{"id":34893,"date":"2022-11-28T16:43:51","date_gmt":"2022-11-28T21:43:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/?p=34893"},"modified":"2022-11-28T17:24:29","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T22:24:29","slug":"elizabeth-siu-studies-energy-sustainability-in-puerto-rico","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/textiles.ncsu.edu\/news\/2022\/11\/elizabeth-siu-studies-energy-sustainability-in-puerto-rico\/","title":{"rendered":"Elizabeth Siu Studies Energy, Sustainability in Puerto Rico"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>By Mary Giuffrida<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With the entire world at your feet, it\u2019s easy to forget how many incredible and diverse places there are to discover closer to home. Elizabeth Siu found her academic adventure exploring a new culture in the American territory of Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI wanted to expand my skills and how I interact with the environment and people, and just spend time learning about a different cultural background,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sustainable solutions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.engr.ncsu.edu\/2023-puerto-rico-summer-program-in-engineering-social-sciences\/\">The program<\/a> was a joint venture between the college of engineering, and the University of Mayaguez in Puerto Rico. Her coursework consisted of two classes: an engineering course about biomedical device design, and a science, technology, and society course based around energy production and consumption on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-thumbnail-gallery\" id=\"ncst-thumbnail-gallery0\"><div class=\"thumbnail-gallery__controls-container\"><button class=\"scroll prev\" disabled><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M448,216.66H205.64l103.87-97.57L256,64,64,256,256,448l53.51-53.51L205.64,295.34H448Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sr-only\">Previous<\/span><\/button><span class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-numerals\"><span class=\"thumbnail-gallery__current-page\">1<\/span>\/2<\/span><button class=\"scroll next\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M64,295.34H306.36L202.49,392.92,256,448,448,256,256,64l-53.51,53.51,103.87,99.15H64Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sr-only\">Next<\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"thumbnail-gallery__viewport\"><ul class=\"thumbnail-gallery__container ncst-gallery\"><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"0\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/elizabeth-siu.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1200x1600\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/elizabeth-siu-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Siu stands in the student center of UPRM.\" data-id=\"34897\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/elizabeth-siu.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34897\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Siu in the student center at UPRM<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"1\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/carving.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1200x1600\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/carving-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A family poses in front of an ancient carving in Puerto Rico.\" data-id=\"34898\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/carving.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34898\" \/><\/a><figcaption>An ancient stone carving on the Island.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"2\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach2.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1200x1600\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Palm trees covering Isabela beach.\" data-id=\"34899\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach2.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34899\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Isabela Beach in Puerto Rico.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"3\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/food.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1200x1600\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/food-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Different foods inside a display case. \" data-id=\"34900\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/food.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34900\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Food from a local mini mart.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"4\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1200x1600\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Palm trees on UPRM campus.\" data-id=\"34901\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34901\" \/><\/a><figcaption>UPRM campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"5\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/hydroponics.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1200x1600\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/hydroponics-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A tray of hydroponically grown plants lifted up to display the roots.\" data-id=\"34902\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/hydroponics.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34902\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Picture from the tour of an indoor hydroponics farm on the island.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"6\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/building.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1600x1200\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/building-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A view of a white building in the town plaza of Mayaguez.\" data-id=\"34903\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/building.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34903\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The town plaza in Mayaguez.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"7\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/sky.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1200x1600\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/sky-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A view overlooking the city from a hotel Siu stayed in.\" data-id=\"34904\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/sky.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34904\" \/><\/a><figcaption>View from one of the hotels Siu stayed in.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"8\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/trees.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1600x1200\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/trees-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Palm trees and buildings on the UPRM campus.\" data-id=\"34905\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/trees.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34905\" \/><\/a><figcaption>A building on campus at UPRM.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"9\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/statue.jpg\" data-fullsize=\"1600x1200\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/statue-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A view of a statue in the town plaza of Mayaguez.\" data-id=\"34906\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/statue.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34906\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The town plaza in Mayaguez.