Does anyone remember their chemistry?
Not really. This was a question that was asked a group of area business owners last week during the semi-annual INL sponsored tour. Wednesday and Thursday, the group, including legislators and economic development professionals, spent time learning more about the Lab and the types (breadth and depth) of research performed.
I’ll be honest. Most of the information was over my head. I’ve participated in the tour for several years, so some of it has become more familiar. While most of the work is foreign to my areas of expertise, I admire their passion.
Last week too, I attended a planning meeting for the Stoel Rives Innovation Awards. Information will be coming pertaining to applications and the awards themselves (so stay tuned). Part of the meeting was to identify award categories and potential judges. At the end of the meeting, I was asked what category I would like to judge. I don’t have those credentials. Need someone to analyze data? Write a business plan? Conduct a market assessment? Write policy? I’m your contact. When it comes to scientific research, I gravitate to the social variety.
A comment on a previous post was made about mixing and mingling the disciplines - having the social scientists interact and conduct research with the computer scientists or physical scientists. The comment was made in regard to Idaho’s size and the tendency for there to be silos. Its a good thought/comment. Outside of the labs, we don’t compartmentalize. Ideas/products/etc fall into multiple categories and rarely stay in ‘their box’. Does it make it easier if we keep them in the box? Or on their turf? Is turf a result or byproduct of economic specialization?
Specialization is needed to get the basics and foundation pieces in place. Is specialization needed for innovation? Or does innovation create specialization? I guess what I’m trying to figure out, is how did we get here? And I’m wondering, if I would have remembered more of the chemistry if it were mixed in with something in social sciences 
I’m amazed how much of my old science training comes flooding back. I still read Discover & Scientific American (ok, and watch MythBusters, LOL). At least enough to appreciate what they are doing and why it is so cool.
However, it’s dismaying that the effect wanes all too quickly. (I feel like Cliff Robertson in Flowers for Algernon - given a glorious gift, that is inexorably taken away. Sigh.
This is the first trip I’ve missed in years - I always notice something new each trip. And, like Krissa, the passion is palpable even in the most taciturn.
But, the REAL lessons of these trips is:
INL IS A GOLD MINE for us…
Let’s find more ways to take advantage of this resource. Now.