Here are Eddie's answers to a few of your queries. Thanks to everyone who submitted a question!
1. I don't know anything about the ALS, but I find it fascinating.
Is it possible to look over the surface of a foam to determine
its composition (or change in composition over time) or would
the sample preparation destroy the bubble?
--Maria T. from University of Massachusetts
You are right about the difficulties involved with sample preparation. It is possible to examine the composition of the surface of foam, depending on the elemental composition of the foam. For example, one can use the ALS to determine the relative concentrations of sp, sp2, and sp3 bonded carbon. One may also possibly determine something about the spatial structure of the molecules in the foam. This kind of experiment would require one to learn how to make a bubble inside of a thin-window sample cell and to keep it stable for several minutes. It is a very intriguing thought.
2. It is a friend of mine's dream to one day work in the
science field. The problem is that he is currently in community
college! Do you honestly think that someone with his background
has a chance--by the way, he's EXTREMELY intelligent, just one
of those people who started out on the wrong foot. Where does
someone like him go from here?
--Meredith B. from Rice University
I do think that someone like your friend can go far if he is motivated to do it. What I would recommend is that he finish his degree, the last 1-2 years, at a university. Which university is not as important as what he does there. He should try to spend at least his last year working in a research laboratory, especially the summer before his last year. There are always professors who welcome undergraduates into their labs. Some professors can even pay a small amount to the student. The research experience is important for applying to graduate schools, as are are grades and test scores, of course. Working in a lab the summer before his last year will give him time to complete one or two small projects or get well immersed in a large project before applying for graduate school. I would recommend getting at least a master's degree, whatever his interests.
3. Eddie- I enjoyed reading about your work at the ALS.
Because your work is so heavily dependent on computers, are you
concerned about the millennium bug? From what I've read, it is
becoming a real concern all over the world. Are you working on
a solution?
--Jim G. from Highland Upper Elementary School
I do not worry too much about the year 2000 problem because (1) I prefer using Macintoshes, which do not have this problem, and (2) our need for sophisticated and speedy computing power leads us to upgrade our machines and software often. We also develop new tools to enhance our capabilities. There is not a lot of "legacy" code in use here.
4. I am not a student, but want to respond to this great
web page. Keep up the good work, Eddie!!!!!!
--Naomi F.
I agree completely.