The panic has subsided somewhat and I'm now kind of excited about what lies ahead. It should be good, I could get published! But let's not get ahead of ourselves. Anyway, just because I was recently offered an opportunity to do a PhD at the second best research institution for chemistry in the country, doesn't mean I will choose to take them up on it.
Meanwhile, life is flowing as expected. After solidifying the nanoparticles using liquid nitrogen, the vessel was put in the freezer to defrost. Yes, that's right. I put it into the freezer in order to defrost it a little so that it would 'warm up' enough to take the stopper off without cracking the glass. Nitrogen boils at 77 Kelvin. In Celcius terms, that's -196 degrees. Pretty darn cold. It's best not to stick your limb in liquid nitrogen, because then it freezes the blood vessels in your hand so the blood can't flow and your finger falls off, that is, you become a victim of frostbite. Also, try not to breathe too much of the vapour in, as you may unknowingly asphyxiate yourself. But let's not concern ourselves too much. Nitrogen is one of the more harmless chemicals we use - an inert, odourless, colourless substance that makes up 78% of the earth's atmosphere.
I am working in a Real Research Laboratory, with Real Research Scientists. These are the people who may well change the way the world works, and guess what? I'm a part of that.
I am investigating something that has never been done before. By the end of my project, I will know more about the area I'm researching than my supervisors themselves. It's kind of terrifying, and kind of thrilling at the same time. I'm quite looking forward to it all and although, I've no doubt, spinning flasks in liquid nitrogen will get old at some point, I'm going to relish the novelty while it lasts...
On the jukebox: Newton Faulkner ~ If This Is It
Ah, liquid nitrogen. Fun stuff. What are you researching, if you're permitted to divulge the information?
ReplyDeleteWhats the institution? Cambridge?
ReplyDeletebtw I've been meaning to email you about a boat, cos I hinted that I would. Will do at some point, just not had chance to yet...
What am I researching? Well, for confidentality, anonymity and legality's sake, I don't want to go too much into technical details, but to give you a hint, my work today involved...freezing a banana in liquid nitrogen and then smashing it into pieces.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't part of my research, but you know, sometimes it's fun to play...
What's the institution? Well, Cambridge was ranked first. Oxford is third. And so stuck in the middle of the two top universities in the country is a fine place for me to do a PhD...crazy thinking.
Really? Me, a PhD? Really?
Ahh, I saw a different list that put Cambridge 2nd. Think it was an overall one though, not subject-specific.
ReplyDeleteYou gonna do it?
I didn't get published, and the possibility of PhD was never brought up again. I wouldn't have wanted it, honestly.
ReplyDeleteLiquid nitrogen continues to amaze me, still.
Still it's interesting to come back to these things. It was for me. Helped me remember just why I got so annoyed at how much idiots trying to convince you you're not good enough seemed to affect you over the following year.
ReplyDeleteThis stage of your life may have finished, but their project to be dick heads will continue for many years.