STEM Students at Southern University: Personal Statements of Achievement, Lecture notes of Engineering

Download STEM Students at Southern University: Personal Statements of Achievement and more Lecture notes Engineering in PDF only on Docsity! Fall 2002 PERSONAL STATEMENT Spencer E. Pace Electrical Engineering Major Timbuktu Academy Scholar Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, LA 70813 Many of my peers are still in doubt with respect to many career issues. I have been blessed with clarity with respect to my career goals, and thus, I know the exact path I would like to take. I have exceptional critical thinking skills. Furthermore, I have a natural inclination to investigate unknowns. After factoring my mathematical abilities into the equation, my ideal career is self-evident. I am destined to become an engineer. My entire educational career has been a preparation for what is now only a few years away: my obtaining a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. In the ninth and tenth grades I participated in the Engineering Magnet Program at Captain Shreve High School. During the summers between 1994 and 1996 I was a counselor and teacher’s aide for the Miami University Science/Engineering/Math Program (MU-SEMP). In 1997 I attended the Timbuktu Academy’s Summer Science Institute (SSI) at Southern University. SSI is an intense SEM academic program with the goal of encouraging perfection (especially on standardized test) via intense and rigorous practice. The following summer I returned to Summer Bridge Institute (which is designed to ease the transition from high school to college). I am currently a member of the Timbuktu Academy’s Undergraduate Research Program. I have taken courses while over the past few years to prepare for graduate school. For instance, I declared a minor in mathematics to prepare for the mathematics requirements of graduate level engineering education. Therefore, I have taken not only engineering courses such as Electromagnetic Field Theory, Electrical Machinery, Thermodynamics, Control Systems and Communications; but I have also taken math classes including Calculus III, Linear Algebra, Seminar in Mathematics, and Advanced Calculus. The aforementioned math classes are all classes that were not required by my curriculum. Still, I believe that I gained valuable knowledge and understanding of mathematical proofs, which will surely be needed for graduate study. My dream had been to work as an engineer in the field of telecommunications. This field has interested me since I first became aware of the use of satellites for communication. However, now that I have more knowledge of electrical engineering, my interests are more specific. I am specifically interested in optimizing network design to increase transmission speed. Furthermore, I would like to investigate methods to provide increased Internet speeds without requiring expensive equipment. I am also interested in signal compression and reconstruction before and after transmission, respectively. However, I admit that I lack exposure to many areas of electrical engineering. I am interested in research in any area of electrical engineering because it will afford me the opportunity to access another area in my field. In other words, my options are still open to many possibilities in communications. But no matter what field I choose, I plan to share my knowledge in the classroom on a college level someday. This, of course, requires graduate study. My life is a series of little goals which, when they are put together, will help me realize my ultimate goal. My ultimate goal is a Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering. My Bachelor of Science degree is only a stepping-stone. I have worked diligently thus far in my academic career because I realize that my undergraduate education is only the foundation for much greater things to come. My goals are high, because I know that I have been prepared for a graduate level education. Fall 2002 PERSONAL STATEMENT Michael Baham Physics Major Timbuktu Academy Scholar Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, LA 70813 I have been interested in the field of science for a long time. I have participated in different things that involved concepts in science from the science fairs in elementary school to interning at the Stennis Space Center during high school. In junior high school, I took all of the advanced science and math classes that the school had in their curriculum. I also was an active member in the Science club. In high school, I participated in an internship program where I took an internship position at Neptune Communications, a mechanical and electrical engineering contractoring business that builds many parts for the United States Navy. Then, I took an internship position at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, which lead to a position during that particular summer. Also in high school, I participated in the Key Club, a community service and volunteerism club, which I was an active member. At Neptune Communications, I used a three-dimensional drafting program to design many parts for instruments that they use and instruments that they are planning to build. I helped design some of the water buoys that they were planning to build for the United States Navy. Even though I chose not to pursue an electrical or mechanical engineering career, I learned how the job market works and how everyone in a working place must work together in order