This week I learned how to digest Malpighian tubules from Trichoplusia ni (a species of caterpillars) while waiting for our purchased insect medium to arrive. These tubules help scientists understand Trichoplusia ni osmoregulatory and excretory system. Along with digestion, I began to prepare for cell culture, which involved autoclaving my materials and sterilizing an area in the lab. Cell culture in this lab has never been done before so I am a bit nervous, but excited to be a part of this process!
After our field work, we visited Julian to feast on their famous pies before heading back to campus. Later that day, I attended a Mentor Fest with other interns where I had the opportunity to listen and ask questions related to the science field and potential career paths. Although many of them are not in job positions I am interested in, it was fulfilling to hear their life journeys and the endless advice they had to offer. Gaining perspectives of people in the working field was such a motivating and reassuring experience. I am truly grateful for the opportunity as it helped me decide on my plans post undergraduate school.
It has been great getting to hang out with the amazing REU and Summer Scholar interns. I can't believe we are halfway through the internship already! There is still a lot I want to learn at CSUSM and places I want to adventure to with the other interns. We have a lot of ideas that I hope we get to do before the end of summer. But I am going to make the most out it and enjoy it all <3
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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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