Well, the oral exam is fast approaching. My proposal is shaping up, I've been studying and practicing with my PI and with friends... This thing is actually going to happen. I'm looking forward to having thoughts about this exam be swept away (after the stressful event occurs), and I can go back to what I love to do- research, softball, crafting, and hanging out with humans. I probably make it sound like I've been a hermit, and often times, this is exactly what I am doing. My happiness is very dependent on having other people around, and this whole experience of studying and holing myself in my office has been a pretty awful one. Working for my own solo gain is draining. I'm a team player, through and through, and I can push myself so much harder if I know that the work helps a much greater cause.
Okay, I got a little sidetracked with my sad story of isolation and oral exams. I've been trying to keep the stress level down by taking little breaks here and there (like writing this thing). I have been working on what is likely the geekiest craft project I have been a part of so far. This project, my friends, is a He emission spectrum scarf. If you are also interested in sporting some elemental neck-fashion, I recommend looking up your favorite element using this spectrum generator.
Now, you may be wondering, "Lasers, out of the entire periodic table, why did you choose He?" There are many reasons for me to want to sport the He emission spectrum. (1) It's like wearing sunshine! Helium was first discovered when scientists were studying the spectroscopy of the sun. Helium was named from the Greek word for sun, Helios. (2) Much of my research involves He emission. I use the ultraviolet emission of ionized Helium to photoemit electrons from surfaces to take electronic spectra (UV photoelectron spectroscopy, UPS). (3) Helium is becoming rarer and rarer on Earth. So enjoy those "I wuv you beary much" balloons this Valentines day.
Well, break time is up. Back to my proposal. Happy Saturday everyone!
Lasers
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