Kathleen Lehman SGC Three Semester Review

Kathleen Lehman's Three Semester Review

As I wrap up my first three semesters at the University of Maryland, the Science and Global Change (SGC) curriculum and community have overwhelmingly shaped my experience for the better. Beyond aiding and expanding my knowledge of global climate phenomena, SGC has widened my understanding of the importance of media literacy, logical fallacies, and even significant societal shifts throughout history.

Application of SGC's Lessons: Hypothetico-Deductive Method

SGC has specifically introduced me to tools like the hypothetico-deductive method, which I applied in my ENEE200: Engineering Ethics course while analyzing a case study on the topic of greenhouse gas emissions. This case addressed the 2007 Ninth Circuit Court ruling that rejected lenient fuel economy standards for light trucks and SUVs aiming to reduce emissions in the future. Several predictions were made for this court decision, including lowered vehicle emissions, measurable decreases in greenhouse gas concentrations, and long-term economic benefits from climate-related damages. A number of observational data points, including emission trends in regions with stricter emission standards, aided our initial analysis. However, further research revealed a rebound effect where increased fuel efficiency could lead to more driving, underscoring the need for iterative refinement. This adaptability mirrors the hypothetico-deductive method's emphasis on testing and revising hypotheses based on further evidence.

SGC's Role in Choosing My Major

SGC has not only laid the groundwork for in-depth interdisciplinary analysis and critical thinking but has also played a critical role in influencing my decision to switch from mechanical engineering to bioengineering. When I first declared mechanical engineering, I did so with limited research, believing it was the best path for my goals. By the end of Fall 2023, I realized my excitement for core mechanical engineering courses, such as physics and statics, was majorly lacking compared to my enthusiasm for the biological sciences. Scholars became one of the few courses I genuinely looked forward to, encouraging me to reflect on how my academic choices aligned with my long-term goals and personal interests. This prompted me to explore other engineering disciplines, ultimately considering bioengineering, environmental engineering, and civil engineering as potential alternatives. Discussions about resilience and sustainability throughout the colloquium highlighted my thoughts on bioengineering's broader impact on the environment and my own personal fulfillment. Since switching to bioengineering, I've found a renewed sense of motivation and purpose in my studies. I'm now exploring internships and even considering graduate school—opportunities I would never have pursued if I had stayed in mechanical engineering. The support and perspective I gained from SGC made the daunting process of switching majors not only manageable but deeply rewarding.

Learning Through the SGC Community

Being a part of the SGC living-learning community has greatly enhanced my academic experience, especially through interaction with fellow Scholars. I've had the opportunity to meet others within my new major, including lab partners in BIOE121 and other courses, many of whom were also part of SGC or other Scholars programs. These individuals have consistently been reliable academically and great friends outside the classroom. For example, one of my lab partners, who is in SGC, initially bonded with me during our final lab projects, which required extensive time and collaboration. We discovered that we lived just down the hall from one another, allowing our connection to grow beyond academics. We began having dinners together and meeting each other's friends within the bioengineering program. This sense of community not only made working on challenging projects more enjoyable but also provided a supportive network as I navigated my new major. The SGC community's encouragement of teamwork and shared experiences has enriched my time at UMD and further solidified my passion for bioengineering.

Contributing to the SGC Community

As a member of SGC, I found myself contributing most to the program on the academic side through projects and online discussions; however, I could have contributed more to the social community. During colloquium discussions, I made it a personal goal to be the team member who organized and shared the collaborative documents. By the end of this semester, I had gathered almost everyone's email addresses, which not only helped with seamless communication but also allowed me to remember names of other SGCers I may not talk to as frequently. During my freshman year, I made a greater effort to participate in the Scholars community by applying to become the Freshman Representative of SGC for the Student Advisory Board. Sadly, I was not selected, but I began looking into becoming a Peer Mentor. However, I had a scheduling conflict with the Freshman Service Day and decided not to apply, which I somewhat regret. While my contributions have primarily been academic, I plan to find more ways to support the community socially in the future.

Challenging Beliefs Through SGC

SGC has provided opportunities for me to reflect on and challenge some of my previous beliefs. One of the most eye-opening experiences came during COMM107, where I created a presentation on pseudoscience through the lens of personality tests. While this project didn't necessarily change my views about the validity of these tests, it made me more aware of the influence of pseudoscience in my daily life. I realized how easily pseudoscientific concepts can permeate everyday conversations and how many people genuinely believe in them. This experience highlighted the importance of critical thinking and media literacy, values that SGC continually reinforces.

Looking Ahead: SGC's Impact on My Future

The lessons and experiences I've gained through SGC will undoubtedly inform my future endeavors. The program's emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking and evidence-based problem-solving will be invaluable as I continue my studies in bioengineering and explore internships and research opportunities. Skills like critical analysis, collaboration, and adaptability—all honed through SGC—will serve me well in graduate school and beyond. Professionally, I anticipate drawing on the ethical and sustainability-focused framework I developed in SGC to guide my work in bioengineering. Whether designing medical devices or developing environmentally sustainable technologies, the values instilled by SGC will remain central to my approach. Additionally, the connections I've built within the SGC community have provided a strong support network that I'll carry with me as I navigate the challenges and opportunities ahead. Looking back, my time in SGC has been transformative, shaping not only my academic path but also my personal and professional aspirations. I'm grateful for the program's impact and excited to see how its lessons continue to influence my journey in the years to come.