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Submission Number: 494
Submission ID: 1637
Submission UUID: b1590704-fa20-4bce-84bf-b7c27534b6c5
Submission URI:/center/mortenson/form/webform-1367
Created: Fri, 03/21/2025 - 06:39
Completed: Fri, 03/21/2025 - 06:39
Changed: Sat, 04/19/2025 - 14:34
Remote IP address: 2001:8f8:1623:3491:5549:7e48:203e:4bd9
Submitted by:Anonymous
Language: English
Is draft: No
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Jad
Kaddoura
he/him
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi
United Arab Emirates
00000
Aerospace Engineering
English(5)
Last summer, I took a quantum physics course at Columbia University in New York City which allowed me to expand my existing knowledge on topics such as Schrodinger's equation, the Hamiltonian, and Hermitian operators, but more importantly it provided me with the opportunity to interact with like-minded peers from around the world. Another benefit of me taking this course was engaging in stimulating conversations with experts in the field. In particular, Professor Ali, who hailed from the Middle East as well, and I shared numerous conversations on our mutual fascination with teleportation - both its possibilities and breakthroughs.Throughout the course, I participated in collaborative experiment researching the Stern-Gerlach, transferring my theoretical know-how (atom behavior spatial orientation, and angular momentum) in practical settings, further increasing my interest to pursue an aerospace engineering major in college.
While the Quantum Physics course was an excellent opportunity to enhance my engineering knowledge, I am confident that a trip to the SpaceX Headquarters would provide an expansive perspective into the world of aeronautics. It has always been a childhood dream of mine to witness the sheer scale and power of rockets in-person. From learning about the information gained through space exploration, to better understanding the intricacies of rocket systems and mechanics, no place on Earth would make me happier. I am especially keen to explore the new initiatives and protocols that have been implemented to further our progress in colonizing Mars. Despite this concept being discussed for generations, the thought of it one day becoming a reality leaves me in awe, making me feel as though I am a child fascinated by the stars once again.
While the Quantum Physics course was an excellent opportunity to enhance my engineering knowledge, I am confident that a trip to the SpaceX Headquarters would provide an expansive perspective into the world of aeronautics. It has always been a childhood dream of mine to witness the sheer scale and power of rockets in-person. From learning about the information gained through space exploration, to better understanding the intricacies of rocket systems and mechanics, no place on Earth would make me happier. I am especially keen to explore the new initiatives and protocols that have been implemented to further our progress in colonizing Mars. Despite this concept being discussed for generations, the thought of it one day becoming a reality leaves me in awe, making me feel as though I am a child fascinated by the stars once again.
Engineering is not only about problem solving, but about collaboration,innovation, and diverse perspectives.
For the past six years, I have been an active member of the karting community, an experience that has not only enhanced my understanding of automotive engineering, but also equipped me with the necessary communication skills, all the while allowing me to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals. My karting community consists of drivers from several countries including the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. I have never been exposed to such a diverse range of cultures before. Although we hail from different nationalities, our mutual love for the sport motivates us to uphold important values such as dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship.
In addition to picking up crucial racing tips, my interactions with my team members have inadvertently taught me other engineering essentials such as the need for ethics and integrity to ensure both safety and success. The drivers from the Netherlands, in particular, upheld the importance of fair play. In one particular race, the team鈥檚 managing staff arranged to set the kart鈥檚 mechanics, removing the rev limiter so the engine would run with a higher RPM, without the driver鈥檚 approval. Upon revving the engine, the driver concluded that his team had intentionally arranged his kart to give him a competitive advantage. The driver reported the discrepancy immediately resulting in his automatic disqualification. During the moment, I not only acknowledged the Netherlands team鈥檚 excellence in engineering, but also admired their respect for adhering to strict regulations.
In a similar regard, the drivers from both Spain and Italy showcased integrity and camaraderie. All these lessons emphasized that a solid foundation in engineering combined with an integral engineer will ensure safety and progress across the board.
My comprehension of engineering became more advanced when I started to delve deeper into how various countries have contributed to the field. The Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR) and Fokker Technologies have played a very prominent role in aerospace research and manufacturing, case in point, NLR鈥檚 鈥淗yFly鈥 which is a hydrogen powered aircraft. This project in particular highlighted to me the significance of the usage of liquid hydrogen propulsion as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. In Spain, the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) based in Madrid is a leading research organization that delves into aerospace topics in detail. This centre has worked on numerous fascinating projects such as the ALBA Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite which is used for both military purposes and environmental monitoring. With regards to Italy, a conversation with my friend Giovanni about the Tower of Pisa always comes to mind. When discussing how the tower got its lean, we learned that Italian engineers dug the foundation only 3 meters deep without realizing that the soil was too soft to maintain the solid structure. Since they did not have Google or soil mechanics back then, it was experimented as such to see what happens. Till today, engineers globally are researching how to rectify this problem.
