Clark Scholars Summer Program: Sterling Mead

There is no limit to a student's experience in the A. James Clark School of Engineering if he/she is willing to get out there and take advantage of what the school has to offer!

Name: Sterling Mead    

Major: Mechanical Engineering

Can you share a description of the experience? These two weeks on campus introduced students to the resources/opportunities available to them in and around UMD, and more specifically as offered by the Clark School of Engineering. Between academic workshops, some of our most memorable experiences included a trip into Washington D.C., sailing in Annapolis, and discussing the National Academy of Engineering's Grand Challenges with Dean Pines.

What was the most impactful part of the experience? Sharing these experiences with my Clark Scholars peers enabled me to build strong friendships with students of similar interests. I look forward to getting involved both in projects and in student life with them during my time at Maryland.

What surprised you? I was surprised by the large number of both structured and unstructured opportunities in the A. James Clark School of Engineering. Students have access to software, maker spaces, and machine shops to pursue their own ideas and projects.

Did you make any personal connections with your peers, industry professionals, faculty or staff? In addition to the Clark Scholars Staff, we were introduced to professors and advisers who shared with us the research opportunities available to students.

What were your major takeaways? What did you learn? There is no limit to a student's experience in the A. James Clark School of Engineering if he/she is willing to get out there and take advantage of what the school has to offer!

Have your career or academic goals changed as a result of this experience? The collection of experiences, positions, and projects students can get involved in allows them develop their own academic/professional niche in engineering. I hope to pursue increasingly specialized opportunities throughout my time at UMD to achieve this.