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Meet Cianna Cilenti
Iceland 2024 – TGP Scholarship
Florida State University
Meteorology
Graduation Year: 2025
“By engaging with different cultures and practices in the various TGP opportunities, underrepresented students are able to gain valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to their academic and career aspirations; this helps to promote greater inclusivity and representation in various fields.”
About Cianna
My name is Cianna Cilenti and I am a senior at Florida State University studying Meteorology. I wanted to learn more about renewable energy and combine my interests in environmental science with my meteorology studies. Iceland’s advanced use of geothermal and hydroelectric power has always interested in me because it represents a successful integration of renewable energy through the usage of the lands natural resources.
By participating in the green program, I aimed to gain firsthand experience in sustainable energy solutions and understand how they can mitigate climate change, I also wanted an experience to expand my career goals in environmental science and meteorology.
I was so excited when I got a scholarship because I knew that was the sign to go. The enrollment process was so simple and easy, I was worried I was missing something! There is guidance through TGP staff the entire way.
Cianna’s Program Experience
I had no idea what the trip was going to consist of! Every day in the schedule was a mystery to keep us in the moment and It exceeded all expectations. By engaging with different cultures and practices in the various TGP opportunities, underrepresented students are able to gain valuable skills and knowledge that contribute to their academic and career aspirations; this helps to promote greater inclusivity and representation in various fields.
My biggest takeaways from the trip would be to find opportunities to continue to educate myself on current technologies and cultural integration to better my own home. After going on this trip, I find that I am constantly motivating other people to attend study abroad trips and do their own research to fully experience all there is to offer within their interests!
I really enjoyed the hands-on aspect of my education, which involved visiting various renewable energy plants. This experience allowed me to interact directly with the scientists and educators working in the field. Engaging with these professionals provided valuable insights into their work and the practical applications of renewable energy technologies. These visits made learning more dynamic and engaging and helped me connect with the information on a deeper level.
Capstone Project
For my capstone project, we focused on smart grid systems that harness hydrologic power for urban implementation. Our goal was to design a system that efficiently integrates hydropower into city infrastructures to enhance energy sustainability and resilience.
We came up with this idea by analyzing current trends in renewable energy and urban sustainability. Hydropower, particularly small-scale or micro-hydropower systems, presents a viable option for cities with access to water resources.
To approach the project, we began by researching existing smart grid technologies and hydropower systems. We then identified key urban areas that could benefit from such systems and designed a model that combined hydropower generation with smart grid management to ensure efficient energy distribution and usage.
Challenges included ensuring scalability and adaptability of the hydropower systems to different urban environments. Another challenge was integrating the smart grid with existing infrastructure, which we took into account when creating our own model.
The end result was a comprehensive model and prototype for a smart grid system utilizing hydropower. Our design demonstrated potential for reducing urban energy costs and carbon footprints. We presented our findings in a detailed presentation, showing practical benefits and insights for future energy solutions in smart cities.
Cianna’s advice for new GREENies:
I would say go for it, if you have an interest go pursue it! With hard work and research, barriers like funding and timing will all fall into place! Stay on top of deadlines, research various programs and funding, and don’t give up. Make the most of your education and take the leap to explore more. No matter your degree field or goals in life attending one of these trips will forever change you into a person who takes initiative and action in bettering the world we live in!
To Those That Made My Scholarship Possible…
Thank you so much Green Team for helping to provide funding for me to experience the beauty and nature of Iceland and learn more about sustainability and renewable energy! This was such an amazing opportunity and unforgettable trip of a lifetime!