In this episode, we discuss working with those from other technical disciplines, and also touch upon the software skills that engineers should possess.
Our guest for this episode is Paul Davis, a software engineer who currently writes jet engine control code.
Although there is some dispute about the quotation’s origin, EdsgerDijkstra is frequently credited with proclaiming that “Computer science is not about machines, in the same way that astronomy is not about telescopes. There is an essential unity of mathematics and computer science.”
Computer science relies on a number of developments found in discrete mathematics.
Paul’s first job after college involved getting Windows 3.1 users connected to the internet via a program called Winsock.
His next job found him managing a VAX cluster that ran on the VMS operating system.
To gain software development experience, Paul earned a masters degree in Software Engineering from Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Paul found the study of formal methods, using Z notation, to be both useful and intellectually challenging.
In an old blog post, Jeff reasoned that software engineers are really “engineers.”
Since code can be easily changed, tweaking software is often the lowest cost “fix,” but can cause unimagined and unintended consequences.
Paul has encountered a number of engineers that use an interface package, such as Simulink, to isolate them from having to generate low level code.
Engineers can benefit from learning more about software development, according to Paul, since so much of modern engineering involves programming.
Writing code is the best way to learn about coding issues. Paul suggests Python, since it is a widely supported language with a lot of goodtutorials.
Does anyone actually read these show notes? Perhaps I could simply string together random words like baseball, snowshoe and bubble gum.
Jeff struggles to describe a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), even though he taught a Mechatronics course this past spring. He promises to do better in the future!
Paul suggests that software developers specialize in a particular domain, and that physical engineers strengthen their awareness of software concerns.
We discuss how crowdfunding might influence the future of scientific research in this episode of The Engineering Commons.
Adam is willing to fork over a few dollars to further scientific studies of the universe; how about you?
Crowdfunding is a means for raising money that has recently been garnering a lot of attention. Websites that cover the crowdfunding phenomenon include Crowd Funding Eye and crowdsourcing.org.
The Pebble E-Paper Watch campaign raised more than $10 million on Kickstarter last year.
Basic Research studies the nature of the universe, without seeking any particular commercial benefit. The bulk of basic research in the United States is funded by the federal government and universities.
In contrast, Applied Research attempts to solve practical problems, and is most commonly supported by industrial interests.
Projects the size of the cancelled Superconducting Super Collider are obviously too large to be crowdfunded at this point.
Brian first became aware of scientific crowdfunding via the Weekly Weinersmith podcast.
Medstartr “enables patients, doctors, institutions, partners, and investors to find and fund the best ideas in healthcare and bring them to life.”
Petridish “lets you fund promising research projects and join first hand in new discoveries.”
iAMscientist “is a global community of science, technology and medical researchers who come together to accelerate research, support career development and drive the distribution of discoveries.”
In a recent interview, #SciFund Challenge founder Jai Ranganathan talked about how scientists are adapting to today’s funding environment.
Brian notes an Indiegogo campaign that raised more than $700,000 to send a bus monitor on vacation.
Jeff mentions the Folding@home project that networks together personal computers from all over the world to form a supercomputer capable of simulating protein folding.
A space telescope, with the acronym of ARKYD, is being crowdfunded on Kickstarter with a funding goal of $1 million. In comparison, NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope has already spent more than $3 billion, with the project not yet completed.
The plasma technology video that Jeff mentions is a spoof, making light of how scientists might have to go about getting funding in the future.
The Mantis Shrimp seems to be getting more attention in the scientific community these days.
The decision on how to allocate dollars to marketing is not an easy one for charities, and Jeff thinks that it will be no easier for scientists trying to raise funds from the general public.
The fruit fly has four pairs of chromosomes, and is frequently used in genetics research.
Brian notes that Local Motors is an organization that shares information about vehicle design. They are currently crowdsourcing the design of a motorized bike.
Jeff has a crazy notion about engineering APIs; Carmen and Brian point out that such “tribal knowledge” already exists as app notes and online forums!
Thanks to Rocio Lara for the crowdfunding illustration. Podcast theme music provided by Paul Stevenson
Although he has traveled to several scenic parts of the world, our guest has also had to travel to less aesthetically pleasing venues, such as the Staten Island landfill.
Clay’s least favorite airport is Chicago O’Hare. He thinks the airport in Singapore is definitely the cleanest he has seen.
Engineers traveling for the first time should simply enjoy their opportunity to travel, according to our guest.
Those wishing to learn more about Clay’s travel adventures can browse his “infrequently updated” blog, Engineered4Life.
Thanks to Clay Coons for the photo of him atop the Great Wall of China. Podcast theme music provided by Paul Stevenson
In this episode, we discuss working with those from other technical disciplines, and also touch upon the software skills that engineers should possess.
