Embedded Files
Field Trips
Patriot Jet Team Foundation: One of my favorite field trips had to be visiting the Patriot Jet Team Foundation at the Byron Airport in Contra Costa County, CA. It really opened my eyes to a field that I had never considered in the past. As I was taught the history and science of the planes, I developed a new interest in Aerospace Engineering. It was amazing to connect and talk with the presenter during my lunch period, talking about some of the amazing information that we had gone over, picking his brain for the knowledge that I hunger for. The future of Aerospace Engineering seems very eventful as NASA and SpaceX are currently developing ways for humanity to become an interplanetary species! Overall, I learned that my love for physics and aerodynamics could mean that Aerospace Engineering is the right path for me.
3. Stanford and Computer History Museum: Visiting Stanford University and the local computer history museum my sophomore year was an experience I would not forget. Although I had visited Stanford for past gymnastics meets and baseball related events, it was my first time experiencing a full tour of the campus. The campus was clean, the architecture was unique and fit well with the feel of the campus. I realized that as a sophomore, I would be applying to prestigious colleges, so the Stanford tour encouraged me to begin seriously evaluating different colleges. After viewing the campus, our group headed over to the computer history museum. I was so amazed how some of the first mechanical computers spanned entire rooms and could only complete minimal calculations considering that today, we have supercomputers and 30-qubit quantum computers that can do over 2 quintillion calculations per second. It really put into perspective the exponential growth of technological advancements that we are currently experiencing. I distinctly remember analyzing an interconnected map of the evolution of code, thinking how bizarre it is that humanity can utilize simple phrases to create artificial intelligence and contribute to the technology that we take for granted everyday. Overall, the field trip was very informative.
5. Roche STEM Career Day: I attended a series of two separate presentations given by Roche, a Swiss multinational healthcare company that operates worldwide under Pharmaceuticals and Diagnostics. The first presentation which took place on February 25th, 2021 went over the process of developing the technology to detect the first variant of the Coronavirus amidst the initial outbreak. The team explained that Covid-19 was most likely spread from animals to people. The first test was created to make a distinct fluorescent color that indicates the presence of the virus. This method of detection needed to be cost efficient, quick, specific, sensitive, and have the ability to be scaled up. The five stages of production include feasibility, verification, validation, manufacturability, and lastly, approval. The scientists demonstrated their procedure of equipping themselves before performing experiments in the lab. Two pairs of gloves were put on and the outside layer was frequently replaced to reduce contamination between stages of the experiment. Jung Tao Sun outlined his work of using computer programs to find specific parts of the virus to locate when determining the presence of Covid-19.
On the second day of the Roche virtual field trip on March 10th, 2021, Birte Aggeler and Lia Caldwell outlined the steps to produce a new product within the biomedical industry. The first step is to research what customers need and determine if the technology is available to create the product. If so, the project can continue. If not, the project is saved for future reference when the technology is available. Early development comes after, determining the technology needed and whether or not the product is a viable investment through the business team. Next, the engineers and scientists determine whether or not the product is feasible at a concept level. If so, the team must verify that it works as intended and consistently. The design team must prove that the product can be produced or manufactured on a large scale. If so, the product is launched, making it available to customers. When applying these steps to make a Covid-19 scanning device, the participants of the virtual tour created questions such as "what is the acceptable price range of such a device?" or asking a doctor "what does a use of this product look like to you?" By asking open ended questions, developers are able to gather large amounts of information in the most efficient and effective way possible. Overall, both parts of the Roche STEM Career Day were informational in both the development of the products at Roche and the mindset when creating products such as a Covid-19 detection device.
2. Lockheed Martin: I was taken through the testing and demonstration facilities at Lockheed Martin while on a virtual field trip. I was extremely excited to attend the presentation because I knew it was one of the largest developers of military equipment. During the presentation, I learned more about what types of projects that the company historically works on. Steven, one of the guides, explained that the company produces Aeronautics such as tactical fighters, missiles for defense and tactical missions, naval combat systems, and space systems for applications such as surveillance, navigation, communications, defense systems, etc. I learned that the company has $53.8 billion in sales annually, 105,000 total employees (including 54,000 scientists and engineers), and 375 facilities in 54 countries. The presentation transitioned to Danny, a TV host for the program "Mission Unstoppable" explained how he was able to combine his interests in marine biology and communications to create a new career path called "science communication." This profession has the mission to explain complicated concepts to the general population, encouraging new people to become involved in the scientific community. Next, the guide in the Lockheed Martin facility moved to the virtual reality room with four large screens. A panel of VR headsets were introduced from the very first model to the newest versions. In the adjacent room called the Pulsar Center, employees and potential customers are shown different CGI projects and products. Professional presentations using the equipment in the room are initiated there. Jade, a systems operator explained how she encourages her interns to think outside of the box when working on their projects. She presented the rover that her interns developed and the challenges that they encountered along the way. Overall, the presentation was very informative and easy to follow.
