Our entry spotlights the inspiring journey of Riley Taft, a Cal Poly mechanical engineering student with the audacious dream of circumnavigating the globe. Riley’s story unfolded as he was on the cusp of graduation and ready to embark on an eight-year odyssey to ports worldwide. A standout feature of his journey is his sponsorship of a senior project to develop a pedal-powered desalination unit, ensuring access to clean drinking water during his voyage. Through comprehensive conversations with Riley, his peers, and the collaborative team behind him, we delved deep into his aspirations and the technological innovations supporting his voyage. This narrative resonates with the College of Engineering’s core values: fostering ambitious dreams, applying engineering for humanitarian aid, promoting teamwork for collective benefit, and encouraging innovative problem-solving. Riley’s story captivated a broad audience, becoming one of our most-read features on our website and social media platforms. The community’s engagement was palpable, with many attending an expo to witness his project firsthand. Now, many are eagerly anticipating updates on his journey, and we've laid the groundwork to do this. The story highlights engineering’s global impact, and Riley's remarkable journey inspires our audience. Riley embodies the spirit of innovation and compassion that our university aims to cultivate.
From the Judges
Great writing, interviews, and a compelling narrative made this an award-worthy profile. We found the topic, lessons drawn from it, and the ending of this piece exemplary.
