UMBC is launching the Grand Challenge Scholars Program.  It is centered around the National Academy of Engineering's 14 Grand Challenges facing society:

* Sustainability: Solar energy, Clean water access, Energy from
  fusion, Nitrogen cycle, Carbon sequestration
* Health: Better medicines, Health informatics
* Security: Urban infrastructure, Cybersecurity, Prevention of nuclear
  terror
* Knowledge / Joy of Living: Personalized learning, Virtual reality,
  Reverse engineering the human brain, Tools for scientific discovery

Students in the program will complete three one-credit GCSP seminars (GCSP 301, 302, and 401), exploring the Grand Challenges and designing a personalized program around their interests.  Each student will identify GC-related experiences in research, interdisciplinary work, entrepreneurship, global perspectives, and service learning.  Students who successfully complete all program requirements will receive formal designation at graduation as an NAE Grand Challenge Scholar. (Note: The program is currently under review and pending approval from NAE.)

Applications are open through March 25 (though late applications will also be considered).

Two info sessions this week: Tuesday, March 8, from 12:00-1:00pm (pizza provided!) and Thursday, March 10, from 4:00-5:00pm (cookies provided!), both in ITE 325B.

For more information:

* UMBC Grand Challenge Scholars Program (including application) -
  http://gcsp.umbc.edu
* NAE Grand Challenges - http://www.engineeringchallenges.org/
* NAE Grand Challenge Scholars Programs -
  http://engineeringchallenges.org/14365/GrandChallengeScholarsProgram.aspx

Please feel free to email gcsp@umbc.edu with any questions about the program.

Dr. Marie desJardins, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and 

College of Engineering and Information Technology, is UMBC's GCSP Director