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Week 3
Friday & Weekend Recap
Cluster 6 students had the exciting opportunity to step inside one of UCSD’s research facilities.
Our lab tour took us beyond the textbook and into the world of real scientific exploration, where we observed wave detection technologies, environmental sensors, and hands-on biodiesel-related experiments in action. We had a trip to the Goeddel Family Technology Sandbox, Biomolecular NMR facility, and Continetti lab, which allowed us to view on more specific, detailed technologies used in the field of chemistry.
One of the most fascinating parts of the tour was seeing ocean wave detection instruments up close. Researchers demonstrated how buoys and wave gliders track sea surface motion and send real-time data to scientists studying climate patterns, coastal erosion, and marine energy.
Students also took a trip down to the beautiful Birch Aquarium In UCSD campus!
Students explored a range of exhibits focused on ocean conservation, climate change, and renewable marine technologies.
Mass Spectrometer
Ocean Wave Detector
Group Pic !
Monday
Following an amazing field trip and weekend full of activities, we dove right back into analyzing our biodiesel in our small groups in order to complete our certificates of analysis.
One of the methods used to test the energy content of our biodiesel was bomb calorimetry. We performed this by placing a small amount of biodiesel into a sealed metal casing known as a "bomb" which was then submerged in deionized water. Once ignited, the biodiesel burned and released heat that transferred to the surrounding water. By measuring the temperature change, we calculated the energy content of the biodiesel.
In the afternoon, we got to experience an awesome presentation on presentations from Brian where we learned how to construct visually appealing diagrams and how to keep an audience engaged and focused on the presenter, as well as hear about some of the fascinating stories of his past and how chemistry was implemented into his prior work!
Tuesday
Just like every other Tuesday and Thursday, we set up in TATA Hall in the morning to work on our presentations. But, now that we've finished our ethics videos, we are using the time to work on our separate small group projects.
After lunch, we split up into the aforementioned small groups to continue our research on our topics, as well as to process the data we have gathered and draw conclusions from it.
For the nightly activities, we were once again given a wide variety of activities to choose from, with many of the students from our cluster electing to partake in decorating tote bags and bucket hats given to us by the staff!
Wednesday
Analysis of the biodiesel continues in small groups. One of these methods was GCMS - gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. This machine, like other chromatography methods, uses the polarity of compounds to separate a mixture. A liquid sample is evaporated inside the machine, where it will then travel through (pushed by a carrier gas, usually helium or nitrogen, that is constantly pumped into the machine) the chamber. Compounds will interact with a coil inside the chamber that is coated with a liquid/gel-like substance. These compounds will condense on the coil at different rates depending on their polarity, and as they move through the chamber, they will switch between gas and liquid (like an equilibrium). The result is that polar and nonpolar substances will have different travel times through the machine, which separates them.
Pictured below is Parsa, one of the lab assistants, explaining how GCMS works.
After lunch we headed to a lecture from Skip, where he talked about the many advantages of using algae as an energy source - it can be farmed without taking up valuable soil or water and has a high energy density. He also talked about biodegradable foams used in footwear - a key fact about these types of foams is that they won't just dissolve away as long as you keep them dry, because they require microbes and water to biodegrade.
The evening programs included a Family Feud style game, badminton, cultural cooking, a tea party, and an evening run. Cultural cooking included food from the Philippines and Mexico, prepared by the RA's and students. An image of the tea party is shown above.
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