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#CreatedSubmitted toUserIP addressApplicant ConfirmationFirst NameLast NamePronounsCityState/Province/RegionCountryZip/Postal CodeEmailProspective Engineering Major/MinorLanguages spokenPlease describe any travel or experiences that have prepared you for the Global Engineering RAP. This can include international travel and study abroad or any travel or experiences within the US that have showed you new perspectives, cultures or languages. If you have not had the chance yet to travel, please share where you would like to travel and why.How can global experiences and perspectives improve the field of engineering? Please tie your thoughts to your personal experience and interests in engineering.Please explain why you want to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder. Please include how you think this community will contribute to your training as an engineer and as a person and how you plan to contribute personally to the residential community:Please upload a resume. This is not required but will help us to learn more about you.Operations
518Sat, 04/19/2025 - 12:23Anonymous65.102.244.139YesAnanyaKunigalshe/herDenverColoradoUS80130ananyak.collegeapps@gmail.comAerospace EngineeringEnglish (5), Spanish (4), Kannada (5)I have a huge passion for travel and it is one of my favorite hobbies! I've been all over the world, and the reason I love to travel is because it opens up our minds to think about other perspectives, cultures, and ways of life. Outside of the US, I've been to Mexico, India, and Denmark. Inside the US, I've been to Alaska, California, Utah, Indiana, Florida, New York, Wyoming, Wisconsin, South Dakota, and a few others. Since I’ve been traveling for most of my life, keeping track of specific dates can be challenging, but my parents make it a point to visit India every two years to reconnect with extended family. My IB CAS trip to Copenhagen was particularly fascinating because we got to focus on activities that fell under the categories of Creativity, Activity, and Service. Specifically, we got to design personal Linocuts for creativity, put together a traditional meal for service, and visited CopenHill to gain awareness about their sustainability practices. We also participated in projects addressing local community issues through the lens of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. All of these travel experiences and perspectives have contributed to me being a well-rounded and open-minded individual and I am excited to put what I've learned into action alongside my college experiences. Engineering is about designing and implementing programs and services that improve the world; not just one specific community or area, but many. This complex process requires awareness, education, an open exchange of ideas, and a mindset committed to change. Global experiences and diverse perspectives improve the field of engineering by sharing not just ideas, but insight into different challenges and ways of life.
Each community has its own needs, and creating effective solutions means understanding those needs deeply. This only happens when a diverse collection of people, each with their own experiences and backgrounds, come together. These varied perspectives foster a mindset of collaboration, where every voice contributes to stronger, more inclusive outcomes.
I’ve come to understand this through my time on the Student Leadership Board for Lone Tree Teen Court. As student leaders, we use restorative justice principles to support youth respondents, offering different perspectives during Peer Panels to help them reflect on their actions and repair harm. This experience has taught me that meaningful change happens through listening, conversation, and shared effort.
One voice cannot speak for the entire world. But when we come together to share what we’ve seen, experienced, and learned, we can shape engineering solutions to reflect the needs of all. That is the true power of global experience and collective insight.		I would be thrilled to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP because I come from a place of diverse experiences and cultures that I would love to share with others. With my Indian heritage, a passion for working with and helping others, global perspectives learned through experiences in the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program, and a deep love of all sciences (particularly physics), I believe I can provide a unique lens in which to view and benefit my community.
This Global Engineering community will especially contribute to my training by providing numerous opportunities to benefit my skills and learning, such as being able to live with students with the same deep passion of engineering, learn from experiences of my peers and professors, develop a greater understanding of international connections and how that specifically affects engineering, and overall provide more tailored and personal experience in college.
To personally contribute to the residential community, I wish to further develop my leadership skills by organizing events for other students and sharing my knowledge on topics I’m passionate about. My prior experiences, including high school initiatives like my CAS Project and tutoring younger students, has prepared me well for this. The CAS Project is a personalized project that is completed over the course of a couple months during 12th grade and has a strong emphasis on both collaboration and service. In other words, our project cannot benefit only ourselves. The project really opens the doors and allows us to do much more that learn a new skill or enhance our careers; it allows us to see beyond our own lives and look into the community around us.
My project focused on youth impacted by foster care systems (ages 5 to 17), where we took them to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science with the goal of providing them a safe space to just be kids alongside the intention to foster a love of science. My project was extremely successful after months of collaboration and communication, as noted by the leaders at Sibling Connections and Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA). It proved to me that I am capable of designing projects to help others. I hope to bring similar personal projects to the Global Engineering RAP to make a positive impact on students around me.
517Sat, 04/05/2025 - 14:48Anonymous174.51.116.85YesSaron Mentesinot She/herAuroraColorado United States80017sarongirma4007@gmail.comAerospace Engineering MajorEnglish (5), Amharic (4), Tigrinya (3), Spanish (2)I was born in Ethiopia and have visited multiple times since moving to the U.S., each visit deepening my understanding of the world and my place in it. Traveling between two continents has taught me how to navigate different customs, languages, and ways of thinking—skills that are essential in any global engineering environment.

Growing up in Aurora, Colorado, a community rich in diversity, has also given me daily exposure to cultures beyond my own. But returning to Ethiopia has been especially eye-opening. It has shown me how infrastructure, access to technology, and even engineering solutions can look vastly different depending on location and resources. Those experiences have instilled in me both a sense of global responsibility and a desire to create systems that are not only innovative, but equitable.		Engineering should never exist in a vacuum. The best innovations come from a blend of technical knowledge and cultural understanding, something I’ve seen firsthand through my international and community experiences.

My visits to Ethiopia gave me more than just a connection to my roots; they opened my eyes to the kinds of challenges that engineers across the world are trying to solve—from clean water access to efficient transportation. They also taught me that solutions designed without local context often fail to meet the needs of the people they're intended to serve.

My interest in aerospace engineering is rooted in the same idea: we go further when we work together. From multinational space missions to global environmental challenges, engineering thrives when diverse minds and experiences come together. My volunteer work in underserved areas back home and my exposure to different ways of life abroad have helped me understand the importance of designing with empathy, adaptability, and cultural relevance.		I want to be part of the Global Engineering RAP because I believe that engineering and culture should inform one another. This community represents the kind of environment I’ve always thrived in, one where curiosity, collaboration, and identity are valued alongside innovation.

As someone who has lived between worlds, born in Ethiopia, raised in a multicultural city, and driven by a global mindset—I’m excited by the RAP’s mission to combine technical education with global awareness. I see this as a space where I can both grow and give back: learning from my peers’ perspectives while sharing my own, helping to create a community that challenges and uplifts.

