Climate change drove my interest in civil engineering, among other factors. Climate change has emerged as a pressing global concern, especially in the past decade, which saw the most significant climate-change-related disasters. The direct and indirect impacts of climate change on people and communities worldwide have been immense, prompting a need for urgent solutions. I have also witnessed the aftermath of disasters resulting from climate change, including death, property destruction, and the displacement of thousands of people. As a pro-environmental sustainability individual, I want to participate in developing lasting climate change solutions, primarily environmentally sustainable ones. Therefore, by pursuing a civil engineering major at San Jose State University, I view civil engineering as an ideal and game-changing tool for combating climate change and its ramifications. Flooding, storms, and wildfires are some of the most pressing disasters that struck the country. Flooding and severe storms are increasing the most; as 45 percent of all flooding disasters have occurred since 2013. For this reason, I want to contribute to developing flood, storm, and fire-resistant infrastructure. I will narrow down my contribution to utilizing my technical experience. At this point in my program, I have attained knowledge and experience in some civil engineering concepts such as hydrology, fluid mechanics, and geographic information system mapping. I plan to utilize my knowledge, skills, and expertise in such areas to participate in designing infrastructure specific to certain environmental hazards, including green roofs, retention basins, and permeable pavement. Such solutions also promote environmental sustainability aside from addressing the disasters. I have also grasped some concepts in geotechnical engineering and risk assessment and management. Given past incidents like the wildfire in California early this year; my knowledge of such concepts will be imperative to risk assessment by evaluating soils and proposing design structures that can withstand similar incidents. Additional knowledge and skills that I look to contribute to disaster management as a professional engineer in the future is in reinforcing water infrastructure. I will focus on elements like water reservoirs, urban piping systems, and overall water distribution networks. My goal will be to contribute to efficient emergency response, like in the event of fires, and ensure communities still have reliable water systems during and after disasters. I also look to incorporate my civil engineering knowledge, skills, and experience in influencing policy change regarding solutions to climate change, including constructing disaster-resistant infrastructure. I want to become a part of the expert community that influences policymakers to make various changes regarding environmentally friendly solutions for disaster management. In addition, I want to narrow down my contribution to policy change to the high-risk areas and underserved communities at risk of encountering floods, storms, fires, and other disasters. Moreover, I plan to proactively leverage smart solutions to create sustainable approaches to managing climate change and its impacts. Besides the physical responses that can address climate change and related disasters, technology is also a fundamental tool in climate-responsive engineering. Therefore, I intend to utilize various technologies in infrastructure design, including predictive modeling, real-time monitoring systems, and remote sensing. For example, smart water monitoring systems can detect abnormal water usage or leaks, enabling swift responses. Accordingly, I intend to utilize such innovative solutions, particularly the linking of data science and civil engineering. As a result, I will deliver more responsive and smarter solutions to the 21st century and future climatic change.

Tri Tran - Civil Engineering Student A degree in civil engineering will be a big step towards fulfilling my goal of helping to create infrastructure that addresses some of the unique challenges of our time—such as urbanization and climate change. My passion for civil engineering is motivated by what I see going on around me in society and how these effects impact the environments we live in. My desire is to improve the quality of life for communities using the talent, skills, and knowledge that I have. My commitment to the civil engineering field can be seen in my proactive engagement in departmental activities and related service projects. For example, I led a team of peers in a university-sponsored initiative to design a rainwater harvesting system for a local community. I was able to put my leadership skills to work and get some experience in sustainable engineering solutions. This project served the community by providing a sustainable water source and allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to solve real-world problems, which was a great experience overall. Through my coursework and hands-on projects, I have also gained valuable experience in analyzing hydrological data, modeling flood scenarios, and designing resilient infrastructure systems. As a result, I envision myself playing a pivotal role in developing innovative strategies to protect communities from the devastating effects of flooding in the future. These contributions could include implementing sustainable urban drainage systems, improving flood control measures, and designing resilient infrastructure that can withstand increasingly frequent and extreme weather events. Furthermore, I am passionate about exploring the intersection of civil engineering and environmental sustainability. By incorporating principles of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, it is possible to create more resilient and sustainable communities that can better withstand the impacts of climate change. This could involve restoring natural floodplains, implementing permeable surfaces to reduce runoff, and incorporating green spaces into urban planning to mitigate the effects of flooding. Ultimately, my professional engineering goal is to contribute to the development of robust and adaptive engineering solutions that prioritize community safety and resilience. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, I am confident that it is possible to overcome the engineering challenges posed by climate change and create a more sustainable future for all humankind. This challenge is monumental, of course, but as noted above, the stakes are higher than ever before and there is no “planet B.”

