This week consisted of basic introductions and familiarizations. Michelle and I were introduced to the basic concepts of GRBs, GRB detection, afterglow, jets, models of short and long GRBs, gamma-rays, x-rays, Swift, BAT, XRT, UVOT, BATSE, GNC Circulars, error analysis, UNIX and various software.

I asked many, many questions, hoping to gain a better understanding with every clarification. I was surprised at how much I learned and understood, but even more surprised at how much my previous experience with cataclysmic variables related and could be applied to GRBs. The data analysis processes are similar: download the data, filter the data, create a light curve, and apply a best-fit model. For CVs, the models depended on a number of parameters such as mass, temperature, distance, and inclination. The GRB models may also depend on these parameters and/or others, but I am not yet aware of the details.

My experience running through the process without assistance has been limited to scanning circulars, downloading data, and decompressing the data. The code used to filter, inspect, and model the data does not appear difficult, and I should be able to catch on to the process quickly. I am currently uncertain as to what is considered a good model fit, and what atypical light curves to watch for. I am also unsure of how quickly we will be able to complete each GRB analysis. Once I became familiar with the process, I averaged two CVs a day, but my CV research required more literature searching for parameters and did not require follow-up analysis of new data. I cannot predict how long into this summer it will take before Michelle and I reach our productivity peak. I also currently have no knowledge of how to build a webpage database, but I am willing to learn

I am enjoying the experience greatly and am enthusiastic, excited, and optimistic about this summer. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity to work at NSSTC and for the fantastic people I am privileged to work with. Thank you so very much!