Sharon Nguyen
SUCCESS STORIES > HACKING FOR DEFENSE
Sharon Nguyen
Georgetown University, Fall 2023
Team World War Waste, “The Weigh Forward”: Smart Waste Solutions
About Sharon
Sharon is a graduate student at Georgetown University studying Communications, Culture, and Technology. Her prior experience working in sales and marketing compelled her to seek ways to collaborate with the Hacking for Defense (H4D) team, since she was drawn to the mission-driven tactics and entrepreneurship. Sharon was selected to be a Summer 2024 Common Mission Project (CMP) intern, where she will build upon her H4D foundation to support program initiatives.
Sharon’s World War Waste Team collaborated with the MacDill Air Force Base’s dining hall on a dining hall issue regarding weighing food waste. During her beneficiary discoveries, the team concluded that it is not a simple problem that innovation can fix, rather it is a community effort to initiate sustainability efforts. The team’s efforts helped validate the root cause of the base’s problem, providing a solid foundation for future initiatives.
Interview
Q: What attracted you to the class?
A: "In my sales and marketing career, I’ve often found myself working to achieve company objectives, but I've always yearned for more direct impact and involvement in solving real-world problems. Meanwhile, Hacking for Defense gave me the opportunity to learn and use entrepreneurial hands-on experience of working on a real-world national security problem. It’s not everyday that you have the opportunity to engage on an issue where you are working on the frontlines of a U.S. government national security problem that needs to be validated. This class provided me with the experience where I could make a tangible difference, while also expanding my horizons in a challenging and dynamic environment.”
Q: What value do you feel you got from taking this course?
A: “The overall lesson I gained from H4D would be how an answer is not always definite. Throughout the semester, my team and I’s hypothesis greatly evolved during our 13 week beneficiary discoveries. From this takeaway, I felt there will not always be a win-win solution for all and it is imperative to be flexible and adaptable as they are crucial skills in problem-solving. This course taught me to approach challenges with an open mind, ready to iterate and adjust based on new information and insights.
Additionally, collaborating with my team highlighted the importance of diverse perspectives and effective communication in finding innovative solutions. Overall, the value I gained from this course extends beyond academic knowledge; it encompasses practical skills and a mindset that I can apply to future endeavors.”
Q: How did the H4D program impact your thoughts about working in government?
A: "The Hacking for Defense program has profoundly influenced my perspective on working within the government sector. The first-hand exposure not only deepened my understanding of national security issues, but also sparked a genuine interest in pursuing a career where I can contribute directly to addressing these challenges.
Furthermore, I hope to use my Common Mission Project internship experience to promote the H4D course for prospective students. I believe students should experience this rewarding journey of tackling real-world government challenges, while honing their entrepreneurial skills and contributing to national security efforts."