Josh Cook, UW–Madison Geological Engineering class of 2015, became interested in renewable energy while participating in a summer intensive Mandarin language program in China. He lived in Tianjin, a city of over 15 million people, and also had the chance to visit Beijing and Shanghai, each of which has over 20 million residents. “These cities were much larger than any I’d been to in the United States,” said Cook. “It was a really cool experience.” Cook also witnessed the smog problem of large cities first-hand, “and that kind of set me on my way. I realized that this was something I could help out with and make a difference.”

Cook grew up in Minnesota and became interested in engineering in high school. When it was time to apply for college, he toured UW–Madison and immediately fell in love. Though he initially pursued coursework in both international studies and engineering, Cook’s trip to China solidified his desire to pursue engineering as a career.