to get a job done. I learned many interesting concepts from working at the Stennis Space Center, in Mississippi. I learned about how the government spends some of its money and how physicists, oceanographers, and people of other backgrounds work together on a single project. I learned about the aspects of mathematics and physics and their uses in the job that we were doing. Even though I went there with some knowledge of MATLAB, I learned much more about that program and others that I was using. In the summer of 2002, I worked with the Southern University/LIGO Program. Over the summer I performed various tasks, which included deciphering different types of data and computer setup and maintenance. Our goal was to examine synthetic sapphire and its absorption properties. I learned of the many scientific breakthroughs that have happened in the last few years, and the science behind them. I have worked with computers through out my whole life. I built my first computer when I was in junior high. Then in high school, I helped setup and manage the school's computer network, and by my sophomore year in high school, I setup my own network in my house. I can work with many operating systems, such as Dos, Windows (98, 2000, or NT) and Unix. I also have worked with many programs, and programming languages. I can program in: MATLAB, HTML, Visual Basic and Basic, and Pascal. I have also worked with different kinds of computers. I can use the personal computer, networked based computers, and the super- computers that the government uses. I am currently in my second semester of college at Southern University and A&M College, and I am currently physics major. I am currently taking many science and mathematics courses. Also, I am working with the physics department head in a research laboratory. After graduation, I plan on continuing my education and ultimately obtaining a Ph.D. in Astrophysics and Astronomy. I am currently looking for a graduate school to attend, but I am narrowing down the list of possible colleges. Furthermore, I plan on obtaining a position with the United States space program, or with the SETI program. Fall 2002 PERSONAL STATEMENT Genese Knox Electrical Engineering Major Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) Scholar Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, LA 70813 Growing up, I have always been a curious child. From lamps, to cars, I was always getting something; mostly trouble. My mother was the first to bring to my attention that I should look into becoming an engineer. Of course, I added this occupation to my long list of other employment opportunities, such as being a fireman, teacher, or any other occupation I saw on Sesame Street. However, somehow, out of all of the different avenues I could have taken, I chose to take the path that led to me getting an education as an engineer. During my high school years, I decided to dig deeper into what being an engineer was all about. I joined many organizations while in high school to develop my leadership abilities. The one organization that had a tremendous affect on my outlook of the profession I was interested in was the Technology Student Association (TSA). In TSA, I was exposed to all the prestige and honor that came with mentioning that you were an engineer. I learned to build bridges, robots, and how to write programs just to name a few. Needless to say, I continued to be a member of this organization, eventually running for presidency and succeeding. My next step upon graduation was figuring out what area of engineering I was interested in. I had been exposed to so many different types, so I had a good idea about each of them. I had to do my own research on each of them. Under the influence of many trial and error projects I tried to complete to see what field of engineering I was interested in, and the persuasive insight of a few family members, I decided to look into becoming an electrical engineer. I must say that dreaming of becoming an engineer is one thing, but actually studying to become one is very different. As each year passes, freshman, sophomore, and so on. I am one step closer to fulfilling my dream. To aid in my effort, I took it upon myself to find an organization to help keep the interest burning within me to pursue my dream as I did in high school; this organization would become known to me as the National Society of Black Engineers, or N.S.B.E. This organization has awarded me numerous opportunities, as its mission states- “become a more culturally responsible black engineer, who excels academically, succeeds professionally, and positively impacts the community.” I have been to some of the biggest and best career fairs, where many companies flock to recruit the best. My interest in my chosen field of engineering has proven to be very rewarding. This past summer I was given the opportunity to intern with Proctor & Gamble Folgers Coffee Company in New Orleans, Louisiana. There, I worked in their Instant Coffee Production Department. My role there was to complete validations and maintain strong vendor support to ensure the installation of some flow meters needed for production. I see myself doing that, if not something similar for a career. To make myself a little more competitive in the work place, I have decided to strive for my Masters in Science degree with a concentration in power generation. The Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) program, has greatly help me to understand the importance