My REU Experience

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        During the first few days of the REU program, we toured all of the labs.  I described Dr. John Farley's lab to friends as "a room with really big machines and lots of wires."  Eight weeks later, the description is still pretty accurate.  The only difference is that I now understand what many of the machines and wires are for.

       In Dr. Farley's lab I work with Dr. Jack Glassman, Mr. Steve Mitchell, and Ms. Golshan Colayni.  My fellow REUsters in the lab are Shalarma Davis, Danny Koury, and James King.

        My primary project has been to assist Steve Mitchell with his research.  Since I have two semesters of experience in organic chemistry, I was dubbed the "group chemist" for the first few weeks.  I helped to establish protocols for the synthesis of the parent gas, diazomethane -- CH2N2 -- which we feed into the ion source to produce CH3-.  For the rest of the summer, I have been spending a large part of my time running this reaction and maintaining the apparatus to do so.

       In addition to playing chemist, I have played handyman and errand boy.  I assisted Jack in installing a plumbing system for two new laser power supplies.  This entailed driving around Las Vegas searching for parts and mastering the art of Uni-Strut construction.  (I used to latter skill to build a bookshelf in the lab a week later.)  As an extension of my chemistry duties, I have ordered and organized chemicals, glassware, and accessories.  I have also had a chance to learn and practice laboratory skills like glass-blowing, soldering, cable-making, and the destruction of ants with liquid nitrogen.

        At every instant during the REU program -- regardless of what project or task I have been engaged in -- I have acquired extremely valuable experience in the world of research science and in the world of physics.  Overall, my REU summer has been phenomenal.



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This page was written in July 1997 by David Brian Sommer who assumes all rights and responsibilities.