Research Abroad Program (RAP)
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Journal: Sunita Gupta: Australia
May 23, 2007
I've seen only some of Sydney so far, but it's been very pretty. I especially like the palm trees. They aren't native, but they make the city look very tropical. I've gotten to see the Olympic Park, including the torch, Opera House, Harbor Bridge and beautiful beaches! Sydney is such a multicultural city. There are especially a lot of people from all over Asia. The city has Koreans, Chinese, Indians, Pakistanis, Lebanese, Aborigines, English, Fijians, New Zealanders, etc. The city's diversity is reflected in the multitude of restaurant choices.
I decided to take a run in their neighborhood on Saturday morning. It was very refreshing, and I got a new view of the area. On my way, I stopped in a Hindu temple, ran past rows of small family stores, then I met a very friendly man walking his beagle. I walked with him while he told me about the area. When I reached a school where they were playing rugby union, I sat and chatted with one of the rugby moms. She thought I was from Australia-I guess the Midwestern accent is very mild. Then I ran home on a bike path. It was a beautiful morning and I can't think of a better way to have spent it.
Canberra reminds me of Lincoln. It is fall here and the colorful leaves are falling. The ANU campus is very well placed. It is next to downtown Canberra, just across from the government buildings and shops. We can go to so many different restaurants on and off campus. Unlike Lincoln, ANU has a lake and some mountains surrounding it; they are so close that people can walk to them during lunch. ANU is in the top 60 universities in the world. I'm excited to start working there.
My first day of work went exceptionally well. I feel right at home! I'm working with Dr. Salman Durrani, Dr. Kim Blackmore and Dr. Haley Jones. Instead of splitting up departments by engineering discipline, ANU takes a systems approach. Last week they were brainstorming what I should do when I arrive. They actually had my thesis topic on their list! Salman seems to have a good vision of where to go. He wants me to look at the papers they have and the ones I have. I will compile five to 10 key papers to consider. We will discuss MATLAB simulation scenarios (parameters, assumptions, protocols, metrics), then run the simulations and try to meet benchmarks from the aforementioned papers. I'm very excited about this!
Australians are so friendly and laid back. Even in Sydney, there is virtually no violent crime. The worst crimes are petty theft, and you don't have to worry about it if you are careful. In a train station, a gentleman walking by carried my heavy suitcase up two flights of stairs for me. My colleagues are always ready to help me with smiles on their faces. My host and his neighbors treat everyone like family. All professors and students are on a first name basis.
Cheers,
Sunita
