“If you have a dream, never let go of that dream. Align yourself with positive people that will support you and keep moving forward,” said Michael Edwards, Doctor of Engineering and an Educational Partnership Program with Minority Serving Institutions (EPP/MSI) alumnus, when asked what advice he has for current scholars. This advice is tried and true for Edwards — while pursuing his doctorate, he learned firsthand the importance of holding on tightly to a dream and persevering in the face of unexpected challenges.
![A portrait of Michael Edwards, D.Eng., who is a physical scientist in NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and a 2002 EPP/MSI Graduate Sciences Program alumnus. A quote next to his portrait reads "Everything is a challenge, but challenges are there to bring out the best in us ... If you want to get it, work hard and you can attain it." (Image credit: Graphic by NOAA Office of Education. Photo courtesy of Michael Edwards.) A portrait of Michael Edwards, D.Eng., who is a physical scientist in NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and a 2002 EPP/MSI Graduate Sciences Program alumnus. A quote next to his portrait reads "Everything is a challenge, but challenges are there to bring out the best in us ... If you want to get it, work hard and you can attain it."](/sites/default/files/styles/landscape_width_1275/public/legacy/image/2021/Apr/Michael%20Edwards_landscape%20for%20site2.png?itok=MfrRD6oH)
A portrait of Michael Edwards, D.Eng., who is a physical scientist in NOAA's National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science and a 2002 EPP/MSI Graduate Sciences Program alumnus. A quote next to his portrait reads "Everything is a challenge, but challenges are there to bring out the best in us ... If you want to get it, work hard and you can attain it." (Image credit: Graphic by NOAA Office of Education. Photo courtesy of Michael Edwards.)