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Title
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Derek Pittman
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Type
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Primary: Student Argonaut
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Operation
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Resilient Planet
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Mission:
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Mission 1: Invaders , Mission 5: The Rescue
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Created On
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3/10/2008
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From: Resilient Planet Mission 1: Invaders , Mission 5: The Rescue |
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Derek Pittman Read more about Derek Pittman, a Student Argonaut from Operation: Resilient Planet. |
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Derek Pittman
Student Argonaut,
Greenbelt, MD
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Derek takes a real interest in the science of biology, especially cell research in the human body. He points out that one cell can tell about a person’s age, race, height, weight and much more. His desire to know led him to take a forensic science class at Prince George’s Community College. Derek’s desire to know goes beyond forensics because he believes that the more people know about cells the better they can cure diseases, learn how humans can live under water and in space, and understand how they can live longer. Derek’s interests do not stop at science. He is also fascinated with math and archeology and how things work, such as Stonehenge and the great pyramids.
Derek says that the biggest challenge in his life is controlling weight. He wants JASON students to know that they should not give up if they have to battle controlling their weight. He works on it every day and so far he is winning. He believes that one of the most important things is to believe in yourself. Ms. Barron, Derek’s eighth grade teacher says it best: Derek is very motivated. Once he has a goal, he works diligently to successfully reach it. If things don’t seem to work out immediately, Derek is patient and will seek out various avenues to complete his ambition.
In his own words
Thoughts on Dr. Russell Cuhel
We went on the research vessel, Neeskay, with Mission 1 Host Researcher Russell Cuhel to gather samples and data. It was really cool going out on the boat in four-foot swells and there was even a bigger wave that got us all wet. The tests we did were really informative like when we saw Russell get the water samples and saw him do a Ponar sampling test which I thought was the coolest test. Then we saw Russell and other scientists launch the ROV. However, the coolest thing happened was I got to drive the boat. It turns out that the slightest movement of that wheel turns the boat in that direction.
On Boot Camp graduation
We graduated from Boot Camp and found out which JASON Mission we are going on. I was excited to find I was going to Boston to study whales at a Marine Sanctuary called Stellwagen.
Thoughts on Stellwagen with Dr. Leila Hatch
During our trip out to the Marine Sanctuary Leila talked about Stellwagen and I found out that whales are an indicator species. They indicate the life of the trophic level and the health of the water. This is very much like looking at a cell as a way to understand human beings in forensic work. During this time I saw my first whale and it was the most amazing thing I have ever seen. I had never seen a whale before! It was a huge mass popping in and out of the water and it just looked so cool.
What JASON means to me
JASON has been an amazing experience, from the whale watching, to the experiments, to just hanging out. It’s been the experience of a lifetime and I’m glad to be a part of it. The thing I’m going to take with me the most is that science is hard, but if you really enjoy it then it is definitely worth it. I don’t know what I want to do when I grow up, but it’s probably going to be something in science.
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