Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 10 Blog Entry
This past week and a half have been a success compared to the previous weeks. For the past few months, my graduate mentor and I have been unsuccessfully attempting to spin multiple CNT threads together in a specific desired method. We had been using CNT thread with a small diameter and recently decided that it would be better to use thicker thread. We spun thicker thread and then were successfully able to use it to spin thread in the desired fashion. The reason for this was because the thicker thread could withstand greater force before breaking.
This experience has taught me the importance of looking at obvious solutions to problems when conducting research. The best answer is not always the most complex or the most difficult to figure out. When comparing the newly created thread with thread of a similar diameter, the max strength was much greater. While the strength of some of the test threads was not very strong, others had significantly improved strength. My graduate mentor and I are not quite sure why the strengths of the test threads lack consistently, but we believe it has to do with the difference in tension placed on the thread samples. Future research will involve controlling tension on thread composed of multiple sub threads and decreasing the thread diameter to improve max strength.
Instead of continuing to improve the method that my mentor and I used to acquire successful results, my mentor thought that we should begin creating a device to try out a new idea before I leave Nanoworld. I understand that she wants to try one last method with me before I depart because I have assisted her in cutting down the time it takes to conduct experiments and analyze data. I am also proficient at using power tools and can help her make a device which she can continue to use after I am gone.
I am sad that next week will be my last week, but I feel I have made a significant contribution to Nanoworld. I set out to develop a method to produce stronger thread and I feel that I have found that method these past two weeks. Now another student will have an opportunity to follow the method my graduate student and I have developed and improve it. Next week I will be working on writing my final paper, so this will be my last entry. I feel that my research paper will allow future researchers to understand what I accomplished, and give them opportunities and ideas for future research.
This experience has taught me the importance of looking at obvious solutions to problems when conducting research. The best answer is not always the most complex or the most difficult to figure out. When comparing the newly created thread with thread of a similar diameter, the max strength was much greater. While the strength of some of the test threads was not very strong, others had significantly improved strength. My graduate mentor and I are not quite sure why the strengths of the test threads lack consistently, but we believe it has to do with the difference in tension placed on the thread samples. Future research will involve controlling tension on thread composed of multiple sub threads and decreasing the thread diameter to improve max strength.
Instead of continuing to improve the method that my mentor and I used to acquire successful results, my mentor thought that we should begin creating a device to try out a new idea before I leave Nanoworld. I understand that she wants to try one last method with me before I depart because I have assisted her in cutting down the time it takes to conduct experiments and analyze data. I am also proficient at using power tools and can help her make a device which she can continue to use after I am gone.
I am sad that next week will be my last week, but I feel I have made a significant contribution to Nanoworld. I set out to develop a method to produce stronger thread and I feel that I have found that method these past two weeks. Now another student will have an opportunity to follow the method my graduate student and I have developed and improve it. Next week I will be working on writing my final paper, so this will be my last entry. I feel that my research paper will allow future researchers to understand what I accomplished, and give them opportunities and ideas for future research.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 9 Blog Entry
During the ninth week of my research experience at UC Nanoworld I stopped writing my second abstract and have taken a break from working on my research focus. After analyzing the results of my last experiment I noticed that the max strength readings I received were inconsistent, varying as much as 50%. Even though for two test threads I received a decently high max strength compared to past results, the other threads' max strengths were low. I am not convinced that the method I used will result in high strength thread, but rather some of my results were caused by some fluke during the spinning process. As a result of the negative results I received, Dr. Schulz decided that it would be best for me to take a break and help machine a protective shield to cover the belt and head of the spinning machine I use. In terms of safety, Nanoworld does its best to assure the health and well-being of its researchers. I have learned that when working with a material that is not fully understood, such as carbon nanotubes, safety is important. Happy and safe researchers equals good research results. Not only have I been creating protective shields, but I also designed a device that will allow Anli and I to more easily spin multiple bobbins of thread onto a single bobbin. In simple terms, we are attempting to spin multiple CNT threads into a single thread in order to improve max strength. Near the end of this week we began the experiment and I hope that it will be successful.
