My experience as a Science and Global Change Scholar has helped me think in a more comprehensive manner in my classes. In certain ways, a lot of the lessons I've learned in the last year and a half have been meta—for example, learning not about science, but what science is itself. After having taken three semesters of SGC courses, I now think a lot more logically about topics that come up in class, or even just in general conversation. I tend to find myself analyzing causes and effects, identifying patterns, and predicting future events based on current data and information. Without SGC, I don't think I would be quite as analytical. I think this type of constant evaluation is a very helpful and practical way of thinking. It allows for meticulous and nuanced investigation of the status quo, with an end goal of formulating the most ideal future pathways. With the knowledge and analytical skills I have gained in the last year and a half in SGC, I hope to look more critically at topics and issues that come up, so I can form fully educated opinions and beliefs based on the truth of the matter, and act in accordance with those beliefs.
I employed the hypothetico-deductive method of science in one of my bioengineering courses last spring. For the final project of the class, we had to design an experiment, perform it, and then analyze and present our results. We had to first draft an experimental procedure based on content we had learned earlier in the semester. Then, we had to make sure we had all the necessary materials for the lab. Once we finished all the prep, we performed the experiment and gathered data. Finally, we analyzed the results and presented them. My group did our project on a particular gene and its correlation to one's ability to taste certain acidic and sugary foods. While designing our experiment, I made sure to keep the hypothetico-deductive method in the forefront of my mind. A couple things we employed to demonstrate this were the use of a control group, and repetition of procedures to guarantee replicability and a large enough sample size. Had we used a small sample size, it could have led us to inaccurate conclusions by the statistics of small numbers fallacy. My SGC experience prepared me to think in this way through the lessons on logical fallacies and how to look out for them. I learned how to do scientific research in a fair and meaningful manner that allows for legitimate results.
The topic in SGC colloquium that has been most effective in enhancing my attitude and approach toward my major is research into more sustainable sources of energy. As a bioengineering major, I may work in the future in fields related to branches of energy such as biofuels. I am very passionate about bioengineering in general, but sustainability and carbon neutrality has always been a strong value of mine. There are so many career paths in my field that can have a widespread positive impact, even on the global scale, and I now know that I want to be a part of that work. After my first year and a half of taking bioengineering classes, I have a much better understanding of various paths I could take, but from SGC, I have learned more specifically what I am passionate about and how I can take that and apply it within my major. There is so much work left to be done by bioengineers to help improve energy sources. I could definitely envision myself in the future doing research on more sustainable combustion methods or working in industry with the goal of reducing or eliminating carbon emissions.
In one of my supporting courses, Physics 260, we did a unit on thermodynamics and heat transfer. We learned about various different types of engines and the heat processes they go through in order to produce energy. Each engine had its own advantages and disadvantages. While one was the most efficient, another was the simplest to make and therefore the cheapest, and a third had the fewest emissions. During this unit, I thought about the larger meaning of these engines in the context of climate change. While the engine with the least emissions would be ideal to use in order to combat global warming, it's also not the cheapest or most efficient so it doesn't make a lot of sense economically to pick this one. This is a common problem companies face these days—efficiency and/or affordability vs. sustainability. The result must be a compromise. I was surprised to find myself thinking about this in the middle of my physics class, but I found that learning more about the details of engines intrigued me, and helped me better understand energy sources being used today.
In another supporting course of mine, Chem 135, we discussed basic structures of many common small molecules. We talked about carbon dioxide and methane numerous times, but never in the context of global warming or the greenhouse effect. It made sense—that was not at all the topic of the class. We analyzed the 3D structures of these molecules, their interactions with each other, and how they form bonds. After some time, I found myself doing research into how the minute details of these atoms correlate with the widespread global impacts they have. I wanted to determine the connection between the hyperspecific, small details, and the huge overarching issues facing our society today. I did not think I would enjoy learning about chemistry quite as much as I did, and I think that was partly due to how it tied into very relevant and relatable topics in my life.
Discussing critical topics in today's world with intelligent and well-informed individuals of my age significantly enhanced my learning in the program. I was exposed to many different perspectives, which broadened the way I thought about countless issues. I also learned to develop teamwork and decision making skills with those who don't necessarily agree with me. I mostly interacted with my fellow Scholar students in class, just because that was the time when we were together in the same place doing the same thing. Outside of class, I didn't really interact with SGC students much besides for the excursions and other trips, so I don't think that impacted my learning significantly. Going on the excursions with my classmates, however, definitely made them more enjoyable. I personally did not live in the same place as the other Scholars students, so I cannot speak to the advantages of the living-learning community.
I think I have personally contributed to SGC a fair amount. Throughout my time in the program, I have always put in a serious effort to understand topics being discussed. I made sure to think critically about all the material covered, particularly because of how relevant it is to my life, and how much of it will be useful going forward. In the group presentations from the last two semesters, my groups made sure to do thorough research so our projects would be comprehensive and reliable. I also went on three excursions in the last year and a half, through which I was able to explore museums and experience performances I may have otherwise not had access to. I have contributed to SGC by taking advantage of these resources offered by the program.
Being in Scholars brought me in contact with people of various backgrounds, which exposed me to new perspectives and ways of thinking. Hearing these new perspectives definitely made me reconsider some of my own opinions and beliefs every once in a while. I wouldn't say that it happened too frequently, or that I ever really had a significant change of mind, but it certainly led me to do more introspection, self-evaluation, and critical thinking about my own opinions.
My Scholars experience has taught me to be a better analyst in a more broad range of subjects—I learned a lot about the scientific method and how one should conduct research. I will use this knowledge to inform my future on proper ways to propose ideas and collect data, as well as how to draw conclusions from that data in a way that accurately reflects the topic of research. If I end up doing research of my own—as an undergraduate or graduate student—I will definitely use methods I've learned from SGC firsthand. Even in my professional career, I'm sure I will use much of this same material, whether about the scientific method or something else. I have learned so much through Scholars, from mad scientists to logical fallacies to paleoclimatology, all of which come together to tell a story describing the world we live in today. I greatly value this story and I will keep it in the forefront of my mind in all future endeavors.