“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ~Confucious
I truly love the work that I do and the people I work with. I am so lucky that my days are not only filled with cells and amazing science, but laughter and heartfelt conversations as well.
As far as the science goes, cells and protein take up much of my time. Every other morning I need to split cells and change their media so they stay alive and happy. Often, after I split my cells I plate them so that I can do treatments on them the next day. The most important part of cell culture is aseptic technique. I have to make sure that I do not contaminate my cells in any way. Since I have two different lines, it is very important that I keep them separate.
Another very important part of my day that is often overlooked is the math. I have to make sure that I plate the right amount of cells and media so that both of my lines are at the same confluency to ensure that the most variables are controlled for. I do this by counting the cells and making sure to plate an equal number in each well. I also have to use math to make sure I have an equal amount of protein in each gel well and to make sure I use the correct amount of antibodies.
Throughout my day I follow many different protocols and use a lot of different equipment. I have learned how to do DC protein assays, to do Western blots, to collect protein, to do treatments, and to analyze my gels. When I am not working, my lab is always talking and laughing together. We have plans to go to baseball games, make dinner, and to go to a Young the Giant concert. Some of us have even been on 8 hour car rides back home! I have had a great time in my lab, both with the science and my coworkers.
