Graham Foster grew up in Helena, Montana.
“I love Montana, but I wanted to experience living in a bigger city in college,” he said. “I’ve always loved Portland so it was an ideal choice. I like UP because of the class sizes, people, and location. It seemed like a really welcoming place.”
Graham is focusing on making solar energy more economically feasible. Renewable energy will play a big role in economies and infrastructure in the next few decades. Graham wanted to tackle a project that was challenging and rewarding, and would change the world in a positive way. Graham wants to participate in the future of solar energy technology. Graham because involved with the Grand Challenges Program because of the opportunities it provides to explore an important issue in detail, and to gain experience that will be valuable to his career as an engineer.
Graham is studying abroad during Spring Semester 2018. The concept of expanding his world view, examining problems like improving solar power, and applying sound solutions to complex problems will enable him to approach future challenges with a well-rounded perspective. Dr. Shazib Vijlee, Graham’s first-year engineering professor and advisor, was a good resource, he said. Graham entered the Shiley School as a civil engineering major, but exploring the different disciplines with Dr. Vijlee helped him realize that he was more interested in product design and development, and that mechanical engineering was the best major for him.
Graham’s favorite moment at UP took place last year when the sun came out in the spring for the last two weeks of the semester. It doesn’t rain that much in Montana, he said.
“The most surprising thing about being here has been how much I’ve enjoyed the classes I’m taking, even the ones that I was really worried about coming in to college.”
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