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Tell us about an engineering idea you have, or about your interest in engineering.

Describe how your ideas and interests may be realized by


and linked tospecific resources within the College of Engineering. Finally, explain what a Cornell Engineering education will enable you to
accomplish. (Please limit your response to 650 words.)
Piezoelectricity, electricity generated due to pressure. The first scientific model I ever designed was based on this very concept. All a person had
to do was to step on a platform and dance. The pressure created by the dancer effectively produced electricity. It was ingenious, effective and
most importantly environment friendly. For a local science project this was enough, a little electricity produced was enough to impress the
easily amazed spectators.
As my scientific explorations progressed, I designed various other scientific projects a hovercraft, a basic camera, and radio-controlled
vehicles but my interest in piezoelectricity never ceased. I theorized that an asphalt layer above roads could produce the piezoelectric effect,
using the pressure exerted by vehicles, to at least power the streetlights. I tracked the progress of piezoelectricity and advancement through
whatsoever source I could find but it was mainly through the Internet. One thing that caught my attention was that students at Cornell
University had used wind vibrations to produce the piezoelectric effect. On further exploration, I discovered the astonishing amount of research
and practical hands-on experience at Cornell and that part of its engineering program specifically focuses on future energy sources. I started
regularly following Cornells research papers and learned more about alternate energy resources. Soon, researchers at Cornell were using the
swaying of trees to produce the piezoelectric effect. These incredible advances were enough to convince me of Cornell as my first choice.
As my interest in alternative energy grew, I also developed a certain taste for nanotechnology. I envisioned a combination of both, replacing,
for example, batteries for small devices with a micro-scale object that uses springs to produce the piezoelectric effect. It could save a lot of
resources wasted on batteries each year plus eliminate the added threat of their disposal. It was then that I discovered the Cornell-based
MicroElectoMechanical Systems (MEMS). MEMS was the perfect fit for me, it focused on an energy saving, sustainability and a smarter planet.
With an education at Cornell, I hope to discover the potential of renewable energy and most importantly try to replace fossil fuels as our major
energy source. Cornell will provide me the opportunity to be exposed to a wide array of engineering-related areas I will not be funneled into a
particular sub-specialty as its program offers considerable latitude for taking electives outside of the College of Engineering. The possibility of
exploring multiple areas of interest and the synergies with offerings of the other colleges is what I value most. Therefore, engineering from
Cornell would provide me with tools to help humanity survive the danger looming large due to a rapid decline in our natural resources. After
completing an Engineering degree from Cornell, I intend to start a research and development organization focusing on replacing usage of non-
renewable energy, not only in U.S but also in every corner of the world, by providing cheaper, smarter and ecological solutions.

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