The Physics and Astronomy Department is looking for student programmers to work on the Carleton Weather Database project for the summer. We’re looking for someone with a friendly attitude, attention to detail, and an interest in weather, scientific instrumentation, and of course computing.
The main goals of the project this summer are:
- establish robust communication between the weather tower and the Mac Mini;
- verify the integrity of the data coming from the tower instruments;
- storing the data in multiple locations, most importantly a database you will help build;
- building a website for users to access the data;
- document your work for future weather researchers.
To accomplish these goals, some of the tasks include:
- Becoming familiar with our instrumentation and the tools for the project.
- Learning about the weather from an interdisciplinary research point of view.
- Learning about time (UNIX time, CST/CDT) and how it is used in our record-keeping
- Setting up Ethernet and RS-232 interfaces on Arduino Mega and Teensy microcontroller boards.
- Becoming familiar with, and extending, our MySQL database.
- Writing code to establish robust communications between the Arduino/Teensy and the Mac.
- Confirming the accuracy of the code used to convert numbers from one form to another.
- Updating the OS and other software (Python, PERL, PHP, MySQL, etc.) on a Mac Mini (if needed).
- Writing excellent documentation so that your code can be easily understood and maintained.
- Keeping regular blog entries of your work.
Some considerations about this position:
- An interest in weather and record-keeping will be helpful.
- An interest in electronics will be helpful but no experience is necessary.
- Familiarity with the Arduino and its software will be especially helpful.
- Familiarity with a database (MySQL) is desirable.
- Some experience with ssh and command-line (terminal) coding will be helpful.
- An interest in writing computer code is required.
The successful candidate should be comfortable and productive working alone for hours at a time. In all aspects of the work, attention to detail and the ability to handle sensitive instruments will be required.
To apply for this position, please write a few sentences for each of the following. Send your replies to Tom Baraniak.
- What makes you interested in this position?
- Do you have any experience with an Arduino?
- Please describe your familiarity with Linux and Python.
- Would you have any restrictions to working outside in the summer?
- How well do you do meeting deadlines and self-pacing your work?
Thanks for your interest in this position! Carleton has been gathering and sharing weather data since 1881, and these data are the oldest official weather records in the state. Most of the work on this project over the past two decades has been accomplished by students, and we look forward to continuing that tradition. We are looking for a motivated, capable student who is interested in this project.
Please contact Tom Baraniak, Anderson 026 or Doug Foxgrover with any questions.