Today Joe and I were able to find out what was going on with the time stamps for the data points and after a lot of time experimenting with the programming, and multiple calls to the manufacturer we were able to sync the time on the computer to the time stamps. After fixing the time stamps we measured the dimensions of the sensor to make sure it would fit on our cart. While Joe and I were over with the cart we were able to work on it for a little while. We were able to create a mount for one of the sensors that was movable so we can adjust the height. I have included a picture of the sensor at maximum height. 
engineering
I sense more sensors
Today another one of our many sensors arrived so Joe and I had to try to work out how to use it. This sensor will be used to determine the concentration of methane gas in the air so we will be able to measure different concentrations as we drive a cart (with this sensor on it) through a plume of methane gas. This sensor seems relatively easy to use except for a few problems that we found. For instance when the sensor records data points there is a time associated with each point. This is important because we need to know the times so we know where we are in the plume. Unfortunately the time was around 8 hours off. Tomorrow we will work to try to fix this. 
More Safety?
It is almost like they want us to be safe or something. Earlier in the week Joe and I took multiple online classes about safety procedures, and today we continued to learn by having a discussion with the safety administrator regarding rudimentary sensors we would use as our canaries. I have included a rudimentary sketch of our plans.
Building!
Today I was able to start using my hand more! We started off the day by reviewing many of the manuals and then we started building! The only problem was some of the manuals were not incredibly helpful so we had to be true engineers and try to problem solve. Eventually we were actually able to extend the legs of the tripod and from there everything went a lot more smoothly. We were able to get all of the sensors working and we even took 2 hours worth of data just to make sure all of the sensors and our program worked. One thing down many more to go…
Iain
Collecting Data (day 3)
Today I was able to help wire some of the sensors into the data logger that we will be using in the field. I then took some pictures (one of which is attached) of the wiring, and then compiled the pictures into an excel chart to show where the wires go. We will print out this spreadsheet so that we are able to bring it with us when we are setting up data collection outside of the lab. I was also able to familiarize myself a little more with programming as well as the setup of the equipment. Tomorrow we will setup some of the equipment to make sure we know what we are doing when we get to the site. — Iain
SafeTy second?
Today on my second day at Cornell I was briefed on the extensive safety procedures. I also completed two different online safety courses that were focused on laboratory safety and high pressure gas safety. I was then able to get a better look at the lab space that I would be working in and the instruments we would use while outside conducting experiments. I was even given my own set of keys to the lab! We are currently working out some minor kinks with the telescopic capabilities of the cart so that we will be able to measure methane levels at multiple heights by pushing the cart through a gas leak (I will include a picture of the cart when we are close to done). Right now I plan to finish out the day by working on more background research that is specific to the types of instruments we are using. I am looking forward to tomorrow! — Iain
Civil & Environmental Engineering @ Cornell
Today I mainly was just dipping my toes in the water. I met Joe, the post doctoral student I will be helping, as well as some of the technicians that will be helping us. I did some basic programming in the free version of matlab to try to get a little experience. I was introduced to all of the equipment that we will be using and the plans of what we will use the equipment for. I also received some background reading that I started to work on and will continue to work on. I am looking forward to tomorrow. — Iain
CA Work Experience Program 2016 