This week has been filled with learning new equipment! I have learned how to use a sonication machine, UV ozone chamber, a vacuum machine for plating metals, and a drop shape analyzer. I have also began formulating my lesson plan and writing my abstract. The abstract is particularly difficult to write since it is usually the last thing that you write; it comes off as more of an introduction than an actual abstract. We are also learning tinkercad for developing 3D images for publications and posters. I am hoping to learn it for 3D printing to incorporate it into my lesson plan. Here are some photos of the equipment I learned:
I truly had a blast visiting the Oilfield Energy Center’s Ocean Star Offshore Drilling Rig Museum and Education Center. I enjoyed exploring about the production and technology of each particular kid of Oil rig. We had a wonderful tour guide, who gave the group greater insight about the significance of each type of drill, and explained what major roles they carried out. It was also interesting to learn about the many ways that we utilize oil daily. Finally, the engaging educational sessions were quite informative and provided teachers with helpful activities to integrate in the classrooms.
My first day in Dr. Weisman’s Lab was a great success! My morning began with a thorough tour of the chemistry lab and my mentor (Vanessa ), gave me greater insight about the instrumentation that I will be utilizing this summer. I had an opportunity to sit down and chat with my awesome PI, and ironed out some minor details regarding my research. Majority of my day consisted of me reading a daily dosage of relevant Nanotechnology research papers and books.
I walked around in a giant rectangle and finally found my research building. Certainly glad I had an extra 30 minutes to spare and got my cardio done. Welcome to RET, RET 🙂
I really enjoyed this year’s RET-Nanotechnology’s Orientation Trip to Ocean Star Oil and Gas Museum in Galveston (https://www.galveston.com/oceanstar/). It was more of a Professional Development than a “field trip.” The “building” is actually the original Ocean Star Oil rig platform that was converted into the museum. The tour guide taught us about geological formations, equipment and the general history related to oil drilling offshore. The old hyperbaric chamber, deep-sea sub & diving suits and well drill bits were especially interesting . Exhibits included incredible models of geological formations and various parts to oil rigs. There was even a wall that matched “personality” types and possible career choices ranging from engineering, laboratory product development and administrative jobs in the oil and gas field. There also was an incredible view of the Galveston Bay. The tour was followed up with a “workshop” on existing lessons and activities related to Oil & Gas Industry’s engineering, energy usage and oil products. There were informative handouts and demonstrations on engineering activities. The presenting teacher also shared her experience with modifying the lessons and activities for different grade levels. And … every teacher left with an educational door prize and ideas for lesson plans.
Super excited to begin the RET process at Rice University on this rainy Wednesday. Not as excited about our soggy trek through the rain this morning, though 🙁 Can’t wait to see how everyone’s research turns out when we meet again in July! Good luck everyone. Now let’s science!!!!
On behalf of NEWT, PATHS-UP, and R-STEM welcome to the next 6 weeks of your life!!!! We are all thrilled to have such wonderful teachers working with us this summer. And are even more excited to read about the interesting experiences you will be participating in while you complete your internships. Please use this blog page as a way to share your experience with the world. You may include pictures and videos in each post and you are encouraged to be as expressive as you wish!
Sonication machine
Drop shape analyzer
Vacuum Machine
UV ozone chamber
