I love creating and building things that solve real problems, which is a big reason I’m passionate about engineering. One project that stands out when I think of the “hacker spirit” that Kyle Lam embodied is something I made for my uncle, who is an avid gardener. My uncle spends countless hours taking care of his plants, but he always struggles to remember when to water them. He has a simple watering can, but he often ends up either over-watering or under-watering, which stresses the plants and affects their growth. One day, during a family gathering, he mentioned how much easier it would be if he could automate the watering process. That got me thinking! I started by looking into moisture sensors that could help monitor the soil. I learned that these sensors can detect when the soil is too dry and send signals to turn on a watering system. After doing some research, I found a moisture sensor kit online and decided to take on the challenge of building something useful for him. I gathered the materials and set up a small microcontroller to read the moisture levels in the soil. I spent a lot of time working on the code to make sure it would alert him on his phone when the soil moisture dropped below a certain point. I also wanted to automate the watering itself, so I designed a small water reservoir with a drip irrigation system that would release water automatically when needed. The first version didn’t go smoothly. The moisture sensor sometimes gave false readings, which led to a few panicked moments. I realized I needed to calibrate it for the specific soil and plants he had. After several attempts, I adjusted the programming and made sure the sensor was sensitive enough to give accurate readings. I also worked on the drip system to ensure it delivered just the right amount of water without flooding the plants. After weeks of tinkering, I finally created a system that worked well. When I presented it to my uncle, he was thrilled! We set it up in his garden, and I showed him how it all functioned. Now, with the moisture sensor and the automated watering system, he can enjoy his gardening without worrying about whether his plants are getting the right amount of water. This project might not seem like a big deal, but it truly embodies the hacker spirit. I loved the challenge of problem-solving and using technology in a creative way to help someone I care about. Seeing my uncle’s excitement was incredibly rewarding. It reminded me that technology can really make a difference in everyday life, especially when it addresses specific needs. This experience also deepened my understanding of engineering concepts and reinforced my belief in the importance of curiosity and experimentation. As I continue my journey in engineering, I want to keep that spirit alive—finding ways to use technology to improve people’s lives and tackle everyday challenges, just like Kyle Lam did. This scholarship would help me further my education and empower me to create even more impactful solutions in the future.

As someone deeply inspired by Mohamed Magdi Taha’s legacy, I strive to be an ‘up-stander’ by actively advocating for equity and inclusion, particularly in the STEM fields. My journey began with founding Leaders of Tomorrow, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering underrepresented minorities with resources and career opportunities. Through this initiative, I have been able to provide mentorship, organize skill-building workshops, and create a supportive community for over 60 members. In my role, I use my voice to highlight the importance of diversity and inclusion, both within my university and the broader community. I regularly engage in conversations about the challenges faced by underrepresented groups and work to develop solutions that address these issues. By sharing my own experiences and listening to others, I aim to foster a culture of empathy and understanding. One of the key ways I stand up for what is right is by advocating for systemic changes that promote equity in education and the workplace. This includes pushing for policies that support minority students, creating platforms for underrepresented voices, and collaborating with organizations that share similar goals. For example, I have worked with university administration to implement mentorship programs that pair minority students with professionals in their field of interest. These programs not only provide valuable guidance and support but also help to build a sense of community and belonging. In addition to my advocacy work, I am committed to using my technical skills to drive positive change. As a student at the University of Minnesota, I have developed a strong foundation in Java, Jenkins, Spring Framework, and Python programming. I am actively engaged in expanding my expertise through hands-on experiences such as Java programming with edX and immersive e-learning simulations in data analytics, project management, and strategy consulting with Forage. These experiences have equipped me with the tools to develop innovative solutions to complex problems. One project that I am particularly proud of is a data analytics initiative aimed at identifying and addressing health disparities in underserved communities. By analyzing data on healthcare access and outcomes, we were able to identify key areas of need and develop targeted interventions to improve health equity. This project not only demonstrated the power of technology to drive social change but also reinforced my commitment to using my skills for the greater good. Looking ahead, I plan to continue using my voice to advocate for equity and inclusion in all aspects of my life. This includes pushing for greater representation of minority groups in STEM fields, advocating for policies that support diversity and inclusion, and using my technical skills to develop solutions that address societal challenges. I am also committed to mentoring the next generation of leaders, providing them with the support and guidance they need to succeed. By standing up for what is right and using my voice to drive positive change, I hope to honor the legacy of Mohamed Magdi Taha and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society. My ultimate aim is to build a community where everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. Through my advocacy, technical skills, and commitment to continuous learning, I am dedicated to making a meaningful impact and creating a better future for all.

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