ENJOY!!!

Hello Fellow Interns Shiana, Tiffany, Kim, Mon-Ning, Logan, Greg, Alex, and Andrew!!!

Oh yeah Hi Marti, Travis, and all other staff that read this post!!!

Okay here it goes everybody-->

I am conducting extensive research in the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences Laboratory under the direction of Mrs. Melanie Culver (Really great lady by the way!!!). A graduate student by the name of Tony Dee is my mentor; another graduate student who works in the same laboratory is Demetre “I don’t know his last name” (Greg’s Mentor). Furthermore, there are roughly ten other researchers working in the same laboratory researching a variety of different venues ranging from Bob Cats to Rattle snakes I am not sure of the “official” terminology of there research though. This is nice because I am able to see how well others function in the lab setting.

The first day in the laboratory was an AWESOME experience. The mentors were eager to work hand and hand with Greg and myself. The mentors first dove right in, showing us the rules and regulations of the laboratory so there would be NO “cross contamination” while we handled very delicate Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA). In the laboratory we proceeded to get familiar with the instrumentation as well as got to know who these people are that we will be working side by side with for the next six weeks OF OUR LIVES!!! We cracked a couple of jokes with one another, found out what types of music each other liked, and also favorite types of movies. I recommend that each intern get to know their mentor on a personal level so it makes for a more enjoyable experience (Not to personal though).

So far in the laboratory we have done trials of PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) and have run gel electrophoresis many times. I believe the purpose of the last few days working has been entirely focused on reiterating the protocol and procedures in the lab setting because it is crucial to do everything precisely. Recently, (today) I had the “DISTINCT” PLEASURE of being able to take samples, pieces of ears with hair and blood, which other researchers extracted DNA from living creatures and cut them up into smaller pieces and divide them into specific test tubes. This gave me a sense of self satisfaction because I knew I was contributing in a positive way to the overall mission of the laboratory. As I was doing this task Greg and I conserved with Greg stating: “Hey dude, some undergraduates don’t even get to do what we are doing in the lab…” This made me realize that this internship is a great opportunity for success and will open doors for those who take advantage of the knowledge they acquire.

I would like to conclude my first blog entry by saying “never squander such a valuable resource, understand the investment which your mentors are putting into you.”

-Daniel