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Denvel Echols

465

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

Civil engineer at Auburn university class of 2027 School Email:dle0018@auburn.edu Main: Denvelechols32@gmail.com

Education

Auburn University

Bachelor's degree program
2024 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Civil Engineering

Central High School

High School
2015 - 2019

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Bachelor's degree program

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Civil Engineering
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Civil Engineering

    • Dream career goals:

      Sports

      Football

      Varsity
      2015 – 20194 years

      Future Interests

      Entrepreneurship

      Black Leaders Scholarship
      I am motivated by Dr. Mae Jemison, a trailblazing woman in science, technology, and space exploration, in observance of Black History Month. In addition to her revolutionary contributions to STEM, Dr. Jemison's accomplishments as the first African American woman in space also strike a deep chord with me because of her unwavering pursuit of greatness and her commitment to serving as an inspiration to future generations. The path Dr. Mae Jemison took to become an astronaut is evidence of her intelligence and tenacity. She broke over a major gender and racial barrier in 1992 when she became the first African American woman in space aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Although her accomplishment is remarkable in and of itself, what really motivates me are the wider ramifications of her path. Dr. Jemison's presence signaled a change in the direction of inclusivity and representation in STEM, a profession that has traditionally been dominated by white men. Her accomplishment is a potent reminder that greatness can be attained and systemic hurdles can be overcome with passion and persistence. In addition to her space achievements, Dr. Jemison has significantly impacted mentoring and education, especially in inspiring young people of color to seek professions in science and technology. Her two organizations, the Jemison Group and the Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, are dedicated to promoting critical thinking and problem-solving skills in kids from a variety of backgrounds. One such program is The Earth We Share (TEWS), an international scientific camp. Her commitment to mentoring and education is incredibly motivating as it underscores the significance of leaving a lasting legacy for upcoming generations and contributing to the community. Dr. Jemison is aware of the importance of representation and the fact that by fostering young people's potential, we can develop a new generation of leaders and innovators who will push boundaries and make significant contributions to society. Dr. Jemison's exceptional interdisciplinary skills are what really inspire me. She is a dancer, a doctor, an astronaut, and a supporter of the humanities and arts. Her conviction that science and the arts are intertwined questions the sometimes inflexible borders between disciplines and emphasizes the value of a well-rounded education. I greatly respect this all-encompassing approach to education and personal growth, and I work hard to model it in my own life.Personally, I am motivated by Dr. Jemison's narrative to follow my dreams with unyielding persistence and to not let prejudices or society expectations stop me. Her life's work has taught me the necessity of education, the worth of tenacity, and the influence of representation. Although there are still many obstacles in the world that pertain to diversity and inclusion, Dr. Jemison's accomplishments serve as a reminder that change is possible and that everyone has the capacity to have a significant effect. In conclusion, I am greatly inspired by the life and career of Black leader Dr. Mae Jemison. Resilience, creativity, and empowerment are embodied in her multidisciplinary accomplishments, her pioneering space voyage, her dedication to education and mentoring, and her role as an advocate and mentor for upcoming generations. Dr. Jemison's legacy shines brightly throughout Black History Month, serving as a poignant reminder of what is possible when one is passionate, committed, and determined to shatter barriers.
      Jacques Borges Memorial Scholarship
      My deep-seated drive to create and construct structures that improve people's quality of life—both individually and collectively—is the driving force behind my ambition for becoming a civil engineer. I have always found it fascinating that highways, buildings, and bridges are more than just pieces of steel and concrete—they are essential conduits for social interaction, trade, and human connection. This interest turned into a dedication to applying engineering concepts to address practical issues, enhance infrastructure, and promote sustainable development. The aged infrastructure of my community is evident in many places, including crumbling public buildings, bridges, and highways. These problems impede accessibility and economic progress in addition to posing safety dangers. In my role as a civil engineer, my responsibilities would include evaluating the stability of the current infrastructure and creating efficient plans for upkeep and repair. My goal would be to increase the lifespan of these structures while maintaining their functioning and safety by utilizing contemporary materials and construction methods. One of the main problems is traffic cMy primary focus would be on creating and executing cutting-edge traffic control technologies. This could entail developing more intelligent traffic signal systems, improving the infrastructure to encourage the use of public transportation, and building more effective road networks. Incorporating sustainable transportation options, such as bike lanes and pedestrian pathways, can also lessen traffic and encourage a healthy way of living.congestion, which causes longer commutes, more pollution, and lower productivity. My city frequently experiences flooding as a result of shoddy urban planning and inadequate drainage infrastructure, especially after heavy rains. Using my expertise in civil engineering, I would create cutting-edge drainage systems and flood prevention strategies. Retention basin