Andrea Acker, aka "M"

Cal State University, Long Beach

senior
computer science

Work Plan

I would like to understand and be a part of developing the core functionality of the visualization software, that is, the navigation/gui front end, the data access back end, and the plug-in architecture.

I would like to learn more about java, java3D, geo-referencing, earthquake representation, and JDBC.

Manal Belmamoun

American River College

junior
computer engineering

Work Plan

I would like to learn about the methods used to collect data and also how data is interpreted. I would also like to enhance my earth science knowledge as it is the field in science that I haven't been keeping up with for the past few years.

Addie Beseda

University of Oregon

senior
computer science/math

Work Plan

I'm working on animations and cataloging, mostly in our global implementation of LA3D. I'll also be doing increasing amounts of work to help prepare LA3D for its next distribution; particularly in the areas of animations and cataloging.

I hope to become more comfortable with programming and making computer science work for me outside of the classroom setting. I would like to be able to use my CS skills personally and also tote them with more confidence when applying for jobs. I'd like experience with CS research so I know what research in the field can be like (which is going to be valuable because I have to write a thesis for my University's Honors College). I know very little about graphics work in CS, so I am really excited to learn that too. And I know so little about earth science. I'm very excited to learn a lot about fields I know nothing about, or I feel like I've just started learning about (computer science). It's very easy to be in a Computer Science program and not know how it will be applicable in the real world if you haven't had any work or research experience (which I haven't).

Anmol Bhagchand

University of Southern California

sophomore
mathematics

Work Plan

I hope to be involved in the visualization systems of LA3D as well as be involved creating some more sophisticated Earthquake catalogues and using them to create better analyses modules. I hope to learn more about Earthquakes in general and the geographic and scientific nature of them, but also learn about Information Technology, scientific inquiry as well as research and analysis methodologies.

Scott Callaghan

University of Southern California

senior
computer science

Work Plan

I plan to work on the development of LA3D, specifically its conversion to a visualization tool for earthquakes and faults in any part of the world. By the SCEC annual meeting in September, I hope to have the new software be fully functional, and include some features that LA3D didn't have.

I hope to gain experience in software development, both from the coding perspective and the team environment. In addition, I hope to learn more about what kind of research earth scientists are performing and what software tools they need to continue their research.

Anthony Carlton

University of Southern California

sophomore
geology

Work Plan

This term I will be working with maps and in particular Generic Mapping Tools. I will also be working on increasing SCEC's visualizations. I hope to learn more about computers and information technology and more about earthquakes and more general earth science.

Derek Desens

University of Minnesota, Morris

senior
computer sci

Work Plan

I am working on creating a catalogue format specification standard that we will use for the new earthquake program. In addition, I am investing much of my time towards a program for converting catalogues from various formats into our standard. It is GUI based and will aid the new earthquake program. I would like to get myself involved in at least one or two more large project before the end of the summer. My main goal is to get a good feeling of what work in an IT position is like.

Hunter Francoeur

University of Southern California

senior
computer engineering

Work Plan

I would like to be a part of the new georeferencing, and I'm looking forward to helping the major transformation that la3d will undergo. I hope to learn new programming practices drawn on the experience that is offered by all of the new interns from around the country.

Bonnie Gurry

Columbia University

junior
mechanical engineering

Work Plan:

I will be work on incorporating new data sets as well as finding a new visualization system. I would like to help bring Geo3d to a new level by allowing researchers to not only use very relevant data but to also be able to easily see it within a 3d environment.

Besides becoming more adept with java and coding, I want to better learn how technology can truly revolutionize science and research by allowing the ability to better understand data by grasping how different data sets coordinate.

Ifraz Haqque

University of Southern California

sophomore
computer engineering

Work Plan

I would like to join projects involving software development or coding. Thus, I would most likely join projects involving expanding on the current development of LA3D and changing its architecture to the new Geo3D.

I would like to learn the essence of team work and the importance of working as a team in software development. On the side, I would like to learn more about earthquakes, its effects and how scientists work towards understanding them. My main goal however, is to gain experience with software development.

