Detectors LISA and LIGO

At my mentorship, we try to simulate binary black hole collisions. When these binary black hole systems spiral around each other, (theoretically) gravitational waves are produced. Because science has yet to produce solid evidence on the existence of these waves, different forms of detectors have been planned to find them. LIGO is an example of an interferometer that already exists in the United States, but to yield more precise results, interferometers are being planned in space. LISA is one such space-detector to be created in the near future. At my mentorship, I was trying to comprehend what LISA would do and found this awesome video. It is an accurate representation of what LISA would be. LISA’s creation would indeed be a great asset for physics!

Here is a picture of LIGO (existing):

Blog 4: Interview Preparation

1.)  Who do you plan to interview? Why?

For my first interview, I plan on interviewing Dr. Bela Szilagyi who mentored me in the summer at Caltech. Dr. Szilagyi is one of the foremost authorities on black hole simulations and is actively involved in creating the code and algorithm to do so. I am interviewing him because not only will he provide invaluable information, but also will have good connections with other scientists (who I could interview later).

2.)  You have to ask 5 questions. What additional questions do you plan to ask?

I will first ask the following required questions:

1. I’m interested in studying astrophysics. What can you tell me about it?
2. From your perspective, what could I study that would be significant?
3. Who else would you recommend I talk to?
4. What kinds of places or activities do you recommend I do for the mentorship component?
5. What books should I read in this field?

Then, I will ask these additional questions:

1. What first drew you to astrophysics?
2. Why is it important that we study astrophysics and the universe in general?
3. Why did you specialize in black hole simulations?

Blog 3: Topic Choice and Working EQ

1.) List your topic here:
Astrophysics

2.) Write a question that helps to focus your research this month.
What is the best solution for detecting gravitational waves?
- I feel like this question may be too broad, but I figured that it would be a good place to start as I narrow my Essential Question over time.

3.) Post the working bibliography (WB) on the right hand side of the blog and share it so anybody can view it.

Done.

Blog 2: Summer Mentorship Component

Literal:  

1.) (Know) Using google doc link a log of specific hours and a description of your duties.

Summer Mentorship Log

2.) What is the contact name & number of where you volunteered?    

 Dr. Bela Szilagyi

(626)-429-8424  

3.) (Need to know) What questions were raised because of the 10 hours of experience?  List them. 

• Why is studying the cosmos important to us? (Devil’s advocate question)
•  How can we detect gravitational waves?
• What exactly happens in a black hole? Is it all theoretical?
•  How can we detect Hawking Radiation?
• Wouldn't noise from other black holes collision interfere with the desired results?
•  How can we be absolutely positive that gravitational waves exist?
•  Would funding cuts for science be detrimental to LISA?    

Interpretive:

4.) What is the most important thing you gained from this experience? Why?

        Over the course of this summer mentorship, I have worked around real scientists and post doctorates that are in love with physics and with what they do. I have gotten an exposure to people very passionate and hardworking. The most important thing that I gained from this is that I have become truly inspired and interested to study about gravitational waves and black holes. This strong interest in my topic is important because I would not want to be tired halfway through the year. I don’t think this topic will become boring for me since there are tons of things to discover and learn.

Applied:

5.) What is your senior project topic going to be?  How did what you did help you choose a topic?  Please explain.

         After spending 2 weeks in Caltech with Dr. Szilagyi and his colleagues, I have become increasingly motivated and fascinated with the universe and its mysteries, particularly black holes. Because of this, my senior project topic in general is Astrophysics. Since this topic is very broad, if I would have to narrow it down it would be: Binary Black Holes and Their Gravitational Waves. What made me stick to this topic was the wealth of information discovered by scientists, the support from my mentor, and my fascination. I have only touched the surface of this field and wish to work hard throughout the year.

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.