The Club

Hello World!

I hope you are having a frightfully good day (feel free to read a past post in the science of scary). I am writing today to share about something one can do when you are new in town and feeling uncertain, and that is find a supportive interest group! I did just such a search and found the club, http://theclubsv.org a women's technology leader group and I attended one of their events. It was fantastic! I met diverse women who were all nice, welcoming, and supportive. It is important, whatever you do, to have a network of people to rely on, and it always amazes me how much more a person can grow and accomplish with a group! At this meeting they had the VP from Pandora (the music service) and she spoke of the need to be curious and face your fears when pursuing your passion. She also talked about an "itty bitty committee" that rests on your shoulders telling you negative things that keep you from your full potential. It is necessary to quiet these voices and we do this by addressing the doubts (asking questions, answering what if, etc) and letting our curiosity take over (there will be no room for fear)! I really enjoyed her talk, it was genuine and real and fun to listen to. She owned her talents and imperfections and did not let doubt or the like keep her from her dreams. I also heard from a different speaker who discussed the fear and lack of opportunity of being around other women, only to discover what a powerful force such groups can be. So on this day known as Halloween to many, traditionally associated with fright, I encourage you to find Your group, and have a hauntingly good night!

:) 

World's largest wind tunnel

Hello World!

The other day I had the opportunity to tour the world's largest wind tunnel! It was quite a sight!

You might wonder what the purpose of such a large wind tunnel is, besides of course, generating mass amounts of wind... I learned that new airplanes get tested for their aerodynamics (ensuring your safety), old airplanes, such as the Wright brothers plane (replica) was tested for its aerodynamic design, and other objects that fly get tested here, such as the Mars Rover parachutes. The ability to test an object provides both knowledge and the ability to see if it would work as designed, before a catastrophic failure or to maximize performance. I know the team who worked at the wind tunnel (from the director to the interns) loved their job. Pretty cool!

(Photo from YouTube of car in wind tunnel testing)

Here are some neat sites I found where you can learn more, learn the math behind aerodynamics, and even make your own (virtual) wind tunnel to test your ideas!

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/the-world-s-largest-wind-tunnel 

http://www.grc.nasa.gov/WWW/k-12/airplane/tunnozd.html

http://raphael.mit.edu/Java/ 

Have a windyfull day ;)

NASA nails

Hello World!

I recently attended the 75th anniversary of NASA Ames http://www.nasa.gov/ames/openhouse2014/#.VEvDoNm9Kc0 research center and spotted these fabulous nails at the event! I just love when fashion and science go together. 

I also loved seeing around 120K or so people come out to support STEM! From Mars rovers to industry partners to the mass gathering of 150 food trucks, there was something for everyone. My favorite was the world's largest wind tunnel (to be posted). For more about Ames and what they do, (and some cool opportunities!) check out http://www.nasa.gov/centers/ames/home/

It is exciting to be in STEM, you create what your future holds! 

:)

Thinking

Hello World!

I hope you are doing well, I read this interesting article and wanted to share. It discusses cognition and meta cognition (thinking about thinking) and ways we can all improve our abilities, such as flexibility, curiosity, and embracing development over the idea one is either born with it or not. 

https://www.yahoo.com/finance/news/harvard-says-best-thinkers-7-182227176.html

It is helpful to me to remind myself the power of our thoughts and the influence on our lives... I encourage you to read the article and enjoy some food for thought! 

Wonder what Rodin's thinking person sculpture thinks? For a little art with your science check out http://museum.stanford.edu/view/rodin_garden.html

:)

If the shoe fits

Hello World!

I saw this interesting article on shoe fitting  and wanted to share! It had some good pointers that I found useful and I thought you might too (for shoe physics you can check out earlier posts!).

https://www.yahoo.com/style/5-ways-to-tell-if-heels-will-hurt-before-you-buy-them-98831193072.html

:)

The astronista

Hello World!

I enjoy reading other blogs as well as writing them and wanted to share this super nifty blog I found;

http://theastronista.com

The astronista is also by a female scientist, with an interest in fashion. She actually makes science themed clothes and shoes and sells them too. She is a student, works for a planetarium, and posts fun and educational info.

I hope you enjoy!

:)

October Diversity Events and Awareness

Hello World!

When you think of October, do you think pumpkins, scarecrows, and Halloween? How about money, ergonomics, or bullying prevention? There are many other holidays, observances, and more to be celebrated or undertaken for education and awareness. 

They include:

(World) Blindness Awareness Month
Emotional Wellness Month
Financial Planning Month
Global Diversity Awareness Month
International Augmentative & Alternative Communication (AAC) Awareness Month
Intergeneration Month
LGBT History Month
National AIDS Awareness Month
National Book Month
National Bullying Prevention Awareness Month
National Disability Employment Awareness Month
National Depression Education & Awareness Month
National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
National Down Syndrome Month
National Ergonomics Month
National Family Sexuality Education Month
National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month
National Sudden Infant Death Syndrome Awareness Month

Appreciation and credit for the above list is given to Theta Nu Xi (thanks ladies!). I encourage you to pick one or more of those items for further study! Looking at the list, I see STEM in all those topics in various forms and it reminds me how STEM can be useful in areas outside of STEM! I am also reminded to be grateful for life and be more empathetic to others.

If you know of other October observances, please leave a comment!

:)