My third semester in the Science and Global Change College Park Scholars Program is coming to an end, so it is only fitting to reflect upon my experiences thus far. In the following paragraphs, I will address connections between SGC and my coursework, my experience in this living-learning community, and my contribution to SGC.
One major recurring event during the last three semesters has been encountering SGC-related material outside of SGC. For example, during SGC colloquium, we learned about the hypothetico-deductive method of science, and I have found myself employing this method in other areas of my life over the last three semesters. One such occurrence was in my lab courses: General Chemistry Laboratory for Engineers (CHEM136), Biology for Engineers Laboratory (BIOE121), and Organic Chemistry Laboratory I (CHEM232). All of these courses are supporting courses that involved forming a hypothesis and looking for evidence and observations that either conflict or affirm the hypothesis, thus, directly involved applying and using the hypothetico-deductive method. My SGC experience prepared me to employ the method, as we discussed its application to various scenarios during colloquium.
One specific example in which I used the hypothetico-deductive method was in my final experiment in BIOE121 during the Spring 2020 semester. The assignment involved my group and I designing our own experiment, from drafting a hypothesis, to compiling a list of necessary materials, to developing a protocol, to testing our hypothesis, to analyzing the results, and finally forming a conclusion. Another specific instance in which I used the hypothetico-deductive method was in my CHEM232 course this semester. Although the Organic Chemistry I lab was taken virtually and I did not actually perform any of the experiments, my prior knowledge and understanding of the hypothetico-deductive method helped me understand what the TA had done in the experiment video I was provided in terms of data collection, and allowed me to efficiently continue to the next steps in the method of data analysis and interpretation of data.
Without giving it much thought, one would think that Science and Global Change would not have many connections to Bioengineering. However, SGC colloquium has effectively helped me connect to my major in a variety of ways. For instance, I distinctly recall the lecture on Nazi human medical experiments. A large part of the Bioengineering field is Biomedical Engineering and applying engineering techniques to medicine. This lecture was an engaging way to learn what NOT to do while also providing me knowledge of past Bioengineering failures. In addition, in SGC colloquium, a recurring topic of discussion was food sources and the importance of a stable food supply to a growing population. A sector of Bioengineering focuses on genetic engineering, including GMOs, which is a way we are able to maintain a stable food supply today by genetically modifying crops to be more nutritious, disease and drought-resistant, faster-growing, etc. Furthermore, therapeutics and drug delivery is a large aspect of my track within my major, Biotechnology and Therapeutics Engineering. It is valuable to reflect on past lectures and activities in colloquium regarding population growth and decline, and think about how modern medicine plays a major role in medical care and, as a result, the human growth curve. Especially now, living during the height of a pandemic, I have found it very beneficial to relate aspects of my major to various concepts we discussed in Scholars, as it provides me an interdisciplinary approach to viewing and solving many problems.
My learning experience was improved by interacting in and out of class with my fellow SGC scholars. I thoroughly enjoyed being in this living-learning community with great peers, study buddies, and friends on my floor and adjacent floors. I met two of my best friends through SGC, one being my roommate and the other being our upstairs neighbor in Centreville Hall. Freshman year, before being sent home due to the pandemic, we gathered in the lounge nearly every night to study together or work on projects, and it was very convenient to have study buddies living in the same dorm building. Wherever I was, whether it be Centreville Hall, The Diner, or in class, there was almost always a familiar face from SGC that made such a large campus feel small.
Being in Scholars did not bring me in contact with people or concepts that challenged my previous beliefs or opinions that I had concerning the academic material of the program or other personal issues in my life. However, I still found Scholars very valuable in the sense that there were endless opportunities to discuss pressing issues with my peers.
Scholars encourages active contribution on the part of students, and I think I have personally contributed to SGC an adequate amount over the last three semesters. Each semester, I have actively participated in colloquium discussions and projects. In addition, I attended the New York City field trip to the American Museum of Natural History during my first semester, which was definitely a highlight of my SGC experience. Furthermore, I am active in the SGC 2023 GroupMe chat helping other students locate resources and discuss class topics.
I think my Scholars experience may inform my future in the sense that I will be sure to carefully follow the scientific method and reflect back upon scientific and engineering disasters we discussed in colloquium as I continue my educational career. In addition, many lectures covered ethics in relation to science, which is especially important to consider in my field. Other than that, I do not think my Scholars experience will directly inform my future in my undergraduate, post-undergraduate, or professional career, though I will continue to educate myself on global change matters. In high school, I was in a STEM magnet program on a Green Technology track, and I have loved being able to continue my education on environmental matters in college, even though I am not majoring in a field directly related to environmental science.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time in SGC thus far, and am very thankful to be part of such a wonderful program with friendly peers and enthusiastic directors. I look forward to another great semester in SGC!