Engineering – STEMedia

Is Elon Musk Trying To Colonize The Wrong Planet?

May 13, 2018July 9, 2018
by admin

Besides increasing the total number of electric sports cars in outer space from 0 to 1, the launch of SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy is also stimulating serious dialogue about inter -planetary travel. At the center of those conversations is Mars and the idea of one day establishing a human colony on the red planet.

Musk, who aims to send a crewed mission to Mars by 2024, isn’t the first person to set their sights on the 4th planet in our solar system. In 1948 German rocket scientist Wernher von Braun published The Mars Project, the first engineering analysis detailing the equipment, resources, and calculations needed for planning a trip to Mars. Since the release of The Mars Project there have been over 60 formal proposals for crewed missions to the red planet from both public agencies and private companies. It’s safe to assume that Mars has been on our minds for quite some time.

Of course, like everything else involving space travel, huge technical hurdles must be overcome before humanity can blast off to Mars. The red planet can be anywhere from 55 million to 400 million kilometers away ( 34-250 million miles for you non-metric readers) with an average distance of 225 million kilometers (140 million miles). This translates to a travel time of 6 – 9 months one way which brings a slew of challenges because human space passengers require a whole lot more to survive than robots.

In addition to food, water, air, and staying sane in a cramped living quarters passengers aboard the spaceship to Mars will also have to worry about things such as radiation and micro-gravity. Both of which can be detrimental to health when exposed to for long periods of time. Unless there are major breakthroughs in artificial gravity or space propulsion technologies, there’s not really much that can be done to offset these issues.

After finishing the long and dangerous trek the crew will then have to think about surviving in the hostile environment of the red planet. Although readings as high as 20 oC (68 oF) have been recorded during summer months, the average temperature on the Martin surface is a chilly -63oC ( – 81oF) with a record low of -140oC (-220oF). A thin atmosphere and lack of a magnetosphere still leaves the risk for long term radiation exposure. Let’s not forget that Mars has 38% the gravity of Earth which might be detrimental to long term health.

Should the astronauts need to communicate back to mission control their signal ,on average, would take 13.8 minutes to travel to Earth. Sustaining life beyond Earth has been historically challenging, but a journey to Mars will ratchet up the difficulty to a new level.

The idea of taking our next small step on Martian soil has been popular for a long time. However, Elon and his team don’t have to go to Mars. Keep in mind the mission of SpaceX is to one day enable people to live on other planets. They never specified which ones. If there were an easier option for a planet to colonize Musk could choose to send people there instead. Interestingly enough, an attractive alternative may lie heading one planet closer to the sun.

A journey to Venus would definitely be shorter. The morning star can be anywhere between 38 million and 261 million kilometers (24- 162 million miles) away with an average distance of 170 million kilometers (106 million miles). Venus is roughly 25% closer to Earth than Mars giving a reduced travel time of 4.5 – 7 months. A shorter trip implies that less supplies/ fuel will be needed, but more importantly the crew would have less radiation and micro-gravity exposure. Venus is also closer to the sun making solar power a more effective resource.

Those familiar with our solar system have undoubtedly heard of how hostile the Venetian surface is. Large amounts of greenhouse gasses such as carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid trap the sun’s heat on the planet making the average surface temperature hot enough to melt lead at a toasty temperature of 450oC (842 oF) . The high concentration of gasses also exert an atmospheric pressure 90 times that of Earth. Make no mistake , survival on the surface of Venus is impossible. Even the probes we’ve sent have only lasted at most a few hours before being burned and crushed.

Surprisingly what makes Venus a nightmare on the surface helps to make it a great option for colonization. The carbon dioxide atmosphere causes balloons filled with breathable air (79 % nitrogen and 21% oxygen) to float like helium balloons do on Earth. After traveling up about 50 km (31 miles) Venus transforms from a hostile planet to one of the most pleasant places in our solar system.

At this high altitude temperatures range from 0 – 50 oC (32-122oF) at a pressure equal to 1 atmosphere. Venus has a gravity 90% that of Earth’s and is also protected from cosmic radiation by its thick atmosphere. Flying high in the Venetian sky, human crew members would experience the most Earth like conditions in our entire solar system. The idea of cloud cities on Venus has been floating around ( get it?) since the early 70’s. In 2015 a team at NASA proposed the High Altitude Venus Operational Concept (HAVOC) which aims to send airships and eventually humans to explore Venus’s atmosphere.

