柑橘直播

In 2008, the National Academy of Engineering presented its 鈥淕rand Challenges,鈥� an aspirational vision of what engineering needs to deliver in the 21st century. Its vision鈥攖o be achieved through 鈥攊s 鈥渃ontinuation of life on the planet, making our world more sustainable, secure, healthy and joyful.鈥� Through the Grand Challenges Scholars Program, engineering schools around the world have adopted an engineering education supplement that 鈥渁dds global awareness and social skills with a focus on the Grand Challenges to broaden the reach of undergraduate study in engineering.鈥� In fall 2019, 柑橘直播鈥檚 College of Engineering will join more than 125 universities in the United States with a Grand Challenges Scholars Program.

As stated on the NAE鈥檚 Grand Challenges , 鈥淎ddressing any of the Grand Challenges prepares students to think in international terms, and to develop globally relevant perspectives and skills. It attracts students because it prepares them for real and urgent problems that need solutions; it is a basis for realistic experiments and problem challenges in the field during their undergraduate years; and it offers a clear view to future jobs that matter and the opportunities in engineering that await them.鈥�

Associate Dean of Academic Affairs Dr. Andrea Welker explains that鈥攎uch like the new Engineering Honors degree鈥攖he GCSP will help the College continue to attract high achieving students. 鈥淚t is a compelling, interesting and holistic program that will challenge the best and brightest to go beyond the traditional curriculum to create a unique plan of study.鈥�

Leveraging 柑橘直播 Engineering鈥檚 strengths in sustainability, service learning, engineering entrepreneurship, study abroad, undergraduate research and interdisciplinary learning, Dr. Welker is excited to create a GCSP that is unique to 柑橘直播. She says, 鈥淎t least initially, our program will focus on challenges that build upon our research expertise.鈥� From the NAE鈥檚 14 Grand Challenges, the College has selected these five:

• Make solar energy economical
• Provide access to clean water
• Engineer better medicines
• Secure cyberspace
• Restore urban infrastructure

Launching the program with the class of 2023, the goal is to have approximately 20 students per class enrolled. Students will apply, stating why they are interested in the GCSP and which grand challenge forms the unifying theme for their plan. Applications will be judged on the student鈥檚 current grade point average and their passion for exploring their selected theme.

Each department will have a faculty mentor for students accepted into the program. That mentor will ensure that the student is making progress on their plan of study, specifically around five competencies that the NAE requires:  talent (research), multidisciplinary, business/ entrepreneurship, multicultural and social consciousness (service).

In addition to receiving a letter from the president of the National Academy of Engineers and inclusion on the scholars list on the GCSP website, Dr. Welker is working on meaningful ways for the College to recognize students who complete the program.  鈥淭his accomplishment will go beyond being a badge of distinction for these students; their work literally has the potential to change lives.鈥