Week 1- Merilyn

 WEEK 1 AT RICE 

Things I did to prepare for the Young Scholars program were to get some sleep, read a book on Python coding, and be open to interacting with new people. I wanted to get prepared by getting some sleep because I knew I would be learning new material I had never seen before. We learned new materials, and I was able to easily process the new information thanks to getting my full 9 hours. Another thing I did to prepare for the program was to pick up a book on Python coding. The initial sign-up survey asked about coding experience, so I wanted to learn the basics of a coding language. I ended up choosing the Python for Dummies book. The last step I took to prepare for the program was to become open-minded to meeting new people. I am a talkative person, but being in a place where I didn't know anybody terrified me. Thankfully, I was able to meet four wonderful new girls, and now we are close to each other. 

My first thoughts on the research projects assigned to me by my mentors were that they were challenging. One of the first activities in the program was working on the Arduino boards. These circuit boards were difficult for me when it came to placing the screws and wires onto the board. It was also challenging when it came to understanding technical terms like breadboard and redboard, since it was my first time hearing those terms. I enjoyed the pulse ox activity with the tiny watch, as I was able to get accurate readings on my oxygen and heartbeat. Overall, getting out of my comfort zone was
challenging, but it was rewarding when I completed an activity. 

I am looking forward to week two, a tour of the Clean Rice Room, and starting to work on my project. I have always wanted to visit the Clean Room on Rice's campus because I am interested in how research on a nanoscale creates health devices. I have heard that next week will be the week, and I am excited to learn more about working in the Clean Room and how it functions. Another thing I am looking forward to is finishing the team's brainstorming ideas so we can assemble a digital health device. Currently, we have decided to create a watch, but we haven't decided on the disease we want to help. 


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