Richard Beckman
I'm a freshman pre-major student at UW, hoping to study mechanical engineering. My desire to study engineering is driven by my fascination with the interconnectedness of disciplines within robotics. I enjoy learning about how computer science, electrical engineering, and mechanical design overlap to bring robotic designs to life. In my free time, I enjoy playing the Tenor Saxophone with the Husky Marching Band, indoor rock climbing, hiking, and running.
I became interested in the Boren Scholarship because it aligns with my goal to serve in a federal defense position while also offering an incredible opportunity to immerse myself in another language and culture for a summer. Language learning has been personally important to me since I was young, as it has opened doors to connecting within my community. This summer, I will be taking language courses at the National Taiwan Normal University (NTNU) Mandarin Training Center (MTC) and participating in a robotics internship at the NTNU Educational Robotics Center.
My short-term goal over the Summer is to return to UW with a 200-300 level Chinese proficiency and a stronger foundation in humanoid robotics. While in Taiwan, I plan to take courses that will deepen my understanding of Taiwanese culture and traditions. I also aim to learn more about the geopolitical environment surrounding Taiwan and emerge from the experience with more insight into East Asian politics.
My long-term goal is to use my engineering education and multilingualism as a developmental engineer officer in the Space Force, which I am preparing for as a cadet in the UW Air Force ROTC detachment 910.
Goals
Short term: Be accepted into the engineering majors I applied to at the University of Washington; finish my Husky Robotics arm design for our performance design review
Long term: Earn my master's degree through the Space Force Advanced Academic Degree program in either Mechanical Engineering or Aerospace Engineering
Tips
Show that you understand why your proposed plan aligns with the goals of the Boren Scholarship, and do your research! Your essays will really shine if you can show that you've researched the culture, geography, politics, and economy of the area you will be living in and how that connects to U.S. interests.