Attempting to build the cloud city from The Empire Strikes Back isn’t without inherent challenges. There will still be hefty communication delays (roughly 10.4 minutes on average) back to planet Earth. Any materials used on Venus for habitats and space suits could also tear due to corrosion from sulfuric acid in the clouds. Luckily if a balloon were to tear in Venus’ dense atmosphere air would leak slowly giving astronauts plenty of time to fix the issue. Also let’s not forget the serious risk of something or someone falling a long way down off the balloon!

Falcon Heavy’s successful launch is one key step in Musk’s goal of reaching Mars by 2024. However with a trip to Venus meaning shorter travel times, better environmental conditions, and a chance to make Star Wars more of a reality one can’t help but ask : is Elon Musk trying to colonize the wrong planet?

Should we go to Mars or Venus instead. Let us know what you think in the comments below!

Career

Meet Katherine – the Musical Engineer

March 22, 2018July 9, 2018
by admin

Instagram has no shortage of individuals in the STEM fields who embrace a passion for creative expression. One of our favorites is Katherine (@naturallyshe) whose page is filled with awesome, 60 seconds or less, piano covers of anyone from Adele to Stevie Wonder to even Ludwig van Beethoven!

Katherine is an engineer, musician, and teacher in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. Inspired by her own personal story and passions, she has been on a journey to highlight the parallels between music and STEM.

Her musicianship started over 20 years ago, when she started taking piano lessons, learning music theory, notation, and performance. She took lessons for 11 years, and since went on to accompany vocalists at church and events, and currently teaches piano to both children and adult students.

As a young child, she had an aptitude and love for math, but didn’t quite know how that could translate into a future career. At the time, internet was not ubiquitous; as well, STEM outreach programs were not prevalent, so she wasn’t even aware of STEM fields. But a chance conversation with her high school physics teacher steered her to declare an engineering major in college, and she went on to pursue two degrees in Civil Engineering.

Today, Katherine works as both an engineer and a musician. While teaching piano lessons, she began to recognize the parallels between music and engineering. One of the foremost parallels is that the skills gained as a musician (whether learning, listening to, or performing music) develop the ability to recognize and decipher patterns. Music also develops creative thinking which can strengthen problem solving. Music builds imagination which leads to innovation and new design.

In 2015, Katherine started documenting these parallels and sharing them on Instagram, along with media portraying her embodiment of the music+STEM message. In doing so, she hopes to shed light on STEM and encourage/inform artistic students that their passion, gifts, skills, and discipline as artists/musicians can be deployed in STEM.

Fun Fact: She also has her Professional Engineering license

Watch this inspiring rendition of her singing “World’s Greatest” 🙌🏽

Engineering

#EngineeringGreatness – A must read!

March 5, 2018July 9, 2018
by admin

One very basic definition of an engineer is simply one who is a “problem solver”. In the profession, this typically involves using the principles of math and physics to derive a desired solution. However, in a general sense, engineering is also something that happens in our everyday life, whenever we use available resources to find the solutions to navigate whatever challenges we may face.

Often though, it is the abundance of tough challenges and difficult circumstances in life that lead many to embrace low or mediocre expectations for themselves, others or the world around them. For some it may be the expectation to eventually drop out of school simply because no one else in your family has ever gone past a certain level of education. For others, it may be the expectation of always being a part of a broken home, mainly because long-lasting marriages are rarely seen in your community. Perhaps there is economic or emotional poverty that you find yourself struggling with. Or maybe even for some, it is a literal physical or mental condition which seems that it will forever limit your performance. Whatever the situation may be, I believe that God is able to do “exceeding abundantly above” anything that you expect for your life and this is done according to the “power that works in [you]”.

Therefore, you don’t have to be a victim of circumstance, but rather become a master of it. We have the potential to not merely meet these expectations, but to EXCEED all expectations. In spite of the expectations held by our peers, our family, society or even ones we’ve placed upon ourselves! Whatever the obstacle, whatever the impediment, whatever the challenge, whatever the problem, know that it can be conquered and not only that, but the problem can be solved in such a way the world has never seen before. #EngineeringGreatness

By: Nehemiah J. Mabry, PhD Founder and President of STEMedia who wholeheartedly believes “there is something inspiring about inspiring.”

