Moving the Cities
Fall 2023
Leveraging design thinking principles and global perspectives during my study abroad experience, I helped create innovative solutions that contribute to the realization of United Nations SDG 17.
Post-it Notes for exceptional collaboration
In the Moving the Cities program, collaboration was pivotal, mirroring the teamwork dynamics I had experienced in my engineering courses at Pitt. It was interesting to observe that, while I leaned towards a hands-on, action-oriented approach, some of my teammates leaned more toward theoretical discussions.
This disparity in mindset could be attributed to the diverse educational backgrounds within our group, not all of whom had an engineering foundation. This contrast became notably evident when we found ourselves heavily relying on Post-it notes for virtually every aspect of our work.
My previous exposure to Lean Launchpad (ENGR 1080) at Pitt was a game-changer. This course introduced me to the business model canvas methodology, a versatile framework for structuring a business model. This knowledge proved to be an invaluable asset during the program, as it closely aligned with our approach to ideation, idea development, and navigating the intricate terrain of business challenges. Drawing from my past experiences with various components of a business model and their associated sections, such as feasibility, desirability, and viability, I was able to guide my teammates in defining crucial aspects like costs, partnerships, and customer segments.
Throughout the program, the words of one mentor resonated with us: "You'll encounter unfamiliar challenges, but with these tools, you can systematically address them and find solutions." This motivating advice kept us on course as we grappled with complex issues in a region of the world with which we were not intimately familiar. We dedicated numerous hours to our challenge, generating thousands of ideas along the way. The idea-generation process adhered to a unique tradition I had developed throughout my academic journey – assigning a dedicated Post-it note to every single idea. It had become something of a signature approach for me. One of my fellow team members playfully remarked, "You really love your post-its, huh?"
As the program progressed, our workspace transformed into a vibrant mosaic of post-it notes, meticulously showcasing our brainstorming efforts and the gradual refinement of our solution for addressing Sustainable Development Goal 17. We chose to focus on bringing renewable energy to countries in Africa to support equitable development while meeting climate change goals. By leveraging our diverse backgrounds, including environmental engineering, computer science, bioengineering, biofuel sustainability, and marketing, we crafted a unique plan to install microgrids in communities and reduce the cost of energy by reinvesting our profit margin into the community. Post-it note ideation aided us in dissecting who we were helping, how we were aiding them, who we needed to collaborate with to achieve our goals, who would benefit, what benefits would be created, and how this scheme would be financed.
Ultimately, this extensive use of Post-it notes played a pivotal role in crafting a compelling pitch that not only reflected the depth of our thinking but also demonstrated the meticulously thought-out nature of our solution.
Visiting Munster, Germany
Our base of operations was FH Münster University in Münster, Germany, and I found the campus quite charming. It offered ample space for brainstorming and sticking ideas to the walls. The university's buildings had a classic, old-style façade but housed modern interiors equipped with numerous monitors and collaborative workstations. Additionally, we received daily passes to enjoy meals at the dining hall, a convenient perk. One noticeable distinction I observed was the dining hall's schedule; it wasn't open 24/7 but only during specific meal times, although it remained accessible throughout the day, with some menu items changing periodically.
The first thing that blew my mind about Münster was how many bikes there were. Seriously, there were more bikes than cars on the road, and the infrastructure was remarkably bike-friendly, featuring dedicated bike lanes throughout the town. Initially, I noticed that many locals didn't bother to lock their bikes, leading me to believe that bike theft rates were relatively low in Münster. Unfortunately, I soon discovered this wasn't the case. I made a friend who commuted to FH Münster and rode the train every day for 30 minutes to reach the university. He parked his bike in a humongous underground parking facility designated for bicycles. Regrettably, on the third day of our program, his bike was stolen. To my surprise, I learned that home insurance typically covers stolen bikes in Münster, offering compensation for a replacement. He mentioned that bike theft was rather common, with this incident marking the second time his bike had been stolen. This shattered my previous views on the crime rates in Münster.
