Week 9

Hello everyone, so for week nine, it was obviously a short week because of thanksgiving, but I was able to finish up the rest of my DNA extractions. We had some food here in the lab and got to socialize some with everyone, so that was fun. I still haven't gotten all caught up yet with STEM, but at least I have gotten caught up in my other classes. The end is near and now is the time that will either make or break me. We shall see. Below is a picture of my final DNA extraction samples. I decided to do double samples to collect more data to hopefully get a more accurate depiction of which method was most effective, and also so I would have back up samples in case any went missing again.

Week 8

Hello everyone, so this week I got into the lab and discovered that one of my DNA samples mysteriously disappeared. I had only gotten around to testing four out of the six methods that were given to us, and so with one missing, that put me at half but I decided to test the ones I had anyways. When I tested my samples, I discovered that only one of my samples was a decent sample. I think that the reason they were less than desirable was because I extracted DNA from a sample that was almost 5 days old, and they say that a young culture works best. So, I decided it was time to start all over and extract from fresh samples. So this time, I got through four samples again in a couple hours, and also doubled the extractions for each protocol, so I have a total of 8 samples to test. I plan on doing the other two samples on Monday when I get back. I also learned how to make a gel and run the nanodrop and electrophoresis.  Hopefully I won't be sick anymore by then. Trying to be optimistic even though time is running out. We will see how far I can get caught up this weekend.Below are some photos of the gel electrophoresis during set up.

Week 7

Hello everyone, I am super behind once again. I got sick last week and I thought I was getting better but I have bronchitis now so that sucks. I was only able to be in the lab for a couple hours and I think during week 7 my mentors helped me clear up some of my confusion about the assignments, although I obviously still haven't completed them. Since I am sick this weekend though, I have nothing to do other than sit in bed and try and catch up on everything so in a way it's a good thing I suppose. I also started learning about the nanodrop and gel electrophoresis, which I ran on Monday of week 8. Below is a picture of the nanodrop.

Week 6 post

Hello everyone, once again I am behind for this week, for the second week in a row, which is irritating for me. The only thing I really got accomplished was doing some more bacterial DNA extractions. I feel like I am trying to juggle way too many chaotic things in my life at one time. I am not sure if I'm the only confused one at this point or not about every aspect of life but I sure wish I could find a way to clear everything up. I have also never done anything research related until I got into this program, so I feel a little stupid. Not many things make me feel stupid but this is one of the few so it's extremely frustrating for me and makes me want to just give up, but nobody ever got anywhere in life by quitting right?

This is a picture of my DNA extractions so far.