The Topic: Over the last three semesters, we have examined the Science of Nature and the Nature of Science. Specifically, we've looked at how we use the foundations of scientific practice to explore the evidence, causes, and implications of past and present global change, and examine the use of scientific knowledge and communication when making decisions for the future. Ultimately, we aim for the program to help students plan for resilience in a future of global change.
How has your experience as a Science & Global Change Scholar helped in that understanding (compared to what you have received if you were not in SGC)?
Choose and discuss at least two (2) of the following:
In the last semester, I have been working on redesigning the brake pedals for the Baja off-road vehicle for Terps Racing. Through this, I have had to come up with designs, ways to test these designs, and improve these designs based off of the test results. This goes along iwth the hypothetico-deductive method since I am finding results through observation and improving my design from the results.
The many wildfires over the last year have struck my attention because of their intensity and devastation across many parts of the US. Dry regions are prone to wildfires and climate change has made these places even drier, making them more susceptible to wildfires. My SGC experience has not enhanced my understanding of these wildfires, since I don't know that much about them in the first place, but it has helped me understand why certain climate events occur in the first place.
Also, cite at least two (2) specific items from classes that are SGC requirements or supporting courses, but which are not CPSP classes, that additionally support your thesis.
Additionally, discuss how your learning was improved or enhanced by interacting (in or out of class) with one or more fellow SGC Scholars. Please use particular examples of how being in this living-learning community actually aided in learning (or, if it did not aid in learning, indicate such).
Going on field trips with fellow SGC Scholars was a great way of getting to know each other and develop relationships. In the Fall 2020 semester, many of us went to the National Zoo in Washington DC for our excursion, which was a lot of fun and a cool experience. This semester, Fall 2021, many of us went to the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, an amazing experience that actually taught me a lot about natural history, specifically dinosaurs. These trips were great fun, but they didn't really improve or enhance my learning since they weren't closely related to what we learned in colloquims.
Scholars aims to encourage active contribution on the part of students, either in specific academic situations (e.g., Colloquium discussions and projects; field trip activities; etc.) or as part of the larger Scholars community. To what degree do you think you have personally contributed to SGC, giving particular examples?
Furthermore, discuss to what degree (if any) did being in Scholars brought you in contact with people or concepts that challenged previous beliefs or opinions you had (either concerning the academic material of the program or other personal issues in your life). [Please note: a challenge is not necessarily a contradiction! Consider a "challenge" as any situation that caused you to examine or reflect on a belief or opinion that you already had.] How have these beliefs and opinions changed as a result of your experiences over your first three semesters?
Finally, how do you think your Scholars experience might inform your future? Are there particular lessons, methods, events, or other aspects of your time in SGC that you expect to draw upon as a junior and senior? In post-undergraduate education (if any)? In your professional career? [Obviously this is just speculation on your part; it is often the case that it is only in hindsight that we discover what was really our most important or formative experiences!]