As part of my PhD I attended the PhycoTech Workshop, a week long workshop (July 9-13) in St. Joseph, Michigan, USA. During this workshop I met amazing researchers from all around North America and learned how to identity different types of algae. Throughout the week I deepened my understanding of microscopy, imaging technologies, algae ecology and microbiology.

After reading The Brand Gap by Marty Neumeier, I decided to summarize the lessons I learned from this book. I hope to encapsulate the essence of the book in this blog post for your benefit. The key lessons are in bold followed by a short explanation of the lesson.

This past summer my good friend and I went to the Oregon Coast.  Man was it beautiful there!  We went for a few days camping at random camp sites and explored amazing beaches.

I am still studying Electrical Engineering at UVic on Vancouver Island and just started my final co-op / internship position at MDA.  I will be working here full time for 8 months as a computer programmer and then going back to UVic for my final semesters to complete my degree. :)  I am very excited to have this opportunity to work at MDA.   MDA’s big claim to fame is that they build the Canada Arm on the International Space Station(ISS)!! Awesome eh?

Last week I had the opportunity to see Holland from the sky! Since I work at the Dutch aerospace foundation NLR one of my coworkers has his pilot’s license and invited me for a flight. I couldn’t say no.