Engineering

How Top Students Study and Learn

March 5, 2018July 9, 2018
by admin

There’s been LOTS of research into this topic, and some of it has been collected in the book The new science of learning. [Coursera] To name a few things that improve the quality and effectiveness of learning:

Growth Mindset (Ref.Carol Dweck) – a good students work on the assumption that their capacity increases with effort, rather than being limited by “hard” physical limits;
Metacognition – they think about, and reflect on, their efforts and process;
Responsibility – they practice self-regulated learning and participate actively in their development. Often they focus more on intrinsic motivation than just “getting an A”;
Deep Thinking – rather than trying to remember / reproduce the course materials, they look for connections with other subjects and try to gain a deeper understanding of the principles underlying the subject matter;
Task Analysis & planning – they make sure to understand what their learning goals are, and make plans on how to achieve those goals;
Strategy – a good student can choose between different learning strategies: reading and repeating the course material, practicing, peer discussion, times of day, etc. They choose the strategies that fit the subject matter, learning goals and their personal preference.
Nutrition – eating healthy and avoiding sugars and junk food gives the brain the nutrients it needs to work optimally;
Exercise – same as nutrition, it helps the brain to function. Cramming for 8 hours straight is never an effective strategy.

These are just a few general points, but at the core of it are motivated, attention and attitude.

By: Patrick van Aalst, Applied Science University Instructor

Creative Arts

Why Every Nerd Needs a Creative Side (and vice…

March 5, 2018July 9, 2018
by Cynthia Sharpe

Leonardo Da Vinci, architect, mathematician, scientist, engineer, inventor, anatomist, geologist, astronomer, paleontologist, cartographer and botanist, Leonardo Da Vinci. A left-brain thinker if there ever was one. Some of you think of Da Vinci and think of how much he accomplished and discovered that we still benefit from today. I mean, what is Da Vinci without his Vitruvian Man and his dedication to human flight?

Actually, he is an artist. It is equally fair to ask, what is Da Vinci without his Mona Lisa, without The Last Supper? Some people think of Da Vinci and they think of a sculptor, a painter, a musician, a historian, a writer.

Both sides of Da Vinci, his “nerdy” side and his artistic side, help make him so great even today. Had he focused only on mathematics, we may never have had the chance to appreciate his “Head of a Woman” or “Leonardo’s Horse”. And vice versa, had he only concentrated on his music, we may not have had drafts for today’s war machines. Take it from Da Vinci, it is not so bad to be a “jack of all trades”. Though we live in a time different from Da Vinci’s, the concept still applies, just in a different way.

Nerds of the world, do not count yourself out of being an artist. & Artists, do not think yourself unable to function amongst a group of nerds. All are capable of having both artistic and nerdy characteristics and it really is to your benefit.

Today, employees are not just looking for strategists and folks who can “crunch the numbers”. They are looking for creativity and innovation. Marketing is one growing industry that requires imagination. But to go along with that imagination, there is also a statistical component as well as a research component to marketing. Well-roundedness is something that all employers can value. (Insert fact)

Another reason to have both an artistic side and a nerdy side, is to network. If there is one thing that you learn in college, it’s that it’s not necessarily what you know, but who you know, and better yet, who knows you. So express yourself, make your abilities known, learn the abilities of others, and network!

Reason number three to be both artistic and nerdy is, both can have a way of relaxing you. It’s is more obvious that art is a calming agent. Being imaginative has been known to decrease negative emotions and aid in preventing depression. For you artists, trying some math or science may be something new to try that just re-centers you and lets you know that there are some definites in the world.

Reason number four is, no matter how left-brained a left-brainer may be or how right-brained a right-brainer may be, there are still two sides to the brain that compliment each other. You may not think they need each other, but to be a better functioning human being, both are necessary.

This piece comes to us from one of our talented content contributors, Cynthia Sharpe. Her bio is below and if you would like to work with us you can email us here!

