Blog 1: 2-Hour Presentations

1.)      I viewed these presentations in the following order:

Alejandro Espinoza - Teaching Biology

Krystal Lam - Editorial Publishing

Analysa Gallegos - Criminology

Carlos Cerrillos - Information Technology

Patrick Montoya - Video Game Graphic Design

Brian Cabantug- Software Development

Nisa Legaspino - Public Defender

Vanessa Machuca - Microbiology

Angel Arredondo - Angioplasty

Regina Ongowarsito - Music Store Operation

Christine Navarro - Biochemistry (Biofuels)

Lara McConnaughey - Linguistics

Juan Munoz - Business (Corporate Leadership)

Allyana Salud - Nursing

Cheyenne Capener - Organic Architecture

Felicia Stears - Marine Biology

2.)       Some unanswered questions I have about the Senior Project include:

• What is the Individual Component?
• Why is the Essential Question limited/recommended to have only three answers? Can you have more?
• Does the topic that one chooses play a role in the grading process? Will more complicated topics have more weight?
• Will the workload for Senior Project be evenly spaced? Will some weeks have more work than others? How must one pace oneself?
• Why is above 90% not considered an AE in senior project?
• Will senior project work pile over normal course work? 

3.)      Based on the presentations I've experienced, I believe that the most important part of the senior project is the mentorship that the student receives in the summer and throughout the year. During the 2-hour presentations, I noticed that many students kept referring back to their mentors when talking about research. From this, I expect that most of my peers will rely on mentors for their information. Someone who could guide students through the difficulties and complications of their respective topics would be a great asset.

4.)       A potential topic for my Senior Project is neurophysics. I have always enjoyed studying the brain and particularly the connections between neuron synapses. I am familiar with this area of study since I have participated in several “brain bee” competitions. Another topic in science that I enjoy is physics, specifically quantum mechanics. I am considering combining these subjects together into one study (neurophysics) so that I would not only enjoy my topic, but also be knowledgeable about them.

5.)       I have found a research opportunity by one of my father’s colleagues, who is an expert on the neurophysics field and may be interested in me for an internship. I have met several scientists who may be also interested in me working at their labs. If not, I will apply to several other labs at nearby institutions for help.