Austin Carter's Three Semester Review

Over the last three semesters that I’ve spent in SGC, I’ve learned a wealth of information that will undoubtedly prove vital in my future career. For this I am grateful to have been given this opportunity.

In the undergraduate research position I gained because of SGC, I frequently used the hypothetico-deductive method of science in my day to day activities. As a geology lab assistant, our research methods are entirely entrenched in forming falsifiable hypotheses, gathering empirical data, and forming conclusions based on our measurements. As such, the knowledge I gained in the first semester I am now applying daily. In addition the expansive coverage of the IPCC reports helped me better understand the 2021 IPCC report. SGC turned what was initially complicated jargon into common language.

Several program required elective courses had an impact on my college career thus far. ENGL255 was one of the first courses I took in the Fall 2020 semester. Most of the books I had read before ranged from realistic fiction to nonfiction so the course introduced me to some of my first pieces of science fiction literature. The course completely changed my impression of the genre and it spurred me to find more sci-fi books to read. In addition, I took BIOE120 in the spring semester of my freshman year. While this was a major required course, SGC gave me background knowledge that contributed to my superb performance in the class.

The group projects helped me connect with fellow scholars while learning. The S4S project in particular forced my group mates and I to practice good organization skills and role assignments in order to meet the deadlines. While it was work intensive, I also had a good time collaborating with them and forming connections that will be beneficial for the remainder of my collegiate career. These projects also served as a way for me to contribute to the scholars community. As the first two semesters were online, my ability to give back was fairly limited. However, with these projects, I was able to present information to my classmates that would be useful for the class and their knowledge of SGC topics. Likewise, my classmates taught me the same things. This made even virtual semesters feel like an all encompassing experience.

The lecture that had the biggest impact on me was the science and tyranny colloquium. As a person who knows individuals who believe that reality is a mental phenomenon, I never saw the danger in such thinking. However, the potential ramifications are clear and obvious now. While I won’t go out of my way to dissuade people from having such thoughts, I’ll keep in mind to be cautious around them. To conclude, my SGC experience has greatly shaped my collegiate and beyond experience. I feel more ready than ever to confront issues of global change and misinformation with the tools I’ve acquired. Whether such interactions happen in conversations or in a laboratory. SGC has given me the confidence to strive for a better future for all.

Last modified: 13 December 2021