Growing up in Kasoa, a small town in Ghana, I spent countless hours tinkering with discarded electronics, driven by curiosity about how things worked. The cartoons and movies I watched sparked dreams of contributing to the technologies that seemed magical on screen. When I discovered physics in high school, those childhood fascinations crystallized into a clear passion. I wanted to become an engineer who builds innovations that inspire the next generation. That dream would be tested in ways I never anticipated. During my third year of undergraduate studies, I struggled severely in my Machine Design class, nearly failing a core course essential to my mechanical engineering degree. In my final year, I faced the same crisis in Mechatronics. These academic struggles shook my confidence and forced me to confront whether I was truly capable of becoming the engineer I aspired to be. The situation became even more complicated when my family faced a devastating financial crisis. My parents' cars were repossessed by the bank. As one of five children, I watched my parents struggle to provide basic necessities, let alone fund my education. Tuition, books, and even feeding became insurmountable obstacles. There were moments when continuing seemed impossible, when poverty threatened to permanently close the door on my dreams. I skipped meals to save money, worked late nights, and constantly worried whether I would be forced to abandon my education entirely. Yet these obstacles became the crucible that forged my resilience. I learned that failure is not the opposite of success, it is an essential component of growth. Each time I struggled with coursework, I sought help from professors, formed study groups, and spent extra hours until concepts clicked. When financial pressures mounted, I applied for scholarships and learned to maximize every resource available. Most importantly, I discovered the determination to pursue what I love regardless of setbacks. These experiences taught me to fail fast and often, understanding that each setback accelerates growth. They also deepened my empathy for others facing similar struggles and strengthened my resolve to make a meaningful impact. Today, as a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, I am pursuing computational materials science research with the potential to transform how we develop new materials. My work focuses on simulating material properties for aerospace and biomedical applications, specifically examining the fatigue properties of advanced alloys. This addresses a critical bottleneck: the time and cost required to bring new materials from concept to industry readiness. By leveraging computational modeling, I aim to dramatically reduce research and development cycles, allowing life-saving medical devices and advanced aerospace technologies to reach people faster and more affordably. My vision extends beyond academic publications. I want to bridge the gap between computational predictions and manufacturing reality, working with foundries and manufacturers to ensure innovations translate into real-world products. I am driven by the memory of that child in Kasoa who marveled at technology, and I am committed to ensuring children everywhere, especially those facing poverty and limited opportunities, can access innovations that shape their futures. The obstacles I have overcome have not deterred me; they have prepared me. They taught me perseverance, humility, and the importance of using education to create positive change. I am pursuing my studies in the United States not just to advance my career, but to develop expertise that I can apply to global challenges, contributing to technologies that push boundaries and make the world more equitable and innovative for everyone.

I love math because I believe it is the best way we as humans have come to explain the world. The power of that math allows us to build bridges, go to the moon, and at the same time build wealth to me feels like magic. That has been the thing that made me love math more. I did not grow up loving math. It wasn't until middle school that I really started to appreciate it. Before then, numbers and equations felt abstract and disconnected from real life. But something clicked for me around sixth or seventh grade. I began to see the patterns, the logic, the way everything connected. Math started making sense in a way it never had before. I enjoyed practicing math problems so much it was the main thing I studied. While other students might have dreaded homework, I looked forward to it. I anticipated practicing math problems the way some kids anticipated recess or video games. There was something deeply satisfying about working through a problem, trying different approaches, and finally arriving at the solution. Each problem I solved felt like a small victory, proof that I was getting better, understanding more. That feeling kept me coming back, kept me pushing to tackle harder and more complex challenges.

