Entry Date: 07/21/09
Internship Day Thirteen (5 hours)
Today was significant for two reasons. The first reason it was significant was that it was a Wednesday, meaning we had our weekly EAT. The topic of this EAT was “Practical Communications for University Nanosats.” Basically the presentation covered the various communication system requirements of nanosats, common problems, and how to solve them. The presenter was Jim White of Colorado Satellite Services. This EAT was of particular interest to Nick as he is Communications leader for the Ho’oponopono satellite project. The main points of the presentation included how to avoid desense or interference between receiving and transmitting antennas, ensuring the launch vehicle will be able to support antenna structures, using the best quality parts, and also the complex radio licensing process.
The second reason the day was significant was because it was Jordan’s and my last day working in the lab. Our final presentations were at the end of the day and so we spent about an hour after the EAT in the lab practicing our PowerPoint slideshow wording and delivery. Once we felt comfortable with our presentation we left for lunch and returned in the afternoon for the actual presentation.
The interns’ family, friends, teachers, faculty, and mentors were all present for the presentations. We began promptly at 3:30 with a short speech by College of Engineering Dean, Peter Crouch preceding the intern’s presentations. Jordan and I were the last to present. I think we did a pretty good job of keeping things understandable and articulating the new knowledge we acquired over the summer to our audience. The ceremony included the awarding of certificates of completion and congratulatory handshakes and hugs from Laura and the various faculty and student mentors. A short reception followed and the interns bid a final goodbye to each other and all those who they worked with over the summer.
Greatest thanks go out to our mentors:
· Laura Shimabukuro – Program coordinator
· Wayne Shiroma – Faculty Mentor
· Shantel Hunt – Student Mentor
· Jeff Fines – Student Mentor
· Nick Fisher – Student Mentor
· Jason Axelson- Student Mentor
· Amy Blas – Student Mentor
· Jeremy Chan – Student Mentor
We would also like to thank the various other lab students and summer interns for their assistance. Best wishes for the Ho’oponopono team as they compete in the Universtiy Nanosat Program. The experience this summer taught us not only the various skills necessary for building a Nanosat but more importantly taught us new perspectives about engineering and our future plans in this field. The assistance and friendship of the various mentors and advisors was phenomenal and invaluable as we continue on our path to becoming engineers. Thanks and aloha to all in the UH Small Satellite Lab.