Cynthia M. Sharpe, is a May 2015 graduate of NC State University. Cynthia graduated with a B.A. in English with a concentration in creative writing and currently aspires to pursue an M.F.A. in Creative Writing. “As I let my own light shine, I unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.” -Cynthia M. Sharpe, inspired by Marianne Williamson

Creative

Why Elsa would make an Awesome Architectural Engineer

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by admin

Disney’s Frozen was a smashing success, which introduced Elsa, a new royal role model who learns to embrace her inner power. Initially, Elsa’ parents keeps her in a controlled environment during her childhood, but through an unexpected burst of passion, Elsa reveals her powers to her whole kingdom. As the movie progresses, it becomes more evident that Elsa would make the perfect architectural engineer.

Architectural Engineer (with a Specialization in Castles)

Regards efficiency as paramount
Seamlessly incorporates beauty into every aspect of the final project.
Provide everything required for building the perfect castle: plumbing, air-conditioning, heating; design, budget, and customer preferences; building materials, terrain, and climate.
Delicately balances each component while maintaining the vision of the final project.

Efficiency
The movie Frozen only shows one side of Elsa—the isolated, repressed teenager who discovers her powers are her strength. However, since she built a multistory ice castle by the time she finishes her song, the movie should have been about her engineering genius. How many castles have been completed in under five minutes?

Beauty
Have you seen that dress? Have you seen that chandelier? I mean, come on….

Services of Elsa’s Firm

Air-conditioning included*
Design from a tortured artist
Cost is subsidized by the starving tax payers of Arendelle**
Customer satisfaction is guaranteed***
Free building materials

Specialist in arctic climate construction near cliffs

*Plumbing and heating not included.
**Feudalism was a dark time in the world’s history
***Scarred from growing up in isolation, the owner of Snow Industries is still learning social formalities, and is perhaps too eager to please her customers.

Balance

Problem: Anna illogically “falls in love” with a man she’s only met once
Mistake 1: Elsa forbids Anna from marrying the prince without an explanation
Mistake 2: Elsa shoots Anna in the heart with ice
Resolution: The prince reveals he doesn’t love her, and Anna realizes she loves a husky woodsman who eventually helps save her life.

Like many engineering students, Elsa gets the right answer by making two mistakes that eventually cancel out.

Visionary
Engineers must envision a grand venture and passionately drive it towards completion. Elsa comes up with the unique idea of using her powers to build a castle. Her only competition would be the Minnesotan engineer who 3-D printed a concrete castle in his backyard. Unfortunately for him, the snow monster kept melting before it was done printing.

Engineering is Better than Love
Comparing the socially awkward, depressed sister to an engineer is perhaps too stereotypical. However, in The Snow Queen, the book on which Frozen was based, Hans Christian Anderson portrays the snow queen (Elsa) as a powerful matriarch with a flock of magic snow bees that guard her ice castle. Gerda (Anna) is a pathetic peasant who risks her life to change her scathing boyfriend by removing the magic ice from his eyes. Who wouldn’t take the nanobot-snow-bees and become the engineer that her mother always wanted her to marry?

Like all math and science nerds going through puberty, Elsa also had to work through issues with her parents, emotions, and special abilities. Moreover, like all engineers in adulthood, Elsa is able to forge awe-inspiring structures, soar to the top of management, and domineer all the social science majors…Oh, I mean, subjects of her kingdom.

Written by: Sarah K. R. Long >> “After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering at NC State University, I adventured to Ben Gurion University of the Negev in Israel for a medical doctorate. My compliant southern demeanor was squeezed in the aggressive, blunt culture of Israel and the weighty expectations of my teachers. I exploded into words.”

Engineering

10 Unique Jobs You Can Do with an Engineering…

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by admin

Many a young engineering student has bemoaned the breadth and detail of knowledge demanded from their educators, which reminds me of an episode of The Office. Michael gives Dwight a nutcracker for Christmas one piece at a time, and Dwight ineptly and prematurely tries to assemble the machine. Similarly, each engineering class is just one piece, and calculus may not turn the gears of fluid dynamics until your first job. While some may never use magnetics or thermodynamics, employers appreciate the versatility and dedication of an engineering student. The only nut you have to crack is which job to take.

