So far my summer research experience has been not only engaging, but the amount I have learned in such a small time is astounding. So far this research has been exactly what I was expecting going into this program. Working with not only the world class scientist that is Dr. Brennan, but also the intelligent yet extremely helpful doctoral candidate that is Keri Hamilton. Even though working in a lab is a challenging endeavor to say the least with the caliber of mentors that I have been lucky enough to be placed with it will be difficult not to be successful. Right now I am working with the bacterial protein MtrR learning how to grow the cells that will produce my protein and how to transform plasmids that contain the genes that code for the desired protein.
My expectations for this summer research is to gain a better understanding of what it is like to really work in a lab. Most people don’t realize that working in a lab is not what is seen in popular culture and is not for most people. In addition to getting this lab experience I want to find a project that I am truly passionate about. I believe that the most important part of any work you do is that you enjoy it because not only will you do your best work, you will never actually feel as though you are laboring. So far I am well on my way to achieving both of these goals and am extremely excited to continue my work with protein biochemistry.
