Have you ever been paralyzed by fear? How about experiencing anxiety (or fear) when tasked with a job at work to complete within a deadline? The latter question is probably the most relatable since it is the first question expressed in the context of work. Still, the point is has fear ever prevented you from finding a solution to a problem? I will share with you a situation that just happened which fits into the question at hand.
Instruments Break at the worst time possible
As I have mentioned before, I work at a university as an instrument manager in the Department of Chemistry. Which entails fixing instruments that are commonly found in forensic laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and yes — on popular T.V. shows like “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.”
The other day (last Thursday) I was called out to a laboratory class at the end of the day. An instrument was experiencing an issue. Usually, there is an easy solution to the problem I encountered. By this I mean, out of 100 times being called out for the specific problem, 95 times out of 100, the problem is usually solved by replacing a part which takes about 5 minutes to replace.
Next, is that the power to the instrument needs to be recycled. Which means to power the instrument down and restart the device. You would be surprised at the number of times that “recycling power” on the instrument is a solution to a problem. Unfortunately, the current problem demanded more of my attention. At the time, I thought, “Oh my goodness, this is going to be a problem that takes time to fix.”
At first, I thought, maybe if I shut down the instrument and restart the device in the morning, magically, the instrument will operate as usual, which is what I did leaving Thursday night. I returned on Friday morning and found that the instrument was still having the same problem. Damn — what now?
I should back up slightly and say that the laboratory class meets on every Tuesday and Thursday. There are less than 4 weeks left in the academic semester. And I need to find a solution fast to prevent students from not being able to finish their semester laboratory experiments. That means the professor teaching the laboratory will be ‘riding my rear end to fix the instrument every day’. Did I mention that one of the professors’ is my wife? The clock is ticking.
Anyways, Friday was a busy day. I assumed that I would have a chance to call the instrument company and ask for ‘technical support’ over the phone at some point during the day. Not a chance. Meanwhile, my stress is building up — knowing that next Tuesday (today) is coming around quickly with no solution in sight. At the same time, I was glad because I was super fearful that the problem would be too difficult for me to fix. Therefore, I enjoyed a great weekend and did not (at least try not to) think of the problem yet to be faced with a deadline — Tuesday.
Monday rolls around and I have to help another student with an experiment on a different instrument — which requires my constant monitoring. My colleague offers to look at the instrument while I am running an analysis. To no avail, she cannot find the solution either. Now I am stressing — since the next day is today — Tuesday and the class needs a working instrument.
I finally call the company at 3 pm on Monday. Why so late? Because of fear of failure. I talked to technical support which informed me that I would have to dig deeper into the instrument and clean internal parts. Otherwise, the next option was to spend $8000 to get the problem looked at. By now, the stress has reached a new height. Anxiety is building. What am I going to do?
Tuesday (today) comes around, and I decide to repeat the following statement to myself before going to work: “I am going to go in there and take apart the instrument. If I fail, at least I can say that I tried.”
I asked my wife: “Why didn’t you tell me the instrument was broken?”
She responded: “I knew that you were aware of the state of the instrument. And that you already put an unnecessarily large amount of stress on yourself. The last that you need is for me to stress you out further.”
What a wonderful wife I had. I informed her that she may not get to use the instrument since I was going to take it apart in the morning. She was alright with that possible outcome.
A Solution is Found — Easily
I went into work today and gathered up the tools to take the instrument apart. First, I turned the device off. Since the area in which I was going to be working was heated to around 250 Celcius. After letting the instrument cool down, I went to dig in. As I turned the first wrench, I found that a nut was loose. WOW. At first, I could not believe the information which my hand was sending me. I tried to loosen the nut again and found no resistance. Then, I tightened the nut and smiled at my colleague — hoping that the solution was that simple. Indeed it was. Simply by tightening a nut on a screw, the problem was fixed.
After stressing out over the last few days about the instrument being broken, I realized that taking action could have relieved my stress much sooner. But no. I was scared that I might not be able to fix the instrument. Therefore, I decided that putting off the inevitable was more manageable than tackling the problem to find a solution. How crazy is that?