All my experiences, in and outside of the classroom, on and off the track, have provided me with the necessary tools to continue seeking answers to my questions all the while broadening my perspectives. At UC Boulder, I look forward to surrounding myself with a diverse group of students. As much as I look forward to learning from every single one of them, I am also keen to share my own values with students so together we can build a community - similar to the one I fostered through karting.
For the past six years, I have been an active member of the karting community, an experience that has not only enhanced my understanding of automotive engineering, but also equipped me with the necessary communication skills, all the while allowing me to collaborate with a diverse group of individuals. My karting community consists of drivers from several countries including the Netherlands, Spain, and Italy. I have never been exposed to such a diverse range of cultures before. Although we hail from different nationalities, our mutual love for the sport motivates us to uphold important values such as dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship.
In addition to picking up crucial racing tips, my interactions with my team members have inadvertently taught me other engineering essentials such as the need for ethics and integrity to ensure both safety and success. The drivers from the Netherlands, in particular, upheld the importance of fair play. In one particular race, the team鈥檚 managing staff arranged to set the kart鈥檚 mechanics, removing the rev limiter so the engine would run with a higher RPM, without the driver鈥檚 approval. Upon revving the engine, the driver concluded that his team had intentionally arranged his kart to give him a competitive advantage. The driver reported the discrepancy immediately resulting in his automatic disqualification. During the moment, I not only acknowledged the Netherlands team鈥檚 excellence in engineering, but also admired their respect for adhering to strict regulations.
In a similar regard, the drivers from both Spain and Italy showcased integrity and camaraderie. All these lessons emphasized that a solid foundation in engineering combined with an integral engineer will ensure safety and progress across the board.
My comprehension of engineering became more advanced when I started to delve deeper into how various countries have contributed to the field. The Netherlands Aerospace Center (NLR) and Fokker Technologies have played a very prominent role in aerospace research and manufacturing, case in point, NLR鈥檚 鈥淗yFly鈥 which is a hydrogen powered aircraft. This project in particular highlighted to me the significance of the usage of liquid hydrogen propulsion as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. In Spain, the National Institute for Aerospace Technology (INTA) based in Madrid is a leading research organization that delves into aerospace topics in detail. This centre has worked on numerous fascinating projects such as the ALBA Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellite which is used for both military purposes and environmental monitoring. With regards to Italy, a conversation with my friend Giovanni about the Tower of Pisa always comes to mind. When discussing how the tower got its lean, we learned that Italian engineers dug the foundation only 3 meters deep without realizing that the soil was too soft to maintain the solid structure. Since they did not have Google or soil mechanics back then, it was experimented as such to see what happens. Till today, engineers globally are researching how to rectify this problem.
All my experiences, in and outside of the classroom, on and off the track, have provided me with the necessary tools to continue seeking answers to my questions all the while broadening my perspectives. At UC Boulder, I look forward to surrounding myself with a diverse group of students. As much as I look forward to learning from every single one of them, I am also keen to share my own values with students so together we can build a community - similar to the one I fostered through karting.
Global Engineering RAP will be an excellent platform to cultivate meaningful relationships with both experts in the field and individuals who share a collective vision to utilize engineering solutions in combating existing global challenges.
My current research pertains to the reusability of rockets. While this groundbreaking feat was only achieved mere months ago, there is no denying that this is an overdue step towards a more sustainable future for our planet. My research into this topic has inspired me to further study the economic viability and overall efficiency of adopting reusable rockets in the future for space exploration. My findings also emphasized the cost-efficiency provided by the process of reusing a rocket, in that the time lag would significantly reduce between the next launch, as opposed to having to build a new one entirely.
I am particularly keen to engage in stimulating discussions with Professor Evan Thomas who shares my passion for humanitarian engineering. His technical background in water and air testing which resulted in improving water services for over 7 million people in Rwanda, Kenya and the DRC is inspirational.
Global Engineering RAP enables dedicated students to not only excel in their studies, but formulate creative solutions for problems such as food scarcity, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Helping others, sharing knowledge, or contributing to a meaningful cause provides me with joy and purpose. I am not motivated by the recognition, but rather the impact. And that's the kind of engineer I aspire to be.
My current research pertains to the reusability of rockets. While this groundbreaking feat was only achieved mere months ago, there is no denying that this is an overdue step towards a more sustainable future for our planet. My research into this topic has inspired me to further study the economic viability and overall efficiency of adopting reusable rockets in the future for space exploration. My findings also emphasized the cost-efficiency provided by the process of reusing a rocket, in that the time lag would significantly reduce between the next launch, as opposed to having to build a new one entirely.
I am particularly keen to engage in stimulating discussions with Professor Evan Thomas who shares my passion for humanitarian engineering. His technical background in water and air testing which resulted in improving water services for over 7 million people in Rwanda, Kenya and the DRC is inspirational.
Global Engineering RAP enables dedicated students to not only excel in their studies, but formulate creative solutions for problems such as food scarcity, pollution, and biodiversity loss. Helping others, sharing knowledge, or contributing to a meaningful cause provides me with joy and purpose. I am not motivated by the recognition, but rather the impact. And that's the kind of engineer I aspire to be.
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