Fully embrace every opportunity the program offers, both academically and personally. Don’t hesitate to ask questions, connect with mentors, and take advantage of all the resources at your disposal. Building relationships with your peers and faculty is just as important as the technical knowledge you’ll gain. The friendships and professional connections you make will support you throughout your journey. Also, keep an open mind about your future—this experience could reveal paths you hadn’t considered before, just like it did for me.
Name: Emmanuel Amoako (Cohort 7)
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Give a brief description of the experience.
I participated in a two-week summer program at the University of Maryland through the Clark Scholars Program. The first week involved daily chemistry workshops, while the second week focused on reverse engineering. I toured various labs, bonded with my cohort, and connected with program leaders, including Mr. Damien Franze, Ms. Guerda Mervilus and Mr. Michael Robinson. This immersive experience deepened my interest in engineering and prepared me for my future studies. I gained so much from this experience in terms of getting used to campus life and interacting with others as well.
What was the most impactful part of the experience?
The most impactful takeaway from the Clark Scholars Summer Program was discovering the vast range of resources available at UMD to support my academic and personal growth. I felt empowered knowing these tools were at my disposal to help me succeed in my engineering journey. Additionally, the friendships and relationships I built with my cohort were invaluable, giving me a sense of community and support even before officially starting my college experience. This combination of resources and connections left a lasting impression and set a strong foundation for my future at UMD.
What surprised you?
Something that surprised me is how much UMD offers in terms of resources and opportunities. I didn’t expect the sheer scale of what’s available to us as students—cutting-edge labs, specialized engineering equipment, and access to industry experts and mentors. It really opened my eyes to how much support I have to help me succeed. On top of that, the relationships I built with my peers, faculty, and mentors were unexpected. I didn’t think I’d make such strong connections so early on, but those relationships already feel like they’ll make a big difference in my college journey.
Did you make any personal and/or professional connections with peers?
During the Clark Scholars Summer Program, I had the opportunity to meet the Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering, which was an incredible experience. I also connected with former Clark Scholars who have since graduated, learning from their experiences and gaining insight into what lies ahead. Additionally, I met other important individuals who play a key role in the engineering community at UMD. One of the major milestones for me was creating my LinkedIn profile during the program, which helped me start building my professional network early on. These personal and professional connections will undoubtedly be valuable as I move forward in my engineering career.
What were your major takeaways? What did you learn?
My major takeaways from the Clark Scholars Summer Program were the importance of utilizing available resources and building a strong network. I also learned to not be scared to ask for help when I need it. In addition, I learned how critical it is to leverage the tools UMD offers—whether it's labs, mentorship, or academic support—to enhance my engineering education. Another key lesson was the value of forming connections early on, both personally and professionally. Meeting the Dean of the A. James Clark School of Engineering, former Clark Scholars, and other key figures showed me the importance of mentorship and guidance in navigating my college journey. Additionally, creating my LinkedIn profile made me realize how essential it is to start establishing a professional presence from the beginning. Overall, the summer program was a great experience that I wouldn’t trade for anything.
How have your career or academic goals changed or evolved as a result of this experience?
As a result of the Clark Scholars Summer Program, my career and academic goals have evolved significantly. Before the program, I was skeptical about whether I wanted to pursue a PhD. However, after meeting with professors and listening to various distinguished faculty, I now feel certain that getting a PhD is the path I want to take. This experience also opened my eyes to the wide range of fields within mechanical engineering. I now have a much clearer understanding of the different directions I can go, whether it’s in research, industry, or even a combination of both. This newfound clarity has given me a stronger sense of purpose as I move forward in my studies.
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