Personal Statement

Two summers ago, I was accepted to the Undergraduate Research Institute in Astrophysics offered by the Center for Network Resources and Training (CNRT) site at South Carolina State University. I was matched to a mentor, Dr. Daniel Smith, in the Department of Physical Sciences. With the aid of Dr. Smith and the other team members, we completed a summer research project, Investigations of a Toy Model of Dark Matter Clustering. The growth of dark matter clusters in the early universe is investigated by using a two-dimensional toy model developed by Lawrence M. Krauss and Glenn D. Starkman. The model is implemented in the Mathematica software so that the variation of model parameters could be understood visually. Effects investigated include expansion, growth of the horizon and free-streaming. Because dark matter is thought to be the seeds for the formation of galaxies, the correlation function for a set of model parameters is calculated and compared with that of determined from an actual galaxy catalog. Working with this project helped me to become more comfortable with the field of Physics.

Since the fall of 1999, I have participated as a student researcher the Office of Naval Research Program. This program is designed to aid students who wish to pursue a degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Technology and Physics. In spring of 2001 I completed a research project, Tunneling of Matter Wave Through Delta Function Type Barrier, under the Physics Research Team. I was matched to a mentor, Dr. Latif Choudhury, in the Department of Physical Sciences. We had to set up an equation of motion of a mass according to Newton's second law of motion and using Schordinger's equation. We then had to develop a Mathematica program to plot the solution to this equation. Since being in this program, I had the privilege to attend several conferences. I attended the 1999 LISA (Large Installation System Administration) Conference. This conference was held at the Washington Convention Center in Seattle, Washington. In Feburary of 2000, I attended the NAFEO Conference. There I had the honor of presenting a research project. We also went to several sessions and an exhibition. In September of 2000, I went to the MUSPIN Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. There I presented my summer research project and got a chance to view some of the other student projects. In September of 2001, I attended the National Technical Association Conference held in Atlanta, Georgia. There I had the privilege of presenting my summer research project, view other student presentations and attend several sessions.

This past summer, I had the opportunity to do an internship at the National Optical and Astronomies Observatory (NOAO), located in Tucson, Arizona. The summer program, Undergraduate Research Program in Astrophysics, was located at the University of Arizona. There I was match to two mentors, Dr. Kenneth Mighell and Mr. Roy Tucker, of the NOAO Headquarters. With the aid of my mentors and teammates, we complete a summer research, An Amateur Search For Near-Earth Asteroids. The detection of near-Earth asteroids has recently become a prominent topic in the field of astronomy. There is a strong emphasis on this topic and it mainly comes from the evidence that has lead to the extinction of the dinosaurs and the large crater (Meteor Crater) located in Arizona. Based on this evidence, many research groups are now involved in the search for any asteroids that may pose such a threat to life on the Earth. This topic has been researched for several years and has led to the vast observations by both astronomers and amateurs. The main focus of this summer research project was to do a study on the detection of near earth asteroids. The team learned how to use two image analysis software packages, Image Reduction and Analysis Facility (IRAF) and PinPoint Astrometric Engine 3.0. The observational data that was used came from unique drift scan charged coupled device (CCD) imagers attached to three 35-centimeter telescopes at Mr. Roy Tucker’s observatory, Goodricke-Pigott Observatory, located in Tucson, Arizona. Many nights of observational data were analyzed to find any near-Earth asteroids with the aid of both IRAF and PinPoint. Another aspect of this research project was to become familiar with IRAF and PinPoint. The team learned how these applications worked and the advantages and disadvantages for each one. Another application from Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel was also used. With this application, programs were written to serve as a backup system for detecting the asteroids. The team also learned additional observational skills at the 2.1-meter telescope at the Kitt Peak National Observatory during the month of July 2001.

These experiences have convinced me to pursue the highest degree in Physics. I would like to continue my goal, if I am given a chance to become part of several research programs; in the fall and summer that will aid me in receiving a bachelor's degree in Physics. By gaining a master's degree in Astrophysics, I will attain the proper skills to perform the job of a astrophysicist. Finally, after receiving a Ph.D., I would like to do research in the field of Astrophysics and conduct research projects that will assist in the growing field of astronomy.