10.Submarine Designer

Submarines are an amazing invention. Submarines changed naval wars and allowed the world to see the other half of its planet. The race to rule over our world’s seas has not been without it’s disasters. Whether you want to defend the motherland or advance the discovery the wondrous dark depths, submarine engineering is the answer. Since submarines are custom-made, this vastly complex field requires new innovations in design; and therefore, begs the creativity that you offer.

The two paths you can take are government and business. If you’re interested in joining the armed services, the navy has a stellar program for college graduates. If you’d rather not be repeatedly deployed without any contact with your loved ones for months at a time, several companies hire submarine engineers. As of now, General Dynamics Electric Boat hires newly graduated mechanical, aerospace, marine, civil, nuclear, or chemical engineers. If you want to get involved immediately, put together a team for the european international subrace!

9.Patent Agent and Patent

Both professions require an appreciation for quality engineering. A patent lawyer handles the legal side of intellectual property, whereas a patent agent is a technical specialist. Patent agents research the background of a product, compare it to similar projects, and advise in the invention evaluation. You see inventions first. You’re a bouncer in intellectual property. Not innovative? It’s out. Won’t work? Here’s the door. Falsifying results? Give ‘em the boot!

While some patent agents only have a bachelor’s degrees, many pursue a higher degree. The in-demand fields are mostly engineering: aerospace, biomedical, computer, electric, industrial mining, nuclear, and petroleum engineering. Take classes in law to prepare for the intellectual property bar exam. If you have trouble entering the field after graduation, a few programs may help with the transition. If law school is in your future, engineering is the perfect undergraduate major.

8.Fireworks Designer (Pyrotechnic Engineer)

Fireworks are beautiful. Many musicians use fireworks to enhance the audience’s experience. Weaving music and visual awe together to create a production that terrifies, delights, or inspires is a pyrotechnic engineer’s job. Even with recent advances, there’s hunger for innovation: the modern firework is just a fancier version of the gunpowder-in-bamboo model according to one pyrotechnic engineer. Spark your interest?

This job requires a solid understanding of chemistry, so chemical engineering degree would be the perfect fit. In addition, you must also obtain your certification in firework safety. Firework shows are usually coordinated with musical productions, so exploring music in your spare time will give you an edge.

7.Science Writer and Technology Writer

Progress is advanced by communication, and communication begets progress. Science writing allows you to open up the closed societies of engineers, scientist, and doctors to a wider audience. You’re essentially a bridge between two worlds. Technical writing, on the other hand, is directed to those within the profession. As an insider, you know what your audience wants to read.

Whatever you’re most passionate about in engineering, technology, or science, pursue that and be excellent. If you’re passionate about your subject manner and a good writer, you’ll get readers. Take classes in journalism or english. While you’re in college, start a technology blog, write for your university newspaper, try freelancing, submit stories to a writing magazine, or start a writing club. The Guardian has a series of articles about science writing that can get you started.

Personally, writing has allowed my very detailed, small, technical world to be broken open again. Writing has made my world bigger and more satisfying.

6.Real Estate Developer

If your dream is to gaze with pride at a glittering new apartment building that you birthed with numerous cups of coffee, an unwavering vision, late nights full of tears, fits of rage at your employees, and lost weekends as you and your investors dive into swimming pool of cash, real estate development is the right profession for you. Many civil engineers consider a career in real estate for that very reason. This high stakes profession demands exceptional leadership as you manage a team of architects, construction workers, and engineers. Each project must be innovative but practical, keeping your ear to the ground to know what consumers want. While many real estate developers build extravagant luxury residence and business buildings, others have completely change the face of a neighborhood and promoted eco-friendly and healthy living. As the developer, it’s your choice.

To become a real estate developer, major in civil engineering and attend classes in business to gain a solid understanding of market trends, capital investment and finance. Networking is key in this industry, so join professional clubs and go to conventions.

Here’s your map to that pool of money.

5.Imagineer

Did you sing disney songs in your car after failing your first Thermo II test? Do you picture your physics professor as the evil stepmother? All your dreams are about to come true. Come create a magical experience for Disney park attenders as an Imagineer! Walt Disney’s Imagineers build everything disney—cruise ships, theme park rides, and resorts.