of going to graduate school. In this very competitive field, it is always good to have something that will enable you to shine above all the rest. For me, a higher degree of education is that key to success. Fall 2002 PERSONAL STATEMENT Divine Kumah Physics Major Timbuktu Academy Scholar Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, LA 70813 “Science is the knowledge of many, orderly and methodically digested and arranged, so as to become attainable by one. The knowledge of reasons and their conclusions constitutes abstract, that of causes and their effects, and of the laws of nature, natural science.” -- John Frederick William Herschel (1792–1871). It is my love for the reach and power of science that has influenced my choice of Physics as a major in college and inspired me to pursue graduate work in Solid State Physics. My post-college education has been centered entirely around the scientific world. Back in Secondary school in my native Ghana, I majored in Science and was awarded the best student in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Additional Mathematics for three consecutive years. In the 10th grade, I was part of a group of students who investigated simple electrochemical cells. This experience sparked my interest in physics. I had the opportunity to attend high school in El Paso, TX as a foreign exchange student where I took college-level classes in Physics and Calculus. My academic career so far at Southern University has been immensely enriching, and I have become fully convinced that I am taking the right path in life with choosing science as a field of study. My first semester was quite a challenge since most of my classes were second year level classes. But my determination and focus earned me a 4.0 GPA, a position on the Dean’s List and a National Collegiate Mathematics Award. I was awarded a Physics Scholarship and an Honors College Scholarship. The assistance and support I received from my professors was just as important as my awards and honors. In my research project in Lithiated Complex ion cells, currently under the direction of Dr. Rambabu Bobba, I am gaining firsthand research experience by conducting experiments to compare the viability of various transition metal ions in the production of miniaturized Lithium ion cells. This project has cemented my decision to venture into postgraduate studies. It has always been my dream to develop renewable, efficient and environmentally- friendly alternate energy sources particularly, solar cells. Besides my keen interest in the field of physics, I am also interested in the world of Computer programming and hence my decision to minor in Computer Science. Computers are a powerful tool in the study of science when employed for computation and experimental simulation. I plan on applying the programming and multimedia skills I am learning in enhancing my future research interests. My academic background, my firmly established research skills and strong determination will enable me to succeed in the highly demanding program I have chosen. Finally, the excellence of your program, together with my abilities and motivation, will enable me to achieve my goals. Fall 2002 PERSONAL STATEMENT Rachel McKinsey Physics Major Timbuktu Academy Scholar Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, LA 70813 Theodore Roosevelt once quoted, “A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad.” In today’s society, education has become one of the most important elements of life. Many years ago people were able to get by without an education and still live in a comfortable manner. It has been asked if the type of education one receives makes a difference in the student’s survival of the real world. According to Roosevelt, a college education will provide many assets in life. Southern University has a great reputation for successful physics graduates. Through the lecture and laboratory settings, I have gained an intellectual account of the fundamentals of physics. Discovery in Physics and Intermediate Physics I & II are three of the most fundamental and demanding courses for physics majors. They covered all fundamental physics in mechanics, waves and oscillations, fluid statics and dynamics, heat and thermodynamics, electricity, magnetism, electromagnetic theory, electromagnetic waves and optics. Experimental Physics allows me to take all that I have learned in theoretically and apply it experimentally. Also, I have taken Biology and was enlightened about human life. Through these courses I have gained an interest in Medical Physics. Through challenging myself to understand my undergraduate courses, I can willingly share my knowledge of these concepts and apply them to real-world scenarios. This way, I will be able to help others as well as myself. There are too many people in this world dying from cancer. I am inspired to try and make this situation better. Choosing a career path in Medical Physics will help me achieve my goals by giving me a chance to participate in research and development. Many opportunities have already come forth through the Physics Department. Currently I am a NASA Scholar, and I was given the opportunity to do research at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the National Institute of Standards and Technology. During these two summers, I experienced weeks of strenuous work that enhanced my research and development skills for my future career path. At the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, I