construction, better stormwater management techniques, and the preservation of natural streams are a few examples of this. Stormwater could be managed more skillfully by putting green infrastructure ideas like permeable pavements and green roofs into practice. There is a severe lack of reasonably priced housing, which contributes to homeless people and cramped living situations. I would help with the planning and building of projects involving affordable housing. I may contribute towards lowering construction costs while maintaining high-quality, secure housing by adopting economical building methods and sustainable materials. Working together with legislators and urban planners would be essential to developing comprehensive housing solutions that meet the demands of various demographics. In my neighborhood, there is growing worry about environmental degradation, including pollution and the disappearance of green spaces. Sustainable methods would be incorporated into every facet of my technical endeavors. This entails utilizing environmentally friendly materials, advocating for energy-efficient building plans, and putting waste management techniques into practice. Furthermore, planning projects with green areas and biodiversity support would improve the community's environmental health. The way i can contribute to solutions,I would design infrastructure that is durable, sustainable, and uses cutting-edge technology. This entails embracing new materials that provide improved performance and sustainability as well as using sophisticated modeling tools for accuracy in design and construction. It is essential to interact with the community to learn about its needs and problems. Town hall meetings, polls, and close collaboration with local stakeholders would all help me make sure that the solutions I suggest are inclusive and in line with the community's interests. My contribution would be to mentor the upcoming generation of engineers and share my skills. It is possible to guarantee ongoing development and sustainable practices in civil engineering by encouraging young engineers to adopt a culture of innovation and accountability. In conclusion, my love for civil engineering stems from my desire to resolve important problems in my community and raise the standard of living for its citizens.
      Healing Self and Community Scholarship
      My unique contribution would be to use technology to build an all-inclusive, user-friendly platform that is scalable and integrates all facets of mental health support, making mental health treatment accessible and inexpensive for everyone in need of assistance. I would start with assessments, group therapy alternatives, and teletherapy. We can also do community engagement, along with peer support and educational resources. This strategy makes use of technology to offer scalable and reasonably priced solutions, guaranteeing that everyone in need can get the help they need. Through community support and education, this all-encompassing approach not only treats current mental health issues but also fosters long-term well-being.
      Eleanor Anderson-Miles Foundation Scholarship
      What matters in this life is how you react to the things that happen to you, not what happens to you. There is much adversity in life. You have to be prepared for disappointment, and it's okay to fail before rising to the challenge and succeeding. It was my final season of high school football in my senior year, and I wasn't sure if I would go to the next level. I did have the guts and compassion necessary to go to the next level in my work. The idea was to play Division 1 college football and work as a physical therapist. lacked the most people who shared my enthusiasm for sports. Above all, I had to have faith in myself, for if you don't, then who will? There was still work to be done in the offseason even though we were eliminated from the playoffs. I stayed in the weight gym and maintained my conditioning over that period. In an attempt to get me involved in camps, make contacts with coaches, and share my video, my head coach, Darius Smiley, summoned me into his office and asked if I wanted to play college football. Up until I received a call from Point University and Reinhardt University in March, there were still no offers.I had to get a minimum SAT score of 1020 before I could commit. After making an 830 on the first try, I thought there was no chance, but I had to keep trying. When I made a 1040 on the second try, I was shocked.It was time to move from high school to college when I eventually graduated from high school a few months later. The change wasn't as hard; instead, it required a lot more maturity and mental toughness.My biggest challenge in school was not the curriculum, but rather my own decision to major in a topic I had never been particularly interested in.I had a really severe case of depression during my first semester, which caused me to lose myself, fail class after class, and had no idea what subject or major I could be passionate about outside of sports.I then made the decision to make a change and discuss my classes with my advisor, Kelley Horton, but she soon saw them my problem was with me, not the classes. She then suggested seeing a therapist, although I never really got along with them. My therapist at Reinhardt University was Kelley Horton. After they had a conversation, Kelley questioned, "What did you want out of this life?" All I wanted to say to her was that I wanted to pay for Auburn University's football program and earn an engineering degree, but I didn't believe that was smart enough. We had a strong enthusiasm for the school, and the fact that she cheered and graduated raises the question of whether or not she ever met Bo Jackson. After the talk, approximately a year into the program, I made the decision to switch from biology to sports studies as my major in order to raise my GPA. In this story, my friend was a big factor.After accomplishing my goals, I became aware that it was time to leave Reinhardt University since living expenses were rising and I was receiving calls regarding debt repayment. I worked and took a year out from school after coming to terms with my situation. When I left Reinhardt, I had enough money to apply to Auburn University. I was later admitted to a school that I never would have imagined would accept me.