Wajd
Wajd
About me :)
I'm Wajd. First things first, I'm absolutely drowned in chemical engineering. It's like being a detective for the microscopic world, unraveling the secrets of how things interact and change at the molecular level. I'm especially fascinated by Nuclear Chemistry. But when I'm not mixing chemicals, you'll find me lost in a different kind of world "the fantastical landscapes of fiction". My all-time favorite is Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," a story about chasing dreams and discovering unexpected treasures along the way. I love how fiction can transport you to new realities and make you see the world with fresh eyes. Speaking of new perspectives, I'm a question-asking person. There's nothing quite like digging into a mystery, whether it's a scientific enigma or the deeper meaning of life. Every question is a doorway to a whole new universe of possibilities, and I'm always eager to explore them with curious minds like yours! And when I need a break from all the brainwork, I head for the outdoors, my happy place is anywhere I can feel the wind in my hair. I'm excited to get to know you all, share my passions, and embark on this academic journey together.
Introduction
Memoir: The part of the writing where the author talks about his experience with labyrinthitis is clearly a memoir. There are personal details about the author's illness, making a trail in the woods, and how it changed his life. This passage shows some of the author's personal problems and journey.
Research: There is research in the part of the book where the author talks about the Anthropocene and its suggested name for the present geological age. The author goes into detail about the idea and explains what it means by using what they know about how people have had a huge effect on the planet. This gives the story more depth by adding research and facts.
Reflection: The last part, where the author says he wants to fall in love with the world even though it has problems, is a moment of reflection. The author talks about his own ideas and beliefs about enjoying life, having feelings, and connecting with others.
General Impression: This piece of writing by John Green is very personal and thoughtful. Including biography in a story makes it more real and helps readers connect with the author on a deeper level. Including research, especially about the Anthropocene, gives the study of how humans have changed the world more intellectual depth.
Lascaux Cave Paintings
Memoir: The part where the author talks about how they used to make hand cutouts with their kids is a clear example of memoir. The author thinks about the time their kids made handprints and how that experience relates to the larger theme of growing up and becoming independent.
Research: The part that tells the story of the finding of the Lascaux cave paintings in 1940 includes historical information and specifics on the artwork. The addition of historical events and material from study enhances the depth of the narrative.
Reflection: The writer's reflection on the meaning of the hand stencils, whether they were part of religious ceremonies, rites of passage, or simply a method to declare "I was here," reflects a deeper level of thought and meditation.
General Impression: The work is a careful investigation of the Lascaux cave paintings, combining personal reflections, historical narratives, and profound reflection on the meaning of ancient art. The writer skillfully blends memoir, research, and reflection to produce an engaging narrative.
The Hall of Presidents
Memoir: The writer incorporates personal stories and reflections about their relationship with Disney World throughout the chapter. For example, the detailed description of their childhood visits to Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, the change in perspective during puberty, and the experience of spending long summer days at Disney World contribute a personal touch to the story.
Research: The author includes elements of research when talking about the Hall of Presidents at Walt Disney World. The details about the Hall of Presidents being an attraction on its opening day, the building designed to look like Independence Hall, the realistic recreations of all American presidents, and the speeches given by these animatronic presidents are all accurate information about the attraction.
Reflection: Reflection can be observed in parts when the writer contemplates the artificial and commercialized aspects of Disney World, expressing a negative opinion on what they perceive as a "synthetic" experience.
General Impression: The writer explores themes of insincerity, allegiance, and the development of beliefs in both the nation and the Walt Disney Corporation. There is a comprehensive assessment of the Hall of Presidents as a representation of American history, recognizing its consistent patriotic homage and the challenges of reconciling diverse historical viewpoints.
Part 1:
The episode considers John's previous interest in concerns about the end of the world, examines the wider background of human history, environmental worries, and the importance of dealing with climate change, and finally ends with an optimistic view of how humans can adjust and create a better future. What interested me the most was the thorough examination of the human experience, the historical background of concerns about the end of the world, and the thoughtful consideration of humanity's effect on the earth. I listened to this episode in one sitting via Spotify on my TV out loud while I was clearing up my closet. Luckily, no ads were there. Before listening to that episode, I was working on my physics HW. The cover of the podcast was simple and clear; it honestly did not grab my attention, but the sound effects and background music seamlessly integrated with the podcast theme, enhancing the narrative and maintaining a cohesive atmosphere.
Part 2:
John first introduced his eschatological anxiety when his religion professor, Donald Rogan, told him once, “Never predict the end of the world. You’re almost certain to be wrong, and if you’re right, no one will be around to congratulate you.”. I repeated this part over and over. Then, he moved on to talk about the end of the world in depth and how all of this started when he saw the planetarium show at the Orlando Science Center, where he was exposed to horrifying information about the end of the world. The music in this part played a huge role in giving you that spiritual sense of cosmos. Moving on to the section where he talked about some historical perspective as well as his concerns about climate change and how we as humans impacted the environment, Green said, “Humanity is the apocalypse.” I stopped for a second after this, imagining how deep and real that is. Realizing these things is not instinctive; you need someone to remind you of them, which had happened in my case. Lastly, John ended this episode by expressing his hope in humanity’s persistence to overcome today’s challenges.