Anxiety is real. Fear is real. The thought of solving a problem and failing is real too. Although, if no action is taken, then no solution is going to be found ever. Furthermore, part of life is failing. Failing sometimes promotes humbleness and shows us how to solve problems in a faster manner. If I fail, then calling the instrument company can sometimes shorten the ‘down-time’ of the instrument by discussing the problem with a technical engineer. By ‘down-time’ — I mean the time that an instrument lays broken and unable to be used by a student or faculty member.
By deciding to take action, the problem was solved much more quickly than I had imagined. The students were able to use the instrument during their normal laboratory meeting. My wife — one of the professors — was happy. Life is good, right? Yes and no. I learned a lesson that I continuously have to keep learning. Don’t let fear or anxiety prevent me from solving a problem.
When a problem is encountered in our lives, each of us should take action. Sitting around worrying only causes negative feelings/moods and is destructive toward our physiological health. Working toward a solution produces much less anxiety compared to sitting around and worrying about not taking action. Take action — don’t sit around worrying.
The question is relatively straight forward and has been asked of people for generations. Unfortunately, each of us do not always have the answer to achieve the success that we would like to or envision. Why is this the case? I believe the answer lies in looking within ourselves to work on "inner obstacles" that prevent us from moving toward the next level. Why do I believe this to be the case? I give you the example of a Paralympian Lex Gillette below as an example.
Identify The Obstacle!
Recently, I was in awe after watching a commercial of a ParaOlympian for the upcoming Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. Why? These athletes are amazing to say the least. Especially, since each have achieved an obstacle and moved forward to compete in the sport of their interest.
The example that I use is of Lex Gillette. Here is the short (less and 1.5 minutes long) video of the a day of training titled "Lex Gillette Is Jumping Toward Rio" shown below:
Wow! I cried the first time that I watched this commercial. You might be thinking that I have over dramatized the video. But each of us can learn from Lex's evolution. Think about the video that is shown below in frames to illustrate my point of potential:
Here is a child who was bound to lose his eyesight as explained by his saddened mother. Although, determined to support his interests, she pushes him to remain in a public high school and graduate as shown below:
During which, he showed an interest in the "long jump" and chooses to try out. His mother describes with emotion the feeling of watching him go "off course" during his first jump and land on the "side of the pit" rather than in the sand.
I could only imagine the pain that is felt by a parent watching their child hit the side (of the sand box) and fail to achieve their goal. Further, a majority of people would give up at this point in pursuing an interest (in the face of adversity). Instead, Lex listened to great advice from his mother. A powerful statement that had an immeasurable impact on his success:
"Lexis, it does not matter what anybody tells you...you decide what you can do and no one else."
Wow! What I do know is that the body is resilient and can adapt to a wide range of difficult situations if the mind chooses to train the body. How do I know this?
I was born "club footed" and had to wear casts on my legs for the first couple of years of my life. I can still remember the feeling of trying to walk as the casts were "straightening" out my legs over time. I remarked on this to my mother a few years ago and her response was: "Mike, you can still remember that. Amazing since you were so young."
She remembers having to watch me learn how to get up and go on my own -- despite her yearnings to help me. Similarly, Lex Gillette needed to learn how to work with his blindness to achieve the "long jump" and to go onto compete in the Paralympics -- and win.
How has he done in competing over the years?
Here is a description of the competitions from his 'Wikipedia' page shown below:
He competed in the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens, where he won silver in the men's long jump F11 event. At the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing, he won a silver medal in the men's long jump F11 event and finished fifth in the men's triple jump F11. He competed in 100m and 200m T11 events but did not advance to the finals. At the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London, he won a third consecutive silver medal in the men's long jump F11 event. He also finished fourth in the triple jump event.
