Monday, March 27, 2017

Research Assistant Frah Ejaz Analyzes Twenty Year Old Data Points from Sections of Earths Core

The OSCAR project I am currently working on is related to geology and is under the Department of Oceanic and Atmospheric Science. The root of this project is twenty-year-old data points that needed to be analyzed using various programs on a computer. The data points were bits and pieces of soil from the surface of the earth to about a little more than halfway to the earth’s core. The data was photographed and transferred on a computer for further analysis and also printed and placed in a binder for safekeeping. What I actually do on a weekly basis is take the data that was transferred on a computer and analyze it using Kaleido Graph, Image J, Image J32 and many more similar programs. I take every individual data point of a section of the earth’s core that is assigned to me from my supervisor, Linda Hinnov, and figure out conversions as needed. Afterwards, I begin to analyze the data by making line graphs and more, using special programs needed for the analysis of the data.

What got me interested in this project was the idea of becoming a part of some kind of research that will impact the world positively. I liked the idea of how this data, when finished, will be sent off to be published so the public can be informed of the signs and history of the earth’s core and how much better the earth may be if what can be prevented is prevented. This is related to my long-term goals because the field of science recommends experience in research. Knowing what to do, where to start and how to make the data meaningful is an important skill that research helps develop. It opens your mind to many of the opportunities that the field of science may offer. Curiosity is an important factor that may help plan, guide and actually start a research project.