Research in St Andrews

Walking around St. Andrews today, I saw all sorts of beautiful sights, almost too many to take in at once. I love the energy of a university built from a centuries old history and tradition, yet offering up to the minute research and education.

Strolling along Market Street I saw a small sign on the door of a beautiful old stone building: “Fluid Gravity Engineering and Applied Electromagnetics.” It was wonderful to see a sign like that a mere five minutes walk from the ruins of a thirteenth century cathedral.

I found myself wondering exactly what they studied in a place like that. What sort of innovations would deserve such an evocative appellation? I knew I could look it up on the internet, but it was much more fun to imagine.

I formed an image in my mind of a young scientist in a lab coat running excitedly out of the research laboratory. As everyone turns to look at him, he holds an odd looking electromagnet triumphantly aloft in one hand.

“It works!” the young man exclaims, as he flips on the switch, and promptly floats gently to the ceiling.