The second most striking aspect of Münster was the prevalence of potatoes. I’m not joking when I say there were potatoes everywhere, and it became something of a daily ritual for me to enjoy some form of potato dish during our stay. One notable encounter with Münster's potato obsession occurred at the local fair, SEND, where I was astounded to find approximately ten stalls solely dedicated to showcasing different types of potatoes and creative ways to savor them. I couldn't resist trying a spiral potato on a stick. As I approached the stall, the friendly vendor inquired about my seasoning preferences. When I mentioned only salt, he laughed and then recommended a more flavorful combination of paprika and garlic. In addition to the culinary fascination with potatoes, I stumbled upon a rather unique and eye-catching sight during my explorations on the first day. At first glance, I thought I had come across a charming jewelry display in a shop window. However, as I drew nearer, my eyes widened in surprise as I beheld the stunning jewelry pieces elegantly arranged on a stack of golden potatoes. It was an unconventional and captivating marketing strategy, clearly designed to catch the attention of window shoppers like myself. This unexpected fusion of jewelry and potatoes left a lasting memory, highlighting the city's distinctive charm and creativity.
Building a MTC Community
One of the most significant takeaways from my participation in this program is the newfound sense of belonging to an extended community that not only supported me but also played an instrumental role in my personal and professional growth. The experience allowed me to interact with an incredibly diverse group of individuals, both fellow participants and mentors, whose perspectives and backgrounds enriched my own understanding of the world. Despite the limited duration of the program, we managed to forge deep connections by sharing our personal stories and learning about each other's unique cultures.
This program didn't just expand my global network; it also strengthened my ties to my hometown community in Pittsburgh. Through the program, I had the privilege of forming close and lasting friendships with all the remarkable individuals who were part of our journey. Together, we shared unforgettable moments, creating lasting memories that further solidified our bonds. Since we came from the same background and university, we had the unique ability to understand and support each other through the tough challenge. These friendships have extended beyond the program's duration and continue to be a source of inspiration, mutual support, and personal growth for me in both my local and global communities.
Participating in this program was a truly transformative experience, and I have some valuable advice for anyone considering joining it in the future. First and foremost, keep an open mind throughout the journey. The program offers an incredible opportunity to learn, but to make the most of it, you must be open to meeting new people and embracing fresh perspectives on problem-solving. It's in these exchanges that you'll discover innovative ways to approach challenges that you might never have considered otherwise. Furthermore, take the time to explore the host city to the fullest extent. Immerse yourself in the local culture, and don't hesitate to engage with the local students from the country you're visiting. They can provide you with unique insights into the nuances and hidden gems of the place that you might not find in guidebooks. Building connections with the locals enhances your experience and broadens your understanding of the city's distinctive characteristics. Another crucial piece of advice is to actively participate in the asynchronous week. This part of the program allows you to delve deeply into the issue at hand. It's a golden opportunity to gain a comprehensive understanding of the problem, its various dimensions, and potential solutions. By fully engaging in this week, you equip yourself with the knowledge and insights necessary to make a meaningful impact. This will also provide you with a solid foundation for the program's in-person segment. Lastly, don't underestimate the value of the program's mentors. These professionals have a wealth of experience and expertise in their respective fields. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from their professional journeys and understand how their insights and skills can be applied to your own goals. Their guidance and mentorship can prove invaluable in shaping your future endeavors and honing your skills.
In summary, I wholeheartedly endorse this program for individuals with a genuine passion for sustainable development and the drive to make a tangible impact in the world. While the program might not have been directly related to my field of bioengineering, the knowledge and skills I acquired will be invaluable assets for my future career aspirations. I had the opportunity to broaden my skill set, gaining a diverse set of abilities that I can seamlessly integrate into my professional journey. Furthermore, the experience exposed me to the intricacies of teamwork on a global level, a skill that holds immense significance in today's competitive job market. This program equipped me with the tools to be an effective teammate in a diverse and interconnected world.