I plan to contribute by initiating conversations around equity in engineering, participating in service projects with a global lens, and encouraging others to think beyond their borders, both in design and in life. This program would not only help me become a more thoughtful and globally aware engineer, but also a better listener, collaborator, and leader.
515Wed, 04/02/2025 - 00:37Anonymous2601:600:9200:e810:483a:fec7:64f6:3f8YesShrimayiSinkar babu Bharathyshe/herIssaquahWashingtonUnited States98029shrimayisinkarbabu@gmail.comComputer ScienceEnglish (5), Tamil (4), Hindi (2), French (3)When I immigrated to the US from India, at 11 years old, I was fascinated by a new world full of people who spoke various languages, ate diverse foods, and lived differently. I had just started a tradition in my lunch group to swap parts of our meals as a fun way to immerse myself into the culture, often ending up with a lunch box of a diverse mix of Indian, Korean, Swedish and American foods. In 10 months however, in March 2020, the pandemic had started and hindered this tradition. But it offered a new lens through which to immerse myself into the culture: the internet. During this time, social media helped me learn more about the differences in American and Indian values, social norms and much more. The most noticeable difference was the emphasis on freedom of expression and how it manifested through the lack of a school uniform. I learned how this method of expression was vital for a community to foster individuality and celebrate diversity. Years later in high school, when I joined ASB, I gave students an opportunity to express their voice by inviting them to speak about their culture and languages during morning announcements. This initiative not only highlighted the diverse backgrounds of my peers but also encouraged mutual respect within our school community. I aspire to use my experiences as an immigrant to further help me broaden my worldview in Global Engineering RAP.Learning about the Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs in the US, helped me understand the impact that one’s environment can make on achieving their full potential. Living in a country, where even booming tech cities had power outages every few months, I understood how detrimental the lack of such resources could be for under-resourced communities. These varied experiences I had living in the US and India underscored the importance of engineering solutions to secure an equitable, global future that will help people reach the top of the Maslow’s Hierarchy, to achieve “self-actualization” or full potential. I believe understanding various cultures will help engineers craft solutions tailored to help unique challenges faced by various communities, and be open-minded to problem-solve in different angles.I wish to contribute in fields related to optimizing energy use such as in research programs like Infrastructure and Disaster Recovery and Heating Energy for Navajo Nation. I am excited to learn how computer science principles can be applied in this context and work closely with not just computer science professors, but also other diverse faculty who can help me solve world-wide problems. This community can help me grow my problem solving abilities and branch out beyond the traditional applications of computer science. I hope to expand my knowledge and collaborate with other like-minded individuals in Williams Village North to broaden my cultural awareness and engage in projects that combine computer science and other forms of engineering to solve real-world problems.
Resume1.docx(68.21 KB)
516Tue, 04/01/2025 - 23:49Anonymous64.98.233.108YesAbigailKrollShe/herGreenwood VillageCOUnited States80111abbiekroll2@gmail.comAdmitted for Open Option (Undecided); considering civil, environmental, mechanical, or electrical engineeringEnglish (5), Chinese (4), Spanish (2-3), Brazilian Portuguese (2)If I could travel anywhere, I would like to travel to China. I have already been a few times before Covid-19 to visit family, but we mostly stayed in one city. Since then, I have learned quite a bit about Chinese language and culture, from my mom and her relatives living in the US; from attending Chinese school on weekends; and from taking three years of Chinese in high school, including AP Chinese Language and Culture. China is a massive country with diverse regions and customs, and I would love to visit different areas and learn more about Chinese culture by experiencing it first-hand. I also want to visit the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangzi river. It's the largest hydroelectric dam in the world, and I would like to learn more about the successes and challenges encountered during its planning and construction, challenges it's facing currently, and the impact the project had on the surrounding area.After WWII, the United States firmly established itself as a dominant force on the global stage. Unfortunately, over the past eight decades, the US has consistently abused its position as a global hegemon, exploiting and undermining the global south, and ignoring the consequences it had on people living around the world.
This is apparent now more than ever. We’re witnessing the devastating effects of our current climate crisis unfold, while our government does nothing to combat it. Major corporations are making massive investments in technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence, with no care as to how it exacerbated the issue. Nine million people die due to famine or famine-related diseases each year; a quarter of the world’s population lacks access to safe drinking water. Now, the US government is making massive funding cuts to global aid initiatives. Although I don’t believe that engineering alone can solve these issues, we can absolutely help mitigate the harm caused by them while we work towards a permanent solution. Given the current state of affairs, both domestically and globally, it’s essential that we consider our impact and influence on the world around us and that we do everything in our power to help better it.		While I intend to pursue a degree in engineering, I am also deeply invested in US foreign policy and the impact we have globally. I would love to have the opportunity to collaborate and build a community with students who are also passionate about this subject, to be able to learn from their perspectives and experiences, and to expand my own understanding of issues that affect the world.
513Tue, 04/01/2025 - 23:37Anonymous71.218.55.7YesGretaLillstromShe/TheyLafayetteCOUnited States80026Glillstrom@icloud.comAerospace EngineeringEnglish (5), Spanish (3)Throughout my life, I have always loved to travel throughout the US and out of the country. In 6th grade, I had the opportunity to go with nine students and two teachers from my school to Australia with the International School to School Experience(ISSE) for 3 weeks. During the trip, I got to tour Sydney and stay with a host family in Melbourne, go to school with my host sister, and experience the culture in Australia by visiting zoos, beaches, footy games, and other culturally significant locations. This experience allowed me to gain a greater understanding of what life is like in a different country, with things like food, manners, and dynamics that are different from those in the US.
During the summers while in high school, I have had the opportunity to visit different countries with my local church on mission trips, going to Belize, Jamaica, and Costa Rica. On these trips, instead of going to the most popular areas, we went into the country to rural towns, staying in old church buildings, sleeping and eating together as a group every day for a week. During the day, we got to partner with people in the community to help build new churches by providing manual labor, digging trenches, moving rocks, mixing concrete, and doing any other things we could help with. We also got to spend time with the kids in the communities at the kids’ camp that the churches held. In Belize and Costa Rica, we had a language barrier due to these countries primarily speaking Spanish. Despite my broken Spanish from learning in school, it was still an incredible experience being able to connect with the people in these communities. Getting immersed in different cultures, away from any normalcy, and not having access to my phone is an incredible experience that I would love to do as much as I can.
These experiences outside of the US have prepared me well to be a part of the Global Engineering RAP, understanding the living experiences of different cultures, whether it is a first-world or third-world country. 		Understanding the state of different countries around the world is crucial for improving the field of engineering across the world. Engineering can be used to help different countries with different needs, like access to clean and safe drinking water, or other living necessities. While on the mission trips, I witnessed the difficulty it can be to accessing clean and safe water, and the necessary filtration for water. While things like water safety in civil engineering aren’t my main interest in engineering, I find it very important to use skills in any job to help others around the world as much as I can, fulfilling needs for people to live comfortably.I want to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder because I believe that it is important to gain an understanding outside of the bubble that we live in in Colorado and the US. Learning about this in school would be very beneficial for my future career as an engineer, learning and continuing to have a global outlook on life, not only considering local and national issues, but also international and global issues. Being able to bring many different outlooks and perspectives on life in a field that isn’t typically composed of minorities, especially when it comes to countries with less wealth, will be a very valuable quality in any field of engineering or jobs outside of engineering. While living in this RAP in my freshman year, my experience of being out of my comfort zone on the trips I have been on will be very beneficial to my success and joy of living in a dorm. Being able to connect and live with people who have similar interests and values to me seems like a very fun living environment that would be very fulfilling to my educational experience at CU.
514Tue, 04/01/2025 - 23:23Anonymous67.161.142.174YesSurajSoniHe/HimHighlands RanchColoradoUnited States of America80130surajdsoni@gmail.comComputer ScienceEnglish(5), Spanish(1), Hindi(3)While traveling abroad to places such as Portugal and Spain, I have seen many problems that human ingenuity has solved. From transportation to city layouts, human ingenuity has never once ceased to amaze me. Each road structure, each back alley, so methodically thought out, that I had to sit back in awe. I realized what we could achieve with resources and a collective, but this marvel was a stark contrast to other areas of the world that I have traveled to. India has a special place in my heart as my family and I are from there, yet when I look around, the infrastructure that I once saw, isn't present. Wandering the street, doesn't strike me the same way that Europe had, yet I believed that in the future it could, with just a bit of assistance.My experiences in the global atmosphere can assist me in achieving the goal of furthering not just, our country, but the entire world was we know it. I believe that countries that may not have the best access to resources such as India, can one day rise with the help of upcoming engineers. With my passion in computer science and engineering, I also see first hand the effect of technology on the world. The world revolves around technology, and countries with a lack of technological resources struggle in comparison to technologically innovative countries. Even though, many countries are yet to catch up in the technological race, progressing technology in order to help these countries has become another one of my goals in engineering as we see new developments happening everyday. I believe that helping these great minds would also assist in my goal of creating a global technology haven. When looking at programs at Boulder, the Global Engineering RAP caught my attention. The promise of like minded peers coming together in Boulder sounded like a worthy investment of time as I can see how members of the engineering community interact. I plan to assist this community by further our college in engineering studies, while also helping our campus move towards new technologies. This small scale application of engineering to help one community will transfer to the global level as I attempt to help the world in achieving technological innovation.
Resume-1.pdf(72.97 KB)
512Tue, 04/01/2025 - 23:13Anonymous2600:6c40:4c00:71:cc90:be0b:5162:e5b8YesLaurenClayshe/herSt. LouisMissouri/ St. LouisUnited States of America63141lauren.clay323@gmail.comCivil EngineeringEnglish (5) Spanish (3)This year, I had the privilege of traveling to Spain, and it opened my eyes to a new culture. One thing that caught my attention was the difference in paces of life. In Spain, people go home for lunch, and the city's shops close down for a few hours in the afternoon. The atmosphere of the country feels less rushed, yet still maintains a sense of punctuality.Ěý
Additionally, I was surrounded by a language I wasn’t fluent in. I struggled to get out of my comfort zone when ordering food by myself or talking to a taxi driver. However, I received advice that changed my perspective:Ěý“When someone from a different country is trying to speak English to you, they might mess up, but you're not annoyed with them. You’re just happy that they’re trying.” This mentality allowed me to try my best to connect and communicate with others in Spanish, even if it wasn’t perfect.
These experiences have prepared me for the Global Engineering RAP because they taught me humility, adaptability, and being comfortable with discomfort. Engineers are often required to take a step outside of their comfort zones to solve problems, collaborate with diverse groups, and immerse themselves in several environments. With the lessons I learned in Spain, I will continue my drive towards solutions to social and environmental challenges in the global engineering field.


