Adam Kareem is going places. And we don't think that just because he was our alumni guest speaker at our Luncheon last month. He really is going places. A recent graduate of University of Maryland College Park with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, he has already begun pursuing a Ph.D. also in Mechanical Engineering at College Park. To be more clear, he is dabbling in nanotechnology, atomic force microscopes.

 

During his years at College Park, Adam kept busy. As a walk-on to the football team, Adam found himself rising early every morning, going to class from 8-2, practice from 2:30 - 7 followed by study time until he hit the bed at 1 a.m. just to do it all over again the next day. Adam played football for two years before deciding that something had to change. Classes were getting more demanding; he made the difficult choice to focus on his studies. Adam turned to his difficult and ever-demanding courses and also joined the Muslim Student Association, where he served as the Social Activities Chair.
 
Adam did not slack during his summers either, completing several internships including working in the Innovation Department at DeWalt Power Tools and Accessories. He collaborated with engineers to assess miter saw dust and how to improve dust collection efficiency. He delivered full-scale presentations to the Project Managers and Vice-President of Engineering. In addition to the internship at DeWalt, Adam also completed an internship at Black & Veatch where he performed research for upgrades to a wastewater treatment plant.
 
A graduate of Baltimore Polytechnic Institute, Adam enjoys reading about motorcycles and cars and working on his car. Adam describes his network of friends and contacts as one of his most important accomplishments: "Nearly every member of the mechanical engineering class of 2009 and the mechanical engineering faculty (including the dean) know me and are familiar with me." 
 
In addition to receiving a CollegeBound Last Dollar Grant, Adam was also the recipient of the George V. McGowan Scholarship. When asked how CollegeBound has helped him reach his goals, Adam responded by writing in all capital letters: "WITHOUT COLLEGEBOUND, NONE OF MY ACCOMPLISHMENTS COULD HAVE BEEN REALIZED AND NONE OF MY CAREER GOALS WOULD BE WITHIN REACH. COLLEGEBOUND HAS HELPED ME BECOME WHO I AM TODAY."