Final Comments

My presentation went very well on the final day (although my parents claim they didn't understand a single presentation). It was actually a good feeling to present something you actually worked on and know about to a group of people. Anyone who is reading this in order to decide to apply or not, I strongly recommend you do it. The application process is a little intimidating but it is an awesome program. I became friends with almost everyone, even though they are all in different towns, I learned more about science and the research process in general, and became familiar with college level facilities and work. It is challenging, fun, flexible, and rewarding work and a great way to spend your summer. It certainly beat any of my friend's summer jobs. You will definitely learn if science is for you through this program. I want to thank everyone who made this possible and I can not highly recommend it enough.

Wednesday Aug 19

Today, I came in late again due to soccer practice in the morning, and left early for the second practice (double sessions). It worked out okay though because all I had left to do was the finishing touches on my presentation and give it to Joe Pow. The only bad thing is that I only was there about 5 hours. So imaging science class final exam tomorrow and then practicing presentations. Should be another fun-filled adventurous day.

Tuesday Aug.18

Today, I had the Imaging Science class in the morning. It was the last class which is pretty exciting. Sitting through a 3 hour class is not fun. I'll take my 42 minute high school classes anyday. Today though we did not really sit down much. We got to do an activity where we made holograms. Mine sort of worked but I saw other people who had better ones. In the afternoon I finished up my power point presentation.

The Last Monday

Today I came in late because soccer for school started. When I got here though, all I did was pretty much work on my power point and presentation. Overall, it was a rather uneventful day. We can not really work in the SMFL because no one is in the system for the tool we need and the emails have not been responded to.

FRIDAY august 14

Today was a pretty busy day. I started off by working on my presentation until I got stuck where I need a little more information which we are working on right now. I took an early lunch to go to Taco Bell with Chris (the intern one) and Teddy. When I got back, I continued to work on other parts of my power point and at 3, me, Chris( not the intern one), and Peter went to the SMFL to be trained on the last two tools that we needed to be trained on. This was my first time not having to wear a "visitor" pass in there so I got to wear my official badge I got yesterday. Pretty much I am going to be collecting data right up until the last minute so I will be continuously updating my presentation. In addition, this weekend I have an 8 page research paper for the Imaging Science class as well as a homework assignment. Should be a real fun weekend.

Thursday August 13

Today, we learned about remote sensing in the Imaging Science class which was very interesting. We got to go outside and do some tests and demos with the special sensor which I do not know the name of which was fun. Who knew that you could tell what material something is made of, if trees are alive or dead, what type of tree something is, as well as the color of anything and many more things just by looking at the heat signature of an object. This afternoon, I have been doing my presentation which is coming along very nicely. In addition, I made the trip over to discuss my safety written test and in return I received my official SMFL badge which I just remembered to grab as I leave now.

August 12

Today I pretty much just worked on my power point and finished up my safety test so that I can be officially trained to be in the SMFL. It seems a little pointless to do it now but hopefully I can do some things in there before this internship ends. Just because we have been working on our presentations does not mean that we are not allowed to still collect data and such. So I will drop it off tomorrow and discuss it and get my official clean room badge.