My work creating the protective shields and spinning bobbin stand has taught me to truly think outside of the box when designing functioning equipment. It takes time to come up with beneficial ideas for design, making this aspect of creating a working product just as important as physically doing it. When designing the shields, I had to take the various components around the belt and spinning head into consideration. When bending the sheets of metal to fit around the intricate obstacles, at times the machine press did not work and I had to resort to beating the metal with a hammer! I now understand the importance of the steps in producing the instruments and devices that I use when spinning. This gives me and idea of the limitations of the device and it's actual strengths rather than what I hope the device can do.
My work creating the protective shields and spinning bobbin stand has taught me to truly think outside of the box when designing functioning equipment. It takes time to come up with beneficial ideas for design, making this aspect of creating a working product just as important as physically doing it. When designing the shields, I had to take the various components around the belt and spinning head into consideration. When bending the sheets of metal to fit around the intricate obstacles, at times the machine press did not work and I had to resort to beating the metal with a hammer! I now understand the importance of the steps in producing the instruments and devices that I use when spinning. This gives me and idea of the limitations of the device and it's actual strengths rather than what I hope the device can do.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 8 Blog Entry
Even though this week working at UC Nanoworld has been short due to Independence Day, it has been filled with the most eventful experiences thus far during my research. After analyzing the data from the most recent test I conducted, I realized that my new method of developing strong CNT thread was no successful. Every idea I have developed and every method I have tried has failed to produce significantly stronger thread. The continuous failure has been weighing me down, and I am wondering whether or not I will be able to spin stronger CNT thread by the end of July. My experience conducting research thus far has been challenging my persistence and ability to take my own knowledge and apply it to develop new methods and test ideas. Instead of giving up, I decided to do some literary review about spinning thread such as nylon, which is considered a high strength thread like carbon nanotubes. After watching a How It's Made video, it dawned on me that Nanoworld has been using resources, money, and time attempting to find a method to spin high strength CNT when one already exists. According to the video, high strength, durable thread is spun by weaving small diameter thread around a single thicker, more durable thread that provides structure. This structure thread has lower strength, and weaving the thread with a smaller diameter and higher strength around it improves the overall thread strength. I designed and milled a device out of aluminum, based on the machines from the How It's Made video, to use in spinning CNT thread. I realized this week that my true persistence showed when I was at the lowest point in my research. Instead of throwing in the towel, I found yet another method to test to spin CNT thread with high strength.
Not only did I develop a new spinning method, but I have also gained experience working with more complex machines in the machine shop in Baldwin Hall. I used a metal lathe, milling machine, and belt grinder to produce and tap the device I described above. The difficulty in using these machines is using them correctly. In order to do this, I was taught the "tools of the trade" from the machine shop manager. Learning how to use industrial machines will prove beneficial when working at GE Aviation this spring.
Not only did I develop a new spinning method, but I have also gained experience working with more complex machines in the machine shop in Baldwin Hall. I used a metal lathe, milling machine, and belt grinder to produce and tap the device I described above. The difficulty in using these machines is using them correctly. In order to do this, I was taught the "tools of the trade" from the machine shop manager. Learning how to use industrial machines will prove beneficial when working at GE Aviation this spring.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 7 Blog Entry
This past week I have been focusing on writing a second abstract. I learned about the shortcomings of my first abstract through Dr. Schulz's comments and am formatting a professional, graduate-level abstract about a huge experiment I am conducting with the assistance of my graduate mentor. This experiment will combine everything that Anli and I have tried in past experiments in a final attempt to develop strong CNT thread. As I am writing the abstract I am attempting to make it as detailed as possible. My graduate mentor is looking over my progress and giving me pointers on how to make it sound more professional.
Not only have I been writing a new abstract, but I have also been learning more about the applications of CNT thread and other forms of nanotechnology. In a massive meeting this week, Dr. Schulz, the graduate students in Nanoworld, and I discussed the progress of each of our projects. This meeting allowed me to hear about the work that graduate students are conducting, and gave me an understanding of the wider range of materials and technologies that exist within nanotechnology. Up to this point I thought that carbon nanotubes were the sole focus of UC Nanoworld. I was surprised to learn that Nanoworld is also working with graphene and various fiber composites. As well as focusing on project updates, the applications of the different types of nanotechnology were discussed. I am no longer conducting experiments without knowing the applications of my test results. I am learning about a wide range of uses for materials like carbon nanotubes in industry, medicine, and commercial products. This knowledge is giving me a better understanding of the usefulness behind my research and how my work can be used for practical applications.
