Grand Challenge Scholars Program Portfolio
Entrepreneurship
Gold
Entrepreneurship Electives
CHEM 311L
The impact of intermolecular forces on the viscosity of mixtures with various functional groups was determined. The understanding of intermolecular forces and viscosity can be applied to develop new products such as lubricants, adhesives, and coatings with improved performance. We can leverage this knowledge to develop innovative products that meet the specific needs of target markets.
ENCH 225L
Designed and conducted experiments on the development of biodiesel by varying temperature, mixing time, and seed oil to determine the optimal process conditions. This can help develop a cost-effective process that can maximize the yield of biodiesel and minimize the production costs.
ENCH 486
Designed a wearable oxygen sensor to continuously monitor oxygen levels in the neonates and other patients.
I will be completing three entrepreneurship minor electives. These electives include ENCH 225L: Chemical Engineering Problem Solving and Experimental Design Lab, ENCH 486:A Survey of Sensors & Instrumentation and finally CHEM 311L: Advanced Laboratory I. ENCH 225L is a total of 4 credit hour, while ENCH 486 and CHEM 311L are each 3 credit hours. Combining these courses gives me a total of 10 credit hours, Therefore I think my level of entrepreneurship is gold. In each of my classes I did projects that contributed to the learning objectives of GCSP entrepreneurship experience.The automation of these projects can increase efficiency and reduce errors of the products used for scientific discoveries. In addition, the design and construction of the instrumentation used in these projects required a deep understanding of engineering and scientific principles which can be used to develop and engineer tools for scientific discovery.
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Learning Objectives
Program Wide Learning Objective
Integrity
When designing oxygen sensors, I had to adhere to ethical principles because they are used for neonatal care, any error or miscalculation can have severe consequences. When developing biodiesel, I had to stick to ethical principles to protect the environment and human health to ensure that biodiesel is produced ethically
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Teamwork
For each project I worked in a team. Effective communication, collaboration, and cooperation were essential to ensure that all the needs were met and that the research process was optimized for maximum efficiency and safety.
Core Entrepreneurship Learning Objective
Apply entrepreneurial thinking to social issues and social problems.
Developing a low-cost and portable sensor could provide a solution for monitoring oxygen levels in resource-limited settings, where access to medical equipment is limited. By thinking creatively and taking a proactive approach, I was able to identify opportunities to develop new innovative wearable sensors that can improve health outcomes and quality of life.
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Exhibit skills for communicating ideas in a concise and logical way.
After the end of each project, I had a poster session where I communicated my process and results to colleagues and professors in chemistry and chemical engineering department.
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Personalized Learning Objective
Apply creative and innovative thinking to solve problems.
Applying creative and innovative thinking is essential in solving problems when designing oxygen sensors, biodiesel, and studying intermolecular forces. For example, when designing low-cost oxygen sensors, it required me to explore different wearable to technologies that helped me come up with novel approaches. Similarly developing new methods for producing biodiesel requires creative thinking to find new ways of converting seed oil into fuel while maintaining efficiency and sustainability.
Reflection
Engaging in the Grand Challenge Scholars Program (GCSP) and undertaking an entrepreneurship experience has been an enriching journey for me. Throughout this experience, I had the opportunity to explore various facets of entrepreneurship while tackling significant challenges in the fields of sustainable energy, science, and healthcare. This reflection encapsulates my diverse experiences in designing biodiesel, studying intermolecular forces, and developing a wearable oxygen sensor, highlighting the entrepreneurial mindset and innovative thinking required to address complex problems. In the pursuit of sustainable energy solutions, I engaged in the design and experimentation process for biodiesel development. By varying temperature, mixing time, and seed oil composition, I aimed to determine the optimal process conditions for biodiesel production. This experience allowed me to delve into the world of renewable energy and understand the intricacies involved in optimizing processes for sustainable fuel sources. It required a combination of scientific knowledge, experimental design, and entrepreneurial thinking to identify opportunities for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact within the biodiesel production domain. Additionally, I explored the impact of intermolecular forces on the viscosity of mixtures with various functional groups. This investigation not only expanded my understanding of the fundamental principles of chemistry but also showcased the application of entrepreneurial thinking in the realm of scientific discovery. By recognizing the potential significance of intermolecular forces in various industries and fields, I was able to approach the study from an entrepreneurial perspective, identifying opportunities to develop novel materials or optimize existing processes based on the findings. This experience highlighted the importance of innovative thinking and the ability to identify market needs and potential applications for scientific research. I discovered my passion for problem-solving and analytical thinking. Engaging in experiments to determine the impact of intermolecular forces on the viscosity of mixtures with different functional groups, I realized my natural inclination to explore and understand the underlying principles governing complex phenomena. I enjoyed the process of designing experiments, collecting data, and analyzing results to draw meaningful conclusions. This experience has affirmed my enthusiasm for scientific inquiry and my ability to approach challenges with a logical and analytical mindset. My entrepreneurial journey also led me to design a wearable oxygen sensor aimed at continuously monitoring oxygen levels in neonates. This endeavor involved collaboration with healthcare professionals, engineers, and designers to develop a device that could enhance the safety and well-being of vulnerable infants. From understanding the technical aspects of oxygen sensing to considering the ergonomic design and usability of the wearable device, this experience required a multidisciplinary approach. It exemplified the entrepreneurial mindset of identifying societal needs, bridging different disciplines, and innovating solutions that have the potential to make a significant impact on the healthcare industry. Through this experience, I learned about my resilience and ability to persevere through challenges. In designing a wearable oxygen sensor for continuous monitoring of neonates' oxygen levels, I encountered technical hurdles and faced moments of uncertainty. However, I discovered my capacity to remain determined and persistent in finding solutions. I sought guidance, explored alternative approaches, and remained committed to overcoming obstacles Through these diverse entrepreneurial experiences, I have developed crucial skills and mindsets that are instrumental for success in the entrepreneurial landscape. I have learned to embrace innovation, think critically, and adapt to changing circumstances. Additionally, I have honed my ability to identify market opportunities, communicate ideas effectively, and collaborate with diverse teams. Moreover, these experiences have instilled in me a sense of responsibility to create sustainable and socially impactful solutions that address global challenges. The GCSP entrepreneurship experience has been instrumental in shaping my perspective as an aspiring entrepreneur. It has exposed me to the practical application of my technical knowledge, fostered my creativity and problem-solving abilities, and instilled in me the determination and persistence required to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape. Moving forward, I am excited to leverage these experiences and continue my entrepreneurial journey, utilizing the skills and insights gained through the GCSP to drive meaningful change and contribute to the advancement of scientific discovery and societal well-being. In conclusion, the GCSP entrepreneurship experience has been a transformative and inspiring journey, encompassing biodiesel development, intermolecular forces study, and neonatal healthcare innovation. It has reinforced the importance of entrepreneurial thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration, and innovative problem-solving. This experience has equipped me with the skills, mindset, and determination to pursue entrepreneurial endeavors, leveraging science, engineering, and innovation to address grand challenges and make a positive impact on society.