At the time of writing this article, several engineering specialties are being hired by Disney, including control systems engineering, electrical engineering, audio visual systems engineering and mechanical engineering. If you’re interested in Disney’s imagineering, consider doing an internship or co-op with them.

Check out the imagineering blog and the amazing opportunities all over the world!

4.Medical Doctor

Medicine is the study of a specific power plant. This facility’s input directly impacts the energy output and the waste. Since this plant is a mobile batch process, the variation in environment, building materials, input, and use can effect the equipment’s long-term utility. More doctors need to think like engineers, and more engineers need to revolutionize the medical field.

As a medical doctorate hopeful, there’s a plethora of advice on how to pick your undergraduate major, but biomedical or biomolecular engineering will more than prepare you. In fact, according to Duke’s website, 25% of their engineering graduates continue their education in medical school. Make sure to fatten up your resume by doing research, volunteering, and pursuing leadership opportunities.

3.Furniture Designer

With an increasingly nomadic working population, crowded cities are forcing professionals into smaller temporary living spaces. Engineers have become an integral part of the solution via furniture design. In order to solve the lack of space, compact apartments in China and New York have the furniture to be incorporated into the living space. On the other hand, an ex-Apple engineer solved the problem by creating furniture that is highly portable.

Mechanical engineering and industrial engineering would be most helpful for this career path. Chose an university that offers woodworking, welding, and other shop classes. You should also consider finding a school that will allow you to double-major in design.

Here’s furniture eye candy for any engineer and practical advice for this field.

2.Restauranteur

A most delicious profession for an engineer! Skills such as supply management, quality control, economic assessment, and surviving on ramen for three weeks straight will come in handy. Starting a business is tough! However, the perseverance learned from those late-night sessions with his Elementary Principles of Chemical Engineering paid off for Greg Hatem. Originally a chemical engineering major, he went on to start many restaurants in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Simply from precedence, chemical engineering would be the correct path. Take plenty of business classes, experiment with food in your kitchen, and eat out in several fine-dining restaurants when you have the money.

1.Fashion designer

Engineering has always been part of fashion. While many engineers have been in the fashion industry as garment engineers, several engineers have become successful fashion designers and visa versa. If you’ve ever considered designing a new workout material or a better high heel shoe, fashion may be the place for you.

Choosing your engineering major would depend on what you want to do in fashion. If you want to design ergonomic clothes that will withstand stochastic conditions, industrial engineering would be the best. If you’re more interested in designing structurally interesting high-end fashion, consider mechanical engineering. Classes in material sciences would allow you to design your own fabric. Finally, very few schools offer a textile engineering program. If your school doesn’t have textile engineering, consider a double major in design.

Creative

It’s Not Complicated: INC Tutoring is making a direct…

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by admin

NSBEpreneur Podcast

Show Notes

Episode 6 – It’s Not Complicated: INC Tutoring is making a direct impact in the lives of students. (Interview w/ Jay Veal)

Jay Veal is the Founder and CEO of INC Tutoring, a private, prescriptive tutoring company specializing in individual one-on-one tutoring that achieves RESULTS. Serving clients at all academic levels in math, science and standardized test preparation, their tutors are passionate about providing a collaborative learning environment specifically tailored to the student’s learning style. The curriculum is not a “one size fits all” cookie cutter template but a holistic one that includes input from parents teachers and the student to develop lessons that foster accelerated learning/ which equals lower customer cost. INC Tutoring is one of the most sought after tutoring organizations and the only minority owned, private, prescriptive tutoring company in the Dallas area.

Random Fact:

Jay is bilingual, speaking both English and Spanish; which he learning as the child of military parents once stationed in Arizona.

The Idea:

He started tutoring college students in Math as a 10 year. Throughout the years he continued to get request for teaching and tutoring in the STEM subjects. After a short stint actually teaching Math in high school, her discovered that it was a way for him to combine his passion with profit.

First Steps:

He first steps were to master the craft of teaching. He recognized that effective teaching s quite different than simply delivering information. Next, his goal was to build clientel and beginning marketing both online and going door to door.

Early Challenge:

It was a surprise to find out that an existing software could not be used to quickly build the product but things would need to be create from the ground up.

Advice:

Start your company as early as early as you can.
Guard your ideas – Hone in on things that you are passionate about
Keep Your Drive – To the point that no one else can beat you at your own game.

