Honors Experience Proposal
One requirement of Gateway to Honors was to write an honors experience proposal as practice. Though I had no idea at the time, this proposal actually served as a template for my proposal for Engineers Without Borders' trip to Burere, Tanzania only months later.
Basic Information
Full Name: Andrew Griggs
UC ID #: M04270219
UC Email: [email protected]
Phone: 513-967-0860
College: CEAS
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Title of Project: Engineers Without Borders - Tanzania Trip
Expected Project Start Date: December 16, 2012
Expected Project End Date: December 23, 2012
Project Information
1. Provide a brief overview/abstract of your proposed honors experiential learning project.
I will travel to Burere, Tanzania with approximately 5 others from Engineering Without Borders. We will be implementing the final phase of the project in which we complete construction of a school building in the local village.
2. Clearly state how each of the following elements will be exhibited in your work (refer to the first two pages of this document with the full description of what is expected in each of these areas).
a. Substantial Content and Quality within Community Engagement Theme
Burere is a village on the east bank of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. There is only one school in the area, and it is in critical need of repair: the walls are crumbling and classes are being held outside the building. The UC chapter of Engineers Without Borders has partnered with the Village Council to help build a new school for the community. The school will be large enough for four classrooms, each corresponding to a grade level. In addition to partnering with the community to build the school, we will help develop lasting solutions and empower the community to make changes in other communities. We will teach the community how to upkeep and repair the building so that they can function independently, as well as teach them skills necessary in the construction of the building so that they are able to go out into other communities and use their knowledge to build other schools. A key part of the project is communicating with the villagers in order to learn about the social environment, because they know what they need more than we think we do. This involves understanding their culture and customs as well as the unique challenges they face in their daily lives. During this process we hope to learn more about the issue of education in the area so that we can be more effective in our future projects.
b. Connection to Academic Goals and Theories
As an engineer, Engineers Without Borders has obvious connections to my academic goals. This trip provides an opportunity to apply my skills in the real world environment in a way that will make a lasting impact on both me and the community I serve in. It will be educational to see the theory we learn in the classroom and how it is both similar to and distinct from the application. Additionally, it is well known that engineers are often poor communicators. A central part of this project is communication with the local leaders in order to understand their concerns and challenges. This provides an opportunity to grow as a communicator, because being able to express an idea or project to someone is an essential yet often neglected facet of being an engineer.
c. Initiative, Independence and Creativity
I will be working in a group but much of the communication with the local leaders will be done independently. I will have ample opportunities to demonstrate leadership and initiative. By the time of the trip I will have already participated in an individual research and creative process to bring my ideas about the project to the table.
d. Reflection & Dissemination
I will keep a journal while in Tanzania about my experiences and what I learn. After returning from the trip I will present this journal by posting it on the internet it the form of a blog (I doubt I will be able to blog directly from Tanzania).
e. Advisor (list the person’s name, title, and contact information)
Tom Bible
Associate Professor, DAAP
315 Bryant Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45220
(513) 961-3697
f. Budget (if applicable)
Will be available closer to departure date.
Basic Information
Full Name: Andrew Griggs
UC ID #: M04270219
UC Email: [email protected]
Phone: 513-967-0860
College: CEAS
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Title of Project: Engineers Without Borders - Tanzania Trip
Expected Project Start Date: December 16, 2012
Expected Project End Date: December 23, 2012
Project Information
1. Provide a brief overview/abstract of your proposed honors experiential learning project.
I will travel to Burere, Tanzania with approximately 5 others from Engineering Without Borders. We will be implementing the final phase of the project in which we complete construction of a school building in the local village.
2. Clearly state how each of the following elements will be exhibited in your work (refer to the first two pages of this document with the full description of what is expected in each of these areas).
a. Substantial Content and Quality within Community Engagement Theme
Burere is a village on the east bank of Lake Victoria in Tanzania. There is only one school in the area, and it is in critical need of repair: the walls are crumbling and classes are being held outside the building. The UC chapter of Engineers Without Borders has partnered with the Village Council to help build a new school for the community. The school will be large enough for four classrooms, each corresponding to a grade level. In addition to partnering with the community to build the school, we will help develop lasting solutions and empower the community to make changes in other communities. We will teach the community how to upkeep and repair the building so that they can function independently, as well as teach them skills necessary in the construction of the building so that they are able to go out into other communities and use their knowledge to build other schools. A key part of the project is communicating with the villagers in order to learn about the social environment, because they know what they need more than we think we do. This involves understanding their culture and customs as well as the unique challenges they face in their daily lives. During this process we hope to learn more about the issue of education in the area so that we can be more effective in our future projects.
b. Connection to Academic Goals and Theories
As an engineer, Engineers Without Borders has obvious connections to my academic goals. This trip provides an opportunity to apply my skills in the real world environment in a way that will make a lasting impact on both me and the community I serve in. It will be educational to see the theory we learn in the classroom and how it is both similar to and distinct from the application. Additionally, it is well known that engineers are often poor communicators. A central part of this project is communication with the local leaders in order to understand their concerns and challenges. This provides an opportunity to grow as a communicator, because being able to express an idea or project to someone is an essential yet often neglected facet of being an engineer.
c. Initiative, Independence and Creativity
I will be working in a group but much of the communication with the local leaders will be done independently. I will have ample opportunities to demonstrate leadership and initiative. By the time of the trip I will have already participated in an individual research and creative process to bring my ideas about the project to the table.
d. Reflection & Dissemination
I will keep a journal while in Tanzania about my experiences and what I learn. After returning from the trip I will present this journal by posting it on the internet it the form of a blog (I doubt I will be able to blog directly from Tanzania).
e. Advisor (list the person’s name, title, and contact information)
Tom Bible
Associate Professor, DAAP
315 Bryant Ave
Cincinnati, OH 45220
(513) 961-3697
f. Budget (if applicable)
Will be available closer to departure date.