In the Fall semester of 2023, I completed the first course of the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, FSE150: Grand Challenges for Engineers. This course provided me with the opportunity to address and identify critical issues facing society while providing an extensive exploration of how engineers impact and shape our lives on a daily basis. Topics emphasized in this class included the joy of living, sustainability, personal and global security, and health. Within each topic, we were provided with background materials as well as insightful video content, engaging activities, and distinguished guest speakers to foster a deeper understanding of each grand challenge.

​

Each topic not only offered an overview of challenges our society faces, but it allowed me to approach these issues with an open mind, considering their potential impact on countries and cultures different from my own. For instance, within the theme joy of living, our discussion revolved around technological advancements that are designed to enhance the quality of life. Videos showcasing innovations such as the Play Pumps in Africa to the underground bicycle parking systems in Japan allowed us to consider the effectiveness of this technology for a specific geographical location. In the realm of sustainability, our class engaged in thoughtful reflections as to how this theme extends its influence to communities at both the national and global level. Similarly, within the theme of security we identified groups who contribute to the safeguard and security of data. For example, we examined a hospital setting, and identified the factors of how data can be breached through the nurse, patient, and even from the information technology service personnel. Concluding our thematic explorations, our class ended with the topic of health and discussed its significant both on the individual and national scale. As an activity, the class was asked to create a comparative analysis of the life expectancy from various countries. This activity was designed to develop thoughtful reflections as to why some countries might have a higher life expectancy than others. In addition, for the theme of health we had the pleasure of having a guest lecture from Dr. Bradley Greger. From his lecture, I learned that we have more cells in the human body than there are atoms in the entire universe, making the human body more complex than I had imagined. In summary, our exploration of the different themes has provided me with a comprehensive understanding of societal challenges and has allowed me to foster a deeper understanding of the factors engineers face when designing and implementing an idea.

​

Besides exploring the different theme areas, the class was assigned with two separate projects which were group and individual based. For the group project, I was in a group with three other team members, and we were tasked with creating a future solution to a problem of our choice. As a group, we decided to develop a solution towards drug rehabilitation. In our efforts, we created a device known as ODART (Opioid Drug Addiction Rehabilitation Therapy), to support those enduring the drug recovery stage of addiction. Our device was designed to detect neurotransmitters and release serotonin into the brain to stimulate the effect of drugs without ingesting them. On the other hand, for my individual project, I focused on a topic related to the theme of health, in which I identified current applications of additive manufacturing related to health care systems. From these accumulative projects, I have gained interest in the idea of additive manufacturing towards drug delivery systems. With that said, I plan to research additive manufacturing applications within the field of pharmaceuticals for my honors thesis and senior capstone project.

​

Throughout this course, my knowledge has expanded across various disciplines including the joy of living, security, sustainability, and health. Engaging in discussions and participating in group activities has provided me with valuable insights into the functioning of engineers. Despite the distinctiveness of each theme, they collectively contribute to shaping an engineer's approach to designing, implementing, and analyzing problems. As I aspire to become a future biomedical engineer, I am committed to applying the insights gained in this course to enhance both my professional journey and my comprehension of the world and its challenges. This learning experience has not only equipped me with valuable skills, but it has also contributed significantly to my personal growth and has encouraged me to maintain an open mind. In essence, this course has been instrumental in broadening my understanding and shaping my perspective as I embark on my career path.