Growing up in Kasoa, a small town in Ghana, I learned engineering before I knew what engineering was. With limited resources, my childhood was filled with creativity born of necessity. I crafted toys from discarded cans, transforming waste into wonder. Those early experiences taught me that engineering is fundamentally about problem-solving, resourcefulness, and seeing potential where others see limitations. This foundation, combined with exposure to science fiction and medieval technology in films during middle school, ignited my fascination with how humans have continuously innovated to overcome challenges, from ancient metalworking to futuristic transportation systems. My specific passion lies in Computational Materials Science, focusing on understanding how manufacturing processes affect material properties and performance. During my undergraduate studies, courses in Materials Science and Manufacturing revealed the intricate relationship between how we make things and what those things can accomplish. I became captivated by metal casting, one of humanity's oldest manufacturing techniques, which remains fundamental to modern transportation systems. From lightweight alloys that improve vehicle fuel efficiency to high-performance materials for aerospace applications, the materials we develop directly impact how people and goods move across our world. Currently pursuing my PhD in Mechanical Engineering, I am investigating the effect of post-processing treatments on the fatigue behavior of additively manufactured titanium alloys. This research directly connects to transportation applications, where lightweight, high-strength materials are critical for sustainable vehicle design. As a Teaching Assistant for Design of Machine Elements, I work daily with students analyzing cast components used in automotive and aerospace systems, helping them understand how material selection and manufacturing processes determine performance, safety, and efficiency. My plan for expanding knowledge and making an impact follows a dual path. Academically, I am deepening my expertise in computational modeling to predict material behavior, reducing the costly trial-and-error approach that makes advanced materials inaccessible to smaller manufacturers. I aim to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical implementation, ensuring innovations reach the industries and communities that need them most. Professionally, I envision a career in research and development followed by education, where I can mentor the next generation of engineers while contributing to our understanding of materials for transportation and other critical applications. Dr. Hassan's story resonates deeply with me as a first-generation immigrant pursuing graduate education. Like him, I believe education is the most powerful tool for creating positive change. My commitment extends beyond technical excellence to making engineering more accessible and sustainable. Growing up in Ghana, I witnessed firsthand how transportation infrastructure shapes economic opportunities and the quality of life. I have seen how resource constraints drive innovation, and how sustainable engineering practices are not luxuries but necessities for communities like the one where I was raised. My vision is to contribute to transportation systems through innovative materials that prioritize both performance and sustainability. Whether developing lighter alloys that reduce fuel consumption, improving manufacturing efficiency to lower costs, or mentoring students who will tackle tomorrow's challenges, I am committed to making engineering more accessible, sustainable, and impactful. Dr. Hassan dedicated his life to education and mentorship while advancing intelligent transportation systems. I aspire to honor that legacy by pursuing the same dual commitment: pushing the boundaries of Materials Science while empowering others through education, ensuring that the next generation has the knowledge and resources to build a more sustainable connected world.

My passion for protecting the environment stems from a deep understanding that environmental stewardship begins with individual action and community involvement. Participating in community cleanup initiatives has shown me firsthand the impact of collective environmental responsibility. Walking through neighborhoods and parks, removing litter and debris, I've witnessed both the damage we can inadvertently cause and the positive change we can create when we work together. These experiences reinforced my belief that environmental protection requires grassroot action and innovative technological solutions. As I learned about rising global temperatures, extreme weather events, and biodiversity loss, I realized that my generation faces unprecedented environmental challenges. My academic focus as a PhD student in Mechanical Engineering, specializing in Additive Manufacturing and Materials, directly positions me to address one of the most significant contributors to environmental degradation: industrial waste in manufacturing. I am developing expertise in advanced additive manufacturing processes, materials science, and sustainable material engineering practices through my doctoral studies. My coursework has provided deep insights into material properties, manufacturing optimization, waste stream analysis, and the environmental impact of both traditional and additive manufacturing methods. This comprehensive knowledge base in manufacturing processes and materials science is essential for developing the innovative, sustainable solutions our planet desperately needs. My career goal is to revolutionize manufacturing through advanced Additive Manufacturing technologies and sustainable materials development. Traditional manufacturing processes often generate substantial waste through subtractive methods, where material is cut away and discarded. My focus on Additive Manufacturing and Materials allows me to approach sustainability from two critical angles: optimizing the manufacturing process and developing environmentally conscious materials for production. Additive Manufacturing offers a paradigm shift by building products layer by layer, using only the material necessary for the final product. Combined with my materials expertise, I can work on developing biodegradable, recyclable, or bio-based materials specifically designed for additive processes. I envision developing advanced additive manufacturing processes paired with innovative, sustainable materials that minimize environmental impact while delivering high-quality products to consumers. By advancing these technologies and materials, I aim to help industries transition towards sustainable manufacturing practices that protect our planet without compromising product quality or consumer satisfaction. Beyond my professional aspirations, I am committed to recycling and carefully sorting materials to ensure they can be appropriately processed and reused. When shopping, I make conscious choices by requesting paper bags instead of plastic, and I frequently bring my own reusable bags to further reduce waste. I encourage my family and friends to adopt similar practices which simply require mindfulness. I share practical advice about waste reduction, like choosing products with minimal packaging, repairing items instead of discarding them, and supporting businesses prioritizing sustainability. I advocate for energy conservation through simple measures like using energy-efficient appliances, reducing water consumption, and choosing sustainable transportation options. Perhaps most importantly, I emphasize that individual actions, while valuable, must be coupled with collective advocacy for systemic change. I encourage my peers to vote for environmentally conscious candidates, support renewable energy initiatives, and engage with local environmental organizations. Combining personal responsibility with civic engagement can create the momentum necessary for large-scale environmental progress. The environmental challenges we face are complex, but I am optimistic about the potential for technological innovation to create meaningful solutions. My PhD studies in Mechanical Engineering, with my focused expertise in both Additive Manufacturing and Materials, positions me uniquely to contribute to reducing industrial waste and promoting sustainable production methods. Through this scholarship, I hope to continue advancing my research in sustainable manufacturing technologies and eco-friendly materials development, expanding my impact in creating manufacturing solutions that protect our environment while meeting society's needs for high-quality products.