Week 2:
Takin’ Care of Business

June 17, 2021

Early this week I attended two meetings that really helped the development of my project. The first was the weekly R&D meeting where I had the opportunity to present my background research and speak with Tri to better understand the importance of my project. The second was a meeting with a sales representative whose company sells materials that will be useful in my project. He was willing to provide samples that Tri and I will be able to test and evaluate. Both meetings gave me a better idea of my project and what I’ll be accomplishing this summer. It also gave me a better idea of the physical skills I’ll need to complete the project.

I spent the second half of the week in the production room and clean room practicing the skills that I’ll need for my project. So far, I’ve been focusing on SMT and die-attach techniques because they take a lot of practice and there is very little room for error. Some of the skills have been frustrating to learn, but I’m definitely improving. So far, I’ve been practicing with training materials, but next week Nhung wants me to start working with real components.

I also had the opportunity to talk to MyPhuong and Leah about my post-Cornell plans. Both MyPhuong and Leah previously taught at the University of Colorado’s Anschutz Medical Campus. They chose to leave academia to work at Microtek, so they have a unique perspective on both industry and academia. I really appreciate hearing about their experiences, and it was especially interesting to discuss why they left the University of Colorado.  It was an enlightening conversation and overall, I gained some valuable insight on growing fields and paths to pursue in grad school.

This summer, I was lucky to find housing with the relatives of a family friend. I’m so grateful to be living with Spencer and Michelle and I appreciate their willingness to have me in their home. Michelle grew up in San Diego and Spencer has lived here for over 15 years, so they know all the things I need to do for a true San Diego experience. They’re also more than willing to be my adventure buddies and explore with me.

Spencer and Michelle have two dogs named Dax and Dobby. They’re 3 years and 9 months respectively, so they still have a lot of puppy energy. But despite the extra energy, they’re both super sweet and remind me of my dogs back home. I grew up with dogs and I always miss them during the school year. That being said, I’m very glad to have some animal friends this summer.

Tomorrow, Michelle and I have plans to go explore La Jolla. It’s been warm this week so we’re both very excited to spend some time near the water. I’m also very excited to explore some more of the San Diego area.