Grand Challenge Scholars Program
About Me
My name is Maddy Selby and I am a junior Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC). I am a Center for Women in Technology (CWIT) Scholar and a Grand Challenge Scholar. Currently, I am an undergraduate research assistant for UMBC's Micromaterials Characterization Lab where I am assisting with research to characterize the material properties of certain additively-manufactured steel alloys. I am also a teaching fellow for the Solid Mechanics and Materials Lab and I am looking forward to continuing as a teaching fellow in the future.
I chose to participate in the Grand Challenge Scholars Program because of the exposure to problems challenging the world and the community the program provides. I want to change the world and this program will provide me with the background information necessary to start on this goal. The community within the program provides mentorship opportunities which will help me learn more about the experiences I should complete and potentially the field of study I want to pursue. The Grand Challenge Scholars Program puts a large emphasis on international issues that are plaguing the world. I love to travel, and I knew that this program could help me learn more about some of the places I want to travel to and help.
Engineer the Tools of Scientific Discovery
The Grand Challenge I have chosen to focus on is Engineering the Tools of Scientific Discovery. I chose this challenge because of how important new scientific discoveries are to our society. I am very interested in learning new things and this challenge will push me to these discoveries. I am uncertain about my field of study post graduation, but I know I want to do something out of the box and exciting. I think the challenge of Engineering the Tools of Scientific Discovery will provide me with the flexibility to find my passion and pursue it while contributing towards solving the unknowns of nature.
Through my Grand Challenge experiences thus far, I have found that I truly enjoy doing research and having a hands-on approach to engineering. The research I am currently involved with has inspired me to look into research further and encouraged me to pursue a Master's degree in mechanical engineering. The field of research frequently involves the development and understanding of new tools, materials, and processes, all of which contribute to making scientific discoveries.
Due to my current research experience, I am now interested in researching additive manufacturing further. I have really enjoyed learning more about how metals can be created using this technique and research has only scratched the surface in this field.
I know that the Grand Challenge of Engineering the Tools of Scientific Discovery will help me to find my focus in mechanical engineering. It has already helped me to find a passion for research and I know it will continue to help me find the path I want to pursue.