SPOTLIGHT
Catching up with Edison Scholars
This National STEM Day, Edison International encourages high school seniors to apply for its annual Edison Scholars Program.
Edison International is celebrating National STEM and STEAM Day on Nov. 8 by catching up with previous Edison Scholars. The winners discuss how the $40,000 scholarship has impacted their lives and their advice for students hoping to make a difference through STEM (science, technology, engineering or math).
Each year, Edison International, the parent company of Southern California Edison, awards $40,000 scholarships, paid over four years, to 30 high school students who plan to major in designated STEM fields at a four-year accredited U.S. college or university. See the list of eligible STEM majors.
Scholarship applications are now being accepted through Dec. 14. To apply and obtain additional eligibility information, visit: edisonscholars.com.
I am currently attending the University of California, Irvine as a biomedical engineering major, but I am planning to switch to chemical engineering.
Any exciting projects you are currently working on?
I am not working on any personal projects, however, I am trying to expand my social circle of engineers. I have joined the UCI Solar Car team and the Engineering Student Council at UCI. In the Solar Car group, I am helping to spread awareness of renewable energy by helping build and expand the racecar project for the American Solar Challenge. My job currently on the Engineering Student Council is to create a comfortable and exciting community for all first-year engineering students.
How has the scholarship impacted your life and studies?
Minimizing financial challenges helped me continue my STEM education on campus so I can receive a hands-on experience. The scholarship helped me raise my own confidence as a woman in STEM and drives me to live up to the reputation of an Edison Scholar. Now, more than ever, I have more confidence in my skills and potential and this pushes me to do my best in my different classes, clubs, teams and goals.
Don't be discouraged because of your differences or because of any outside pressures. STEM may induce images of Einstein's and math prodigies, but in reality, I believe anyone can study and become successful in STEM. If it's something you are interested in and have the passion for, just keep working hard and get past each of the challenges. There isn't always a moment when everything seems to click into place, but I've learned that if you keep persevering, you get rewarded for your hard work somehow, someway.
Please tell us the university you are attending and your major.
I am currently studying at San Diego State University majoring in environmental engineering and minoring in Spanish.
Any exciting projects you are currently working on?
While I am an environmental engineering major, the foundation of engineering transcends many fields of static and dynamic processes. Currently, in one of my dynamics classes I am working on a report of General Atomics MQ-9 'Reaper' UAV Drone, highlighting its engineering advancements, design and the physics/kinematics of flight. I’m also exploring other ways that autonomous drones can be integrated into society outside of military use, as in environmental protection services (fire prevention and control) and food/package delivery.
How has the scholarship impacted your life and studies?
This scholarship has single-handedly transformed my life in an ineffable and incomparable way. Getting into college is only a small factor of the equation; the more difficult process is figuring out a way in which you can afford the education. Many people are unable to pursue a higher education because of this, and I would have been one of those very people if it were not for this opportunity of a lifetime, which I received from Edison. I am forever grateful for Edison International's generosity as it has propelled my life toward the pursuit of a bright and innovative future, one in which I wish to give back to the world in a profound way.
Any words of wisdom for other students wishing to make a difference through STEM?
My message for students wishing to make a difference through STEM is best captivated in this quote by Confucius: "It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop." What I have taken away from this, and what I hope future students pursuing a career in STEM can take away, is that the road ahead may be difficult, it may be filled with roadblocks, but if you truly put your heart and mind to it, you can always overcome these obstacles and pursue the greatest life which you wish to live.
Please tell us the university you are attending and your major.
I am studying civil and environmental engineering at the University of California, Berkeley.
Any exciting projects you are currently working on?
I am currently a research assistant for a research study that is being done as part of a master's program capstone project here at UC Berkeley. The goal of the project is to create a microsimulation model of a local Bay Area city using traffic modeling software in order to study the impact of different traffic control techniques on the city's transportation network performances.
How has the scholarship impacted your life and studies?
The Edison Scholars scholarship has given me the privilege of financial stability in my time here at Cal — even amidst the pandemic and the financial crisis that has ensued. Thanks to the generosity of Edison International, I haven't had to worry about things such as my rent or where my next meal is coming from. I've been able to stay healthy for the past four years and thus have been able to dedicate myself to my studies and career. Today, I am happy to say that I am on track to graduate in the spring of 2021 — and I owe much of that to this scholarship.
Any words of wisdom for other students wishing to make a difference through STEM?
Some advice I'd give to other students wishing to make a difference through STEM is to find a passion and pursue it. I've found that the easiest way to find what you like is to find what you don't like first. Do not be afraid to try new things and then walk away from them later if they do not excite you.
Please tell us the university you are attending and your major.
I am studying at Pepperdine University in Malibu and I am a computer science major with an emphasis in math. I have a lot of intertwining interests in computer science and electrical engineering, so I went into this semester as a computer science major, but I am thinking of switching to what Pepperdine calls their 3/2 program for engineering. I’m looking to focus on electrical engineering in the program.
Any exciting projects you are currently working on?
Studying from home has been a weird introduction to college life, but I am trying to explore opportunities for growth. I’ve applied to a DreamWorks Animation internship and I’ve really been focused on getting a routine set, especially having a full load of coursework.
How has the scholarship impacted your life and studies?
I’m still so grateful for the scholarship and it has helped me grow as an individual. It helped me transition into college knowing that I have the support of Edison, empowering me to work as a leader of tomorrow. It really helps with my studies knowing that I have a supporting cast to lean on and see me rise to the top. It has helped me look forward to higher education, finishing out and strategizing my plans for the future.
Any words of wisdom for other students wishing to make a difference through STEM?
My advice to students like me and fellow STEM innovators is to just follow your heart, believe in yourself and keep faith strong. We’re dealing with troubling times, living in a hectic environment and a lot of people need to maintain what keeps them driven and what keeps them going. I'd advise them to keep level-headed, be grateful and be aware of the life lessons they’re surrounded by. Even though we’re in a troubling time, there’s still a lot to learn. Just take it day by day. Shoot for goals one by one and take it step-by-step.
Please tell us the university you are attending and your major.
In 2018, I graduated from the University of Southern California with a degree in industrial and systems engineering.
Any exciting projects you are currently working on?
I am currently working on the development of an operational tool called the Distribution Work Management Tool that helps organizations like project management, planning and construction manage work execution within Distribution’s operating plan safely and efficiently across a project’s life cycle.
The tool brings together information from multiple systems of record so regions and districts have the ability to see all activities related to their work like forecasted and actual schedule dates, permits, environmental review, outages, level of effort and other critical information all in one tool. We are also able to distinguish between critical and less critical work categories and visualize risk prioritization which tells us if we are doing the right work at the right time.
How did the scholarship impact your life and studies?
With the help of the Edison Scholars scholarship, I was able to get through my four years at USC. I also remained connected with SCE and I was on the lookout for any internship opportunities. During my junior year of college, I interned with SCE and this internship helped me transition into a full-time role after graduation.
Any words of wisdom for students wishing to make a difference through STEM?
For any students who want to make a difference through STEM, I will tell you to not limit yourself. Don’t let your mind or anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Don’t let any adversities hold you back from achieving your dreams. If anything, your adversities should be your main driver to work hard to get through your STEM studies. Only you can define your future.