Explaining science (without the degree)

Here's the problem with Mudders: they make scientific explanations look easy.  If you ask a Mudder to describe a research project, chances are you'll get a concise, comprehensible description using (mostly) everyday language.  This is a special talent, as you'll know if you've tried to teach something as basic as long division to an elementary student -- just because it seems like peanuts to you doesn't mean you can convey that same understanding and ease to others. 

Sounds pretty good, right?  Well, here's where the trouble starts.  I'll listen to a Clinic presentation about, say, bone wax applicators for spinal surgery.  And it will make perfect sense.  Basic premise: sawed-into spines bleed.  Bone wax stops the bleeding.  An accurate applicator is imperative.  And ta-da, Mudders have invented just such a device.

The bone wax applicator in action, tested here on paper instead of cadavers (disappointing, huh?).  Excuse the subpar photography.

After listening to Cassie Nguyen and her Clinic team expound on the bone wax applicator oh so articulately, I was certain I could use this as an example in my information session to prospective students and families yesterday.  In this I was incorrect.  It was a big ol' FAIL.  And somewhere in the middle of my convoluted saga of why the curved applicator tip was so critical, what temperature was optimal for the wax, and the types of levers used in the early prototypes, I found myself so hopelessly muddled that the only recourse was to come to a complete stop, and speak instead about creating a version of Dance Dance Revolution for the elderly.  Which is awesome, but does not remotely resemble a bone wax applicator.

Cassie Nguyen '11: making bioengineering presentations look like child's play

Lessons learned: 1) Test out examples before debuting them in public.  If the dog snores, it's not working. 2) Experience the project first-hand, if possible.  One of the reasons I find the DDR-inspired video game so easy to explain is that Sarah Ferraro '12 let me try out a few variations in person last summer.  3) Remember the wise words of an '05 alumnus: if you can't explain your work, then you're not a very good scientist.  Mudders = good scientists.  Me = gonna stick with Dance Dance Revolution a while longer.



Happy birthday, Thyra!

Today is the dean's birthday!  She's celebrating with a vacation in Newport Beach (current weather: 64 degrees) where, she informs me, she plans to sit by the pool, read fiction on her Nook, and spend a few hours learning our new computer data system.  No offense, Thyra, but your first two objectives are much better. 

Yesterday we sent her out in style with a lemon buttermilk rhubarb bundt cake and sparkling cider.  Thyra is usually our resident birthday baker, which might explain why this particular cake had a crack running down the middle.  Luckily the lemon glaze hid a multitude of sins.  Still yummy.

The best graduation speech you will ever hear

It's difficult for me to write this post without resorting to hyperbole.  The fact that I know and like the speaker in question may make me slightly biased, but I've just spent the past fifteen minutes riveted to my monitor, feeling impressed, inspired, even empowered.  In his charge to the senior class, David Rolfe '11 makes the mission of the college -- and the mission of science in general -- necessary and relevant.  David's message, condensed: you can change the world in a small way, every day. What you do matters. 

David's introduction occurs about 22 minutes into the video; I urge you to watch his entire address.  Because this is, truly, the best graduation speech -- and the best call to action for scientists -- I've ever heard.

What this post is not about

• The champagne reception for the graduating seniors, because I could not go.
• My trip to New Jersey for college fairs, because I did not take any pictures.
• Projects Days, because that would require writing actual prose.
• Attempting to schedule a meeting with nine college deans, because that is not interesting.
• The transfer admission process, because it's not over.
• Top secret admission office activities, because -- well, obvi.

Which leads me to the actual topic of this post . . . when in doubt, upload photos of inorganic chemistry.