Category: Articles

Tech’s Energy Conference

It’s easy to get caught up in the bubble of your classes and peers while at Georgia Tech, as everyone in your major struggles together through the same difficult courses. Quickly, you can forget that the world isn’t made up of people that are interested in learning about and exploring the exact same thing as you. It’s exciting when you’re able to learn about the interests of students that you otherwise wouldn’t interact with.

The Southeastern Energy Conference is hosted at Georgia Tech annually and spanned April 7th and 8th this year. The itinerary was packed with keynote speakers and presentations. Most exciting to me, as an undergraduate student, were the poster presentations – put on by other undergrads like myself. Walking around the upper floor of Kendeda, I learned about advancements in water cooling systems for more sustainable building design (it all rests in the texture of the polymers being used!), how electric lines for freight trucks could help us move away from diesel fuel, and how materials for medical devices are being altered to last longer and create less waste – nothing I would ever learn about in my BME classes.

A view of the poster session on the upper floor of the Kendeda Building

Talking with a fellow first-year student, I learned in the span of fifteen minutes that:

(1) I had a lot of misconceptions about solar energy

(2) The majority of solar energy comes from rooftop panels

(3) There are ways for solar energy to be leveraged to better impact communities

Her research focused on the benefits of community solar, something I hadn’t known existed until she mentioned it. Like the majority of Americans (66%, she told me), I believed that the best way for individuals to participate in solar energy was to install panels on the roofs of their houses.

Installing solar panels on your house can pose a financial burden on the offset, and may not be practical for all locations. The other commonly known option is to use solar power generated by utility companies, which mix this energy into the grid they supply for. However, consumers don’t usually have many choices in which utility company they use, as it typically depends on the area, leaving them at the whim of the company in terms of their energy sustainability.

The suggestion made was more community solar farms, in which individuals or businesses contribute to a solar array within their general area. It’s typically a cheaper energy alternative and allows people in apartments or whose houses are in the shade to use solar energy.

Community solar initiatives are becoming increasingly popular across the country, as more and more people try to mitigate their environmental impact. The setting of the Southeastern Energy Conference in the Kendeda building was a constant reminder that the energy research being done on and off-campus is being used in real projects, like all the research that went into Kendeda’s creation. And, after finding out that the conference was complete with snacks, I couldn’t have had a better experience.

References

Southeastern Energy Conference 2022. Southeastern Energy Conference – 2022. (2022, April 6), from https://www.energyexpo.gatech.edu/

April 21, 2022
The Psychology of Marketing: A Series (Part 2 – Color)
Resources:
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227446945_Effects_of_Color_as_an_Executional_Cue_in_Advertising_They%27re_in_the_Shade
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/227446945_Effects_of_Color_as_an_Executional_Cue_in_Advertising_They%27re_in_the_Shade
April 21, 2022

Meat vs Metal

A comparison of the human brain and modern computer!

How are the human brain and a computer similar?

Function:

The human brain and a computer are both devices for processing information, making decisions, completing tasks, and solving problems. They are also both comprised of many unique components, each with their own responsibility.

Component comparisons:

First, let us loosely define some computer parts:

CPU: (Central Processing Unit) sends and receives data and instructions
Hard Drive: information storage, management, and organization
RAM: (Random-Access Memory) short term memory, only stored while in use
GPU: (Graphics Processing Unit) creation of images / rendering graphics from given information
Input / Output devices: keyboard, mouse, camera, monitor, microphone, speaker, etc.

Now, we will loosely define some parts of the human brain:

Thalamus: takes sensory input and distributes it to the proper areas of the brain, “relay station”
Hypothalamus: temperature regulation (among many other functions)
Hippocampus: short term memory storage
Visual cortex: located in the occipital lobe, processes visual input in the form of electrical impulses

It is not ideal to compare many of these parts due to the differences in their makeup/ability. Even so, in order to gain a better understanding, we will make some loose comparisons between them below:

Function	Brain component	Computer component
General processing (both sending and receiving instructions)	Thalamus	CPU (Central Processing Unit)
Short term memory	Hippocampus	RAM (Random-Access Memory)
Long term memory	Frontal lobe, temporal lobe	Hard drive
Visual input processing/ rendering visual information	Visual cortex (input from eyes)	Camera (input) & GPU (processing)
Temperature regulation	hypothalamus	Internal fans
Maintaining function/power	Brain stem	Power cord/battery
input/output	Sensory organs	Keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone, speakers

How do they differ?

Composition & Communication:

There are some very fundamental differences between the brain and the computer. For instance, the brain consists of neurons and synapses that use and transmit information in the form of electrical and chemical impulses. However, we know that the brain largely differs from this, as it consists of transistors, diodes, capacitors, and all kinds of mechanical hardware that transmit information in the form of bits (binary).