I have spent time these past few weeks thinking about whether pursuing a minor in nanotechnology would be right for me. I have been enjoying researching and I truly believe that nanotechnology will be the focus of future technology. I am convinced that acquiring a minor will be beneficial for me in the future.
Not only have I been writing a new abstract, but I have also been learning more about the applications of CNT thread and other forms of nanotechnology. In a massive meeting this week, Dr. Schulz, the graduate students in Nanoworld, and I discussed the progress of each of our projects. This meeting allowed me to hear about the work that graduate students are conducting, and gave me an understanding of the wider range of materials and technologies that exist within nanotechnology. Up to this point I thought that carbon nanotubes were the sole focus of UC Nanoworld. I was surprised to learn that Nanoworld is also working with graphene and various fiber composites. As well as focusing on project updates, the applications of the different types of nanotechnology were discussed. I am no longer conducting experiments without knowing the applications of my test results. I am learning about a wide range of uses for materials like carbon nanotubes in industry, medicine, and commercial products. This knowledge is giving me a better understanding of the usefulness behind my research and how my work can be used for practical applications.
I have spent time these past few weeks thinking about whether pursuing a minor in nanotechnology would be right for me. I have been enjoying researching and I truly believe that nanotechnology will be the focus of future technology. I am convinced that acquiring a minor will be beneficial for me in the future.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 6 Blog Entry
This past week I finished my abstract for the focus of my research. I sent it to Dr. Schulz and, even though he thought the content was impressive, he said the format of my abstract was hard to read. He sent me a template for how graduate students write papers/abstracts, and told me that the key to writing about research topics is to be detailed and concise. Altering my abstract has truly been a learning experience. I have learned that consistency when writing reports is just as important as the content of the report. The reason for this is because the content of a report does not matter if the report cannot be easily understood or read. Tables, figures, and pictures must be clearly labeled in a format that does not change their location in Microsoft Word when altering the report. While working on experiments in Nanoworld and writing my first abstract, I have learned that simplicity in formatting is also key in order to save time. Time is the limiting factor of research.
Besides working on the format of my report, I realized the importance of using data and knowledge from literary review to back up my ideas/conclusions . Since I am only an undergraduate student who is not extremely knowledgeable about nanotechnology theory, any idea I come up with must be supported by work from an individual who is knowledgeable about the topic. When writing reports in Physics I Lab last semester, I solely used data to back up any conclusions that I made from experiments. In Nanoworld, data is simply not enough to support experimental conclusions. Any conclusion you make must be clearly articulated and explained using theory or past research to reinforce your data. This makes sense because in order to make a solid statement that is both believable and repeatable, the interpretation of results must take into considering the theory or previously known knowledge that can assist in explaining why you receive the results you did.
This past week has also been stressful and less organized then past weeks. Outside of assisting Anli and pursuing my goal of developing consistent CNT thread, I am also beginning to work on another project. All the projects I am working on are not straightforward, and also involve intense thought and analysis to acquire beneficial results. One of my goals of research this summer was to gain experience working a full-time job and discover my limit. I feel I have accomplished this goal.
Besides working on the format of my report, I realized the importance of using data and knowledge from literary review to back up my ideas/conclusions . Since I am only an undergraduate student who is not extremely knowledgeable about nanotechnology theory, any idea I come up with must be supported by work from an individual who is knowledgeable about the topic. When writing reports in Physics I Lab last semester, I solely used data to back up any conclusions that I made from experiments. In Nanoworld, data is simply not enough to support experimental conclusions. Any conclusion you make must be clearly articulated and explained using theory or past research to reinforce your data. This makes sense because in order to make a solid statement that is both believable and repeatable, the interpretation of results must take into considering the theory or previously known knowledge that can assist in explaining why you receive the results you did.
