My life is in a time of transition. I have just finished three years at a small liberal arts college in Salem, Oregon called Willamette University. Next fall, I will be starting at Columbia University in New York City for my second bachelor’s degree in Materials Science Engineering. In between, I will be going to Austria, where I will be staying in Vienna City. The purpose of this blog is to document my journey of physics, engineering, and exploration of the world we live in. Let’s begin!
I will be staying in the 8th district of Vienna called Josefstadt, quite near the heart of Vienna, in a single dormitory. For reference, the Naschmarkt, a urban market with food and odds and ends is less than 2 miles away. 18th and 19th century palaces are all around.
From Monday to Friday, I will be working full time at the Institute of Science and Technology (IST) – Austria, located in Klosterneuburg, just outside Vienna. I will be commuting 50 minutes one way everyday (20 minutes on the subway and 30 minutes on the bus). Although I have never commuted this long before, I am looking forward to it!
My priority is to strengthen my physics while at IST. To do this, I will immerse myself in reading literature, mastering quantum mechanics, and setting concrete goals to keep me on track. My hope is that I will be able to contribute to the existing research in a quantifiable way. The research will be on Quantum Integrated Devices led by Dr. Johannes Fink of IST.
On the side, I will be learning German phrases, hopefully cycling the Austrian countryside, and traveling to other European countries on the weekend. During weekday nights, I hope to immerse myself in Vienna, walking the streets, exploring the parks, and perhaps even joining a community of sorts such as a club that meets for a hobby. I hope to make meaningful connections with the people I meet and discover more things about the world, myself, and other cultures. Tomorrow, I will fly to Austria. See you all soon!
Goals for the Summer
- Build off previous research experience and knowledge to thoroughly understand the theory and efficiently make a contribution to the new research.
- Staying present and open-minded as I encounter new customs, cuisines, and people.
- Be able to order food in German.
- Document the memories made and journal weekly.
- And lastly to have fun!