Global experiences improve the field of engineering because they foster innovative ideas that address diverse needs. IĚýwas particularly intrigued by the thoughtful architecture in Spain, specifically in transportation hubs like airports and train stations. One design includes the inclined moving walkways. The walkway allows you to easily wheel your luggage to the next floor of the transportation hubs. On the other hand, traditional escalators can be difficult to navigate with rolling luggage because there are steps. This is a solution that improves accessibility in the environment.Ěý

This experience taught me that civil engineering is important for not only the functionality of spaces but also inclusivity. Being exposed to the world and the diverse designs that they incorporate into everyday life is crucial for creating the best solution possible. In the future I want to be a civil engineer with a focus on a global mindset because I want my designs to be inclusive, creative, and thoughtful.Ěý		I want to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder because I believe it offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals who want to make the world a more inclusive place. The field of engineering as a whole is finding solutions that positively impact the local and global environment. This program will allow me to strengthen my collaboration skills when working with a diverse group of people. On a personal level, I have traveled to many different places and have been introduced to several cultures that have sparked my interest in inclusivity. I also have a unique perspective for engineering because I am in the minority of the civil engineers community being an African American woman. I look forward to sharing my experiences and hearing about my peers so that in the future we can engineer a suitable world.
511Tue, 04/01/2025 - 22:01Anonymous24.178.245.203YesShrutiSugumarShe/HerChesterfieldMissouriUnited States63017shu.sug06@gmail.comMechanical Engineering English (5), Tamil (4), Telegu (3), Spanish (2)My friends and I scoured the entire house in search of the Christmas presents we were certain our parents hid. Unable to find them, we gave up and simply begged them to tell us where they were. We were stunned to learn that our parents actually hadn't gotten presents for us, but had a different plan instead. They took us to Target, where we bought a variety of poster boards, letter stickers, and glitter glue. After coming home, we were tasked with creating posters so we could go door to door asking for donations for The Tamil Nadu Foundation to help the relief efforts working to recover after the 2015 Chennai floods. At the end of Christmas day, we raised close to 5,000 dollars.

Initially, I couldn't fully comprehend the floods’ impact, and what collecting money was going to do for the people suffering. However, as I learned more about the aftermath, I was able to understand how significant the damage these natural disasters wreaked on its victims. The flood waters didn’t just submerge the streets, they contaminated waters, destroyed infrastructure, and displaced thousands of people, including my grandparents. Seeing the tangible effect of these floods, and learning about what organizations like Red Cross were doing to fix the damages and prevent a catastrophe like this from happening again, made me realize engineering is more than just creating; it’s about resilience. This experience made me eager to learn about how to help communities recover and prepare from disasters, and address global challenges in meaningful ways.
It’s easy to take resources for granted. While preparing for my 3rd-grade robotics competition on waste management, my dad suggested using old rice to glue down papers to our trifold. When my confusion was apparent, he explained that growing up, glue was too expensive for him to buy, and a quick trip to the nearest store wasn’t an option, so he worked with what was around him. After listening to his story, I realized the importance of understanding different environments and their limitations when designing solutions. As an engineer I must fully consider the unique challenges of the communities they are serving, an understanding that can only be rooted on global experiences.
I am always looking for opportunities for me to utilize my education for real-world applications, and through the RAP program those opportunities will be limitless. I would be able to develop my engineering knowledge as well as my abilities to collaborate with other cultures and adapt to various problem-solving approaches. Through projects like solar energy systems in Kenya or medical device implementation in Southeast Asia, I can strive to integrate an awareness of global challenges into my work as a mechanical engineering student, ensuring that my designs are not only technically sound but also accessible and impactful across diverse conditions.

Being a part of and leading multiple robotics teams, as well as working closely with graduate students in the St. Louis University’s AirCRAFT lab has conditioned me to be able to collaborate with people with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, a trait that would be greatly beneficial when working with other members of the RAP community.
510Tue, 04/01/2025 - 21:50Anonymous64.189.243.4YesBenjaminPhippshe/himParkerTXUnited States75094phippsbenji@gmail.comComputer ScienceEnglish (5), Spanish (1)I’ve always loved traveling—and I love it so much that I found a way to get free flight benefits through a friend who works for American Airlines. Using those, I went on a budget trip to Japan with a few friends, which was one of the most meaningful experiences I’ve had. Since we couldn’t afford to stay in tourist-heavy areas, we rented a place in a quiet residential neighborhood. That limitation ended up being a blessing; instead of doing the typical sightseeing circuit, we found ourselves navigating local grocery stores, riding less-trafficked trains, and communicating with people who didn’t speak English. It gave me a more grounded, realistic view of everyday Japanese life—and made me appreciate how culture, language, and community shape the world differently outside the U.S. That experience really deepened my interest in engaging with other cultures, which is something I’m excited to continue through the Global Engineering RAP.Global experiences and perspectives are essential in engineering because the challenges we face—like climate change, energy access, and sustainable development—are deeply interconnected and affect communities differently around the world. As a computer science student passionate about sustainability, I’ve come to see how culture can shape innovation. My strong ties to Hawaiian culture have grounded me in values of respect for the land (mÄlama Ę»Äina) and community-centered responsibility. These values influence the way I think about engineering—not just as a way to build things but as a way to care for people and the planet.

