Week 2 has gone by fast. I am a part of Dr. Jane Kim’s lab that is focused on genomic instability due to DNA repeats using yeast. I will admit, I was very much intimidated going in because this would be my first exposure to working in a molecular lab. Nonetheless, in just a short two weeks I have learned so much. Along with my work in the lab, the NGS REU program here has set up some very informational workshops that will benefit our projects. So far my time here has been filled with new experiences inside and outside the lab.
For the most part, week one consisted of me slowly integrating myself into lab and getting familiar with various common lab techniques. I came in with little to no lab experience, but now I have learned how to do PCR, transformations, gel purification, and so much more. I truly have learned so much in such a short period of time and I know there is still much more to learn in the weeks to come. About half way through this week I was finally let loose on my own in the lab to begin working on my project. I will be looking into chromosomal fragility caused by CCTG repeats using Next Generation Sequencing. On here there are pictures of me working with some yeast transformants and testing whether they took up a particular plasmid. I also learned how to design primers and gRNA, how cool is that? Aside from the lab, I have also learned about BLAST and its applications in a workshop done by Dr. Betsy Read. I actually did have to use BLAST this week in order to check out a gene of interest in one of the yeast strains I was using. Dr. Arun Sethuraman also gave us a seminar about population genomic analyses using Lady Beetles. I never knew just how helpful lady beetles were for agriculture, which is essential in my area (Central Valley, CA). I have never gone to any beaches in Southern California, but luckily there are some near San Marcos that are a short commute. Last weekend I went to Oceanside beach and this weekend I got to visit Carlsbad Village beach. Both are gorgeous and vibrant beaches that I highly recommend! I have definitely gotten much tanner.
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Watch this space for weekly updates!Every week, one of our CSUSM NSF REU students will post their blurb, summarizing their week, and chronicling our program. AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. Archives
August 2023
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