This past week has also been stressful and less organized then past weeks. Outside of assisting Anli and pursuing my goal of developing consistent CNT thread, I am also beginning to work on another project. All the projects I am working on are not straightforward, and also involve intense thought and analysis to acquire beneficial results. One of my goals of research this summer was to gain experience working a full-time job and discover my limit. I feel I have accomplished this goal.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 5 Blog Entry
During the fifth week of conducting research at UC Nanoworld I focused on writing up an abstract, or detailed summary of a topic or idea that contains only essential points. After working in Nanoworld for four weeks I thought it was appropriate to devote some of my time to research something new beyond helping my graduate student complete her work. I have been focusing on creating a manometer and calibrating pressure for Dr. Schulz, and helping my graduate assistant improve the strength of CNT thread. While looking at some thread under a Keyence Microscope, I noticed that the thread diameter significantly varied at different points along it. This is the extent of the information that I can write, since my research must be kept confidential. Given that thread diameter is extremely important in nearly every calculation I do after testing thread, I knew that somehow the inconsistency of the diameter needed to be improved in order to provide accurate results. Before I became 100% sure that I wanted to spend some time developing methods to create CNT thread with uniform diameter, I asked individuals who work in the lab, as well as Dr. Schulz, whether they feel it was a worthwhile pursuit if someone had previously focused on an idea similar to mine in the past. I did my research and found that no one had specifically focused on creating thread with a uniform diameter. Dr. Schulz gave me some suggestions in pursuing my idea, and asked that I write up an abstract. Traditionally, when determining a focus, idea, theory, or hypothesis for research you conduct significant literary reviews to gain knowledge. Instead I came up with my focus from my experience and paying close attention to differences between the results of my past experiments. I understand the experiments I have conducted and the basic knowledge/background information necessary to conduct the experiments, but I am not overly knowledgeable about nanotechnology because I have only been exposed to it for a limited time. During my meeting with Dr. Schulz, I realized why he thought it was important for undergraduate students to partake in nano research. Unlike graduate students who have already taken all the necessary and relevant engineering or medical courses and are knowledgeable about nanotechnology, undergrads do not understand nanotechnology theory. As a result our minds are not constrained by theory, equations, and past research. Simple details that an experienced researcher would normally overlook, an undergrad may be curious about and could lead to the discovery of something beneficial. Once a discovery is made, extensive literary review must follow so that an undergrad can understand their focus. I am currently in the process of completing a literary review to write an abstract that can be backed up by past research.
This week has been invaluable to me because I am beginning to understand the various research processes that exist, and am challenging myself to think beyond a textbook to devise a working solution to a major issue in Nanoworld.
This week has been invaluable to me because I am beginning to understand the various research processes that exist, and am challenging myself to think beyond a textbook to devise a working solution to a major issue in Nanoworld.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 4 Blog Entry
My fourth week conducting research at UC Nanoworld has been
completely different from past weeks. The last three weeks I have been doing
experiments with and learning valuable information and skills from my graduate
assistant. After learning some of the "tools of the trade" of
spinning CNT, I was given raw CNT arrays to design and carry out my own
experiments. I have been taught how to use various machines to find data, such
as the CNT machine that spins thread and a Keyence Microscope, and programs to
analyze it, like MATLAB, Excel, and LabView. What I feel like I have not fully
understood up to this point is the meaning behind the data and analysis, and
what specifically I want to focus on during my research experience. I have been
meeting with Dr. Schulz and the Nanomedicine
team to discuss the progress being made in Nanoworld, as well as concepts and
ideas from literature that can be used to further our research. As a result of
these meetings I have gained an understanding of what is occurring in Nanoworld,
but not necessarily my purpose or research goal.