When I traveled to Japan on a budget trip, I noticed similar themes: resourcefulness, minimalism, and environmental awareness were built into daily life. Living in a residential neighborhood rather than a tourist zone gave me a more realistic perspective on how another society handles space, technology, and sustainability. That experience, combined with my cultural roots, has shaped my belief that engineers need a global lens—one that values cultural wisdom, local context, and long-term impact. Through the Global Engineering RAP, I hope to grow as a developer who can create sustainable, culturally responsive technologies for a world that needs them.		I want to be part of the Global Engineering RAP because I believe engineering is as much about people and perspectives as it is about equations and code. Being surrounded by a community that values international experience, cultural exchange, and sustainability aligns perfectly with who I am and what I want to do. I’m studying computer science with a focus on sustainability, and I know that solving the world’s biggest challenges—especially climate-related ones—requires global thinking and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Through my travels, like living in a residential neighborhood in Japan and being deeply connected to Hawaiian culture, I’ve learned how much we can gain by listening to different communities and seeing the world through their eyes. The RAP community offers a space where those conversations are normal, even expected—and I want to be part of that. It’s the kind of environment where I can grow not just as a developer, but as someone who leads with empathy and awareness.

Personally, I hope to contribute a strong sense of curiosity, collaboration, and cultural respect. Whether it’s organizing community dinners with food from different cultures or collaborating on sustainable design projects, I want to help make our space inclusive, inspiring, and deeply connected to the world outside our walls.
509Tue, 04/01/2025 - 20:55Anonymous2601:282:2000:4690:3c3b:305f:61c6:b46aYesNosibaBoukhrisShe/Her/HersDenverCOUnited States80222nusaybahbo@gmail.comBiomedical EngineeringEnglish (5), Arabic (5)While I haven’t necessarily had the opportunity to travel internationally yet, my experiences exploring different parts of the U. have broadened my perspective on different cultures, environments, and innovations. One of my most memorable trips was to New York City, where I was able to experience a really fast-paced environment and visit iconic landmarks such as the United Nations building, the Statue of Liberty, Brooklyn Bridge, Times Square, Central Park, etc. In Pennsylvania, I had the opportunity to meet and learn from Amish communities, which gave me insight into a completely different way of life centered around simplicity and craftsmanship. I've also gone camping in Wyoming with a few friends (on a road trip), which allowed me to appreciate nature and teamwork in a new way and, at the same time, explore Yellowstone National Park (and see a bear for the first time). Pivoting, my visit to San Diego introduced me to one of the best zoos I’ve ever seen, deepening my interest in biodiversity and conservation efforts. In Seattle, I saw the Space Needle, a symbol of innovation, and in Michigan, I visited the Ford Museum, which showcased the history of American engineering and manufacturing.

Beyond tourist attractions, I’ve always been drawn to historic libraries as places of knowledge and beautiful architecture. Exploring the George Peabody Library, the New York Public Library, and the Boston Public Library reinforced my appreciation for the role of information and literature in shaping society.

Each of these experiences has fueled my curiosity about different cultures, innovations, and ways of thinking. In the future, I would love to travel internationally, particularly to countries known for their advancements in biomedical engineering and technology. Studying abroad would give me the opportunity to immerse myself in new cultures while learning how engineering solutions are applied in different parts of the world while at the same time admiring how much engineering has changed over the course of history. An example of a place I would really like to visit one day is Grenada, Spain. I find its history absolutely fascinating and it would allow me to learn a completely new culture.		Global experiences and perspectives improve the field of engineering because they help address systemic inequalities, develop more inclusive solutions, and ensure that engineering advancements benefit all people while at the same time using new ideas to make new discoveries. My interest in biomedical engineering has shown me how global disparities in healthcare access can drastically impact quality of life. While the US has advanced medical technologies and continues to do so, many low-income countries still lack access to basic medical care, clean water, and proper sanitation, which are some of the factors that contribute to a high burden of infectious diseases. Engineering should not just focus on innovation for those who can afford it; it should be a tool for equity, ensuring that life-saving technologies reach underserved populations and I think global experiences can help achieve that.

Through my biomedical technician internship at Denver Health, I saw firsthand how critical medical devices are in patient care and how even small malfunctions or resource shortages can impact treatment. This experience made me realize how hospitals in low-resource settings face even greater challenges, often lacking the funding or infrastructure to maintain essential medical equipment.

In the future, I hope to travel internationally to understand further how engineering solutions can be tailored to different cultural and economic contexts. I am particularly interested in how biomedical technology can be designed for affordability and accessibility in low-income regions. By studying engineering with a global perspective, I hope to contribute to sustainable, impactful solutions that improve healthcare access and infrastructure worldwide.		I want to become a member of the Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder because it offers the opportunity to collaborate with diverse peers, engage in interdisciplinary discussions, and explore how engineering can drive systemic change. I am excited to be part of a community that challenges our thinking and approaches toward a more equitable world. Additionally, being part of this community will not only enhance my technical training but also help me develop a global perspective on engineering. I want to learn how policies, economics, and cultural factors influence engineering solutions and how I can contribute to creating equitable access to healthcare technology. Through discussions, coursework, and hands-on projects, I hope to refine my ability to design solutions that address real-world challenges, particularly in biomedical engineering and global health.

