Gordon's Bell Jar Memorial Collection

Dataset Overview

Title: Gordon's Bell Jar: A Memorial Collection of Memories and Observations
Organization: Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC), The University of Texas at Austin
Contact: dso@tacc.utexas.edu
Status: Active Collection
Last Updated: 2025-10-23

Description

A bell jar creates a controlled space where phenomena can be observed with precision and care. Gordon Wells pioneered this concept for capturing data through time and space during dynamic events. This memorial collection applies Gordon's own methodology to preserving memories and observations of his remarkable life.

This dataset represents a comprehensive digital collection of memories, stories, observations, and artifacts contributed by colleagues, friends, students, and collaborators who knew Gordon Wells. Each contribution serves as a data point in a larger observational study of Gordon's impact on the scientific community and beyond.

The Bell Jar Concept

"Each of us holds observations of Gordon—time windows that overlap but remain incomplete. By bringing our observations together, we're applying Gordon's own methodology to understanding the extraordinary person he was."

Collection Purpose

• Preserve memories and stories of Gordon Wells for future generations
• Document Gordon's impact on research, education, and collaboration
• Create a comprehensive archive of observations using Gordon's own data collection principles
• Build a resource for understanding Gordon's contributions to atmospheric science and data systems

Data Schema

Primary Fields

| Field Name | Type | Required | Description | |------------|------|----------|-------------| | contributor_name | String | Optional | Name of the person contributing the memory | | contributor_email | String | Optional | Email address for follow-up (not publicly displayed) | | memory_type | Categorical | Optional | Type of memory being shared | | memory_content | Text | Required | The actual memory, story, or observation | | additional_context | Text | Optional | Dates, locations, other people involved, or additional details | | has_supplementary_materials | Boolean | Optional | Whether the contributor has photos, data, or other artifacts to share | | submission_date | DateTime | Auto | Date and time of submission | | submission_id | String | Auto | Unique identifier for the submission |

Memory Type Categories

• Conversation: A conversation or text message exchange
• Moment: A moment that made you smile
• Teaching: Something Gordon taught you
• Observation: A quirky observation or enthusiasm Gordon shared
• Impact: How Gordon impacted your work or life
• Collaboration: A collaboration or joint project
• Story: A memorable story or anecdote
• Other: Other types of memories

Supplementary Materials

Contributors may also submit: - Photographs documenting events, fieldwork, or moments with Gordon - Datasets from collaborative research projects - Documents including correspondence, papers, or presentations - Digital Artifacts such as code, visualizations, or recordings - Longer Narratives for in-depth stories

Contact for supplementary submissions: dso@tacc.utexas.edu

Tags

memorial, biographical-data, atmospheric-science, observational-data, gordon-wells, tacc, university-of-texas, scientific-community, legacy, qualitative-data, oral-history, collective-memory

Geographic Coverage

While contributors may be located worldwide, Gordon's primary work was based at: - Texas Advanced Computing Center, The University of Texas at Austin - Various field research locations related to atmospheric science and weather phenomena

Temporal Coverage

Collection Period: Ongoing (2025 - present)
Memory Time Span: Contributions may reference any period of Gordon's life and career

Access and Usage

Access Level

• Public: The collection is being compiled for public sharing (with contributor consent)
• Private: Contributor email addresses and any sensitive information are kept confidential

License

To be determined - likely Creative Commons with appropriate attributions

Citation

If citing this collection, please use:
Gordon's Bell Jar Memorial Collection. Texas Advanced Computing Center, The University of Texas at Austin. Accessed [date]. [URL]

Contribution Guidelines

What to Share

Contributors are encouraged to share memories including: - Specific conversations and what was learned - Moments that captured who Gordon was - Gordon's influence on research or thinking
- Quirky habits or enthusiasms - Professional or personal impacts - Teaching moments or mentorship experiences - Collaborative projects or fieldwork - Unique observations about Gordon's approach to science and life

Submission Methods

1. Online Form: Complete the digital submission form at [form URL]
2. Email: Send detailed memories and supplementary materials to dso@tacc.utexas.edu
3. Physical Cards: At memorial events, cards may be placed in the bell jar

Data Quality and Curation

• All submissions are reviewed for appropriateness and relevance
• Contributors may request anonymity or pseudonyms
• Submissions may be lightly edited for clarity with contributor permission
• Duplicate or near-duplicate submissions will be consolidated
• Supplementary materials will be catalogued and linked to text submissions

Related Resources

• Gordon Wells bibliography and publication list
• TACC memorial page
• Field research documentation
• Photo archives
• Video interviews and presentations

Technical Specifications

Format: Text, multimedia (photos, audio, video, documents)
Storage: Institutional repository at UT Austin
Preservation: Long-term digital preservation per TACC standards
Metadata Standard: Dublin Core with custom extensions for biographical data

Project Team

Coordinators: Texas Advanced Computing Center, Data Services Office
Contact: dso@tacc.utexas.edu
Technical Support: TACC Infrastructure Team
Curation: Memorial Collection Committee

Updates and Versions

This is a living collection. Updates include: - New submissions added regularly - Periodic curation and organization - Addition of supplementary materials - Cross-referencing and linking of related memories

Check for updates: Monthly compilations will be released showing new contributions

Acknowledgments

"His sensors were always on, always watching, always seeking to understand."

We are grateful to all contributors who are helping build this comprehensive observation of Gordon's life and legacy. Each memory is a valuable data point in understanding the phenomenon of this extraordinary person.

How to Contribute

Online Form: [Insert URL to gordons-belljar-form.html]
Email: dso@tacc.utexas.edu
Organization: Texas Advanced Computing Center | The University of Texas at Austin

This dataset description is formatted for CKAN data registry systems and can be adapted for other data catalog platforms.