Service Learning
The learning objectives for the Service program area are centered around the Social Responsibility AFC (AFC5).
UMBC Alternative Spring Break (ASB) - gold
Experience Summary
Although I did not have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica due to the global pandemic, I have been able to serve on the UMBC chapter of Engineers without Border(EWB) for about three years now, and it has been a wonderful experience. I have been able to serve as the Technical Chair, Vice president, and president of the chapter, and during all that time, I have been able to work closely with the community in Costa Rica. I have been able to communicate on the global level and work on completing the current project, which is complete the water chlorinator system. I have also worked to assist with the task in every way.
Learning Objectives
Integrity
Through this experience, I have developed my proposal to study some of the research questions and hypotheses with my research mentor. I was able to practice my inquiry and process of inquiry skills.
Perspectivism
To formulate many of the questions, I had to do a literature review to understand what is already done in the field. I also work to understand how my questions could benefit the area. I worked to bring my perspective to every question I was working to answer. I was able to develop my knowledge of my discipline.
Realistic vision
I have been able to be realistic in many of the solutions I have developed for the questions that I have so I can successfully communicate the findings within the discipline of my results to my research group.
Teamwork
Working with Dr. Menyuk’s Research Group has expanded my ability to work in a team, including effectively communicating my findings/completed tasks through our weekly meetings.
Persistence
Research is all about persistence because it takes time, but it is essential to understand the ethical conduct needed to conduct research. I learned this by first taking a research ethics class and always keeping in mind that I need to be always honest with my findings.
Flexibility
I have also learned that over time I need to be flexible when it comes to my time because not everything can work out immediately. I have also known that I have to be able to think creatively to come up with new solutions.
how does This relate to my grand challenge?
My grand challenge is making solar energy economical, and I believe that this club can help me establish what is needed to work with other communities. There was also a time we were thinking of implementing a solar power chlorinator.