Pre-writing
Podcasts: Podcasting, to me, is an engaging field where the strength of storytelling discovers a unique tone. The close nature of audio enables a personal bond with listeners, promoting a feeling of friendship in a fast-paced society, as every episode is an opportunity for digging into various subjects and viewpoints.
Life with Cats: Because I've two cats and I can say that cats bring happiness and challenges to our life, and each one has an own personality, and the mutually beneficial connection between humans and cats could provide an enjoyable story.
Gardening: Growing herbs indoors is not only useful, but also satisfying. The benefit of taking care of to plants or using fresh herbs in daily meals or even for decorating the house is one of my good ways to release stress.
Filmmaking: Filmmaking holds a special place in my heart. The power lives in its capacity to take viewers to many realms, gather feelings, and tell stories in a visually attractive style.
Project 1 Rough Draft
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qoKJMLYqTRCIdSfJlzgJG-LS3ZAu1LaM1-MVbILHKM8/edit?usp=sharing
Recording
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZGcczGMWEC4nqLi3G3au6VEmjvvGJUoY/view?usp=drive_link
Self reflection memo
My "Life with Cats" writing was exceptional at blending personal experience with researched facts. I was proud of how I linked my personal recollections to cats' historical and cultural value, creating a seamless story that emotionally engaged the reader and provided valuable insights.
Writing was challenging because I had to balance personal introspection and academic knowledge. I had trouble separating cat feelings from history. I changed organizational methods and updated my plan to ensure a coherent flow of ideas.
It's my next goal to write more diversely. In order to enrich my stories, I want to actively seek out and include various perspectives.
Rate my arguments' clarity and coherence. I want to make sure my thoughts are coherent and each paragraph supports the thesis.
I gave myself an A- for Project 1. I hope I captured the human-cat link with personal experiences and well-researched material. However, I can improve my writing, notably structure and flow. My work is good, but I can do better.
Title of the episode: "Should I Sublimate to Another Dimension?"
Link to the specific episode: https://www.futureadvice.club/2020/12/15/should-i-sublimate-to-another-dimension/
During the conversation, Dr. Mack talks about additional concepts in physics, such as string theory and braneworlds, which propose the existence of dimensions beyond the ones we are familiar with. She discusses how these theories emerge from trying to bring together quantum mechanics and gravity and how they impact our understanding of the universe. In addition to the scientific subject, the episode also examines the philosophical and metaphysical implications of contemplating higher dimensions. It explores the reasons why people find the idea of other dimensions appealing, discussing the topics of desiring an escape, existential curiosity, and the need for transcendence. The episode is structured as a conversation between Rose and Dr. Mack, featuring inquiries from listeners and a thought-provoking poem by Jayne A. Quan titled "A Path Above." The poem delves into the desire for something greater and the uncertainty surrounding what is beyond life. Regarding the external sources referenced in the episode, Dr. Katie Mack applies many ideas from theoretical physics, including string theory and braneworld scenarios. In addition, she discusses experiments and discoveries in particle physics that are related to the search for evidence of additional dimensions. Furthermore, the episode includes an original poem by Jayne A. Quan, which adds a creative and contemplative element to the exploration of the show's themes.
"Metacognition requires that writers think about their mental processes."
I choose this line because it effectively conveys the fundamental idea of metacognition in writing. It highlights the importance of reflecting on ourselves and being aware of oneself during the writing process, emphasizing that it's not only about writing but also about understanding how and why we write. This idea changes the way I approach writing by prompting me to regularly consider my thought processes, enabling me to improve my writing skills more effectively in this class and beyond.
Question: Why is 80% of the ocean unexplored?
This question is truly worth asking as it prompts deep reflection on the wide unexplored realm that makes up 80% of our ocean. Exploring these unknown depths is crucial for announcing the mysteries of biodiversity, geology, and climate regulation. Moreover, it's essential to take into account the possible influence of AI on this exploration, as it could lead to substantial technological progress that may revolutionize our understanding of the ocean and its resources. Going into this matter expands our scientific knowledge and highlights the significance of investing in creative methods to research and protect one of the planet's darkest environments.
Sources:
Vera Pospelova- professor here, works in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, teaches oceanography.
https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean-exploration/, Is it true 5% of the ocean has been explored?
https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/why.html- explains why discovering more of the ocean is important
https://www.soest.hawaii.edu/oceanography/profile/Powell-Brian/- not at the U but a cool professor to email
Can AI help us explore the ocean? https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/did-you-know/can-ai-help-us-explore-the-ocean/
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/9/14/titan-implosion-is-ai-the-future-of-deep-sea-exploration- AI as a tool to discover more of the ocean
https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/ocean-exploration - Why is Oceanography important?
https://screenrant.com/why-did-nasa-stop-exploring-ocean/, Why Did NASA Stop Exploring The Ocean?
https://www.forbes.com/sites/quora/2013/01/31/why-dont-we-spend-more-on-exploring-the-oceans-rather-than-on-space-exploration/?sh=5b6263542ed3 - Why Don't We Spend More On Exploring The Oceans, Rather Than On Space Exploration?
