Edison Scholars 2018: Makers of Tomorrow
Originally posted on Inside Edison
Edison Scholars Thrive in STEM Pursuits
To better understand 20-year-old Rachel Miller’s world, you have to think very small. Atoms and molecular bonds small.
As a nanoengineering senior at the University of California, San Diego, she deals with researching and creating things on a nanoscale. A width of human hair is about 40,000 nanometers long.
“I see nanoengineering as a revolutionary field for my generation,” said Miller, whose virtual reality projects include building a glove with sensors to help doctors do surgery remotely or to understand the sign language alphabet.
The former Valencia High School student says she is living her academic dream and wants to help more underrepresented Hispanic students like her pursue the field of engineering. And she credits her 2014 Edison Scholars award for her success.
“I am able to go to college because of that scholarship,” she said, noting that her parents could not afford to pay her tuition and boarding fees. “I’ve grown so much and am now better equipped to give back to my community as an engineer.”
Scholars Program Details:
- Applicants must be a high school senior with at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA, plan to pursue studies in the STEM fields at a four-year accredited college or university, and show financial need.
- Specific college majors include: computer and information systems, engineering, engineering technology, management information systems, mathematics, natural resources and conservation, or physical sciences.
- Applicants must live in Southern California Edison’s service territory.
To apply for the 2018 Edison Scholars Program: www.scholarsapply.org/edisonscholars/.
