AMS Career Day

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AMS Career Day

• On Mathematics, Science, Computers and
  Information Management

• By Eda C. Meléndez-Colom

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My academic Background

• BS in Agricultural Engineering Technology from
  Cornell University
• BS in Computational Mathematics from the
  University of Puerto Rico
• MS in Applied Mathematics from Rutgers University

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Why Ag. Eng. Technology?

• Civic concern Puerto Rican Economy
• Combine it with my love for mathematics
• Originally interested in Ag. Eng.

Lesson learned Discovered that although I did
not like Engineering, I like two other subjects,
Ecology and computer programming
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Why Computational Mathematic?

• I knew, since High School, that I love
  Mathematics
• It turned out that I like and was good in
  computer programming

Lesson learned one should study whatever one
really feels a passion for...and is never too
late to choose it
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Why an MS in Applied Math?

• A BS did not seem enough at the time
• Good financial aid offer
• Interested in the applications of mathematics
  rather than in its theory
• I like numbers counting things (Combinatory)

Lesson learned it is hard to be a mother, have a
job, and study at the same time
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My Job Experiences

• System Analyst at Bell Communication Research
  (BELLCORE) at in Piscataway, New Jersey

Essential academic background to do the job
programming concepts
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My Job Experiences

• 2. System Administrator of the first
  supercomputer at the University of Puerto Rico
  (Dept. of Mathematics, Natural Science Faculty)

Essential academic background to do the job
computer science programming concepts basic
science concepts
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My Job Experiences

• 3. Computer Science Instructor at the
  Interamerican University (Fajardo, Puerto Rico)

Essential academic background to do the job
computer science programming ...everything I
learned about computers... and more...
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My Current Job

• 4. Data and Information Manager at the Institute
  for Tropical Ecosystems Studies (ITES) of the
  Natural Science Faculty at the University of
  Puerto Rico

Essential academic background to do the job
Programming Science, specially Biology and
Ecology Mathematics
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My Current Job at ITES

• An ad in a local newspaper
• Evolution of my responsibilities while always
  being a data manager

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What is ITES
Field Research

• Several programs sponsored by
• National Science Foundation (NSF)
• NASA
• others

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Research at ITES
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Long-Term Ecological Research (LTER) Program

• A World Wide Network of Scientists, students, ...

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LTER Program Mission

• Share and preserve data for present and future
  generations

• Understanding nature requires time

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Luquillo LTER

• Studies disturbance effect on the forest
• Water
• Vegetation
• Animals

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The Process of Data Management
Get data on paper sheets
Obtain data in the field
Analyze data for quality control and assist
in scientific conclusions
Enter data in computer
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LTER Information Management

• Deposit data in computers that can be accessed by
  other people (Internet)
• Document data produce METADATA

• LUQUILLO LTER WEB SITE
• http//luq.lternet.edu/

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Computer and Mathematical Knowledge

• Need to know how to use a Data Base Management
  Program (e.g., ACCESS, Paradox)
• To retrieve data
• To manipulate data
• To make calculations

? Application of Set Theory Knowledge
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Mathematical and Basic Scientific Knowledge

• Transform data
• Assist researcher in data analyses
• Assist researchers in documenting their data
• Make data available in the Web need programming
  skills

?
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Future of Information Management

• Need for IM will increase as more scientists
  realize the importance of data sharing
  mandatory by some sponsors like NSF

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Future of Information Management

• Sharing
• Increases everybodys knowledge
• Necessary when collaborating doing cross-site
  comparison
• Necessary for interdisciplinary projects

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Contact Information

• My e-mail address
• emelendez_at_lternet.edu

Thank you for your attention!