Beyond academics, I am excited to contribute to the residential community by bringing my passion for collaboration and leadership. As someone who has led student organizations and worked on engineering projects, I thrive in environments that encourage problem-solving and innovation. Consequently, I hope to engage with my peers through shared interests, whether that’s participating in cultural exchange events or simply fostering a supportive and inclusive living environment.
508Mon, 03/31/2025 - 23:59Anonymous2607:fb90:6d03:2c:3d31:271f:b415:4b67YesJessicaMcClureShe/HerLisleIllinoisUnited States of America60563787jam@gmail.comIntegrated Design EngineeringEnglish (5), Spanish (2), American Sign Language (3)Unfourtley, due to restrictions in my life I have not experienced the gift of travel that allows me to see and experience different cultures outside of my own and give me perspective. I have always wanted to travel abroad, many close family members having done so and helping so many people in the process.
As I said, I have been inspired by the people in my life that have gone abroad, to want to help people around the world. My mother has gone to Tijuana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, as well as Denpasar, & Lombok, helping villagers and people living there and understanding their way of life. My father has been to Uganda and Sierra Leone to help spread awareness and to help communities living there, and my cousin has done Doctors Without Borders. These stories I grew up hearing planted a seed deep in my heart to want to serve people around the world.
As for places I would like to travel, I would love to follow in my parents footsteps and help within African countries like Kenya and Ethiopia, as well as branching out and going to places like Thailand, Madagascar, and Nepal. I feel that going to those places, I would be able to learn so much about the people and societies there, and gain a broader perspective of what they need, and how we can help them.
For example, providing better food security for Sub-Saharan countries by finding a way to enrich the soil, and make it viable for farming. As well as getting regular clean and filtered water flow to the farms. This then can provide poorer communities with food, and water, which are the basic needs of life. This can then lead to trading and maybe even more jobs within villages and hopefully help these smaller societies grow and thrive.		Global experiences and perspectives can improve the field of engineering in multiple different ways. One of those ways is, unique places prove to have unique problems. Being able to use engineering and innovation to solve these problems, can help young engineering minds flourish and think deeper about problems that may seem mundane on the surface.
I firmly believe that even within my own experiences, as I worked on more and more unique problems within my engineering classes, my own problem solving skills, adaptability, and decision making skills have increased tenfold.
Global and unique experiences, tying into these complex problems that require many minds, and lots of creativity and innovation can help engineers of even the highest caliber achieve even greater heights, and push the boundaries of engineering farther than they ever thought possible.
The human mind is only limited by what it thinks is possible. When it comes to helping communities and societies all over the world with things like sustainable food, easy access to clean water, among so many other things, engineers who believe in the mission will do anything to make it happen.
My interests in engineering lie deep within this cause, knowing that helping others and the earth as a whole grow and prosper will lead to brighter futures for us all. Engineering is so much bigger than what people think it is, and through traveling and aiding the people that need it most, recognition can be brought to these countries and start a larger conversation about what else can be done to help.
The field of engineering can be improved with these global experiences. Knowing that the designs that are built and made will help people gain access to basic necessities, and help the rich and diverse cultures of these countries and villages thrive.		I want to be involved in the Global Engineering RAP because I see it as an opportunity to connect with like minded peers, aid people in need, and explore parts of the world and engineering that I never thought I could. This program presents incredibly unique circumstances to be able to give back and do what I love, using my mind and engineering skill set to bring people all around the world to a better tomorrow.
I think this community will contribute to my training as an engineer in multitudinous ways, some I may not even realize yet. I believe that it will broaden my horizons, provoke emotions and thoughts I’ve never previously had and/or experienced, and help lead me to the person I am meant to be wherever I end up in the future of engineering. Knowing that my roots can be traced back to the fundamental longing of wanting to help whoever I could, in any way that I could. I believe that being able to work alongside fellow engineering students who share my same passions would be remarkable, and be able to see things from new perspectives and see the world in different lights. Be and talk with people that have potentially traveled all over the world, hear their stories, and see how they think through more complex problems and learn from them.
As for how I plan to contribute to the Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder, I bring my own unique perspective, a strong sense of leadership and confidence, remarkable organizational and communication skills, along with strong team-building skills. This skill set I believe can help bring the Global Engineering RAP closer together as one, united by the foundations of our beliefs and the never ending support we will have and give to one another.
507Mon, 03/31/2025 - 23:56Anonymous2601:283:4f00:b030:8c7:4544:f299:fa8aYesRoshniKrishnanshe/herHighlands RanchColoradoUSA80129roshnikrishnan7@gmail.comAerospace EngineeringEnglish (5), Hindi (3), Spanish (3), Tamil (2), Dutch (2)I have been fortunate enough to have had opportunities to travel internationally. One of the places that had a great influence on my perspective was India, where both my parents grew up. Although my parents grew up on two different sides of the country, they still managed to build up the courage together to take a leap and travel to America, with one suitcase alone. Their lives were so different from mine, and I can see what a privilege it is to live here. Traveling to India always reminds me about my parents' story, and how in every country, there are people who are both more lucky or less than you. Traveling made me realize that it is important to remain grounded and make the most of every opportunity.

I have been able to learn about Hindu culture and the importance of the ancient language, Sanskrit and the Indian religious texts, the Vedas. I thought my parents used to talk too much about these ideas, but as I began to listen, I began to see the beautiful worlds and ideas culture was able to teach people. Through travels, I have seen how culture has influenced so many people to believe in life itself, and is not just our heritage but is also hope. What I know as something silly may be something so important to another person that they live because of it. I have learned that it is never correct to assume you are correct, and staying curious can only benefit your ability to think.

Along with my India travel experiences, travel in France, Belgium, Costa Rica, Mexico, the Netherlands, and more have all deepened my understanding of culture. My parents also used to live in the Netherlands, which has exposed me more to cultures and the Dutch language as well. I believe these experiences have well prepared me for the Global Engineering RAP, which will allow me to work in a supporting-environment with other students. These experiences all add a well-rounded thought process to my engineering education.		“Engineers solve problems”. This idea is what people have understood for generations. It is also understood that engineering cannot be applied by people without proper understanding of the subject. However, I believe a proper understanding of engineering only will blossom within learning about different perspectives and cultures, for you cannot apply a solution people do not actually want. An engineer must understand the people first, and then solve last. To be a critical thinker and think beyond what is assumed is what it means to be an engineer. Only with a full understanding of people and the world can an engineer succeed.

Traveling in a city bus in Mexico and France made me draw comparisons about the systems in each country. I saw how they both utilize the systems that work for their people respectively. While one was more manual, the other was more automated due to different factors such as population, geography, and weather. Engineering should always be adjusted to the needs of the people living there. Global experiences in seeing how the world adapts in different ways in different places is what makes an engineer's work live on to make communities stronger.

While traveling in India, I was also able to appreciate how infrastructure impacted growth. When I was younger, small towns in India did not have the range of consumer products nor the convenience of digital services. Every time I went back to visit my grandparents, the roads and airports continued to improve, and broadband internet and cell phone connectivity improved. I am always amazed how these developments dramatically improved the quality of life for the average person from access to goods to the access and quality of healthcare. I have seen governments adopt climate friendly policies but often they make economic sense as well. With information access improved by broadband connectivity, cash transactions have reduced and replaced by digital payment methods which in turn increased the tax base. We can learn by studying engineering practices used in other countries, by adopting similar tactics to improve cost efficiency, testing processes.		It is essential to broaden your perspective, because I believe the more you see, the more you learn. I have also always lived by the understanding that all subjects no matter how different are connected and can work harmoniously to solve problems. As we face the challenges of the future, the world will need to come together to solve the really immense problems we are now faced with. To face problems such as global warming, pollution, microplastics and more, we need to come together and share different perspectives so that we can find effective solutions to improve the human condition. Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder allows for me to expand my horizons and work with individuals who all aim to grow from each other. Such shared enthusiasm to improve and solve the problems of the future will help me grow not just as an engineer, but as a person as well. I wish to support my peers with open discussions of different ideas and will raise new topics to think about constantly. At Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder, I hope to lead conversations that open new branches of ideas and solutions.
506Mon, 03/31/2025 - 22:46Anonymous67.161.146.149YesPariDivanjiShe/HerParkerColoradoUnited States80134paridivanji235@gmail.comBiomedical EngineeringEnglish (5), Gujarati (5), Hindi (2), ASL (3)My journey into biomedical engineering has been deeply influenced by experiences that have opened my eyes to the intersection of technology, medicine, and humanity. During a summer trip to India, where a large fraction of my family lives, I had the opportunity to shadow a knee and hip surgeon who used robotic surgery. Engaging with patients pre- and post-op (I could not attend actual surgeries, so I watched the surgeon's interactions with patients before and after surgery, as well as in his clinic for advice and recovery checks) and hearing their stories not only underscored the importance of technological devices, but also highlighted the emotional and cultural aspects of biomedical solutions.

Also during a trip to India, I’ve shadowed other doctors at hospitals that brought healthcare services and education to underserved communities. Witnessing the disparities in access to medical care has led me to think critically about how biomedical engineering can address these inequities through innovative therapeutic devices. Within the U.S., I have volunteered at a hospital and witnessed the differences between countries and their perspectives. My experiences throughout high school, from Medical club to Technology Student Association, have been influential in showing me these perspectives, and how a difference in culture can affect engineering solutions.

While I have not yet traveled internationally aside from India, I dream of visiting countries like Switzerland, renowned for its advancements in biomedical technology, to learn about cutting-edge developments and approaches to global health challenges. I am also eager to explore deeper into how communities in India leverage traditional knowledge to create accessible healthcare innovations. Both destinations resonate with my commitment to combining innovative engineering with compassion.

These experiences and aspirations have prepared me to contribute meaningfully to the Global Engineering RAP by fostering collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and a drive to develop impactful biomedical solutions. I look forward to joining a community that shares a passion for improving lives through engineering.		Global experiences and perspectives play an important role in advancing the engineering field by allowing for collaboration, innovation, and problem-solving. As someone passionate about biomedical engineering, I am particularly interested in technology and its potential to revolutionize healthcare around the world.

