Jerome

I n the article “Plastic-eating Enzyme Could Eliminate Billions of Tons of Landfill Waste” (UT News, 2022), Scientists from University of Texas at Austin have discovered a plastic-eating enzyme that could potentially eliminate tons of plastic waste and a step forward in conserving our enviroment. The enzyme, Ideonella Sakaiensis, has the ability to break down one of the most commonly used plastic, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), within 24 hours. It was first discovered in a recycling center located in Japan, which was modified to become more efficient in breaking down plastic. As more time is put into further development, researchers are optimistic that the enzyme can be used on a wider scale during the industrial recycling process. Although PET is use everywhere around us, it is not biodegradable and takes beyond a human’s lifespan to breakdown. This leads to an abundant of environmental issues and plastic waste accumulated on the planet. There are still plans to continue improving ...

Scientist at University of Texas at Austin have discovered a plastic-eating enzyme that could potentially eliminate tons of plastic waste. The enzyme, Ideonella Sakaiensis, has the ability to break down one of the most commonly used plastic, Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET), within 24 hours. It was first discovered in a recycling center located at Japan, which was then modified to become more efficient in breaking down plastic. As more time is put into further development, researchers are optimistic that the enzyme can be used on a wider scale during the industrial recycling process. Although PET is use everywhere around us, it is not biodegradable and takes beyond a human’s lifespan to breakdown. This leads to an environmental issues and plastic waste accumulation on the planet. There are plans to continue improving the enzyme to use in breaking down other forms of plastic and much more efficiently. Hope is still in sight in the continuous battle of plastic pollution for our future.

   “Without clear lines of communication, our ideas would stay within our own small development teams instead of becoming mature products. While this is obvious to those of us who have become experienced engineers, the real question is: Why is it lost to us when we are engineering students?” Akbar R Khan, Software Systems Engineer, USA, “Good Communication Is Essential...” (2014) Effective communication is crucial for the success of any project, but it can be particularly challenging in the working world. This is because the stakes are higher for working adults, whose livelihoods may depend on the success of the project, compared to students who may only be concerned with grades. Working adults may also have to communicate with people from different fields and backgrounds, which can lead to misunderstandings and miscommunications. Additionally, the use of abbreviations and technical language can make it difficult to get everyone on the same page. In contrast, student...

Dear Professor Brad Blackstone,    My name is Jerome Nathaniel Goh and I am writing to you this email to introduce myself. Before pursuing a Degree in Mechanical Design and Manufacturing Engineering, I previously completed a Technical Engineering Diploma in Machining Technology in Institute of Technical Education where I found a great interest in procuring tools and parts in the engineering sector. Initially, I wasn't keen on engineering as the idea of touching grease and oil disgust me. However, that mindset shifted as I was working on my final year project when I was given the opportunity to collaborate with procurement engineers that shared with me their job scope. It fascinates me to see the process of engineers coming together with the same goal to fabricate innovative solutions. Communication with my peers has been one of my strongest traits. During a project fair, I was given the opportunity to interact with industry leaders and had open discussions. It was...