However, when measuring the diameter of CNT thread this week with my graduate mentor, I discovered what I believe to be the limitations of spinning CNT thread. We have been noticing some peculiar differences/issues with some of the thread we have spun over the past few weeks, but this week's samples have had a lot of abnormalities. While CNT thread has various extraordinary electrical and mechanical properties that very few known materials have, it is fragile and can become deformed when it is tampered with. Simply touching the thread or applying slight pressure to it can change its diameter and structure. Being gentle with the thread is a difficulty for me because I am not used to working with small, delicate things. I believe that discovering how to produce thread with consistent diameter will make data and results from tests more reliable and accurate. I will be speaking with Dr. Schulz in the near future about focusing my efforts on developing methods to make thread that can be reproduced, has a consistent diameter, and needs less human interaction during spinning and testing. I will apply my knowledge from Physics I lab this past semester in order to design well controlled experiments with high repeatability. My ability to analyze what is in front of me, and think of ways to improve the materials that I have been given, have led me to how I may contribute to the UC Nanoworld lab in the long run. Not only have I developed my research focus through the use of my critical thinking skills to understand the data I have been analyzing, I have also learned to apply critical thinking outside of experiments and tests. This week I improved the manometer I built a few weeks ago and milled a device in the machine shop in Baldwin Hall to separate CNT threads when spinning them from arrays. I stood back from my lab work and thought of a device I could build to improve the CNT thread spinning process. So milling an object to separate threads has given me the opportunity to work outside of the lab and see another aspect of research.
My graduate assistant has taught me so much these past four weeks and I feel like I have not really contributed and given her good hypotheses until last week. This week was different because I taught her how to use machines, such as a drill press and band saw, and I have a plan to develop instruments to improve the consistency and accuracy of experimental results. This experience has been rewarding and has given me the opportunity to also share my knowledge as well as having information shared with me.
However, when measuring the diameter of CNT thread this week with my graduate mentor, I discovered what I believe to be the limitations of spinning CNT thread. We have been noticing some peculiar differences/issues with some of the thread we have spun over the past few weeks, but this week's samples have had a lot of abnormalities. While CNT thread has various extraordinary electrical and mechanical properties that very few known materials have, it is fragile and can become deformed when it is tampered with. Simply touching the thread or applying slight pressure to it can change its diameter and structure. Being gentle with the thread is a difficulty for me because I am not used to working with small, delicate things. I believe that discovering how to produce thread with consistent diameter will make data and results from tests more reliable and accurate. I will be speaking with Dr. Schulz in the near future about focusing my efforts on developing methods to make thread that can be reproduced, has a consistent diameter, and needs less human interaction during spinning and testing. I will apply my knowledge from Physics I lab this past semester in order to design well controlled experiments with high repeatability. My ability to analyze what is in front of me, and think of ways to improve the materials that I have been given, have led me to how I may contribute to the UC Nanoworld lab in the long run. Not only have I developed my research focus through the use of my critical thinking skills to understand the data I have been analyzing, I have also learned to apply critical thinking outside of experiments and tests. This week I improved the manometer I built a few weeks ago and milled a device in the machine shop in Baldwin Hall to separate CNT threads when spinning them from arrays. I stood back from my lab work and thought of a device I could build to improve the CNT thread spinning process. So milling an object to separate threads has given me the opportunity to work outside of the lab and see another aspect of research.
My graduate assistant has taught me so much these past four weeks and I feel like I have not really contributed and given her good hypotheses until last week. This week was different because I taught her how to use machines, such as a drill press and band saw, and I have a plan to develop instruments to improve the consistency and accuracy of experimental results. This experience has been rewarding and has given me the opportunity to also share my knowledge as well as having information shared with me.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 3 Blog Entry
During my third week of research at University of Cincinnati Nanoworld, I have been focusing on developing and carrying out my own experiment. Based
on the reports and papers Dr. Schulz advised me to read, as well as the input from the Nanomedicine team and my graduate mentor, I spun my own type of
CNT thread and conducted various tests to improve the thread's properties. Literature helped me to formulate my idea and experiment, but I quickly
learned that reading cannot actually assist in designing and completing it. In order to better understand how to improve CNT strength, I met with Dr.