While travelling to see my family, I have seen the effects of India’s expanding access to medical technology, including robotic surgery. While shadowing a knee and hip surgeon, Dr. Sanket Diwanji, I was able to see patients who had undergone robotic surgery, and every one of them was recovering strongly. This use of robotic systems in hospitals to improve surgeries is a perfect example of how technological innovation can develop to greater and greater heights. The country’s approach demonstrates how engineering can bridge the gap between advanced technology and medical care, providing high-quality experiences to patients.

I believe that experiences such as these are essential to improve the field of engineering, especially due to the global connectivity we have today. With people around the world communicating and developing together, we all learn from each other and help further the field of engineering. I aspire to experience and learn about healthcare systems around the globe to see how engineers and medical professionals collaborate to design technological devices for their communities.

By learning about and experiencing global perspectives like those from India, I hope to contribute to a future where biomedical engineering becomes even more inclusive. The Global Engineering RAP would offer me the ideal platform to pursue these aspirations while collaborating with others who share a passion for solving global challenges and constantly improving the healthcare industry through technology.		After 3 years of robot-building in middle school, 4 years of high school TSA, volunteering in a hospital, and shadowing many skilled doctors, I have committed to diving deeper into these two fields. I aim to pursue a career in healthcare while learning of the interactions between technology, engineering and medicine. After travelling internationally and having the opportunity to shadow a healthcare professional, I was able to see these interactions through Dr. Sanket Diwanji and his experience with robotic surgery.

Having seen biomedical engineering in a different country, I wish to further explore how global perspectives shape the field. The prospect of an opportunity to experience different healthcare systems and collaborate with engineers from diverse backgrounds is incredibly exciting. By joining the Global Engineering RAP, I hope to immerse myself in a community that shares this commitment to innovation and cultural exchange.

I plan to contribute to the residential community by sharing my enthusiasm for biomedical engineering, whether through casual discussions about technological advancements or collaborating with peers on passion projects that explore how engineering can address global healthcare challenges. I cannot wait to have the chance to learn from peers and mentors who bring their unique perspectives! By continuing to learn about and experience global interactions in biomedical engineering, I hope to contribute to a future where technological advancements transcend borders and improve healthcare for all.
505Mon, 03/31/2025 - 20:09Anonymous74.104.150.143YesJackSweeneyHe/HimArlingtonMAUS02476jfsweeney33@gmail.comBiomedical engineering English 5, Spanish 2My curiosity was ignited by a school exchange program that allowed me to travel to Japan, where I stayed with a host family and attended local schools for ten days. Immersed in Japanese culture, I observed daily rituals, such as the careful tea preparation and the practice of bowing, both of which reflect values of respect and harmony. At school, I drew inspiration from how students clean their classrooms together and engage in group activities, highlighting a collective spirit and duty to the community that surprised me. These experiences contrasted with my individualistic background in the US and illustrated how deeply cultural heritage shapes identity and social interactions. Returning home, I found myself more curious about how US cultural values shape personal and societal behavior, prompting me to seek out ways to better understand and appreciate the diversity of cultural perspectives in my community. Foreign experience and global understandings enrich engineering as a profession by bringing along several approaches to problem-solving, facilitating collaboration, and fostering the ability to conduct business in cultures other than their own. Encounters with diverse methodologies encourage critical thinking because different engineers offer creative solutions to difficult problems. In my case, participation in an overseas study of renewable energy technology revealed the various ways in which local conditions affect engineering practice. Collaboration with indigenous engineers in solar projects not only extended my technical experience but also developed a better appreciation for the social framework of our projects. Eventually, the inclusion of international perspectives produces richer, broader, and better engineering practice, benefiting engineers and society as a whole.I would like to be part of the Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder because I am sure that being part of a diverse population will greatly contribute to my education and personal development as a biomedical engineer. The program provides a unique opportunity to engage with other students from a diversified cultural background, which is critically important in collaborating towards addressing the complex healthcare problems faced across the world. Engaging with this community will open my eyes to learning different perspectives and promote cultural sensitivity and ethical awareness, which are critical in the biomedical sector.

I hope to exchange my passion for biomedical innovation and health technology, sparking conversations on how engineering can improve global health outcomes. I am excited to start workshops or study groups on biomedical engineering applications and to develop collaborative projects with diverse perspectives. In addition, I look forward to participating in outreach programs that bring our community and local and foreign health agencies closer together, sealing the gap between book knowledge and actual practice. Through collaboration, we can build an exhilarating learning environment that improves our technical proficiency while gaining a good appreciation of global stewardship in handling health problems.
504Mon, 03/31/2025 - 19:47Anonymous107.213.116.144YesKailiMurphyShe/HerTruckeeCaliforniaUnited States96161Kaili.c.murphy@gmail.comUndecidedEnglish (5), French (1)Last year, I traveled to Spain to walk the Camino De Santiago with my family. The Camino is a religious pilgrimage, so many people travel there for personal reasons. One thing I did not expect from the Camino is how open and welcoming the strangers would be. From the very first day, we met new people and learned about their lives. Every shop we went into people greeted us and started conversations. I was able to make many connections with people from all walks of life. I became friends with people who hiked with one set of clothes and slept on the floor of a hostel every night. But I also met people who had a private car carrying their bags between each town and staying in the nicest hotels. Yet, we all gathered together as we walked from city to city. On the last night of our trip, we stayed at the only hotel in a small village, where everyone hiking the Camino stayed. We became fast friends with the owner and spent the night enjoying time with these strangers-turned-friends. This travel experience and many others like it traveling in Mexico, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Spain have allowed me to understand the importance of diverse cultures and new perspectives. Specifically in the field of engineering it is essential to use new perspectives in order to innovate and better the field. My passion for travel, seeing and learning new things while having a passion for engineering make me the perfect candidate for he Global Engineering RAP. Global experiences and perspectives are particularly important in the Nuclear Engineering field, and I plan to get my PhD in Nuclear Engineering after undergrad. In Nuclear Engineering there is so much we can learn from other countries, specifically France. In France, 70% of their energy comes from nuclear power plants which are much more environmentally friendly and create much cheaper energy than traditional power sources. As well as nuclear energy, it is essential to collaborate and work with other countries to ensure scientific research can be done peacefully. Without global relations no field of engineering can truly innovate as we need new perspectives and different cultures to create the most efficient solutions that can be sued to better the lives of everyone around the globe.I want to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP for multiple reasons. First, I hope to surround myself with people who are as passionate about their education as I am and who can assist me in my schooling the same as I will help them, whether it is help on a homework assignment or having a person to walk to class with. Second, two of my greatest passions are engineering and traveling. I have loved traveling since before I can remember, going anywhere my parents are willing to take me. As for engineering I have always loved math and science, and specifically in high school having the opportunity to take higher level physics classes has allowed my passion for engineering to grow.
As a member of the Global Engineering RAP I will contribute my ability to meet new people and make connections. I became an outgoing person after I switched schools in 5th grade. I hadn’t wanted to make this change, and only over time was I able to find the opportunity in the unwanted challenge. Coming from a very small town, I haven’t had as many opportunities to meet new people, but when I do, I thrive. In any residential community, especially one with so many people focused on their education, having members that can bring the whole together is essential to creating a thriving community.
503Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:09Anonymous2601:280:4681:a6a0:5583:4ce6:e0dc:61aYesJoellaAndersonshe/herBoulderCOUSA80303joella29@icloud.comEngineering Undecided/Music or FrenchEnglish (5), French (3)I’ve been fortunate enough to travel to numerous locations both in the U.S. and abroad; including Iceland, Ireland, Scotland, England, Switzerland, France, Canada, and Mexico, as well as many cities and towns across the USA. All of these places have impacted my life and view of the world. Hiking in the Swiss Alps, navigating the Underground, or trying to find a bathroom in a non-English-speaking town can offer an experiences that foster growth and understanding of myself and the world around me.

