This week instead of faculty talks everyone gave a “chalk talk” about their research. These were a great way to learn about everyone’s research because no technology was allowed except for a white board, so everyone had to make sure their ideas were simpler and easier to understand.
One of the chalk talks that stuck out to me was Danielle’s presentation about her work with muscle cell bundles and the effect of TNF-α on myogenesis of the cells. The main reason that Danielle’s research interested me was that tissue engineering is something that has always fascinated me because the idea of changing and adapting cells and tissuses to human needs seems incredible. The different steps that are needed to grow specific types of cells were interesting listening to her presentation. Compared to my cells, which only need a nutrient rich broth, her bundles of thousands of cells were much more complicated, they need a special brace to grow, media everyday, and other very specific growing conditions. Though hers are much more difficult to take care of, we both still call our cells our babies.
Another reason that I enjoyed her presentation was that the procedures that we using are very similar so I was able to understand most of the steps she uses to grow her cells and determine how the TNF-α affects the cells. Both of us need to take care of our cells on weekends, perform PCR, and analyze the effects of different conditions on the cells.
The chalk talks were a great way to hear about everybody’s research and to practice our presentation skills!