Schulz and he taught me about the importance of twist angle, which is denoted by the Greek letter alpha, when spinning CNT subthreads. The equations that
involve alpha are long and complex. After completing my experiment and analyzing the data, I realized that the equations are excellent mathematical
models that offer theoretical results that can be used for comparison purposes. The equations and numbers you calculate from them are by no
means a form of predicting the outcome of tests. Even though understanding what Dr. Schulz was trying to teach was difficult, the hardest part was taking
the knowledge, making the connection with the literature I had read, and then applying it to my experimental design. Taking what I was given, and stretching
my ability to critically think and analyze, is what is truly making my research an honors experience. Undergraduate individuals who are involved in research
usually act as lab assistants and are not given the opportunity to design their own tests and grow their minds through data analysis. I have been given a
unique opportunity to work in a prestigious UC research division, and I feel I am getting as much as possible through my experiences so far.
While conducting my experiment with minor assistance from my graduate mentor, I have learned to use complex machines that require careful handling and precision to give accurate results. An example of this is a desktop device which runs off of LabView and Final 4 Wire. The device involves using four pronged probes and a breadboard, as well as carefully handling CNT thread when attaching it to the probes to calculate resistance. The use of more intricate and delicate machines is teaching me to be patient and methodical. When I first arrived at Nanoworld I was conducting an experiment every day or two. I believe the reason for this was because my graduate mentor handled all the fine details of the experiment so that I would focus on doing the actual tests. Now that I am more involved in the experimental process, experiments are taking me approximately four days to complete, organize data, and draw conclusions
through analysis. I can no longer rush through experiments as I have learned that quantity does not matter in research. This brings me to understand that time is a limitation of research. A good balance between time and quality is what determines the success of research.
One of my goals in conducting research at UC Nanoworld this summer is to determine whether or not I want to pursue a minor in nanotechnology. Since I have been so busy developing and conducting experiments these past few weeks, I have not had a lot of time to think about it. I do know that nanotechnology fascinates me and is truly the future of materials science. I think that once I gain more knowledge about nanotechnology, especially carbon nanotubes, and
understand the concepts behind my research better, I will be in a better position to make a decision.
on the reports and papers Dr. Schulz advised me to read, as well as the input from the Nanomedicine team and my graduate mentor, I spun my own type of
CNT thread and conducted various tests to improve the thread's properties. Literature helped me to formulate my idea and experiment, but I quickly
learned that reading cannot actually assist in designing and completing it. In order to better understand how to improve CNT strength, I met with Dr.
Schulz and he taught me about the importance of twist angle, which is denoted by the Greek letter alpha, when spinning CNT subthreads. The equations that
involve alpha are long and complex. After completing my experiment and analyzing the data, I realized that the equations are excellent mathematical
models that offer theoretical results that can be used for comparison purposes. The equations and numbers you calculate from them are by no
means a form of predicting the outcome of tests. Even though understanding what Dr. Schulz was trying to teach was difficult, the hardest part was taking
the knowledge, making the connection with the literature I had read, and then applying it to my experimental design. Taking what I was given, and stretching
my ability to critically think and analyze, is what is truly making my research an honors experience. Undergraduate individuals who are involved in research
usually act as lab assistants and are not given the opportunity to design their own tests and grow their minds through data analysis. I have been given a
unique opportunity to work in a prestigious UC research division, and I feel I am getting as much as possible through my experiences so far.
While conducting my experiment with minor assistance from my graduate mentor, I have learned to use complex machines that require careful handling and precision to give accurate results. An example of this is a desktop device which runs off of LabView and Final 4 Wire. The device involves using four pronged probes and a breadboard, as well as carefully handling CNT thread when attaching it to the probes to calculate resistance. The use of more intricate and delicate machines is teaching me to be patient and methodical. When I first arrived at Nanoworld I was conducting an experiment every day or two. I believe the reason for this was because my graduate mentor handled all the fine details of the experiment so that I would focus on doing the actual tests. Now that I am more involved in the experimental process, experiments are taking me approximately four days to complete, organize data, and draw conclusions
through analysis. I can no longer rush through experiments as I have learned that quantity does not matter in research. This brings me to understand that time is a limitation of research. A good balance between time and quality is what determines the success of research.
