What I Learned this Summer 

Overall, the AR Program was one of the best experiences I've had in high school. It allowed me to see how people actually use the the science I have been learning in school for years and provided a glimpse into the future of science and technology. It was also a new experience for me to learn so much (in my case, about optical physics) in an environment very different from a classroom. Here's some stuff that I figured out during the last four weeks:

● Scientific research is hard work. Researchers must think critically and constantly.

● Unfortunately, I am very skilled at breaking tapered optical fibers.

● All sciences are interconnected. No research project involves only one discipline. Nanotechnology requires the integration of knowledge from biology, chemistry, physics, and engineering.

● How to use a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM).

● All scientific research is completely computer dependent... And computers can be rather unruly.

● Every lab has a very different personality. Some research groups interact with one another all the time, while other scientists tend to get caught up in their own research. The unifying factor in the research world is that all scientists are very passionate about their work.

● Riding your bike into Santa Barbara from UCSB hurts.

● When you don't understand something, you need to ask questions. It's easier said than done, but I'm working on it.

● Science kids are fun!... and a little weird.