# 487: Focus on Fizzing

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2024-10-17
- Length: 1h 05m
- Episode: 487
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing
- Listen: https://embedded.fm/episodes/487

## Summary

Elecia White and Christopher White discuss Elecia's exploration of Webots for robotics simulation and her decision to remain a contractor rather than seeking full-time employment. They analyze the 'Nand2Tetris' curriculum for understanding computer systems from first principles and debate the value and economics of graduate degrees in computer science. The conversation also covers Christopher's astrophotography of Comet C/2023 A3 (Tsuchinshan–ATLAS) and the importance of asking specific questions during job interviews to assess company culture.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing#t=6) Introduction and Webots Simulation
- [2:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing#t=171) Contracting vs Full-Time Employment
- [10:29](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing#t=629) Astrophotography of Comet C/2023 A3
- [19:53](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing#t=1193) Algorithms and Encapsulation in Engineering
- [27:22](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing#t=1642) Nand2Tetris Curriculum and First Principles
- [37:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing#t=2232) Graduate Education and Career Advice
- [46:01](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing#t=2761) Job Interview Questions and Company Culture
- [53:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing#t=3206) Career Evolution and Future Plans

## Topics

- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)
- [AI & machine learning](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/ai-and-machine-learning)
- [Embedded firmware](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/embedded-firmware)
- [Leadership, teams & culture](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/leadership-and-culture)
- [Maker community & events](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/maker-community)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Webots (tool)
- Gazebo (tool)
- PixInsight (tool)
- Siril (tool)
- Nand2Tetris (other)
- Mothbox (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [Back Into The Swing Of Things](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-05-14-back-into-the-swing-of-things) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep. 14: Zero to H.I.R.O.: The Path to Becoming a Full-Stack Mechatronics Engineer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-08-18-ep-14-zero-to-h-i-r-o-the-path-to-becoming-a-full-stack-mechatronics-engineer) (The Robo Success Podcast)
- [Gremlins in the machine](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2023-03-27-gremlins-in-the-machine) (The Amp Hour)
- [BONUS: A Look Inside the 2022 A3 Business Forum](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2022-02-22-bonus-a-look-inside-the-2022-a3-business-forum) (Manufacturing Happy Hour)
- [Work on it for 10 years...](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2016-12-30-work-on-it-for-10-years) (The Amp Hour)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2024-10-17-487-focus-on-fizzing. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.