The National Academy of Engineering’s (NAE) Grand Challenges are game-changing goals for improving life on the planet. The Grand Challenges are 14 broad problems in the areas of sustainability, health, security, and knowledge. Solutions to these issues require interdisciplinary teamwork and years of sustained effort. UMBC’s Grand Challenge Scholars Program is designed to help students gain these attributes to tackle these issues.
To find out more about the Grand Challenges Program Click the links below!
UMBC Grand Challenges Program
NAE Grand Challenges Program
Why did I chose to be a Grand Challenge Scholar
I've been a girl scout for over a decade, and I was always told to leave a place better than you found it. Throughout my college experience I've been actively trying to find opportunities better my community with my major.After having Dr. Maria Sanchez for
thermodynamics at UMBC, I could see the passion to make a change not only campus but the greater community. So, when she presented to our class the Grand Challenges Program and the fact that she is the Director of the programI felt like being a part of this program would be my opportunity to help make a difference, not only in my own community but the world too.
My Grand Challenge
Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure
Everyone has a right to have decent roads, sidewalks, and a working and accessible public transportation. The Grand Challenge that I selected was Restore and Improve Urban Infrastructure. Ichose this because I've grown up and currently live just outside of D.C. in a lowereconomic status neighborhood and I've lived with crumbling roads, no sidewalks, andlack of bus stops for our local transport system. I want to improve it so even in lowereconomic status neighborhoods have good sidewalks and roads.I’ve also been using D.C.’s public transport, Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA), all, my life and there is a lot of room for improvement. Not only just improving but also maintaining the improvements. The biggest issue with WMATA recently was the fact they needed to shut down sections of the tracks because that needed to do major repairs since they allowed it to deteriorate so much. This also applies to the roads I use. There is a bridge in my area that was deteriorating so much, that they needed to close down the bridge so they can rebuild it.