Louis Lin, a Structural Engineering PhD student at UC San Diego, spent his summer in the Nonlinear Mechanics and Dynamics (NOMAD) Research Institute, a program that connects students with experts at Sandia National Laboratories. Over eight weeks, he gained hands-on research experience, tackling technical challenges and navigating team dynamics in a national lab setting. Reflecting on the experience, Lin shares how it deepened his understanding of cutting-edge research and shaped his career goals. His time in the program provided valuable lessons in both research and personal growth.
Can you tell us about your experience during the NOMAD program? What kind of projects did you work on?
Lin: I spent eight weeks working with researchers at the Sandia National Lab, focusing on a project that involved using accelerometers to measure electrical chatter in experimental settings. I worked with a master’s student and an undergraduate student, both Mechanical Engineering majors. We were tasked with testing and simulating various configurations of accelerometers and sensors to gather meaningful data. While I didn’t have the chance to work directly in the lab on-site, I got to experience how research is conducted at the national lab level, especially with large-scale equipment and interdisciplinary teams. The hands-on project involved a lot of data processing and simulation, where we tried to adjust configurations based on the technical challenges that came up. The project wasn’t just about technical know-how; it was about figuring out how to collaborate with experts from different fields and overcome the difficulties that appeared along the way.
How did you hear about the NOMAD program, and what motivated you to apply?
Lin: I’ve always been interested in working at a national lab, especially in research and development, and that was a big reason why I started my PhD. I first heard about the NOMAD program through a SE alumni from Los Alamos National Lab, who had participated in the Los Alamos Dynamic Summer School (LADSS) program there. He mentioned NOMAD as another great opportunity, this time with Sandia National Labs. After our conversation in 2021, I started thinking about how important it would be to gain hands-on experience in a national lab setting. Fast forward to earlier this year, when I transitioned to working with Professor Gilberto Mosqueda, I revisited the idea of applying for internships and post-graduation opportunities. I reached out to a few more alumni, who strongly recommended applying for the NOMAD program as a way to gain valuable experience at Sandia. That encouragement from multiple alumni really motivated me to apply and explore this opportunity further.
What were some of the main challenges you faced during your time in the NOMAD program?
Lin: One of the biggest challenges was dealing with the complexities of the experimental setup. We had to work with various accelerometers and measurement systems, but not all of them were compatible with each other, which led to a lot of trial and error. Additionally, there were times when we needed to rethink the approach to data collection completely. For example, we realized that the data we had collected wasn't useful in the form it was recorded, and we needed to start over with a different configuration. This was especially difficult because the project had already progressed significantly, and people had invested a lot of time and effort in the original approach. Overcoming this meant having to negotiate with mentors and adjust our course of action, which wasn’t easy. But in the end, it was a good learning experience because it taught me how to pivot when faced with setbacks.
How did you navigate the team dynamics and manage the different opinions of experts in the group?
Lin: There were a lot of strong personalities and opinions in our group, which was both an advantage and a challenge. Everyone was an expert in their field, so there were frequent discussions where we had to figure out which approach to take. Sometimes it felt like we were stuck because different team members had different perspectives on what the best course of action was. But ultimately, I learned the importance of clear communication and compromise. It’s crucial in research to listen to all the experts but also know when to stand your ground and propose a new approach if something isn’t working. This experience helped me improve my ability to collaborate with a diverse team and work through disagreements constructively.
How has this experience shaped your career goals or aspirations moving forward?
Lin: The NOMAD program reaffirmed my interest in research and development, particularly in applied experimental research. I got to see firsthand the kinds of cutting-edge research happening at national labs and how important it is to work in interdisciplinary teams. It gave me a better understanding of the career paths available in national labs, where you can either focus on the technical research side or take on a project management role. This experience also helped me realize the scale at which research is conducted in these settings and how much more there is to learn outside of my current PhD program. While I know I want to continue my academic journey and complete my PhD, I now feel even more motivated to pursue research that has a tangible impact, whether that’s in academia, industry, or national labs.
What was the most enjoyable or fun aspect of the program?
Lin: One of the most fun aspects of the NOMAD program was the opportunity to connect with other students in a non-work setting. We went on weekend trips to national parks and had team-building activities like karaoke and birthday parties, which were a great way to bond outside of the lab. We also had socials every Friday, which gave us a chance to unwind and meet other interns and researchers. While the research was intense, these moments helped me build lasting friendships and gave me a break from the pressure of the project. It was a good balance of fun and hard work.
What advice would you give to students considering applying for the NOMAD program?
Lin: If you’re passionate about research and want to gain hands-on experience, I highly recommend applying for NOMAD. It’s an incredible opportunity to immerse yourself in high-level research while learning from experts in the field. The application process is straightforward, but it’s important to have a clear sense of what kind of research you’re interested in and to apply for projects that align with your long-term career goals. You’ll get exposure to some of the best facilities and equipment available, and it’s a great way to expand your professional network. Plus, you’ll walk away with not only technical skills but also a better understanding of how to work collaboratively in a research environment.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience that we haven’t discussed?
Lin: I’d just add that it’s a great idea to reach out to alumni who have already done the program. They can give you insight into what to expect. I know there were some UC San Diego alumni who participated in the program in previous years, so don’t hesitate to ask around and get their perspectives, and feel free to reach out to me. Overall, I had a great time, even though it was a lot of work. I learned a lot, and it was a fun experience. But also, don’t forget – you’re still juggling your PhD research on the side! That was tough at times but totally worth it in the end.