It is important to recognize the distinction between computer memory and human memory. When we look at a computer memory, we see RAM and a hard drive in most cases. These are just, in simplistic terms, temporary (short-term) and permanent (long-term) memory storage that consists of information (saved data, files, images/videos, etc.) that is largely simplistic and mechanical in nature. However, if we take a look at the human brain, we see that memory consists of much more than just short-term and long-term memory.

Modern neuroscience has discovered that we have:

“Spatial memory”: a mental map of space – this is why you can walk around familiar places with your eyes closed!
“Episodic memory”: playing a scene/experience back in your head
“Emotional memory”: stored in the amygdala – instinctual emotional reactions based on past experiences
“Procedural memory”: stored in the motor cortex – muscle memory
“Semantic memory”: stored in the frontal/temporal lobes – general knowledge and long-term memories from the hippocampus

There is also a distinct difference in how computers and humans learn. Computers use “distributive learning” which is essentially learning from information residing in memory. Humans use “heuristic learning” which means that they learn from experience.

Overall, brains and computers differ in many ways. A computer may be better at one task that the brain is less suited for, and vice versa. Below we will explore some of the benefits of each in different scenarios.

Where do computers excel?:

Computers are capable of learning, processing, and working without risk of exhaustion (given they are connected to a proper power source). They also do not encounter many common roadblocks that humans do, such as illness, burnout and other prohibitors of function.

Computers have permanent, reliable memory that remains unchanged unless deleted. Computer hard drives can be upgraded and made to have more storage, given appropriate technological advances. Memory on a hard drive can also be physically transferred from one computer to another.

Computers have incredibly high processing speeds/power compared to a human brain. This means that they can complete “objective tasks” (repetitive checks, multiple choice, structured problems) very quickly and efficiently.

Where do human brains excel?:

The human brain is a marvelous organic creation that to this day has not been able to fully comprehend itself. It is 10 times more energy efficient compared to modern technology. A human brain is comprised of 10 billion neurons that communicate via electrical impulse and somehow it only uses 10 watts! The brain also is comprised of many different parts which are all interconnected and run parallel to each other to achieve processing, problem solving, etc. It is also inherently

At its base level, with no additions, the brain can process sound, sight, smell, touch, and taste. A computer requires additional parts such as sensors and processors in order to achieve similar ability. The human brain is also one that can process emotions and energy(“vibes”), which are essential for understanding certain situations.

Lastly, the brain is able to heal itself. Let’s say a person has a head injury. They are likely to heal and regain most, if not all, of their previous cognitive function if the injury was not too severe. On the other hand, let’s say a computer is “injured” in a similar fashion. If the computer hardware is damaged, it must be repaired or replaced. A computer cannot heal itself, and therefore the brain has an advantage here.

Conclusion & Citations

One can’t truly say that brains or computers are superior to one another. Their individual strengths and weaknesses must be highlighted in order to properly compare them! Overall, I think the question should not be “Which is better?” but instead, we should ask “How can they work together to be the most efficient?”.

Sources:

April 20, 2022

How to Create Effective STEM Presentation Materials
Last month our STEMComm Team put together an event called MindCraft which focused on the science of arts and crafts. This involved setting up several tables, each of which was dedicated to a different craft. In order to create effective and engaging tables, each cohort also created materials such as posters and interactive worksheets. My table focused on the eye and how it works to perceive different colors while also relating it to color blindness. Below I include the poster, flyer, and interactive worksheet we created for this station along with tips and things to keep in mind when creating your own!
- Poster
  - Colorful
    
    It is important to create eye-catching materials so that people are drawn to your topic. (To read more about this, check out part 1 of this series where I give the top 5 tips to planning a STEM communications event!)
  - Not too wordy
    
    You do not want to overwhelm or bore your audience by making materials that are too wordy. Too many words will also draw the attention away from what you are saying as people will begin trying to read the content on the materials.
  - Images
    
    To aid in making your audience interested and also keeping them engaged while not taking the attention away from your presentation, include images! Choose images that reflect what you are presenting and act as an aid and supplement to your presentation. It could even be an image that you refer to in your oral speech so that you keep them engaged in what you are saying.
  - Neat
    
    It is also important to make sure that any material you are presenting is neat and organized so that your audience can take in the information effectively and efficiently. By doing this, you again are avoiding anything that takes away from your presentation. It also helps your audience be less confused about your topic so that you can answer engaging questions rather than clarification questions.
- Flyer
  - More detailed
    
    When presenting a smaller piece of material such as a flyer, you can include more detailed information than your large poster. This allows the audience members that are interested to look further into what you are presenting without overwhelming casual viewers.
  - Still includes images
    
    Despite having more details, you can see that including images is still important. By including this, you can more effectively present your concepts in a way that can easily be taken in by your audience.
  - Clearly labeled
    
