How many group projects have you been a part of that you’ve actually appreciated and enjoyed? Or teams where everyone contributed and you gained valuable experience? One of the most prominent complaints from any student is that these enigmas simply don’t exist. However, for many members of the High Altitude Research Team, they experienced something different than the norm.

 

“Being in grad school, I’m part of a new team,” said Adam Worden. “I’m a part of a higher research team and knowing how to communicate and convey ideas, that was valuable, so being able to say, ‘I worked on a big team on a big project,’ definitely helped get (me) to where I’m at now.”

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Worden was part of the High Altitude Research Team when it started. And his time with them helped prepare him for this moment where he’s working towards his Ph. D. A lot of his team working skills he attributes to his time with HART, where he said he learned a lot about general communication such as how to clearly “trickle” information down to the team; and how to work within a hierarchy by stepping up when needed or holding back when that was the necessity.

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However, he learned about more than just teamwork.

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“I learned a lot of initiative,” Worden said. “If I wanted to get stuff done, I’d have to do it.”

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When he wanted something done, like a specific project, he’d have to take charge; whether that meant ordering a part, doing the paperwork or making the equipment for it.

 

But his favorite part was “being able to be creative with what I do.”

 

Because each person is in charge of their own roles and research, there was no real limit to what he could do, since he was his own boss, in a way. One project he got to design was a Trackuino.

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They used this device to measure how fast the balloon went, how high it was, its latitude and its longitude. But because he wanted it done, he got to do it.

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But overall, Worden said HART is a worthwhile group to join.

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“It puts you at an advantage,” Worden said. “If you’re part of a team that does something special like sending up balloons through the stratosphere … if you’re part of any part of that, like the analysis part, the communications, the launch itself is definitely rewarding and it’s a great experience.”