REU Personal Statement

Though engineers have developed many advances that have moved our society forward, they have also created technologies that have caused many of the problems that people and our planet face. An engineering degree gives me knowledge of the technologies and systems we create, hence providing me with the opportunity to apply that knowledge along with my skills to create positive change. That change begins with with proper policy analysis of both technology and social issues, which are current interests of mine. My interest in both engineering and social issues grew from my involvement in various organizations, which broadened my knowledge and focused my interests. Stony Brook’s REU program is the best fit for me because of its focus on diverse and interdisciplinary …show more content…
Through my community involvement in an organization called Organize Florida, I became interested in the impact technologies has on the most vulnerable communities. I began to volunteer for their Climate Justice Committee and learned about issues such as fracking, pipelines, and food desserts. We focus on organizing local underrepresented communities in order to give them a voice in the fight against climate injustice. We participate in city and county hearings, host bi-weekly educational and strategizing meetings, and give members a chance to voice their opinions. Through these experiences I began to think critically about the consequences of the work that engineers do, and the importance of companies being socially responsible. Private and public institutions like Universities play a huge role because they are able to conduct studies that aim to understand the varied dynamics of emerging technology projects. Specifically, I am interested in the socioeconomic affects underrepresented people face, and how nanotechnology could be used to close the