designed and tested a prototype for accurate/repeatability for a kinematic coupling. I studied the analytic model of an alpha prototype, implemented the model on computer for easy control, built the alpha prototype, and tested its performance. At the National Institute of Standards and Technology I characterized a second-generation water calorimeter. This wonderful experience has also encouraged me to have a career of research. After receiving my Bachelor of Science degree, I will further my education by enrolling in a Medical Physics graduate program and receive my Masters or Doctoral degree. I am confident that with my ability and determination, I will be successful in life and make a contribution that will help all. Fall 2002 Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE). I am also a Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) and Center for Energy and Environmental Studies(CEES) scholar at Southern University and A&M College. I have always remembered to strive to be the best. Being to stand out and be recognized among hundreds that are also in engineering displays the good character, hard work, and diligence that I possess. During my tenure at Southern University and A&M College, I have had the opportunity to participate in research affiliated with my major which is civil engineering. The research deals with the development and use of a dissolved air flotation system. This system is basically used in industry to aid in purifying and leaning contaminated or dirty water. I am proud of all that I have managed to accomplish during my time in school. Upon graduation I intend to further my education by going to graduate school. In all that I continue to do I will always keep with me lessons of life my mother taught me. I now understand that these values I hold dear to me have definitely made me into the person that I have become today. I realize that by attending graduate school and continuing to do research will provide me with the educational foundation I will need to fully reach my professional and personal goals when I enter the work industry. Fall 2002 PERSONAL STATEMENT Symoane Mizell Civil Engineering Major Timbuktu Academy Scholar Louis Stokes Louisiana Alliance for Minority Participation (LS-LAMP) Scholar Southern University and A&M College Baton Rouge, LA 70813 My name is Symoane Mizell. I am a senior majoring in Civil Engineering and minoring in Mathematics. I am extremely active on campus. I am involved in athletics, student government, and other organizations on campus. I am currently a member of the Student Government Association, Honors College, American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and the University’s Softball team. I enjoy being active and working hard for the progress of my university in various aspects. I am quite curious about the many facets of Civil Engineering. I knew that civil engineering had four basic components upon entering the program. I was initially attracted to this field because of the structural aspect. I was and still am quite curious about how buildings are constructed and how it is known which material will work best under certain circumstances. Many ancient structures provoked my curiosity and caused me to wonder how they have withstood the test of time. This past summer I did some research and analysis of soil grain properties. This experience helped expand my knowledge to another part of Civil Engineering. My course work for the past two semesters has peaked my interest and raised other various questions that I would like to investigate. Most of my course work up to this point has dealt with structures and it has encouraged me to want to learn more in the area dealing with structural dynamics and soil properties. My research interests are now in both geo-technical engineering and earthquake engineering. I was initially interested in earthquake engineering for building structures mostly but also curious about all the facets of soil properties as they relate to earthquakes in general. I have many plans for the future; the most immediate ones include going to graduate school for Civil Engineering with a possible Masters degree focused on the construction management applications of earthquake engineering. I definitely want to pursue a research- based Ph.D. in earthquake engineering either the soil or structure side. Immediately after graduation I would like to pursue a post doc position, possibly to earn tenure at a university. With these degrees, I also plan to get a job where I can get hands on experience by working in the field. After this I aspire to own my own Civil Engineering firm. I hope to build a company that specializes in aspects varying from homes to dams. I have chosen this route because I feel that it is the best means for me to earn true freedom and independence. Research is an important part of my matriculation through my Civil Engineering program. I plan to go to graduate school, and research experience at the undergraduate level has been vital to my success on the path to the next level of study. I am open to learn at all times which makes me unable to be any more specific about my research interests, and future plans because I am anxious to learn everything in this field. I feel that the research that I have done the past three years has been the best means for me to learn and narrow or specify my area of interest for graduate school. These experiences have also been beneficial in my preparation for graduate school.