At the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships in Lyon, France, he won gold in the men's long jump F11 event and he also won silver in the triple jump event. Gillette is apart of the 2013 IPC Athletics World Championships 4 × 100 m relay team that won a silver medal and set a new American record in the process. Gillette broke his own long jump world record for F11 classified athletes of 6.73m (22 ft. 1in.) with a leap of 6.77m (22 ft. 2in.) on April 23, 2015 at a high performance meet held at the Chula Vista Olympic Training Center.[1][2]
This is a brief summary. Below on the 'Wikipedia' page is a long list of his amazing accomplishments. He is a true athlete and inspiration for anyone struggling to achieve their potential. If you need motivation, do not look any further than him.
Ready To Explore Within Yourself?
This is just one of many stories meant to inspire anyone to find their potential within themselves. There are a wide range of success stories all around us available to motivate a change toward achieving a goal. Why don't we look for inspiration and action?
I guess that sitting on the 'pitty potty' ("poor me") is easier than the actual work toward achieving whatever goal the you desire. The next time that you find yourself wondering why failure is knocking on your door, think of Lex Gillette. Furthermore, get up and start working to achieve your desired goal. Until next time, best of luck in your adventure!
Why should you study chemistry? That is a question that I hear quite frequently since I work in a chemistry department at a university. That is not surprising you might say. But the reasons why every person should have a grasp of chemistry is surprising. The surprising aspect for people comes when I explain the wide range of areas touched by chemistry research. This explanation usually causes their eyes practically jump out of their sockets. Alright, not really, but their interest is peaked. In the paragraphs below, I take a little tour of the wide range of areas covered/touched by chemistry (which is everything). Specifically, I use a textbook that I have been reading to illustrate the range of areas in life which chemistry contributes to.
Why Chemistry?
As I suggested in my last blog post related to chemistry, people often think that chemists "think differently." Yes, typically, there are people who tend to solve and approach problems in the world by using an analytical skill set. Whereas, there are other people who tend to approach problem solving from an abstract sense. We need both to engage in science. In fact, we need everyone to try to study science in order to figure out if they are interested. Why? Because, chemistry and science touches every aspect of our lives. Do you believe me?
If you are a skeptic about the fact that chemistry touches every aspect of our lives on a daily basis, then read on to the paragraphs below. If you are interested in science, read on below. If you are bored with this post, close this webpage please -- save yourself from being further bored. The other day, I was reading the introductory pages (again) of the book titled "General Chemistry" by the authors: Dr. Donald A. McQuarrie, Dr. Peter A. Rock, and Dr. Ethan B. Gallogly.
At this point, you are probably wondering why I am reading a textbook after I have graduated with a Ph.D.?
One of the many fascinations of science (for me) is the ability to communicate science very succinctly. I am working on a daily basis to improve my skill. Technology has progressed greatly over the past few decades and the graphics and images that are contained in general chemistry textbooks today is mind boggling. Add that to the explanation of a distinguished author such as Dr. Donald McQuarrie and you have a very pleasurable read.
Of course, the process of returning to read a textbook takes time. There are mental battles to be fought while reading any textbook -- or any book for that matter. Each of us are human and distinct. Therefore, the commonality that authors of chemistry textbooks have is to teach the fundamentals of chemistry. That is not always completely separable from infusing opinions or explanations that are define us personally. Therefore, reading a wide range of chemistry and science books is critical to engaging with the science community at large. Why?
Different explanations, examples used in textbooks, materials highlighted or skipped is important. By reading books, one gets a sense of how relevant each section in chemistry is by seeing the illustrations, examples, and explanations. Without further ado, why don't we find out the answer to the following question: Why Should You Study Chemistry?
Here is an excerpt from "General Chemistry 4th Edition" by Prof. Donald McQuarrie below:
Chemistry is the study of the properties of substances and how they react with one another. Chemical substances and chemical reactions pervade all aspects of the world around us. The new substances formed in reactions have properties different from those of the substances that reacted with one another, properties that chemists can predict and put to use. Hundreds of materials that we use everyday, directly and indirectly, are products of chemical research (Figure 1.1).
The examples of useful products of chemical reactions are limitless. The development of fertilizers, one of the major focuses of the chemical industry, has profoundly affected agricultural production. Equally important is the pharmaceutical industry. Who among us has not taken an antibiotic to cure an infection or used a drug to alleviate the pain associated with dental work, an accident, or surgery? Modern medicine, which rests firmly upon chemistry, has increased our life expectancy by about 18 years since 1920's. It is hard to believe that, little over a century ago, many people died from simple infections.
