The most challenging thing I have done so far was updating the Center's website. This project was difficult because of the size, computer challenges, and the complexity of information. The major piece was updating the currently funded projects. I was given PDFs for all new projects which included in depth analyses, funding, people, and other information on each project. I had to dissect these documents and piece together brief summaries. These summaries were difficult to write because the terminology in the papers was beyond my scope and I had to learn it well enough to rewrite it. The website was also challenging to use and required URL redirects, moving articles to modules and vice versa, and would sporadically lose pages which required serious web digging and structure to find again. For these reasons this project was the most difficult, but other projects have also been challenging.
My supervisor is a pretty informal manager. He usually assigns me a task, teaches me what to do, and then I will work on my own. Or if he doesn't have work for me he will redirect me to others who do have work and they use a similar style.
I have learned an incredible deal of information. Some of the most interesting research I learned about is the power of information and the future of technology in foot soldiers. Augmented reality is on its way where soldiers will be able to see routes, threats, and each other through walls. Adaptive camouflage is in early testing. Soldiers will soon be training in virtual reality situations (some already are). And commanders can even tell the status of their unit with small oral and derm active monitoring devices that display mental fatigue levels. Many of these are still in preliminary phases but others are probably nearing completion.