Andrew Hart

University of Southern California

senior
computer sci

Work Plan

Q1: What projects do you intend to join this term and what would you like to accomplish?
- reconfiguration of LA3D as a plug in-based architecture
- georeferencing of data to be used by LA3D
Q2: What do you hope to learn this term?
- more about team software development
- how visualization software can be used to solve problems (what users of the software really appreciate in a visualization application)

Wayne Manselle

University of Minnesota, Morris

senior
computer sci

Work Plan

I intend on joining the plug-in arch. project, and the conversion of la3d over to "geo3d". I hope to expand my coding capabilities, improve my interpersonal skills, and experience working in a large city environment.

Thomas Morbitzer

Michigan State University

junior
computer sci

Work Plan:

I intend to join the database and analysis teams this term. I want to be a valuable asset in the making of GEO3D and of the second release of LA3D. I'm proud to be part of a project that helps in the study of earthquakes. I want to expand my knowledge and expertise in Computer Science. I also want to learn more about earthquakes and Earth Science.

Emily Mullen

University of Southern California

junior
mathematics

Work Plan

I will be working on creating movies with la3d. I would like to be accomplished in this area and to be able to make movies requested by the community education portion of SCEC as well as others. I would like to become accomplished both in using the various tools which are available to make movies and Dreamweaver.

Loan Nguyen

Cal Poly State University, San Luis Obispo

senior
architectural engineering

Work Plan

This summer I am working on earthquake simulation/modeling projects, specifically movie making using LA3D. A goal of mine is to produce movies for the general public, educational arena and for SCEC related presentations to offer a new and fresh idea that has not yet been presented. Through this goal, I am hoping to set an innovative approach to movie producing. I would also like to combine my knowledge of structural engineering with the SCEC internship. In addition, I am eager to join non-movie related projects where I can be practical while learning new skills.

From the SCEC internship, I am hoping to discover and acquire new skills. I would like to advance my understanding and use new software that I have not used or even heard of. I am eager to learn and hope the setting of diverse fields and minds will provide me with this opportunity.

Bill Paetzke

University of Southern California

sophomore
computer engineering

Brandee Pierce

University of Southern California

senior
philosophy

Work Plan:

I intend to investigate and inquire into new visualization methods and techniques to ascertain the best ways to utilize LA3D to assist in educating and informing the public about earthquake hazards and risks, as well as to continue the inquiry into the organizational and legal considerations of SCEC and the SCEC community.

I hope to learn other ways of accomplishing the task of visualization of 3D objects and the most effective presentation methods for education of the public. Further I hope to definitively answer the legal questions specifically with an eye toward intellectual property rights of SCEC.

Julia Reynolds

Boston University

senior
computer science

Work Plan:

I want to work on: visualization and the GUI, navigation, georeferencing, and the user guide. Hopefully I'll both learn a significant amount relating to CS and Earth Science, and contribute in the creation of an interesting new application.

I hope to learn: Java, visualization/graphics programming, Earth Science applications for computer science, programming in a team environment.

Nick Rousseau

Pasadena City College

sophomore
geology

Work Plan

What I hope to learn from this internship stems from understanding the work done on computer programs as well as understanding how professional researchers work in the field geological studies. I have a very strong desire to enhance my knowledge with the programs used in IT along with the strong desire to enhance my knowledge of the Geology of California. As a writer and an artist, I'd like to be able to add the complex experiences of this internship to my background since I have never took part in a program like the UseIT. To learn how to combine my field of interest with a team of others in order to achieve results would better my experiences as a future researcher.

Jeremie Smith

University of Southern California

junior
cinema

Work Plan

I would like to get involved in animations/movie-making and graphic design. I would like to make more movies for SCEC and help improve the LA3D program. I would like to learn more about my craft - animation and narrative story-telling.

Karim Vidhani

University of Southern California

sophomore
comp sci/engineering

Work Plan

I would like to gain skills in working together as a team and implementing Java 3d while learning better time management skills in order to participate more fully w/ the intern group

Dennis Wu

University of Southern California

senior
computer sci

Work Plan

I intend on helping out with the LA3D distribution and Geo3D. I would like to be more involved with the plug-in architecture of Geo3D while helping debug, test, and finalize the distribution of LA3D due this Fall. I hope to learn how to program source controlled code more efficiently in a team based environment.