One of my goals in conducting research at UC Nanoworld this summer is to determine whether or not I want to pursue a minor in nanotechnology. Since I have been so busy developing and conducting experiments these past few weeks, I have not had a lot of time to think about it. I do know that nanotechnology fascinates me and is truly the future of materials science. I think that once I gain more knowledge about nanotechnology, especially carbon nanotubes, and
understand the concepts behind my research better, I will be in a better position to make a decision.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 2 Blog Entry
During the second week of my research at UC Nanoworld I have been focusing more on data analysis and the equations that I'll be using to draw conclusions on the experiments I've been conducting. My graduate mentor taught me how using the computer for data analysis will save me a significant amount of time. I am learning to effectively use MATLAB, to analyze and graph data, instead of simply organize data and compute numbers and equations like in Models I and II. MATLAB is useful because it does everything for you in a few simple steps and takes care of any complex calculations. The data on spinning CNT thread is less straightforward and a bit more complicated, so I use Excel so that I can orient the data in any manner that I choose instead of in a set format through code in MATLAB. Although Excel takes more time to use, the results are easier to draw conclusions from than MATLAB when the data is tricky and less straightforward.
On top of learning to use the computer to analyze data instead of a notebook, I am discovering new methods to spin carbon nanotubes into thread with high strength and electrical properties. I am realizing how to truly formulate and conduct experiments with the guidance of my graduate mentor. I have learned that the keys to coming up with a good experiment are creativity and attention to detail. My graduate mentor thinks outside of the box when tweaking
experiments, based off results that she receives. She makes sure that her method is well organized before carrying out any experiments to assure that the data she will receive will be as precise and accurate as possible. I believe the knowledge and techniques she is teaching me will prove to be invaluable when I begin to conduct experiments on my own in the near future.
The data analysis methods, as well as applying my creativity and quick thinking to draw conclusions from the data I receive to tweak experiment designs is giving me a taste of what I will be doing as a mechanical engineer both during my co-op jobs as well as full time job after graduation. This week has been a wonderful learning experience and I look forward to beginning to design my own experiments in the following weeks.
On top of learning to use the computer to analyze data instead of a notebook, I am discovering new methods to spin carbon nanotubes into thread with high strength and electrical properties. I am realizing how to truly formulate and conduct experiments with the guidance of my graduate mentor. I have learned that the keys to coming up with a good experiment are creativity and attention to detail. My graduate mentor thinks outside of the box when tweaking
experiments, based off results that she receives. She makes sure that her method is well organized before carrying out any experiments to assure that the data she will receive will be as precise and accurate as possible. I believe the knowledge and techniques she is teaching me will prove to be invaluable when I begin to conduct experiments on my own in the near future.
The data analysis methods, as well as applying my creativity and quick thinking to draw conclusions from the data I receive to tweak experiment designs is giving me a taste of what I will be doing as a mechanical engineer both during my co-op jobs as well as full time job after graduation. This week has been a wonderful learning experience and I look forward to beginning to design my own experiments in the following weeks.
Nanoworld Research Summer 2014 Week # 1 Blog Entry
This is my first week working in the UC Nanoworld Laboratories. Working a forty-hour week has definitely challenged me both mentally and physically. On my first day, I was quickly taught the most effective way to write a lab journal when conducting research. This past semester in Physics I Lab I was taught to document lab data, conclusions, and thoughts in a neat fashion that anyone could read and understand. This is most likely due to the extensive amount of time I was given to complete labs records. With a limited amount of time to conduct experiments, the graduate student assisting me explained that my lab records only needed to be semi-legible and that it was not critically important to keep them organized. In reality, it is essential that you get all data, thoughts, and conclusions down on paper as they occur. You can always go back and make your journal look organized and more legible, but you can't always come back to any data, results, or conclusions you may devise or find when completing a lab. Since I am required to create slideshows with all the data and information I collect during an experiment, later I will take the time to make them clean, detailed, and easy to follow and understand. This is the most important skill I have learned this week while working in Nanoworld.
The experiments I have completed and the machines I have learned to use this week have revolved around carbon nanotube thread (CNT). Carbon nanotubes are tube-like materials made of carbon whose diameter is on the nanoscale. They have unique properties, such as stiffness, strength, and flexibility as well as high thermal and electrical conductivity, one or more of which most other materials lack. I have been taught to spin CNT thread using a jawing and twisting machine and discovered on my own how to use a multimeter to measure the resistance of and calculate the resistivity of the thread. I have also perfected the art of taking photos with my iphone through a microscope to further document the data and results I receive. Next week I will be testing my ability to critically think, problem solve, and work on my feet when designing a confidential calibration device which has never been created before at the university. The thought of this is both frightening and exhilarating.
