MODEL Experiences

We made this page because we realized we were more than a research group performing research and writing papers. We are a group of researchers with our own story, both individually and as a group. Within this page, you will uncover a tapestry of stories, unveiling our experiences as MODEL group members. Here, we go beyond traditional research narratives – you will find moments of light-heartedness, the joy/despair that comes from engaging in intellectual pursuits, and just plain fun.

MODEL Group members are well fed. We eat a lot.

As a scientist, our focus is often consumed by the relentless pursuit of funding, mentoring students, conducting research, and sharing our findings with the world. Then there are those days we receive news of funding – it brings a surge of excitement or frustration depending on the outcome. On September 2nd, I heard back on a proposal I worked on alongside my colleagues at Georgia Tech (Tom Kurfess and Aaron Stebner). Unlike other notification emails, this one was from the White House alerting us to President Biden’s intention to announce our project at 10 a.m.

I recorded the entire address on my phone. Words can’t describe how great it felt hearing the president discussing the some of our very ideas and calling them “game changers.” It stands as one of the most fulfilling moments in my academic career.

What happens when MODEL decides to venture into the world of baseball and attend a game? Within the first inning, it became apparent that most in our group didn’t understand what was happening on the field or why the fans erupted into cheers. Yet, amidst the confusion, we all found ourselves having a fun!

On a trip to San Francisco to deliver our final project presentation at Lockheed Martin, we touched down in California well into the late hours of the night. While the palm trees, impressive backdrops, and technological wonders of Silicon Valley leave most people in awe, Cody remained singularly focused. His mind was fixed on In-N-Out Burger. There we stood, indulging in the goodness of In-N-Out shortly after our arrival…..in a parking lot at midnight.

During a visit to an industry partner in rural Texas, we found ourselves stranded without access to Uber/Lyft for several hours. Surprisingly, we were only 30 minutes away from Dallas, highlighting the gradient in transportation availability. Our predicament left us stuck at the manufacturing facility until a local church learned about our plight. Generously, they offered to drive us to our hotel. Matt shared his excitement on Instagram.