As I pursue my master’s degree through the graduate program of the University of Hawaii at Manoa, I continue to aim to develop and improve my intellectual comprehension and competence. Majoring in mechanical engineering, I attend many courses within the fields of mathematics and science. Through these courses, I have studied materials that not only encompass engineering skills but also apply to the medical field.
Much material that can be learned from the mechanical engineering department of my university can be and has been applied to medical operations. The scope that mechanical engineers can provide aid to is not limited to fixing cars or ventilation systems. The principles we learn can be extended for the benefit of human health. Many efforts on my campus have tackled such issues through various projects. For surgical purposes, machines have been constructed to minimize the incisions of patients during surgery. Proper understanding of thermodynamics can be utilized to design cooling pads that can be worn on one’s body to regulate their body temperature and muscle strains. Specifically for my case, I am currently conducting a research study involving the production of biochar, which has untapped potential in improving health.
As an emergent object of study in the field of engineering, biochar possesses immense potential for a variety of uses, including health benefits. Biochar is a highly carbonaceous substance that can be produced from wood or waste materials using methods of carbonization, such as pyrolysis or other similar thermodynamic processes. As an emergent study, biochar has very limited research conducted over the past years. However, with the existing studies, biochar has shown positive signs for benefitting health. For one example, by adding controlled amounts of biochar into animal feed, cattle have exhibited better health conditions, such as fertility and digestive behavior. With expanded studies on biochar, such health benefits seem plausible to improving human health systems directly, as well. Other than direct methods, biochar also improves health indirectly through other applications.
A major quality of biochar is its application to bettering the environment. The most well- known uses of biochar is its ability to improve soil quality and its potential to substitute and reduce the usage of natural resources, such as coal and fossil fuels. Through these acts, biochar helps to clean the environment and thus can indirectly improve the health of people within affected areas. The high carbon content of biochar allows for the sequestration of carbon dioxide. Therefore, by replacing natural resources, biochar mitigates adverse effects of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere that typically is released with the burning of fossil
fuels. By improving soil quality, biochar improves plants and crops. With higher quality crops, higher quality foods can be prepared for safer and beneficial consumption.
As I continue my studies, I hope to grow with every step and continually enhance my abilities. I will strive to work effectively in order to make proper use of the blessings I have been given to get me to where I am today. So I am determined to put in my best efforts and see just how far I can go.