Scholarship: Leadership and Experience As a volunteer coach, I dedicate my Sundays to guiding children in outdoor activities, with one of my goals being to help steer them away from excessive screen time on devices like iPads and laptops. This endeavor has actually been a great opportunity for me to lead by example and it has also given me a fuller sense of the value of community involvement and the big impact it can have on the younger generation—as many of these children have expressed to me the great joy, they have had in participating in these activities. Through this initiative, I have also become aware of the challenges facing our youth today, particularly the lure of screens and the sedentary lifestyles that often follow. In encouraging children to engage in physical activities outdoors, my goal has been to show them a way towards a healthier, more active lifestyle that contrasts with the digital world's passivity. Part of this effort is to promote physical health; another part of it is about instilling values of teamwork, personal growth, and respect for the outdoors. This experience has been transformative for the children I coach and also for me, too. It has taught me via direct experience the power of proactive leadership and the importance of making small but consistent efforts to have an impact in terms of community change. Seeing the joy and growth in the children week after week reaffirms my belief in the importance of direct, hands-on involvement in our communities. Looking ahead, this work has inspired my future goals in interesting ways. First off, it has instilled in me a passion for advocacy and a faith in the potential of civic engagement to promote social well-being. Secondly, I am motivated to continue down this path, whether through further volunteerism, advocacy, or pursuing a career that allows me to contribute to the health and development of communities. In essence, my experience as a volunteer coach has shaped my vision for the future—a future where leadership and community involvement can help to address real social challenges My interest in engineering is, therefore, a real one; and it is also deeply personal. I am motivated by the potential of civil engineering to make a tangible difference in people’s lives by improving their living conditions. The leadership qualities and passion for engineering I have developed through my experiences will definitely support my future pursuits as a civil engineer and allow me to make a difference in the world as a result

Scholarship Application: Engineering to Protect Water Resources Water, water, everywhere. Nor any drop to drink. – “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge The above epigraph underscores the plight of many nations today. Indeed, natural disasters of all ilk but particularly flooding events, have far-reaching and devastating consequences for communities across the globe. The loss of life, displacement of entire populations, and long-lasting economic impacts are just a few of the tragic outcomes that are associated with extreme water events. Compounding this issue, climate change has exacerbated the frequency and severity of these events, making them more destructive and costly than in the past. The statistics paint a sobering picture: an alarming 8 out of the 10 years with the highest number of natural disasters have occurred within the last decade. Flooding and severe storms, in particular, are on the rise, with a staggering 45% of all flooding disasters having taken place since 2013. These figures underscore the urgency and importance of addressing the engineering challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, as climate change continues to exacerbate water scarcity and droughts in various regions around the world, there is a growing concern about the potential for armed conflicts over access to water resources, frequently referred to as “water wars.” With freshwater becoming an increasingly scarce, valuable and contested resource, tensions could easily arise between nations or neighboring communities competing for limited water supplies, potentially leading to diplomatic disputes or even armed conflicts in the future. Fortunately, it is not too late to address this growing crisis – but time is quickly running out. As a civil engineering student in California, I am keenly aware of the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters, including floods and wildfires. The state’s diverse geography, from coastal regions to mountainous terrains, presents unique engineering challenges in mitigating the impacts of these events. My studies to date have equipped me with a deep understanding of water resource management, infrastructure design, and risk assessment, all of which are crucial in developing effective solutions. Through my coursework and hands-on projects, I have also gained valuable experience in analyzing hydrological data, modeling flood scenarios, and designing resilient infrastructure systems. As a result, I envision myself playing a pivotal role in developing innovative strategies to protect communities from the devastating effects of flooding in the future. These contributions could include implementing sustainable urban drainage systems, improving flood control measures, and designing resilient infrastructure that can withstand increasingly frequent and extreme weather events. Furthermore, I am passionate about exploring the intersection of civil engineering and environmental sustainability. By incorporating principles of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, it is possible to create more resilient and sustainable communities that can better withstand the impacts of climate change. This could involve restoring natural floodplains, implementing permeable surfaces to reduce runoff, and incorporating green spaces into urban planning to mitigate the effects of flooding. Ultimately, my professional engineering goal is to contribute to the development of robust and adaptive engineering solutions that prioritize community safety and resilience. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, I am confident that it is possible to overcome the engineering challenges posed by climate change and create a more sustainable future for all humankind. This challenge is monumental, of course, but as noted above, the stakes are higher than ever before and there is no “planet B.”