Throughout my travels, I have been pushed out of my comfort zone. However, I welcome these experiences and accept the challenge of speaking other languages, practicing my French, navigating unknown areas, encountering new cultures, and embracing the differences that provide a unique perspective of the world. These adventures have heightened my sense of cultural awareness, empathy, tolerance, and open-mindedness towards others.

I hope to study abroad for at least a semester.		Global experiences allow you to learn to appreciate the richness of the human experience and gain a deeper understanding of diversity throughout the world. This heightened cultural awareness can foster empathy, tolerance, and open-mindedness. It helps you learn about yourself—your strengths, weaknesses, and the way you respond to different environments. Being in new environments stimulates creativity. The sights, sounds, and experiences you encounter on the road can spark fresh ideas and offer new insights. Global experiences can change the way you see the world. They help you put things into perspective—what may seem important at home might seem insignificant in a different part of the world. Travel can open your eyes to global issues, economic disparities, and inspire you to take action toward making the world a better place. For example, the Roman aqueduct system in Provence and southern France was an ingenious solution of its time. Cathedrals, high-speed rail systems, the Eiffel Tower, the Paris Metro, the cable car to Mürren, Switzerland, and the top of Schilthorn are just a few of the engineering marvels I have experienced. My goal is to use my skills to contribute to society by designing and engineering solutions to pressing challenges. All types of engineering present immense opportunities for innovation, and I am excited to be a part of the Global Engineering RAP.Becoming a member of the Global Engineering RAP will connect me with mentors and students who are also interested in the geopolitical context of global health, poverty, technological intervention, and how we, as engineers, can contribute to society's greater good. Being a part of the National French Honor Society and my love for learning the French language have improved my fluency and understanding of its culture through various volunteer projects and fundraisers.
502Sun, 03/30/2025 - 22:13Anonymous24.9.104.41YesSophiaFullerShe/HerBoulderColoradoUnited States of America80301sophiafuller515@gmail.comMechanical EngineeringEnglishWhile I have not had many chances to travel, the moments that I did experience outside of the United States greatly changed my perspective on the world around me. A few years ago I had the chance to travel to Italy with my family for three weeks. I had only been outside of the United States once before to Mexico but I was young during that trip and I don't remember much so this was the first time I would be able to properly understand the world around me while there. This trip was such a big culture shock. People were so much different than in the States. They had different traditions and a different way of life. Every turn was a new way of thinking about the world and I want to experience more of this and learn more about what the world is like for people of other cultures.
Global experiences and new perspectives can bring new ideas to the table. Different understandings of something creates different ways of solving a problem and compiling those solutions can greatly benefit everyone. All throughout high school, I was in the lighting crew for the school theater. Everyone who was in that crew grew up differently and had different experiences with lighting. Those who were completely new to lighting and those who had more experiences had completely different ways of solving problems but when you compiled those remedies they formed more efficient solutions and a better overall understanding of how we may solve the same problem in the future. A greater amount of knowledge created better solutions and benefited everyone in the crew.
I want to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP at CU to expand my knowledge and meet new people. I believe that collaborating with a community that has similar interests as me and wants to help communities through engineering will help me grow as an engineer by allowing me to learn new ways of thinking and gain experiences that may help me think through future problems. I also believe that meeting new people and growing connections is a great thing in life. Being able to reach out and find new opinions will help our generation create a better future. I hope that while in this program, I will be able to share my experiences and help those around me grow as I grow with them.
501Sun, 03/30/2025 - 11:41Anonymous207.235.148.233YesIsabellaDyerShe/HerGarlandTexasUnited States75044dyerisabella8@gmail.comElectrical EngineeringEnglish (5) I have been fortunate enough to have had many vacations, a few of which took me outside the United States. With each new country we visited I got to experience new cultures and customs. One of the most lasting experiences I had was when my family and I went to Japan. The people there have an admirable dedication to their job and to their purpose, a value known there as ikigai. Despite the language barrier I felt that no matter where in Japan, the concept of ikigai was evident. It was evident in the careful way the sales lady bagged our items at the checkout. It was evident in the punctuality of their transportation system. And it was even evident in how clean and carefully manicured the streets of Tokyo were. This Japanese value helped cultivate a unique commitment to quality - total quality management. The ideas of kaizen, the iterative nature of improvement, and ikigai as well as the deep respect the people carry for each other are what helped W. Edwards Deming create TQM and allowed it to really take hold in Japan and why Japan continues to be a leader in quality. However, as successful as it is in Japan, Americans struggle to adopt and implement the principles of TQM because we are a society of nonconformists who value individual rights. Ideally concepts in business would respect the values of the culture in which it operates and create a system that utilizes the best that each culture has to offer.A global perspective can give us a diverse viewpoint, and in problem solving, diversity is the key to coming up with the best solutions. As Maya Angelou said, "In diversity there is beauty and there is strength." Being able to travel internationally, I have seen this firsthand when my family took a trip to Japan. The feats the Japanese have accomplished both culturally and intellectually shone through as we were able to navigate their expansive public transit system, even though we were outsiders who were unfamiliar with the language or the country. We rode in a Shinkansen train (bullet train) which is overwhelmingly environmentally friendly as their CO2 emissions per person are one of the best ratios of any form of transit. Everything about their city planning and transportation is efficient. Even from a natural perspective this is proven through something called the slime model, a model of cities using oats that reflects the most efficient travel networks, and it found the Tokyo rail system remarkably similar to the paths that the mold grew. I believe our country and other developing countries in the world could benefit from similar urban designs as well as the commitment the Japanese government has to net zero carbon emissions. With better public transportation not only do carbon emissions decrease, but it increases access to the necessities that developing economies need such as jobs, grocery stores, and education. I believe if people are exposed to other cultures' perspectives and customs, our viewpoints can shift. Our ideas can become more creative. And we would all benefit from this diversity, both as people culturally and as a society functionally.I want to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder because I know how important it is to be a part of a community and how much more successful each individual is when working within a community. Swimming is an individual sport. No one can help once you jump from the blocks and into the water. It is you and only you until your hand touches the wall, and it’s your own times you aim to beat. This may be how it looks to the outsider, but that isn’t the reality of the community I’ve experienced these past four years as a simmer for my high school team. We cheer each other on from the swim deck, we encourage each other in the locker room, and we push each other during training. I know college will be a challenging time, and I would love to have a community of fellow engineering students cheering, encouraging and pushing me through college. I am ready to be a part of this engineering program. And I know that I can provide support to others in the Global Engineering RAP program because I’ve been doing so for the past four years in my swim community.

