Where and what was my practicum site?
My practicum site was in the Fire Protection Research Laboratory in the James Patterson Building. It was a very large laboratory, with lots of mechanical equipment and pipes and utilities. It was very intimidating at first when I started working there, as there was so much going on and so much I didn’t know about the place. However, during the process there were so many professors and other masters students there to help out. That made me much more comfortable. Overall, the practicum site was very interesting once I got to know it. It was worth figuring out all the equipment, because then I started to feel like part of the team, and that I could do my own work without intense supervision.
How I found that site and the site supervisor, and what advice I would give to future SGC Scholars on identifying a practicum site (such as how to contact a supervisor)?
I found the site through my brother, who was also my site supervisor. However, in order to get the research, I needed to reach out to the professor in charge of the project. This was difficult, as I was not used to reaching out to professors in that sort of way. Doing so was a very good lesson for me, as I learned how to better network with other people such as professors, and how to reach out to people for opportunities. I would give future SGC scholars the advice to reach out early in order to make sure you get a good research experience and that you have enough time to get significant results. I am happy with the time I had to complete the research, as I felt that I had just enough to fully understand the site. I would also recommend reaching out to professors in person, as they appreciate that personal connection much more than if you were to reach out through email. Both are good, but I would take the opportunity to make a personal connection with the professor first. After making the connection with the professor, I did not see him as often on the site, and it was mostly my brother teaching me things and keeping track of my work.
What tasks did I perform at this site?
The objective of the research was to simulate a real life wildfire, in which an object such as a branch or a tree falls onto a piece of property made of wood. This research would be able to conclude which type of wood is the most fire resistant in these cases. For my part of the research, I was tasked to cut the wood samples such that the firebrand could be deposited on the top. This required the use of a bandsaw, which my brother helped me operate at first. However, as I continued through the research, I was eventually on my own with the responsibility of cutting the wood samples. This was a very cool experience, as it was a moment where I felt that I was truly independent and trusted. I did not let them down throughout my research, and I made sure all the samples were correctly measured and cut. I also had another task of weighing each batch of firebrands, which were essentially wood chucks. These had to be measured to the exact gram for the research to work. I also made sure the lab area was clean after my work and made sure that the band saw and other equipment were vacuumed and good for the next person to use.
What have I learned about the science related to your site as part of the experience?
I learned that scientific research requires lots of data. Throughout the process, we took thousands of tests, all requiring wood samples and firebrands. For every test, the data was recorded and compiled into charts. This was essential for the creation of the graphs and data compiling, as it gave us enough information that we could confidently make conclusions. I enjoyed the work, even if it was a bit repetitive at times. Overall I learned that repetition is often necessary to acquire good data.
What appreciation did I gain for the practical connections between Science and other parts of Society?
The research I completed will go to inform the public as to what wood is the most fire resistant. This connection between the work we did in the lab and the information that will go out to the public feels very rewarding to me. It is proof that scientific research is incredibly important. It also reinforced what we learned in Scholars class, as there are so many connections between science and society that have to exist for them both to thrive.
How have I modified your future plans at UMCP or your post-bachelors academic plans based on this experience?
Based on this research, I am more inclined to pursue a masters degree in civil engineering. This research was a part of my brother’s masters program, and I look forward to doing something similar for my master’s degree. I feel like research such as this is very important and also a great opportunity to get in touch with the laboratory side of engineering.
How doing this project has affected my future career plans?
Based on this research I am also more inclined towards hands on work rather than desk work in an office. My job during the research, as mentioned before, was very hands on and required the use of scales and band saws. I would like to continue on a similar track of collecting data hands on after graduation.