    With this, it is imperative that if you include a diagram as we did, that it is all clearly labeled. If you do not, you risk confusing your audience and not having a clear understanding of the diagram so you cannot effectively speak on it. It is also important that you know how to speak on the parts of the diagrama and explain everything effectively (read more about rehearsing and being prepared in part 1).
- Interactive Worksheet
  - One side with supplemental information
    
    By providing supplemental information to your presentation in the format of a worksheet, you give the audience something they can take with them. This keeps them engaged with your topic past the time of your actual presentation and also allows them to continue learning.
  - One side with fun coloring activity
    
    Interactive
    
    This provides something interactive for the audience to engage in that is fun. This again keeps them engaged and interested in your topic area.
    
    Way for people to connect to the content presented
    
    Additionally, it provides a way for them to apply the information they learned from your presentation which is known to be one of the most effective learning strategies.
Thank you for reading and best of luck to you on your future material creation and presentations!
April 19, 2022
Top 5 Tips to Planning a Science Outreach Event
A couple of weeks ago our STEMComm Team put together an event for the Atlanta Science Festival called MindCraft. Here we presented several tables with fun arts and crafts that tied into different scientific concepts. My cohort had a table dedicated to the eye and how it views different colors. After going through the process of planning and setting up our station, there were many things I learned. Here are my top 5 tips to planning a science communications event:
1. Know your Audience
Being aware of who you will be presenting your content to is very important when considering what you will do. This involves asking yourself a series of questions such as, “How old will they be?”, “Are they new to these concepts?”, etc. By answering these questions, you will be able to cater your event to those specific needs and make it as effective as possible. For example, at our event, we knew that there would be some younger children in attendance so we made sure to have a station that they could more actively participate in by making our table’s craft a coloring sheet.

2. Find an Expert Collaborator

By finding someone that has more expertise in the area than you, you will be able to not only add to your content, but also get assistance in the overall set-up. At our particular station, we did not have a collaborator and did everything on our own which became a bit more stressful. We quickly learned from some of the other tables that did have collaborators that the work became much easier with more people to split the labor between. In order to find a good collaborator, there are again some questions you should ask yourself – “Who would have knowledge in my topic area?”, “What organizations/people do I have access to?”, etc. By reaching out to an organization that could assist you, you will have people that you can manage so that you get your event set up more efficiently and with less stress on yourself.

3. Create Eye-catching Visuals

Striking visuals are another important component of an event. This draws people in initially and gives them something interesting to look at while they take in your content. At our table, this became particularly important since we were talking about colors. With posters and flyers, we were able to display important diagrams and color scales so people could visualize what we were explaining. It is also important to interact with these visuals by pointing or gesturing towards them as it keeps your audience engaged in what you are presenting. In addition, it gives those waiting on your presentation something to look at while you speak to other guests.

4. Include Something Interactive

For an event such as these, interaction is key. By creating interaction between the audience and yourself as well as your content, people are more likely to learn something. For our particular table, we included an interactive coloring sheet that also included more information about the eye on the backside. This gave the guests something to physically do and apply the content to, plus, they were able to take it home with them! Having something to physically engage your audience with is important overall as it will keep them interested and help them apply and learn what you are presenting.

5. Rehearse Beforehand

When it comes to presenting information to others, it is important that you plan and rehearse what you will say in advance. If you do not do this, it is possible that you get stuck or do not present accurate information. In order to do this, you can set up some quick flashcards with information or use your presentation materials as guides. To rehearse, you can practice in the mirror, to your colleagues, or even to friends. This allows you to become comfortable with presenting the information and will make you sound more knowledgeable when you actually speak about it. However, you want to make sure that it does not sound like you are reading from a script as this could make your presentation boring. Rather, try to make it more casual and engage in conversations with your guests. Furthermore, you should be prepared for questions about your topic area. It is not the end of the world if you do not know how to answer something, but overall having done your research beforehand is important so that you are able to answer questions.

All in all, many components go into planning and setting up a successful science communications event. By following these 5 tips, you can ensure better preparedness and less stress while planning.

If you want to find out more about the specific materials and content we presented at our eyeball and color station, including tips on creating posters, flyers, and interactive worksheets, be on the lookout for another article coming soon! Best of luck with your event!

More Resources for Planning a Science Outreach Event:
April 19, 2022
Seven Computer Science Jobs that Aren’t Coding Heavy!
Do not worry, you’re not alone! Graphic drawn by Devi Connor.

