David's Blog

a collection of blog entries from Nicholas student David Palange

The Battle for Biomass — by David Palange — Sep 26, 2009

Bioenergy and carbon sequestration, two major strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, will transform the way we manage our forests. No matter what strategy dominates, our forests will likely experience a significant shift in species composition, density, and biodiversity.     

Destination Tampa — by David Palange — Sep 23, 2009

Six weeks ago, I packed up my belongings in Durham and headed South to the state of Florida. I wasn't about to let the thought of hurricanes, lightning, and alligators scare me away from a great job opportunity.     

Lessons from the sidelines — by David Palange — Jul 08, 2009

Since graduating two months ago, I have made a career out of finding a career. While my efforts haven't resulted in any monetary gain, they have yielded benefits that will last a lifetime.     

Following the Meat Back to its Source — by David Palange — Jun 30, 2009

On my last day in Durham, I visited Sunset Valley Buffalo Farm to get an up close look at where the buffalo roam in North Carolina.      comments (2)

The value of food scraps — by David Palange — Jun 30, 2009

Trinity Green, a grassroots initiative based in Durham, is turning a neighborhood's waste into a business opportunity.     

Could solutions to climate change lie in space? — by David Palange — Jun 19, 2009

While most people know NASA for its achievements in space exploration, the government agency continues to play a significant role in developing clean energy and sustainable system technologies.      comments (2)

Filtering the noise — by David Palange — Jun 16, 2009

How ordering oysters led me to discover an ongoing science battle between the National Park Service and Drake's Bay Oyster Company.     

Getting outdoors may be getting harder — by David Palange — Jun 03, 2009

Around 80% of California state parks are targeted for closure to solve the budget deficit.     

Pressuring Americans to inflate their tires — by David Palange — Apr 08, 2009

More than 25% of US automobiles have underinflated tires. We are burning gas, wasting money, and putting ourselves at higher risks for accidents. How would you convince people to inflate their tires? I present the facts and the possible angles and ask you to weigh in.      comments (4)

Here Come the Consumers — by David Palange — Mar 25, 2009

Online communities provide power in numbers. How a company named Virgance is using the internet's strength to save consumers money while increasing solar energy.     

Putting your money where your values are — by David Palange — Mar 21, 2009

Thanks to the internet, being a conscious consumer may be getting easier.     

Entering the Matrix — by David Palange — Feb 18, 2009

IMAX-3D move over. The DiVE, Duke's six-sided virtual reality theater, is here.     

Job fairs offer more than jobs — by David Palange — Jan 31, 2009

Renewing expectations about job fairs can turn a frustrating exercise into a productive one.     

Snow day — by David Palange — Jan 20, 2009

Duke didn't cancel classes today but Nicholas students managed to enjoy the snow anyway.      comments (1)

Communicating science one key at a time — by David Palange — Jan 19, 2009

I spent most of the weekend at ScienceOnline'09, where for a few days out of the year, the science blogging community meets in the flesh. Read on to find out why this was no ordinary conference.      comments (1)

If you build it, the students will come. — by David Palange — Jan 13, 2009

In 2008-2009, Nicholas graduate students have organized four seminars and a field trip, adding variety to the curriculum and bringing students and practioners together. Here's the list...     

Part II: Recognizing the Unsung Heroes — by David Palange — Jan 06, 2009

In Part II, I take a moment to recognize another group for its ability to improve the quality of life of the students: The Nicholas School Student Council (NSSC).      comments (1)

It's business time — by David Palange — Dec 02, 2008

We are nearing the end of the semester, where multiple deadlines and responsibilities converge to bring out the stress and greatness in graduate students.     

Part I: Recognizing the unsung heroes — by David Palange — Nov 18, 2008

Student groups play a valuable role in educating fellow students. Here, I take a moment to highlight some accomplishments by the Duke Society of American Foresters (SAF) and Farmhand.     

On your mark, get set, send! — by David Palange — Nov 16, 2008

Undeterred by rising unemployment rates in the US and being a semester out from graduation, I fired off my first job application today.