Beyond taking part in various experiments and learning how to use scientific equipment, I am also learning to apply scientific theories, laws, and equation to my work. Before this week I knew little to nothing about circuits and electrical networks. I learned from a graduate student that I need to use Ohm's law, which states that current is equal to voltage divided by resistance, to solve most circuit-based problems. I also began learning about AC and DC circuits, both of which will come up in my Physics II class in the fall. In addition, I am applying both Kirchoff's Current Law, which states that the sum of currents in a network of conductors meeting at a point is zero, and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law, which states that the sum of the electrical voltages around any network that is closed equals zero, to my lab work. Outside of learning material, all the other work I have completed this week has required massive amounts of thought and contemplation. The whole goal of research is to create or discover something that has never been successfully attempted. As a result there are no pre-set answers to many of the problems I am encountering. Even though I am developing my ability to absorb large chunks of knowledge in short periods of time, the most difficult part of my research is taking and applying it directly to what I am doing. My biggest weakness as a researcher is my difficulty understanding new concepts right after learning them. Once I grasp new material, I excel at applying it, but working in a fast-paced research environment has forced me to stretch my ability to quickly formulate
ideas and solutions to problems I encounter. But it is not enough to come up with answers, as I must also back up my ideas and solutions with the information I have been taught. I feel that my first week of research has open my eyes to my weaknesses as a working individual and showed me that in order to be successful, I must improve my ability to rely on myself to come up with answers to whatever I may encounter.
If the first week is any indication of how much practical, real world work experience I will be exposed to over the summer, then it will prove to be an invaluable learning endeavor.
The experiments I have completed and the machines I have learned to use this week have revolved around carbon nanotube thread (CNT). Carbon nanotubes are tube-like materials made of carbon whose diameter is on the nanoscale. They have unique properties, such as stiffness, strength, and flexibility as well as high thermal and electrical conductivity, one or more of which most other materials lack. I have been taught to spin CNT thread using a jawing and twisting machine and discovered on my own how to use a multimeter to measure the resistance of and calculate the resistivity of the thread. I have also perfected the art of taking photos with my iphone through a microscope to further document the data and results I receive. Next week I will be testing my ability to critically think, problem solve, and work on my feet when designing a confidential calibration device which has never been created before at the university. The thought of this is both frightening and exhilarating.
Beyond taking part in various experiments and learning how to use scientific equipment, I am also learning to apply scientific theories, laws, and equation to my work. Before this week I knew little to nothing about circuits and electrical networks. I learned from a graduate student that I need to use Ohm's law, which states that current is equal to voltage divided by resistance, to solve most circuit-based problems. I also began learning about AC and DC circuits, both of which will come up in my Physics II class in the fall. In addition, I am applying both Kirchoff's Current Law, which states that the sum of currents in a network of conductors meeting at a point is zero, and Kirchhoff's Voltage Law, which states that the sum of the electrical voltages around any network that is closed equals zero, to my lab work. Outside of learning material, all the other work I have completed this week has required massive amounts of thought and contemplation. The whole goal of research is to create or discover something that has never been successfully attempted. As a result there are no pre-set answers to many of the problems I am encountering. Even though I am developing my ability to absorb large chunks of knowledge in short periods of time, the most difficult part of my research is taking and applying it directly to what I am doing. My biggest weakness as a researcher is my difficulty understanding new concepts right after learning them. Once I grasp new material, I excel at applying it, but working in a fast-paced research environment has forced me to stretch my ability to quickly formulate
ideas and solutions to problems I encounter. But it is not enough to come up with answers, as I must also back up my ideas and solutions with the information I have been taught. I feel that my first week of research has open my eyes to my weaknesses as a working individual and showed me that in order to be successful, I must improve my ability to rely on myself to come up with answers to whatever I may encounter.
If the first week is any indication of how much practical, real world work experience I will be exposed to over the summer, then it will prove to be an invaluable learning endeavor.