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.