Scholarship Application: Engineering to Protect Water Resources Water, water, everywhere. Nor any drop to drink. – “The Rime of the Ancient Mariner” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge The above epigraph underscores the plight of many nations today. Indeed, natural disasters of all ilk but particularly flooding events, have far-reaching and devastating consequences for communities across the globe. The loss of life, displacement of entire populations, and long-lasting economic impacts are just a few of the tragic outcomes that are associated with extreme water events. Compounding this issue, climate change has exacerbated the frequency and severity of these events, making them more destructive and costly than in the past. The statistics paint a sobering picture: an alarming 8 out of the 10 years with the highest number of natural disasters have occurred within the last decade. Flooding and severe storms, in particular, are on the rise, with a staggering 45% of all flooding disasters having taken place since 2013. These figures underscore the urgency and importance of addressing the engineering challenges posed by climate change. Furthermore, as climate change continues to exacerbate water scarcity and droughts in various regions around the world, there is a growing concern about the potential for armed conflicts over access to water resources, frequently referred to as “water wars.” With freshwater becoming an increasingly scarce, valuable and contested resource, tensions could easily arise between nations or neighboring communities competing for limited water supplies, potentially leading to diplomatic disputes or even armed conflicts in the future. Fortunately, it is not too late to address this growing crisis – but time is quickly running out. As a civil engineering student in California, I am keenly aware of the state’s vulnerability to natural disasters, including floods and wildfires. The state’s diverse geography, from coastal regions to mountainous terrains, presents unique engineering challenges in mitigating the impacts of these events. My studies to date have equipped me with a deep understanding of water resource management, infrastructure design, and risk assessment, all of which are crucial in developing effective solutions. Through my coursework and hands-on projects, I have also gained valuable experience in analyzing hydrological data, modeling flood scenarios, and designing resilient infrastructure systems. As a result, I envision myself playing a pivotal role in developing innovative strategies to protect communities from the devastating effects of flooding in the future. These contributions could include implementing sustainable urban drainage systems, improving flood control measures, and designing resilient infrastructure that can withstand increasingly frequent and extreme weather events. Furthermore, I am passionate about exploring the intersection of civil engineering and environmental sustainability. By incorporating principles of green infrastructure and nature-based solutions, it is possible to create more resilient and sustainable communities that can better withstand the impacts of climate change. This could involve restoring natural floodplains, implementing permeable surfaces to reduce runoff, and incorporating green spaces into urban planning to mitigate the effects of flooding. Ultimately, my professional engineering goal is to contribute to the development of robust and adaptive engineering solutions that prioritize community safety and resilience. Through interdisciplinary collaboration, cutting-edge research, and a deep commitment to environmental stewardship, I am confident that it is possible to overcome the engineering challenges posed by climate change and create a more sustainable future for all humankind. This challenge is monumental, of course, but as noted above, the stakes are higher than ever before and there is no “planet B.”