Friday 10 June 2011

Summer...let the fun times begin

So now that classes are officially over, it is time to sit back, relax...no wait. It is time to work. I have been fortunate enough to get a position working with the IRF testing probes for NASA's MMS mission. Being a master's student, having something to do in the summer between years improves your image and makes you more appealing when going for a Ph.D. In any case, I actually get to work with instruments that will go into space in a few years doing quality analysis. It is a wonderful opportunity and I am glad I managed to work my way into it. I actually had to manufacture my own mounting mechanism for the probes which means I got to spend a day in the machine shop. I was literally like a kid in a candy shop. I was excited all day long.

Now let's talk about Sweden...the snow is gone, the grass is green, the sky is full of nitrogen. Granted, it does not get dark at night due to our latitude, the weather is wonderful. Getting sun and spending time outside is a necessity. Biking through town or hiking in the woods, it is an experience next to none. It makes the cold months seem almost worth it because it increases your appreciation for the natural beauty of Uppsala. Also, since it is a small town (and I am a fan of small towns), it just adds to the allure.

I also recently found out that the physics department is one of the largest on the planet given the number of physicists. It made my heart melt when I heard that there are so many people that share my interests (even if they have different profiles, their love for physics is awe inspiring).

Well, time to get to the lab and make sure that I earn my place. Hope to see some of you in the fall.