consume carbon dioxide and can purify wastewater. Due to the trifecta of benefits, finding a way to make microalgal biofuels cost efficient could significantly decrease the effects of global warming. Both of these scientific opportunities have motivated me to pursue engineering and research in college and in my career.
Engineering motivates me because it is a tangible way to improve our current world. The overarching goal of my life is to accomplish something meaningful. When I die, I want to be be at peace because I know that I have contributed something to improve the lives of others. I intend to further pursue my current research in sustainable forms of energy. Environmental issues have always been important to me, and developing a form of energy that could potentially reverse the negative environmental effects of global warming excites me. I love the practical application of science, and I hope to apply my aptitude of creativity to solve problems in real life.
I intend to pursue engineering as a career because it is a method of improving society. I hope that my path can lead me to conducting more research on the topic of biofuels, because I believe that microalgal biofuels could potentially be an energy source that changes the world. I would love to help solve major issues like climate changes and I hope that my future in science can lead me to doing just that.
(BG: Emily is amazing and I know she will do big things in college and beyond. I am proud to call her a friend and a STEM Sister!)
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