Undergraduate / Scientists swayed by the power of public policy. [2]

U of O Honors College Application Essay
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 deeper into the question being asked. I hope I didn't go off course. What do you guys think? 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 threw fads and I believe scientists will stand up for their work and not be swayed by the power of public policy."

Undergraduate / "a new dress code policy" - intellectual experience Brown's admissions essay, topic A [4]

Brown Common App. Supplement - essay topic A

Tell us about an intellectual experience, project, class, or book that has influenced or inspired you.

500 words max

My question is on the wording of the question. Do they mean that the project, class, and book also must be intellectual or is it just referring to the experience?

I have an essay that would fit the topic well that I have already written for another school. Do you think it would fit the topic with a little reformatting even though it focuses on an artistic project rather than an intellectual project?

362 words

"As I entered my freshman year of high school, a new dress code policy was implemented. The school sanctioned attire consisted of "metro blue" and "ice gray" shirts both with unadorned clip art of a fleur-de-lis in the center. I attributed the unimaginative shirts to a monotonous atmosphere around campus. However, as team captain of the Kayaking and Paddling teams, I designed team shirts that were permitted as dress code. Not surprisingly, I came to find out that my teammates were excited about the aesthetically pleasing shirts and I rapidly sold-out. The profit from the shirts helped raise team funds. The shirts also gave us a sense of team unity as the athletes eagerly sported them around campus.

Someone must have noticed my two-toned illustrations because later in the school year I was asked to become the school's shirt designer. Since then, I have been provided with Adobe Photoshop and a small payment for each design. After a few shirts, I was introduced to Dave who works for the company that prints the shirts. Through working with Dave, I have been able to learn not just the creative side of his company, but also selling and manufacturing aspects. While working on commission, I have learned to be flexible, vocal and focus on the school's concerns, requests and needs. However, I think the greatest lesson this experience has taught me is that I am the artist; I have the final say on my work.

My shirts have been in production for a while now and I'm glad to say that they have transformed the look and environment of my school. It's surreal to walk around campus and witness my art on these shirts. There are walking canvases everywhere I look. I'm proud to give back to a school that has given me such a valuable education. As my senior class lines up for a picture, outfitted in my class shirt design, I realize this is my legacy. Long after I graduate and move on into a new world of my own, my art and introduction of student designed apparel is going to leave a lasting impression on this place I call my high school."

What do you think?