Perhaps the chemical products most familiar to us are plastics. About 50% of industrial chemists are involved with the development and production of plastics. The United States alone produces over 50 million metric tons (110 billion pounds) of plastics a year, some 5 billion kilograms (11 billion pounds) of which are synthetic fibers used in bed sheets, clothing, backpacks, shoes, and other woven materials. This corresponds to about 160kg (350 lb) of plastics and 16 kg (35 lb) of synthetic fibers per person living in the United States per year. Names such as nylon, polyethylene, Formica, Saran, Teflon, Hollofil, Gore-Tex, polyester, Nalgene, PVC, and silicone are familiar to us in our homes, our clothing, and the activities of our daily life. Chemistry also underlies the products that make our daily life possible--computer chips, paper, fuels, cement, liquid, crystal displays, detergents, magnetic storage media, refrigerants, batteries, scents, flavorings, preservatives, paint, ceramics, solar cells, and cosmetics, to name only a few. In addition, metals such as steel, lightweight alloys of titanium and aluminum, and materials made from carbon fivers make possible modern ships, automobiles,a aircraft, and satellites.
Chemistry is also needed for a study and understanding of our environment. Unfortunately, a great many people today have a fear of chemicals, owing in part to the legacy of various pesticides such as DDT, chemical contamination of waterways, and air pollution. However, an understanding of these problems and their solutions also comes from the study of the chemistry involved. Biodegradable packing materials, hydrogen fuel cells, recyclable carpeting, and non-ozone-depleting refrigerants are just some of the new environmentally friendly "green" substances being developed by today's chemists.
It is remarkable that all chemicals are built up from only about 100 different basic units, called atoms. Atomic theory pictures substances as atoms, or groups of atoms, joined together into units called molecules and ions. You will start by exploring atomic theory, then go onto study chemical bonding and chemical reactions, and then learn to do calculations involving chemical reactions. You will learn to make predictions about what reactions take place, under what conditions they take place, and how quickly they take place; what substances are produced in these reactions; and what the structure, properties, and behavior of these substances will be. You will learn the chemistry behind many of the materials and processes we have already mentioned. We are confident that you will find your study of chemistry both interesting and enjoyable.
The many reasons contained in the above excerpt could keep you thinking about chemistry for quite a while. Simply thinking critically about the role of chemistry in each of the areas listed would require a large amount of mental space. I will let you think about this for a while. On a parallel thought, I would like to highlight an excerpt out of the above to illustrate the importance of scientific research. Additionally, these excerpts could add to my previous posts regarding the importance of funding science, and contributing to science indirectly by engaging in citizen science.
I really like the above excerpt in whole. Although, certain parts stood out more than others for me. One in particular was the following:
Chemistry is also needed for a study and understanding of our environment. Unfortunately, a great many people today have a fear of chemicals, owing in part to the legacy of various pesticides such as DDT, chemical contamination of waterways, and air pollution. However, an understanding of these problems and their solutions also comes from the study of the chemistry involved.
This illustrates the need for everyone to at least be exposed to chemistry. At the same time, typical exposure times (high school, college, etc.) might not be the correct time to force the subject on people. Therefore, each of us should try to understand our environment. During that process, each of us find the level of technical understanding at which we are comfortable with. Sometimes without knowing any previous information about a subject, a person will find that their interests and "self-guided" research (online, in libraries) has exceeded the requirement for students studying the subject (as a major in college for instance) in college or professionally.
Furthermore, in the process of understanding the problems and possible solutions, more might appear. Is this a bad thing? Not at all -- unless you are a business "research and design" team working on a deadline. What is great about the discovery of new problems and solutions during the process of looking deeply into a research problem is that a tremendous amount of advancement is made. People do not typically regard this as true.
More often than not, students and professional researchers will "huff and puff" around the laboratory in frustration with this new found "barrier" toward progress of moving forward in mind. When in fact, they might have discovered an unknown obstacle for the field at large. In fact, many scientists at that time might be thinking of the same impediment holding up their progress. Instead of beating yourself up, try to find the utility in that result.