*Book and/or Resource:-

“Think and Grow Rich: The Landmark Bestseller – Now Revised and Updated for the 21st Century” (book) by Napoleon Hill
“Rich Dad Poor Dad: What The Rich Teach Their Kids About Money That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!” (book) by Guy Kawasaki
Coursera.org – Take free online classes from 120+ top universities and educational organizations
MITx – Free Courses from MIT | edX

*Books are Amazon affiliate links.

Favorite Quote:

“To lead an orchestra, you must turn your back on the crowd.” –Aristotle

Contact info:

http://www.inctutoring.com/

Email: info@inctutoring

Jay Veal on LinkedIN

Twitter: @INCTUTORING

Facebook: /ItsNotComplicatedTutoring

Instagram: @inctutoring

Engineering

L’Oréal USA For Women in Science Fellowship Program

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by admin

Applications for the 2016 L’Oréal USA For Women in Science fellowship program are now open.

The L’Oréal-UNESCO For Women in Science program recognizes and rewards the contributions women make in STEM fields and identifies exceptional women researchers committed to serving as role models for younger generations. More than 2,250 women scientists in over 110 countries have been recognized since the program began in 1998.

In the US, the For Women In Science fellowship program awards five post‐doctoral women scientists annually with grants of $60,000 each. Applicants are selected from a variety of fields, including the life and physical/material sciences, technology (including computer science), engineering, and mathematics.

The application and more information about the L’Oréal USA For Women in Science program can be found at www.lorealusa.com/forwomeninscience. Applications are due on Friday, February 5, 2016.

Creative

Poetry SLAM With a Twist! (TECHNIMETRIC II)

March 5, 2018June 12, 2018
by admin

“I’m not another E^x I’m making sure you differentiate me from the rest. This differentiation’s a part of me. I’m molding my own life like it’s pottery. These emcees are gonna show you what STEM is supposed to be. Welcome to Technimetric STEM Poetry.”

The innagural Technimetric Poetry Slam, held January 30, 2014, served to prove the theorem that an interest in math or science doesn’t mean that one only uses the left side of their brain. And while one might hypothesize that participation was limited only to STEM majors, event organizers disproved that assumption and branched out to include students of other majors including Business and English. With the spotlight on them, each participant combined techinical knowledge with their passion for creativity to perform inspiring, humorous, and illuminating poetic pieces to a packed house, sharing stories of love, friendship, and motivation.

“Colleges are label makers and degrees are nametags. And for them, in the end, they’re always more comfortable if they can fit you into a category…”

William Stewart, a senior Electrical Engineering major stated in his piece, when you tell someone you’re an engineering major, regardless of all your other extra-curricular pursuits, “they’ll still only know you as that math kid”. But for the participants of this event, they shattered the stereotypes associated with engineers, mathemeticians, and programmers. Each participant was expressive and charismatic, commanding the attention of the room as they lyrically expressed their thoughts, emotions, and observations.

“It’s our time and we gotta own it. If you’ve got the force to go the distance, then it’s your moment…”

While the night was certainly about the showcasing of poetic gifts, it was also about the awarding of prizes to noble participants. Every participant displayed skill on par with excellence, but in the end it was Alexis Carson, a sophomore Computer Science major, who impressed the judges and claimed the grand prize of an iPad Mini. The open-mic style competition, held on the campus of North Carolina State University, was hosted by STEMedia in collaboration with the NC State Chapter of NSBE, Sacrificial Poets, NCSU MEP, and My Health Impact.

This year’s event will be held January 21st @ 6:30 pm, in the Talley Ballroom on the campus of NC State University. Selected participants will perform original pieces on the subject of their choice (Comedy, Romance, Philosophy, Social Commentary, etc.) making sure to contain frequent technical (i.e. STEM) references. The best poet (as determined by judges) will receive a brand new Apple Watch. For more information about this event, visit STEMedia.org or contact Nehemiah Mabry via email nehemiah@stemedia.org

Author: Michael Vance is a writer based in Houston, TX. While he makes his living as a technical writer, he also wears many other hats including, podcast host, blogger, speaker, mentor and most importantly husband and father. You can connect with him on Twitter @mjsmartypants.