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/div><ul class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-container\"><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator\"><button class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-button\" data-page=\"1\" aria-label=\"Scroll to page 1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Page 1<\/span><\/button><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator\"><button class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-button\" data-page=\"2\" aria-label=\"Scroll to page 2\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Page 2<\/span><\/button><\/li><\/ul><\/section>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI learned a lot about the connection between my place as a textile engineering major, and how I consume energy, and how moving forward we as a textile industry can be using energy more sustainably,\u201d Siu explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The course challenged students from different disciplines to come together and consider their place in the world from an energy standpoint. They engaged in group discussions, examining the way their consumption affects the world around them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI saw how moving forward textiles could be a really big part of reducing the amount of energy we consume and making a more structurally supportive system that respects the people and the area itself,\u201d she says. \u201cI definitely feel like textiles is the future of sustainability in terms of energy production.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Cultural connections<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While learning about the role textiles can play in protecting the island and the world as a whole, Siu had the opportunity to explore both the nature and culture of Puerto Rico. Along with the other students in her program, she spent time visiting various towns and areas around the island, soaking in every experience available to her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI just kind of fell in love with it,\u201d Siu explains. \u201cJust hearing the root of how Puerto Rican music influences what we listen to today, and how the architecture and history is more entwined with me and myself than I ever thought.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As she discovered these connections between her interests and the music and history of Puerto Rico, Siu was also discovering a new sense of confidence and self-assuredness through her interactions with classmates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Gaining confidence<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI definitely feel like I learned how to carry myself in a space and gained more confidence in the way I speak,\u201d she says. \u201cI found that I can find my space and find connections with people anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Going forward Siu says she will carry the experiences she had in Puerto Rico with her throughout her personal life, as well as in her career in the textiles industry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cIt was a really influential part of my college experience,\u201d she says. \u201cI know a lot of people say it, but I feel like I\u2019ve matured in a way that makes me feel like I can finish out college and then not just get that job, but really make an impact where I feel the most passionate.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false,"raw":"<!-- wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n<!-- wp:ncst\/default-post-header \/-->\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/dynamic-header -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>By Mary Giuffrida<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>With the entire world at your feet, it\u2019s easy to forget how many incredible and diverse places there are to discover closer to home. Elizabeth Siu found her academic adventure exploring a new culture in the American territory of Puerto Rico.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI wanted to expand my skills and how I interact with the environment and people, and just spend time learning about a different cultural background,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Sustainable solutions<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.engr.ncsu.edu\/2023-puerto-rico-summer-program-in-engineering-social-sciences\/\">The program<\/a> was a joint venture between the college of engineering, and the University of Mayaguez in Puerto Rico. Her coursework consisted of two classes: an engineering course about biomedical device design, and a science, technology, and society course based around energy production and consumption on the island.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:ncst\/thumbnail-gallery {\"ids\":[34897,34898,34899,34900,34901,34902,34903,34904,34905,34906],\"instanceId\":0} -->\n<section class=\"wp-block-ncst-thumbnail-gallery\" id=\"ncst-thumbnail-gallery0\"><div class=\"thumbnail-gallery__controls-container\"><button class=\"scroll prev\" disabled><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M448,216.66H205.64l103.87-97.57L256,64,64,256,256,448l53.51-53.51L205.64,295.34H448Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sr-only\">Previous<\/span><\/button><span class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-numerals\"><span class=\"thumbnail-gallery__current-page\">1<\/span>\/2<\/span><button class=\"scroll next\"><svg viewBox=\"0 0 512 512\"><path d=\"M64,295.34H306.36L202.49,392.92,256,448,448,256,256,64l-53.51,53.51,103.87,99.15H64Z\"><\/path><\/svg><span class=\"sr-only\">Next<\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"thumbnail-gallery__viewport\"><ul class=\"thumbnail-gallery__container ncst-gallery\"><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"0\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/elizabeth-siu.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/elizabeth-siu-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Siu stands in the student center of UPRM.\" data-id=\"34897\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/elizabeth-siu.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34897\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Siu in the student center at UPRM<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"1\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/carving.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/carving-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A family poses in front of an ancient carving in Puerto Rico.\" data-id=\"34898\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100444\/carving.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34898\" \/><\/a><figcaption>An ancient stone carving on the Island.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"2\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach2.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach2-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Palm trees covering Isabela beach.\" data-id=\"34899\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach2.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34899\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Isabela Beach in Puerto Rico.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"3\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/food.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/food-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Different foods inside a display case. \" data-id=\"34900\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/food.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34900\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Food from a local mini mart.