Stuff Matters Personal Statement

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Climate change is one of the greatest challenges of our and future generations. I intend to combat this man-made disaster by applying materials science for sustainable technologies. Ever since reading “Stuff Matters” by Mark Miodownik, I have been fascinated by materials and their seemingly boundless potential to improve the world. Every breakthrough, either creating new materials or a developing a deeper understanding of old ones, shakes the course of modern progress. Sustainable practices have been slow to make their way into society, but this is improving on two fronts. Firstly, technology is constantly becoming more efficient. Eventually sustainable design will become the obvious practical financial choice for businesses. Secondly, the general public now better understands the consequences of climate change, so more governing bodies are committing to renewable energy sources. We must eliminate our dependence on fossil fuels, and I believe materials science will provide the …show more content…

I just completed multivariable calculus at Case Western Reserve University and understand the pace and focus that college classes demand. As a more experienced freshmen, with a clear vision, I will glean maximum value from my classes. I will apply what I learn, and hope to conduct research at Cornell’s Atkinson Center for a Sustainable Future. I want to work on the energy transition of cities and corporations, as well as at the individual or community level. How will we capture enough renewable energy? How will we store it? What systems must be in place for this to integrate well with citizens’ current lifestyles? Why have people been so slow to change their lifestyles and can we evolve this mentality? What effects will increasing standards of living have on the world's demand for energy? These are big questions that require both deep mastery and broad

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