Saket Vora

Yesterday the group took a field trip out to Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab. It was alright. They jumped so fast into areas of their research we might find interesting that they never really explained the history of APL, the different divisions or groups that make up APL, its funding and major projects. After someone explained his work in information security, two guys came and did an extensive description of microelectronics, with a lot of examples of MEMs fabrication that they do in their clean room. It was a bit over the heads of the TREND students and heck, probably a lot of the MERIT EE students too. APL also does software simulations for the TRIDENT missile systems for submarines. Two guys led us through an energetic simulation of how a missile launch would work. It was pretty cool, but didn’t really relate to engineering or physics. Anyway.

After getting back from APL, the guys went to the China Buffet and had lunch. We all ate a bit too much. After returning to the lab, I worked at helping Kristy and Michelle and Hymin out. I really didn’t get anywhere with my stuff. I did re-visit the power supply schematic, and spent the rest of the evening working on that. I got distracted a bit with some instant messaging conversations. I got into a zone and actually linked up the two main chips on the power supply. By the time I knew it, it was 10:30pm. Time to go home!

Today, John made his return and everyone was happy. He went around to each of us and fixed our problems and got us back on track more or less. With a renewed sense of focus, I didn’t even go to lunch until 4:30pm. I stayed around at the lab until 9:30pm. I think this trend will continue, because we are about 3 days behind where we should be.

Greg is coming up on Friday and we’re gonna go walk the streets of Georgetown. Old Glory! It’s going to be great. I can’t wait.