Are you majoring in computer science or already have a degree in computer science, but find yourself not passionate about coding 8 hours a day for the rest of your career? Do you crave more other than software coding, such as using your people skills or artistic skills? Well, look no further! I have researched about 7 different jobs that you, as a major in computer science, can apply for that are not coding-heavy. This is definitely not an exhaustive list of all the jobs you can apply to as a computer science major that aren’t coding heavy, but it’s just enough to get you thinking of all the endless options out there! Tell your other computer science friends who also feel the same way as you do! Your options are never limited. Your skills are so versatile, take a look at some of the jobs below.

1) Project Manager

Do you like planning ahead and prefer to be a leader in group projects? A project manager job might just be what you’re looking for! Project managers plan, execute, and complete projects by overseeing team members (such as a group of computer scientists) to make sure that they are performing their duties sufficiently. Project managers formulate benchmarks and deadlines for their team to complete, and work to meet regulatory and company standards.
- Average Annual Salary in U.S: $88,907
2) IT Support Specialist

IT Support Specialists are responsible for responding to technical issues and they work with IT departments, computer manufacturers (such as Dell or Apple), and retail stores. They assist customers and employees with software, network, and hardware issues.
- Average Annual Salary in U.S: $58,332
3) Graphic Designer

If you have a talent or passion for visual design, graphic designing might be for you! Graphic designers are responsible for using design software such as (e.g: Adobe Photoshop or GIMP) to create logos, images, and other visual representations for clients and various companies. You may be responsible for creating web page designs, logos, and flyers.
- Average Annual Salary in U.S: $47,334
4) Technical Recruiter

Technical recruiters utilize their people skills to recruit, interview, and present potential employees for IT positions. Technical recruiters have strong communication and interviewing skills, and are knowledgeable of the fundamental responsibilities of certain IT positions that candidates may apply for.
- Average Annual Salary in U.S: $56,747
5) Data Analyst

Are you a detail-oriented person? Well, a data analyst might be the job for you! Data analysts analyze data sets and identify departmental trends. They use data software along with market research and statistic to report their findings and predications to shareholders and executives to help guide their decision-making.
- Average Annual Salary in U.S: $70,353
6) Technical Writers

If you like writing, this job is suited for you! Technical writers are responsible for writing technical materials such as resource guides, user manuals, and publications. Technical writers must possess a deep knowledge of their industry, and must know certain writing guidelines, grammar, and spelling.
- Average Annual Salary in U.S: $68,555
7) Software Testing Engineer

As a software test engineer, you will be responsible for creating the methodologies used for testing software programs and conducting automated and manual tests to find bugs and determine software output. You will run reports and analyze the testing results to make recommendations for improvements on the software.
- Average Annual Salary in U.S: $ 87,110
Sources:

https://www.glassdoor.com/Salaries/index.htm

https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/finding-a-job/computer-science-jobs-without-coding
April 19, 2022
Mindcraft: The Science of Flowers & Flower Pressing

On March 12th, 2022, STEMComm hosted a science crafting event in the Atlanta Science Festival (ASF), called “Mindcraft”. My focus was on flower pressing and the science behind flowers. I was lucky enough to be able to partner with Hannah, who helped with the workshop and had vast expertise about flowers, for she works at a native wildflower nursery (how cool is that?!). Our job was to demonstrate how to flower press a flower using three simple tools: an iron, a book, and parchment paper. In addition, we explained the parts of a flower and what each part serves in the sexual reproduction of flowers. Mindcraft as a whole was such a successful event! Many children and their parents attended, and students from Georgia Tech and other schools also attended.

There were an endless amount of people that came to our flower pressing table. The look of children’s and their parents’ faces when they learned how to flower press their own flower was priceless! We ran out of supplies nearly right when the event ended!

The Science of Flowers:

Botany is the branch of biology that deals with plants. It involves the study of the structure and properties of plant life, including flowers and trees. Flower pressing is a way for scientists to preserve flowers and record a collection of flowers as the seasons change. Flowers have evolved to have a bright and colorful appearance so that they can lure pollinators such as birds, butterflies, bees and wasps. Pollinators help the flower to reproduce itself. Flowers are made up of many parts that allow for sexual reproduction. The parts of a flower are in the picture below. The female parts of a flower are located in the pistil, which contains the stigma, style, ovary, and ovule. The male parts of a flower are the stamen, which includes the anther and filament.

Emory Herbarium hosts a wonderful collection of flower pressings. According to their website, they are home to more than 21,000 plant specimens, dating back to the late 1800s! The majority of their collection is composed of plants from the southeast USA, but new collection efforts are expanding our reach as far as the Mediterranean and Australia. Here are a few pictures of their collections. Click here to view their website!

How exactly do you press a flower? It is quite simple, actually! Take a look at the infograph below that delineates the steps using a clothes iron. In addition, below there are some pictures and footage of what our tabling looked like at the ASF Mindcraft event! Feel free to take a look.

If you would like to learn more fun facts about flowers, take a look at the list below!

April 7, 2022