Engineers turn ideas (technical, scientific, mathematical) into reality. Tell us about an engineering idea you have or your interest in engineering. Explain how Cornell Engineering can help you further explore this idea or interest.

　　“What? You got more new ideas?” My science teacher, Mr. Li asked.

　　“Yes. I do have a new idea. I think I found a way to improve my design.”

　　As an avid student of biology, I often spent hours observing biological specimen with microscope. But in China, students often need to cut the specimen with double-edge blades using bare hands, which is a very dangerous and inefficient procedure. I came up with an idea to design a new device that can cut the specimen automatically with precision.

　　After research and discussion with my science teacher, I found that the first key to make the device is to find a way to amplify the movement of the two blades used in the cutting process so we could precisely measure and control the movement. I was studying Optics at that time, so naturally I started with the idea of using an angular amplifier to amplify the movement. The idea was to fix one of the blades, and install a laser beam on the other, which can move. The slightest movement of the laser can be amplified after repeated refection in a set of mirrors, so we measure the movement precisely. However, I quickly found out that it was not feasible to put the set of mirrors together by hand precisely at an angle that can satisfy the requirement of repeated reflection to get the desired results for measurement of the movement of one of the blades.

　　I was not deterred by the frustration and continued to find new solutions. I thought of a new idea that uses an electronic-magnetic sensor to measure the movement of one of the blades. The sensor can measure the distance between itself and an object made of ferro-materials. The movement can be amplified through amplifying electronic current. I made modifications to an ampere meter so it can receive electronic signals. I also made changes to the measurement unit on the ampere meter so its precision can be at the level of millimeter, which satisfied the requirement of precise measurement. Problem solved!

　　Now, the next challenge is how to build the mechanical part of the device, which proved more difficult than I expected. I tried many times, using different materials to build the device, but to no avail. My science teacher thought that I ran out of ideas and I had done my best, but I was determined to carry on since failure was not an option for me. Through more independent research and consultation with experts at Tsinghua University, I found the solution—using a combination of electronic and mechanic method, controlled by a computer program I wrote. I learned AutoCAD to provide blueprint for making the device. I also learned SCM Complier so the device can display the distance electronically on a LCD screen. I expanded my knowledge of C and based on that I learned by myself MEDWIN. After many months, I finally had my new device that can cut biological specimen automatically with precision. Better yet, I won a series of award for my invention, including the Gold prize in the National Engineering Award for High School Students.

　　To me, it is not that important to win the prize or not. It is what I learned and experienced from this process that is important. I learned that to turn an engineering idea into reality, one needs to be creative, not afraid of failure, interested in taking interdisciplinary approaches, and know where to find help when necessary, from the library or experts. One also needs to be solidly trained in the fundamentals of science and engineering, and always be interested and ready to learn new knowledge. I am exactly such a person. I believe that the studies in the College of Engineering can help me turn many of my new engineering ideas into reality, which can improve the quality of human life.

　　全文点评：本文刻画了一个对科研兴趣十足，同时不畏艰难、善于总结和创新的学生形象。通过描述写生发明标本切片实验仪器的过程，体现了学生的研究能力、动手能力、以及克服困难的能力。本文的另一个亮点，在于文章最后一段，将学生的收获写得很真实，很深刻。

　　再强调一下essay写作的要点。当我们通过一件小事来体现自身的亮点的时候，一定要把以下几点写清楚：这个事情是关于什么的;你都做了哪些具体事情，也就是你在整个事情当中的作用;最后，是你的收获，这件事情对你的影响，以及这个事情以后，你的转变。

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