A Better Tomorrow: Science and Tech
Riggs | Orem Hall, University of Maryland, College Park, MD December 4, 2024:
On Wednesday, December 4, 2024, I had the privilege of attending the Presidential Distinguished Forum featuring Arati Prabhakar, Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, at the University of Maryland’s Riggs | Orem Hall. The event, titled "A Better Tomorrow: Science and Tech," brought together students, faculty, and staff to discuss the essential role of science and technology in shaping the future. The forum aimed to highlight how science and technology are central to tackling the most pressing issues of our time, including climate change, health disparities, and global security. As a student deeply interested in both science and policy, this event was a valuable opportunity to gain insight into the intersection of these fields from a leader who has been at the forefront of national innovation.
The forum started at 11:30 AM with opening remarks by President Darryll J. Pines, who introduced Arati Prabhakar as a trailblazer in the fields of engineering and applied physics. Prabhakar’s keynote address centered on the transformative potential of science and technology, emphasizing the responsibility of engineers and scientists to open doors that make societal aspirations a reality. She spoke about America’s grand aspirations in various domains: improving health for all, addressing the climate crisis, fostering a competitive economy, and ensuring global security. Prabhakar highlighted recent advancements in science and technology, particularly in areas like climate change mitigation, the development of artificial intelligence (AI), and biomedical research. Drawing on her extensive experience as the former Director of DARPA and NIST, she illustrated how federal research initiatives are shaping progress across multiple sectors. One of the most powerful points she made was the need for collaboration between government, academia, and industry to leverage technological advancements for the greater good. She also discussed upcoming priorities for the nation, stressing the importance of ensuring that technological growth aligns with values such as equity, sustainability, and innovation. I found Arati Prabhakar’s presentation to be incredibly insightful and inspiring. Her ability to blend complex scientific topics with a broader societal perspective made the talk engaging and accessible. The discussion on AI and its potential to transform industries and improve quality of life was particularly compelling, as it tied into my academic interests and future aspirations in both science and technology. Prabhakar’s optimism about the future was contagious, and it was clear that she believes in the transformative power of innovation to address today’s most urgent challenges. Her emphasis on climate change also resonated with me deeply, particularly as a member of the UMD community engaged in global sustainability efforts. She called on engineers and scientists to think beyond traditional boundaries and collaborate across disciplines to solve problems like climate change. This part of the talk inspired me to reflect on the role that I, as a future professional in criminology and criminal justice, could play in broader societal issues, especially in addressing environmental justice. Attending "A Better Tomorrow: Science and Tech" was an incredibly enriching experience that deepened my understanding of the role of science and technology in addressing societal challenges. Arati Prabhakar’s vision for the future—one in which innovation serves the greater good—was both inspiring and motivating. The event not only enhanced my appreciation for the contributions of scientists and engineers but also reinforced my belief in the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration to solve complex global issues. I am grateful for the opportunity to attend this distinguished forum, and it has further fueled my commitment to both my academic studies and my broader goals in contributing to a better future.