Author: Sweet Tea, Science

Happy Pi Day!

Busy day on campus for me! So I’m just going to present this lovely Pi video from my favorite math doodler/mathmusician! Vi Hart is a pretty creative gal, and I encourage you to check out some of her other videos (link on the left side of my blog under ‘More Mathematics’).

Question of the Day:
What kind of pie should I attempt to make in the coming week?

A Challenge for Creative Minds

Scientific research is very rewarding. You are on a quest for that little bit of knowledge that has, to date, evaded others. Your hard work and investigations could potentially lead to advancements in your field. Notoriety. Articles in Science AND Nature! Fame. Nobel Peace Prize!

Even so, there is only so long that you can count algae cells under a microscope before needing a break.

Crew-members of the Hi-SEAS study need to be prepared to provide their own fun and frivolity during their time spent in the habitat. Space and resource limitations could put a damper on options, but once more we’ll just have to accept the challenge and get creative!

Here are just a few of my favorite games:

Liars Dice
A great bonding game that requires only dice and a piece of paper. Since this was a pirate game, it’s not surprising that the objective is to out sneak, lie, and trick the other players to be the last one standing. Each player starts with 5 dice and a cup, after an initial roll, they takes turns ‘bidding’ on the number of a certain die value that exists in all hands. (e.g. “I believe there are six 2’s”) The next player can either change the bid (“I believe there are seven 2’s/I believe there are six [other value]”) or CHALLENGE. Then all dice are uncovered and the true liar is revealed. The game becomes trickier when “1’s” are considered wild. More rules and explanations can be found here.


Paper Rock Scissors
Perhaps the greatest of all games. Ever. You never know when a challenger may approach. I am a firm believe in the skill involved in PRS. Play often enough with an opponent and you start to pick up on some of their tricks and patterns. Watch out though, I can play with my left OR right hand! I challenge you! Best 2 outta 3, 2 outta 3, one-two-three-SHOOT!


Photo Booth Music Videos
Perhaps one of the sillier of my creative fun and frivolity suggestions, Photo Booth Music Videos may also be one of the more hilarious things you will ever do. All you need is an Apple computer or iPad with Photo Booth and danceable music. I recommend turning on the mirror effect. Then put your dance hats on and record an extra special home video to your favorite songs.

I’ll add a video later, so come back for my own ridiculous example!


Popcorn Reading
With the rise of the e-reader, it’s never been easier to cart around a small library of good reads. I don’t know if you were the type to be overjoyed to be chosen to read aloud to the class as a youngster, but I’ve found that it has gotten more and more amusing as I age. Road trips with my friends often includes at least a few chapters read by all.

I’ve been saving a few books on my e-reader apps for a time when I can read without worrying about what grad student responsibilities I’m supposed to be focusing on. Any strike your fancy?


The Time Machine – H.G. Wells
You are NOT so Smart – David McRaney
Longitude: The True Story of a Lone Genius Who Solved
     the Greatest Scientific Problem of His Time – Dave Sobel
A More Perfect Heaven: How Copernicus Revolutionized the Cosmos – Dava Sobel

Young Adult Sci-Fi books would also be perfect. Who else enjoys creating lots of different voices for the characters?


Knitting
This may not be the most mind-blowing activity, but it certainly can relax and sooth. I picked up this craft in college and have phased in and out since then. Currently I’m in. I even have a special treat planned to create for all fellow crew-members and associated people should I be selected to participate. I could also teach others how to knit and follow a pattern, or create their own. 

Follow Me on Pinterest



Ninja
This game may require a bit more room than available, but I’m sure we can create a similar game for when we are space suited up and traveling out of the habitat. Any ideas for the rules for ‘Astronauts’?

Dreamatorium 
It could be anything.

Card Games
With the vast number of games possible with simply a deck of cards, this section could probably fill its own blog post! In fact, I think I’ll just make this our…

Question of the Day:
What is your favorite card game? (And if it’s unique, how do you play?)
Any other game suggestions that meet our space and resource limitations?

Hindsight is 20/20

It has been 12 days since applications went in and the review board started the process of going through 700 passionate, hopeful packets.

“As we go through the applications, we are blown away by the caliber and the passion of the applicants. You all are amazing.” Hi-SEAS Facebook Page

 I’m beyond happy to hear about all of the interest and passion that others have for this project. At the same time, I’m naturally nervous about my chances of being selected for the next round. I wonder how many women applied? How many biologists? How many ambitious, fun-loving, algae growers? Did I properly convey my passion, skill set, research proposal, etc? Gulp.

It’s so easy to start doubting yourself when you know that someone is judging you through a spattering of words in a few essays and a CV or resume. There’s plenty more you could have included to convince reviewers that you are the one they’ve been waiting for. It may even be nerve-wracking enough to think you shouldn’t even bother to apply. 
Hopefully, you don’t let your fears dictate your decisions. Putting yourself out there for people to see is a part of life that we must embrace. College. Jobs. Internships. Travel opportunities. Contests. Rewards certainly outweigh any nervousness or concerns. This is one of those many situations where practice makes perfect. The more eyes you invite to gaze upon your   drafts, the more opportunity you have to learn from the experience of others. 
I once nearly didn’t apply for a interesting program. The deadline was a day away. I was jetlagged from returning from an internship. I didn’t think I’d be selected. But, I pushed through, determined and feeling a little silly from lack of sleep, and three months later I was in Thailand with Malibu Rum and Reef Check as a ‘beach intern’ getting my island on. If you are a doubter, just ask yourself ‘what if?’.
I’m proud and confidant in my Hi-SEAS application. I worked hard, finished in time for editing and revisions, and infused humor and voice into my essays. However, I believe no matter how hard you work, there will always be things you remember afterwards that would’ve improved it even more. So here are my Top 5 Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve’s:
What Would I have Done Differently to my Application with just One More Sol (Martian Day)
Microalgae requires much less US
cropland than other sources. 
  1. Sneak in the names of all Mars exploration programs, rovers, and orbiters, past and present. (I kinda got stuck on Mariner.) 
  2. Emphasize the importance and viability of algae biofuel compared to other biofuel sources (Table 1). 
  3. Add more college service commitments to my CV (how did these sneak off my CV during its many, many iterations?)
  4. Started this blog earlier so that I could have focused on it within my Online Activity essay. 
  5. Have my ol’ college chum, Sara Ferguson, look over my CV. 
Questions of the Day:
What will you be applying to next? Are you nervous?
Fellow applicants, what would you change/add to/remove from your application?

SJQHFR5YKE4Y