I know the importance of different perspectives and cultures in cultivation, creation, and innovation, and I can only benefit from experiencing other cultures. Especially in an engineering environment as this is where I want to make a difference. I know I can flourish in a community of people open to the influence of other cultures and perspectives in the name of global improvement and that is what I believe the Global Engineering RAP at CU Boulder is all about. I believe that everyone should walk a mile in someone else's shoes, especially those of us who are the future. As someone who is ambitious and tolerant I will take what I learn in this program and implement it wherever I go while also contributing my own ideals.
500Thu, 03/27/2025 - 18:31Anonymous2600:4041:55ca:1200:c516:f70d:c41a:ec11YesElizabethRosatoShe/herGarden City New YorkUnited States of America 11530ellierosato30@icloud.comMechanical Engineering English(5), German(3)Weaving through the crowded streets of the Medina Souks, it was like your senses were being ambushed from all around you. The yelling of the shopkeepers from the hundreds of stores all crammed together, the massive crowds moving together in a controlled chaos, and the strong scent of all the different spices all conveyed the beauty of such a unique market. Being able to travel to Morocco was a dream come true, but experiencing the structures that so heavily contrast the streets of New York was what opened my eyes as an aspiring mechanical engineer. Everywhere around the world, cities and livelihoods are built around a culture, and that culture is expressed through the architecture. To understand a country's engineering, you need to understand their culture. Back to the souks, these massive marketplaces utilize certain aspects to attract customers. Unlike New York City's rigid grid, Moroccan souks evolved to maximize shade, funnel foot traffic, and create natural air circulation. The narrow, maze-like layout isn’t accidental—it keeps the market cooler and encourages slower movement, increasing engagement with vendors. Every little piece of engineering seems strategic, even the roads. In New York, the streets are made out of asphalt because they are cost effective and durable. However asphalt attracts heat and so in the peak of summer, getting around the city isn't the most pleasant experience. However, in the souks the roads are paved with stone or tile to retract heat, allowing customers to have a comfortable experience, and focus mainly on what to buy, and not worry about getting a heat stroke. Learning about all of this really puts into perspective how much thought, planning, and designing goes into every structure. Every brick being placed down is being placed for a reason, and every pebble has a purpose. Experiencing the souk first hand made me think about how mechanical engineering isn’t just about designing machines—it’s about understanding movement, efficiency, and adaptability. Studying mechanical engineering in the RAP program will allow me to explore how different cultures solve the same challenges in unique ways. Knowing about all the different cultures allows for Engineers to utilize strategies to build new structures, taking what we already know and building something new with it.
Sometimes the best engineers aren't the most high tech, but those who are able to utilize the given resources around them. While I was growing up, I thought that engineer's only job was to continue advancing technology to the point we would have flying cars or robots doing the work for us. While I was working on a house down in South Carolina, however, I realized it was much more complex than that. We were building houses for people who lost their houses during hurricane season, and we had to work with very scarce resources. We didn't have massive cranes or top notch materials. Just simple wood stakes, piles of metal, and the work of 30 mission trip students. There are tons of constraints that engineers have to consider on every individual build, such as climate, resources, and politics. In the United States, the apartments on Californian beaches are going to look a lot different than the houses built on Utah mountains. Imagine the difference across the Atlantic. However, the beauty in engineering is the ability to utilize the constraints around you to make the best possible build. Back down in South Carolina, we utilized the metal to create hurricane straps, and attached it to every single foundation. We used each other to line up the columns and create the houses from the ground up. Thats the beauty of utilizing each other. The experience using my skills in a different environment opened my eyes to the truth about the real world. This is why perspectives keep growing the field of engineering. These experiences showed me that mechanical engineering isn’t just about designing cutting-edge machines; it’s about understanding the needs of different communities and building solutions that are sustainable, cost-effective, and practical within their environment. By studying mechanical engineering with a global perspective, I hope to develop solutions that improve communities worldwide—whether it’s designing more efficient water systems, creating sustainable energy solutions, or improving transportation in underserved areas. Engineers must collaborate across cultures to solve today’s biggest challenges, and my mission trip experiences have prepared me to think beyond my own surroundings and approach problems with a global mindset. After all my experiences in high school, I realized that engineering isn’t just about designing machines—it’s about designing for people. Every culture has unique challenges, and the best engineers understand how to adapt solutions to different environments. That’s why I want to be part of the Global Engineering RAP. As a future mechanical engineer, I want to explore how different cultures approach engineering challenges, whether it’s through innovative transportation systems, renewable energy solutions, or sustainable building materials. I want to be able to further my knowledge in this certain field, as well as engage with other aspiring engineers who are looking for the same thing. Looking at where I am now, going to my dream school for my dream major, I realized none of this wouldve happened without the people around me. Engineering is a rigorous course, and even in high school it was a challenge. But I always had my fellow classmates behind me, and thats what made me motivated to push on. I want the same type of tight knit community in college as well. Being part of this RAP will give me the opportunity of a tight knit community. The chance to engage in globally focused projects and discussions will push me to think beyond my own experiences. I’m excited to gain new perspectives and develop skills that will make me a better engineer, whether I’m working in a lab or designing solutions for communities around the world. Beyond what I hope to gain, I also look forward to contributing to the RAP community. As president of my school’s engineering club and the head of sound for the theater department, I’ve loved leading projects and encouraging younger students to explore the complex world of engineering. I hope to bring that same passion to this RAP—whether through teamwork on global projects, mentoring peers, or sharing my experiences. The Global Engineering RAP is the perfect place for me to grow as a future mechanical engineer, expand my perspective, and collaborate with peers who share my passion for solving global challenges. I’m eager to immerse myself in this community and contribute my experiences, leadership, and enthusiasm for engineering on a global scale.
499Tue, 03/25/2025 - 15:23Anonymous73.245.1.182YesAbby EidelmanShe/HerWellingtonFLUnited States33414abbye2006@gmail.comAerospace EngineeringEnglish(5), Spanish(3)Every year, my family takes one big trip over the summer break. These trips usually consist of about a week of exploring a place my brother and I have never been to before. This could be internationally or in the United States. The past few trips abroad we have taken have been to European countries such as Italy, Spain and France. In those countries, I have taken to learning phrases from the native language to help be get by. Since my dad is from Colombia, my Spanish has helped me enjoy native Spanish speaking countries and even helped me communicate in Italy. Culture in each country vary widely. Being able to travel to a different place around the world every summer has helped me understand a variety of different cultures and what I can do to respect each culture. Since my dad is fluent in Spanish, in Latin American countries, my family and I have been fortunate enough to experience foods and places usual tourists to not get to experience. Believe it or not, the best tacos I've ever had have come from a hut on the side of the road in Mexico. Overall, my experiences have prepared me for the Global Engineering RAP by providing me with experiences that I can share with others and use in order to gain new perspectives.
Global experiences and perspectives can improve the field of engineering because each new experience a person gains, will contribute to how engineering changes in modern society. Each new perspective that comes into play provides a chance for more diverse problem solving approaches. In engineering, problem solving is everything and each culture approaches problem differently. Engineers with experiences from different cultures can work together to create innovative solutions that may not have been possible from one perspective. For example, since I come from a very technologically advanced country, the United States, I will have a different perspective on solutions than someone who comes from a less advanced country such as third world countries. However, since our backgrounds are so different, we will bring different perspectives to the table. On a global scale, many engineers face the challenge of climate change, infrastructure, and recourse management. Considering a broad range of perspectives will allow engineers to develop solutions that work across a broad range of geographical and socio-economic contexts. Personally, as an engineer, I would like to focus my studies on making more eco-friendly solutions in order to keep the future of the environment in mind. We only have one Earth, and we need to work on keeping it healthy.
I want to be a member of the Global Engineering RAP at Boulder because I want to feel comfortable in a new environment. I am coming from South Florida, which is quite opposite Boulder, Colorado. Though I am very excited for the new experience, I also get very homesick. In the Global Engineering RAP, I feel as though I will be surrounded by people with my same interests and have an opportunity to connect with them more so. I would also like to gain new perspectives on engineering issues and the Global Engineering program seems like a great way to start. Though, my major is aerospace engineering, I am open to different engineering methods and learning about different ways to use engineering in moderation.