As my time here comes to an end, I can honestly say that this was the polar opposite of a magical experience. Where as magic and illusions are meant to cloud the truth, this internship has brought me clarity; it has expelled all doubt as to whether or not I wish to pursue a career in this field, brought the true process of academic study into clear light, and has left me with no doubt as to my future. I will pursue this type of work.
Through this project, I shadowed my mentor Cecie, as she worked on her PHD project. I was lucky enough to jump into a portion of her project, which was focused on genetic manipulation of cells. I was able to obtain hands on work with the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and created my own line of genetically engineered cells. This is directly in line with what I want to do. I wish to make steps to create commercially available gene-therapies for diseases. This will likely require the usage of genetic engineering tools.
Over all, I am astounded by the kindness and the acceptance given to me by the members of the Taatjes lab. Even those I did not work with. On my down time, I was allowed to accompany several other members of the lab and look o er their shoulders as they went about their business. I was also permitted to pester them with questions. Because of this openness, I learned how to perform protein isolation from Charli, how to create certain buffers from Meagan, and how to perform a qPCR from Tim. The kindness of these lab technicians, as well as the guidance and clear headed leadership of Dylan- the director of the lab- made my arrival to the lab each morning a pleasure. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have worked in this lab, and will remember my time here for the entirety of my journey.
Through this project, I shadowed my mentor Cecie, as she worked on her PHD project. I was lucky enough to jump into a portion of her project, which was focused on genetic manipulation of cells. I was able to obtain hands on work with the CRISPR-Cas9 system, and created my own line of genetically engineered cells. This is directly in line with what I want to do. I wish to make steps to create commercially available gene-therapies for diseases. This will likely require the usage of genetic engineering tools.
Over all, I am astounded by the kindness and the acceptance given to me by the members of the Taatjes lab. Even those I did not work with. On my down time, I was allowed to accompany several other members of the lab and look o er their shoulders as they went about their business. I was also permitted to pester them with questions. Because of this openness, I learned how to perform protein isolation from Charli, how to create certain buffers from Meagan, and how to perform a qPCR from Tim. The kindness of these lab technicians, as well as the guidance and clear headed leadership of Dylan- the director of the lab- made my arrival to the lab each morning a pleasure. I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to have worked in this lab, and will remember my time here for the entirety of my journey.