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/9/14/titan-implosion-is-ai-the-future-of-deep-sea-exploration - Is AI the future of ocean exploration?
I am considering interviewing a professor or a graduate student in the field of oceanography or artificial intelligence to gain more understanding into the current research, challenges, and future directions in exploring the unexplored depths of the ocean with the help of AI technology.
Ocean Exploration: technology. (n.d.). https://education.nationalgeographic.org/resource/ocean-exploration/
The National Geographic article provides a thoughtful overview of ocean exploration, emphasizing the vast quantity of uncharted territory below the waves. There is still a lot of undiscovered water in the ocean that has not yet been explored, despite advances in technology. The importance of understanding marine ecosystems for human livelihoods, biodiversity, and climate management is emphasized in the research. It most likely covers cutting edge technologies like ROVs and AUVs that let scientists explore previously uncharted territories. The views of eminent oceanographers emphasize how critical it is to launch conservation initiatives to preserve these vital areas. The article generally stimulates curiosity and cultivates an appreciation for the oceans as a frontier for exploration and adventure.
How much of the ocean has been explored? : Ocean Exploration Facts: NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research. (n.d.). https://oceanexplorer.noaa.gov/facts/explored.html
This NOAA article gives a comprehensive summary of ocean exploration using data from multiple sources. By distinguishing between seabed mapping and ocean depth research, it advances our knowledge of the range of creatures that marine ecosystems support. By using data-driven analysis, NOAA makes sense of the scope of ocean exploration projects and sheds light on aspects of marine ecosystems that have not been previously explored. This comprehensive approach deepens our grasp of the intricacy of the oceans and emphasizes the importance of further research and exploration in these vital areas.
Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. (n.d.). Did you know: Can AI help us explore the ocean? https://www.whoi.edu/know-your-ocean/did-you-know/can-ai-help-us-explore-the-ocean/
The growing application of artificial intelligence (AI) in maritime exploration is examined in this enlightening article from WHOI. It talks about how artificial intelligence (AI) is being used more and more to go through the massive volumes of data that unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) collect, providing fresh insights and a greater understanding of the ocean. Through the utilization of AI algorithms for data analysis, scholars can reveal patterns, trends, and connections that could have been overlooked in the past. The application of AI to maritime exploration has the potential to completely transform our understanding of the ocean, providing creative answers to challenging problems and propelling future developments in oceanographic science.
Cassauwers, T. (2023, September 14). Deep and dangerous: Is AI the future of ocean exploration? Al Jazeera. https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/9/14/titan-implosion-is-ai-the-future-of-deep-sea-exploration
The essay published on Al Jazeera explores the intriguing possibilities of applying artificial intelligence (AI) to deep-sea research. It highlights the difficulties posed by the harsh circumstances found in the deep ocean and looks at how AI-powered robots can successfully overcome these difficulties. These robots can function and maneuver with greater autonomy and efficiency in the deep sea thanks to enhanced AI capabilities, leading to previously unheard-of discoveries. In addition to providing new opportunities for scientific research and innovation in understanding Earth's least explored frontier, the piece highlights the revolutionary potential of artificial intelligence in pushing the limits of deep-sea exploration.
Fava, M. F. (2022b, June 9). How much of the Ocean has been explored? Ocean Literacy Portal. https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/ocean-exploration
The importance of ocean exploration is discussed in this UNESCO article, which highlights how important it is to many scientific fields. It clarifies how a wide range of scientific disciplines, including geology, climate science, marine biology, and oceanography, are involved in ocean exploration. The article emphasizes the vital significance of the ocean for the planet's ecosystem and weather regulation by exploring these several fields. It emphasizes the significance of the oceans as a driver of Earth's climate system and the connection between oceanic processes and patterns of global climate. The UNESCO study highlights the need for ongoing research and conservation efforts to protect this important environment for future generations by thoroughly examining the value of the seas.
Project Outline:
Format: essay
I. Introduction
Brief overview of the topic
Importance of ocean exploration
Statement of the research purpose
II. The Vastness of the Unexplored Ocean
Statistics on the unexplored ocean (Reference: NOAA)
Importance of the ocean to the planet (Reference: UNESCO)
III. Challenges in Ocean Exploration
Technical and environmental challenges
Case studies of past exploration attempts (Reference: National Geographic)
IV. The Role of AI in Ocean Exploration
Current use of AI in ocean exploration (Reference: WHOI)
Potential of AI for future exploration (Reference: Al Jazeera)
V. Conclusion
Recap of the research findings
Implications for the future of ocean exploration
Final thoughts on the potential of AI in uncovering the secrets of the ocean