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"4\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Palm trees on UPRM campus.\" data-id=\"34901\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100443\/beach.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34901\" \/><\/a><figcaption>UPRM campus.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"5\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/hydroponics.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/hydroponics-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A tray of hydroponically grown plants lifted up to display the roots.\" data-id=\"34902\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/hydroponics.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34902\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Picture from the tour of an indoor hydroponics farm on the island.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"6\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/building.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/building-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A view of a white building in the town plaza of Mayaguez.\" data-id=\"34903\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/building.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34903\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The town plaza in Mayaguez.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"7\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/sky.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/sky-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A view overlooking the city from a hotel Siu stayed in.\" data-id=\"34904\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100442\/sky.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34904\" \/><\/a><figcaption>View from one of the hotels Siu stayed in.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"8\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/trees.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/trees-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"Palm trees and buildings on the UPRM campus.\" data-id=\"34905\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/trees.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34905\" \/><\/a><figcaption>A building on campus at UPRM.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__item\" data-gallery-item=\"9\"><figure><a href=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/statue.jpg\"><img src=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/statue-150x150.jpg\" alt=\"A view of a statue in the town plaza of Mayaguez.\" data-id=\"34906\" data-link=\"https:\/\/tex-cloud-cdn.nyc3.digitaloceanspaces.com\/textiles-ncsu\/20231108100441\/statue.jpg\" class=\"wp-image-34906\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The town plaza in Mayaguez.<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/div><ul class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-container\"><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator\"><button class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-button\" data-page=\"1\" aria-label=\"Scroll to page 1\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Page 1<\/span><\/button><\/li><li class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator\"><button class=\"thumbnail-gallery__page-indicator-button\" data-page=\"2\" aria-label=\"Scroll to page 2\"><span class=\"sr-only\">Page 2<\/span><\/button><\/li><\/ul><\/section>\n<!-- \/wp:ncst\/thumbnail-gallery -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI learned a lot about the connection between my place as a textile engineering major, and how I consume energy, and how moving forward we as a textile industry can be using energy more sustainably,\u201d Siu explains.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>The course challenged students from different disciplines to come together and consider their place in the world from an energy standpoint. They engaged in group discussions, examining the way their consumption affects the world around them.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI saw how moving forward textiles could be a really big part of reducing the amount of energy we consume and making a more structurally supportive system that respects the people and the area itself,\u201d she says. \u201cI definitely feel like textiles is the future of sustainability in terms of energy production.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Cultural connections<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>While learning about the role textiles can play in protecting the island and the world as a whole, Siu had the opportunity to explore both the nature and culture of Puerto Rico. Along with the other students in her program, she spent time visiting various towns and areas around the island, soaking in every experience available to her.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI just kind of fell in love with it,\u201d Siu explains. \u201cJust hearing the root of how Puerto Rican music influences what we listen to today, and how the architecture and history is more entwined with me and myself than I ever thought.\u201d&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>As she discovered these connections between her interests and the music and history of Puerto Rico, Siu was also discovering a new sense of confidence and self-assuredness through her interactions with classmates.<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:heading {\"level\":3} -->\n<h3>Gaining confidence<\/h3>\n<!-- \/wp:heading -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cI definitely feel like I learned how to carry myself in a space and gained more confidence in the way I speak,\u201d she says. \u201cI found that I can find my space and find connections with people anywhere.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>Going forward Siu says she will carry the experiences she had in Puerto Rico with her throughout her personal life, as well as in her career in the textiles industry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->\n\n<!-- wp:paragraph -->\n<p>\u201cIt was a really influential part of my college experience,\u201d she says. \u201cI know a lot of people say it, but I feel like I\u2019ve matured in a way that makes me feel like I can finish out college and then not just get that job, but really make an impact where I feel the most passionate.\u201d<\/p>\n<!-- \/wp:paragraph -->"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A summer in Puerto Rico taught textile engineering student Elizabeth Siu about energy and sustainability, and helped her build a newfound confidence along the way.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":12,"featured_media":34895,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"source":"","ncst_custom_author":"","ncst_show_custom_author":false,"ncst_dynamicHeaderBlockName":"ncst\/default-post-header","ncst_dynamicHeaderData":"{\"showAuthor\":true,\"showDate\":true,\"showFeaturedVideo\":false,\"displayCategoryID\":502,\"caption\":\"\"}","ncst_content_audit_freq":"","ncst_content_audit_date":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[742,502,479],"tags":[2442,1143,570],"class_list":["post-34893","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-newswire","category-student-success","category-tecs","tag-b-s-textile-engineering","tag-department-of-textile-engineering-chemistry-and-science","tag-study-abroad"],"displayCategory":{"term_id":502,"name":"Student Success","slug":"student-success","term_group":0,"term_taxonomy_id":502,"taxonomy":"category","description":"","parent":0,"count":388,"filter":"raw"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<title>Elizabeth Siu Studies Energy, Sustainability in Puerto Rico - 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