Through this study abroad, I hope to supplement my existing knowledge of water resource conservation by experiencing first-hand the technologies and infrastructures I have only studied in classroom. In a graduate-level course on water resource sustainability I learned about ancient aqueducts, water pipes, and sanitation systems through case studies of the same European cities I will visit. This has prepared me with scientific and engineering knowledge of how modern global infrastructure originated. Now I want to immerse myself in those European cities to deepen my understanding of how civilizations developed around water access and how those technologies have endured for centuries. 

As someone who intends to become a researcher in sustainable soil and water resources, this program will allow me to gain historical context and practical inspiration from the study of European civilizations. Understanding how ancient societies solved resource challenges will inform my ability to design modern systems that balance sustainability with resilience. This type of information is critically needed in the U.S. today. We are facing pressing challenges in water management: droughts from intensive agriculture in the Midwest, aging infrastructure in cities like Detroit, and inequitable access in rural areas. The aging water infrastructure directly impacts key American interests, including food security, public health, and community resilience. My ability to connect historic examples with modern problems will strengthen America’s capacity to lead in sustainable development. 

Walking the streets of London, where cholera outbreaks once shaped sanitation reforms, will help me contextualize how engineering decisions affect societies. This information has direct relevance for the United States, where communities face challenges such as lead contamination and inadequate wastewater systems. By learning how past societies confronted these issues, I can better contribute to research that informs modern solutions.

Additionally, I will develop an understanding of European cultural perspectives that will benefit my future research collaborations.  By studying abroad, I will gain the perspective and background needed to become a capable researcher who connects scientific knowledge with cultural history to form practical solutions for modern sustainability challenges.

One challenge that has prepared me for dealing with unforeseeable events abroad is my attempt to study abroad two years ago. I applied for a similar program when the professor was unexpectedly fired just before my departure. Unable to receive a refund for my flight or program, I committed to still take the flight and earned partial credits without a professor, curriculum, nor class structure through taking local tours and pre-scheduled museum visits. Through this experience, I discovered how to deal with the unfamiliar: I learned to embark on uncertain journeys, take ownership of my education, and seek out knowledge directly from local people when I needed help. This challenge also solidified my resolve to find a program that will deliver the curriculum, education, and experiences it promises. Ultimately, this study abroad will give me a chance to truly experience studying abroad and equip me with the knowledge, skills, and cross-cultural understanding needed to contribute to America’s global interests.