That Is Chemistry Research?
People are constantly amazed when they read the above excerpt from "General Chemistry" and typically respond with a comment like ... "That is chemistry research? ... Wow, I had no idea?" All the while I am waiting to ask the question: "What did you think was chemistry related research?" A variety of answers follow and too many to comment on here.
Did you consider this field to be chemistry research? The ability to produce a valuable and durable grinding wheel is difficult. As mentioned in the video, the researchers are coming at the problem from the standpoint of producing a product that has a very predictable degradation rate. That means that once the machinist or operator puts the grinding wheel to use, the product will grind for a long period of time before becoming "dull." Sandpaper is only useful if the "grinding action" is prolonged in order to get the job done -- sand that cabinet or finish the wood on that project in the garage.
This approach is much different than looking at the problem from the standpoint of the operator -- the consumer standpoint. As highlighted in the video, the research does not consider if the grinding wheel vibrates excessively. Although, if the operator has to rest (for an unusually long period of time) or sustains a long term injury, the product has not helped advance the field.
If the product injures the consumer, then the research behind the product needs to include the consumer!
Large corporations have enough capital (cash reserves) to do large scale testing to ensure the quality of their product right? Or our Federally funded Regulatory Agencies should be able to inspect the ingredients inside the product to ensure a high quality and safe product for the consumer -- right?
What if these same consumers knew that chemicals added to their food had not been reviewed for safety by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)? As the Natural Resources Defense Council made clear two years ago, 56 food additive makers chose to avoid FDA’s scrutiny by taking advantage of a loophole in the law for “Generally Recognized as Safe” (GRAS) substances. They purposely chose not to be transparent by keeping secret the safety evaluation conducted by their employees or consultants. These companies appear to make only a few of the estimated 1000 chemicals that FDA has not checked for safety or is aware they exist.
In February, we learned that 51% of consumers think that safety means not only that a product is free of harmful ingredients but that its labeling is clear and accurate. Forty-seven percent want clear information on ingredients and sourcing. With this in mind, it’s fair to assume that consumers also expect that all food chemicals are safe and known to the FDA. Many consumers would likely not buy products where the labeling failed to disclose that the food they serve their families contained ingredients the FDA has admitted it “cannot vouch for their safety".
There is a need for the regulatory agencies to hire more chemists, biologists, physicists, medical doctors to find out solutions to these problems. At least go through and test all of the chemicals that the public feel are "safe" or assume that the regulatory agencies have checked. This issue will not be solved tomorrow. The point is that the range of chemical research is vast. There is a large need for people in the science fields and those closely related to them.
Furthermore, as consumers, we should be demanding that large corporations offer up a greater amount of the toxicology data regarding ingredients that are used in their products. Sourcing of the ingredients in a given product should be a commonplace, not just inside a court room battle where the shield of "proprietary blend" stands between us and safety. Chemists can provide answers along with other areas of science to the problem. Of course, money needs to be flowing to solve this problem, along with others listed above. Money and understanding are the two greatest barriers against progress.
As voters, we should be able to direct money toward projects we deem important. This requires each of us to be "informed" about the matter at hand -- which includes the science behind the problem.
Conclusion...
Where do we go from here? As you can see, chemistry touches every aspect of our lives. From the listing and the video along with the excerpt from the "Environment Defense Fund," some areas touch our daily lives more than others. The need for an informed public is tremendous. The problem cannot be overstated.
At the same time, reading the above excerpts and watching the video should invoke a sense of fascination with chemistry. If not chemistry, science is amazing and is composed up of a wide range of fields. The problems that need to be solved are vast. Which problem are you going to tackle? Do you have a solution to any listed above? If so, tell me in the comments below. Has this article inspired you to read about science? If so, tell me in the comments below.
Regardless, if you have a renewed interest or have grown a new interest after reading this article, I would be super happy. Science is great. I do not have to convince you of this fact. Science attracts those interested. Until next time, have a great day.
