I started working here at IAR in June '96. By revealing the strain pattern at more than just one point, the technique helps to validate a finite element model. It is also useful as a preliminary test in designing specimens. This would open up many more applications for photoelastic analysis than are practical right now. Eventually, she hopes to branch out into more general full-field strain analysis.
Sports are Sparling's other enduring interest.
Originally preferring track and field, she didn't get involved in rugby until just five years ago, when her office mate at Queen's, who coached the women's rugby team, convinced her to join. In 1996, I joined the Ottawa Irish, a local club, and eventually I made the Canadian team that went to the World Cup in 1998. We went in ranked eighth, but we came out in fourth, with only New Zealand, England and the States ahead of us. Sparling is travelling to New Zealand this month for more international competition. I'm the second smallest on the team, so my job is to run, to bring the ball forward.