4. Livermore Aviation Tour: I had the opportunity to attend the Livermore Aviation tour on January 8th, 2021, during which I learned about what it looks like to have a career in aeronautics, the different protocol that each employee must follow for the small airport to function properly, and different plane formations of the well known "Thunderbirds" and "Blue Angels" team. I learned that the Livermore Costco is the main location for the company, so there is a lot of air travel to the area by high profile executives. The Livermore Airport as a history of training young cadets for the Airforce and at the time of the tour, was actively expanding the amount of hangars at the facility. David Decoutu, the airport manager in charge of business and administration matters, fell in love with aviation while interning in college and was employed by the city to fix hangars, conduct runway inspections, and take the steps needed to maintain safety for all fliers. Later in his career, he transitioned to managing the smaller Livermore Airport, carrying over his expertise from his prior position. I learned that private plane licenses cost anywhere from $4,000 to $15,000, but the utility gained through it is well worth it. The next speaker spoke about various military formations of the planes. Normally, there will be a lead plane and a wingman, each of whom watch out for possible dangers. There were the fingertip formation, the combat spread formation, and the slot formation, all of which are used in different combat situations. Subtle movements are used to communicate to the opposite pilot. Overall, this was a very interesting tour which went over many facets of both airport management and piloting.
6. Chevron Career Day: I had the opportunity to talk with eight different employees at Chevron on April 21st, 2021. Although most of them were engineers, there were a few project managers and even a lawyer. The employee mentors rotated through eight groups of students. My group had four other students in it and as a facilitator, I led the student and mentor introductions, discussions, and questions. I was specifically excited to hear answers from multiple mechanical engineers, piquing my knowledge to what potential career paths will be available to me coming out of college. Initially, I thought that an oil and natural gas company would be somewhat exclusive to petroleum engineers. I quickly realized that there are so many more engineering related jobs that are fundamental to the company's success. From technical design work for various specialized drilling machines to project management, I realized that there will be opportunities for me at a wide variety of companies. I learned that it is incredibly important to gain meaningful internship or co-op experience while attending college so that I gain the skills necessary to effectively apply my skillset to a future company. I was inspired by the work environment created through the unique employees who work at Chevron. This virtual field trip was perfect considering I am now beginning to think of potential career paths that I can apply my major of choice to.
Patriot Jet Team Foundation Photos
Stanford University Photos
Livermore Aviation Tour Photos
Influential Guest Speakers
One of my favorite guest speakers who came in works at BFK engineers, a Civil Engineering company. Since the beginning of my Freshman year, I have been extremely interested in infrastructure and civil engineering, but I needed to get insight on what it takes to ultimately become a Civil Engineer. This presentation was by far one of the most influential learning experiences throughout my high school career as it not only talked about the specifics about the profession, but talked about the necessary schoolwork required if I choose this path. Some of the aspects of this profession that I am most excited about are construction, transportation, and structural engineering. I was glad for my experience with the guest speaker to reaffirm my interest in Civil Engineering!
Another guest speaker that I had the privilege to hear was Susan Fuentes from Genentech. She explained the philosophy of Ikigai, a model for having a fulfilling career. The four pillars of the theory include passion, vocation, profession and mission. One must have a talent within the industry, experience enjoyment from the industry, believe one is making a valuable contribution to the world, all by making enough money to sustain oneself to their relative needs. Finding a profession that incorporates all of these components will give an individual the best chance of experiencing a fulfilling career. Reducing the feasibility for my future profession down to four main components has since helped me further think about what I want to accomplish going forward. I already excel at STEM classes and have a passion for engineering. Furthermore, engineering opens up opportunities for financial stability. Lastly, I need to find a way to incorporate my skills and passion to better the world. Thankfully, engineers develop innovative systems to better society, so my future work would also be geared towards that. Overall, given my knowledge and life experiences, I have come to the conclusion that mechanical engineering is the profession that I am most likely to experience fulfillment from. I plan to study mechanical engineering in college as a next step to make my dreams into a reality.
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