Summer Learning: NYLF Engineering

Hi, my name is Lynn. I am an 11th-grade student trying to learn more about engineering. I was invited to the NYLF Engineering camp for eight days based on my academics. This camp is out of my family's budget, and I would love your help in sending me to this camp. Thank you for your support and your belief in me.

I am interested in mechanical and electrical/computer engineering, although I am interested in learning about the other fields as well. It is my aspiration that I can use engineering to make prosthetics. I like the idea that I could positively impact the world through my research and development. To create a device that could allow a paralyzed individual to walk or a marine animal to swim would be so gratifying.

I was inspired after watching Dolphin Tale when I was nine years old, which truly sparked my love for helping marine life. Dolphin Tale is a movie that describes the story of a dolphin that became tangled in a net resulting in the amputation of her tail. Dan Strzempka and Kevin Carroll are the two that created Winter's prosthetic tail in the movie Dolphin Tale. Strzempka and Carroll used a multiple-step process in the creation of the tail. These steps include sketching and designing, finding the proper materials, creating a prototype, and trial and error. These steps were used to create the first in a series that Winter used for the rest of her life. This process showed me how engineering involves sketching and designing as well as using mathematical and scientific skills in the process of trial and error.

Another thing that I enjoy doing is building legos. I have enjoyed legos since I was eight. Some legos that I completed recently are the architecture and technic legos. I found the architecture legos fun because they are more advanced. I enjoy the technic legos because I put them together and observe all the mechanic principles that work together, allowing them to come to life. It is fascinating and satisfying to see the final result of something that I constructed. Another thing I enjoy is sketching and designing. This use of art helps me visualize my ideas assisting in designing a piece of equipment or medical device.

I hope that this program will help me understand more about engineering and help me to choose which field would best suit my aspirations.