Research group assisstant Review

I found the experience very challenging but rewarding in the sense that I was contributing to a system that clearly needed every component to be under careful management. However, when experimental results were somewhat inconclusive or slow to obtain, it was rather frustrating-but things eventually fell into place.

I felt valued by my supervisor, yet understood the importance of him wanting certain tasks to be carried out by himself so that there was an understanding of the stance of certain areas after I'd left. However, I did feel that my independent investigations were sufficiently relied on.

Members of the group were very patient and helpful in terms of ensuring my understanding of the Physics behind the experimental work was well-understood. Technical errors were heard and amended as efficiently as possible, which I was very grateful for.

The workload varied between weeks, but in the end it averaged out to having sufficient time to complete tasks that were assigned to me and test the areas of the system that were ready.

I was entrusted with primarily testing the stabilising mechanisms, which was very important. However, I wasn’t given any responsibilities in co-ordinating tasks that weren't directly related to my region of investigation. This probably helped me to complete my own tasks more sufficiently.

Having learned a lot of new Physics, this will hopefully stand me in good stead when I encounter the topic of lasers in my third year of study and onwards. However, because there were times at which I greatly relied upon my supervisor; I am not entirely able to commence with similar tasks independently. Perhaps my limited experience in Electronics hindered me from understanding the most difficult developments that had to be made, but I definitely have a stronger understanding of most if not all the areas I was involved with.

The atmosphere was friendly, yet studious enough to get on with tasks. I really liked how everyone was willing to help when needed, and this made members of the group and the other interns approachable.

There were sometimes delays due to apparatus not being ready, but my supervisor worked hard to sort these out. There was, however, frequently something else to be getting on with if experiments couldn;t take place.

It was important that I understood the Physics behing the areas of investigation, and all the MONALISA group members invested time and effort into ensuring that I was capable to independently persue certain work.

The group's work may well be near completion by the time I think about research employment; yet I'd be willing to be involved in future projects they conducted.

They were friendly, yet the independent work for most of the day meant that it wasn't as laid-back a social scene that I have experienced in other areas of University life.

I was given subsidised accommodation by my college.

I didn't participate in any nightlife-related activities.

There was limited involvement because of term time having ended, yet I took Summer dance classes that were organised by a dance committee.