Undergraduate / "the power of public policy" - Global warming essay for U of O's Honors [3]

Topic - Two University of Oregon faculty members, Bart Johnson of landscape architecture and Scott Bridgham of biology, are collaborating on research to predict the impact of climate change on Oregon habitats and to find ways to mitigate that impact with land-use planning. Collaborations between the basic and applied sciences are becoming increasingly common in dealing with environmental problems. What is the role of basic science in generating public policy, and why is it that science alone cannot solve many of these policy problems?

This was kind of an obscure essay topic, but I tried to answer it in a way that showed I could dive deep into the question being asked. I hope I didn't get off course. What do you guys think? Parts that are repetitive, parts that done make sense? Also my grammar skills are poor so it's probably riddled with errors.

Public policy that is created by science leads mankind towards solving even our most pressing problems. However when public policy manufactures science, the truth is ripped from the fact and we are left with hyped up deception.

While I don't believe in a new world order or that the moon landing was filmed on a closed set, I do believe that the public policy on global warming is based on skewed scientific facts. When the International Panel on Climate Change boasts about their 4000 scientists, I feel concerned. Put yourself in the shoes of one of those 4000 research scientists, you are competing against 3999 other scientists with similar credentials for a small number of IPCC funded research grants. If your research and computer models show that green house gasses have little to no effect on global climate then you are not going to be awarded that sought after research money. You might as well abandon your finding because the public policy will instantly dismiss it as false. However, what if you mistakenly enter a portion of data and your climate change model forecasts a 10 degree increases in global temperature over the next 50 years. You would jump to conclusions without scrutinizing you work. When you hastily present your finding to the IPCC, they would accept your work solely because it supports their public policy.

Global Warming is a good example of a public policy that has created the science that supposedly supports it. When public policy takes the place of scientific method for generating science theory, there is no truth behind the facts; I can just picture Galileo rolling over in his grave. While the global warming fad has been blown out of proportion, there are much more pressing environmental issues we face such as overpopulation and a monoculture based food economy. For the issues humanity is headed for, I see hope. I believe people will learn to see through fads and I believe scientists will stand up for their work and not be swayed by the power of public policy.

Undergraduate / "reasons for choosing architecture" - Rensselaer App [4]

Rensselaer Application
"Architecture - State your reasons for choosing architecture as your profession."

I grew up on a small family farm in Hakipu'u on the windward side of Oahu. On the parcel that's been in my family for two generations, my mother grows tropical flowers and my father grows ornamental fish. Threw my childhood experiences on these grounds, I have discovered a passion for architecture.

The plantation resembles a temperate rain forest rather than the archetypal farm. It's populated with over 30 varieties of Heliconia, the 10 foot tall tropical flower create a labyrinth of fragrant smelling paths. My mom's father planted the first seedlings and now my mom cuts and sells them on our flower stand and in extravagant arrangements. Watching her put together arrangements has taught me how to look with an artistically critical eye. I've learned how to relate elements such as composition, color and balance within my artwork.

My dad has retired into a full time goldfish breeder. His breeds are adorned with grotesque eyes and embellishments comparable to koi. Almost all of his business comes through online orders as he offers "varieties which will never be seen anywhere else in the western world". He is a revered biologist and has made a name for himself within the ornamental fish world. He sparked my interest in math by showing me that math can be applied in more ways than the classroom. When my dad needed to approximate the biomass of the goldfish that could be sustained in his ponds, I calculated the volumes of each by applying the formula for an isosceles trapezoid. I was also able to find the instantaneous rate of change of a tank's height as water was pumped in at varying pressures using my new found understanding of derivatives in calculus class. These experiences have taught me that math is more than just calculations on a piece of paper, but that it can be used to solve real world problems.

The workshop on my farm was built by my grandfather and then restored by me and my father. The collection of tools that have accumulated through the generations has been the catalyst for my creative accomplishments. After restoring the workspace, I used it to start "Taylor Made Boards", my handmade skateboard business from the years I was in middle school. More recently, I have designed and built a Tahitian style fiberglass outrigger-canoe using rudimentary computer software and a 2-part composite mold. Over this Christmas break I finished laying up my first canoe and can now produce and sell a few to pay back some of my parents investment. Through the resources available to me and my parent's unconditional support, I have developed a passion for industrial design.

My yard has connected me with nature and made me environmentally conscious. Native birds are frequent, but unwelcome visitors as they gorge on prized goldfish. Being able to watch the endangered Ae'o (Hawaiian Stilt) and 'Alae 'Ula (Hawaiian Moorhen) as they visit the farm are some of the memories I hold close. Knowing that these birds could easily cease to exist has stirred my interest in creating a move environmentally sustainable world.

Through my parents invested interest and our farm's unique opportunities, I've been able to have distinctive experiences that shaped almost every facet of who I am. I've learned about art, mathematics, engineering, and the environment that surrounds me. At Rensselar I look forward to combining my distinctive talents and knowledge into the single discipline of architecture.