Friday, July 20, 2018
By:
After finding out that my project had met its match: the software Goliath. I felt like David in that scenario. This week has been wildy productive, though. My poster draft is due on Wednesday and final (newly updated) abstracts are due to NASA by next Friday. From being on what felt like a break last week, this week has turned a new gear. Each day, completing new models of LC circuit resonators with COMSOL and testing for shifts in resonance frequency. I worked on my poster and oral presentation throughout the week, I think by next Wednesday I will have something truly special to show for my work this summer.
I am currently coordinating a visit between my university and the NASA recruitment manager here at Goddard in Texas. The recruiter represents one of six recruiters in the nation, and I think having the opportunity to have him visit a small liberal arts institution would be appreciated by fellow students interested in NASA. The opportunity arose from smart networking on my part. The recruiter is from Juarez, Mexico, where I have family located as well. We shared the same last name, so I figured I had better introduce myself before I get a phone call from a grandmother claiming he is a long lost cousin of mine! After meeting him, I realized we actually are not relatives, but rather that he graduated from San Antonio. A few email exchanges, and now we plan to host an information session at my university and in San Antonio as well.
I have been reading new books lately, and I think I am making the best of my time on the commute to and from work. I began reading this book that discussed the possible intersection between religion and science. The author has a PhD in physics yet he has solidified his faith through humanities' greatest scientific discoveries. It was an interesting thought, considering that combining religion and science is a taboo in most environments. I asked John Mather, after he made this comment in his lecture on the origin of the universe, why keep them separated? He simply said, "They are both not mature enough to be combined together yet." I took that statement home with me as I finished the book towards the end of the week.
I look forward to keeping you guys posted on how my poster presentation and oral presentation come out to be. Until next week!
Daniel Morales