I've been assisting in the lab now for a little over a month, so I thought it was about time for a little reflection. In my time so far, I've learned a LOT. From in situ hybridizations to PCR and mini preps to working with frog and chick embryos, I've gotten some real hands on experience, and it's been amazing. I've been learning a lot not only about how to run the protocols and some key details about the developmental biology of xenopus and chicks, but also about why we do certain things we do in protocols. I've also been reminded about the importance of patience and the value of practice. Oftentimes in research, things don't work out the way that you were hoping. Maybe the PCR didn't show up because you didn't use enough template, maybe the batch of eggs from which you are attempting to extract embryos isn't good, or maybe you left the xenopus embryos in the staining solution for too long during the in situ hybridization. There are any number of ways for things to go wrong, and sometimes they do. However, mistakes have been the greatest learning experience so far. It's good to know what not to do, and ultimately it makes the little successes (like successfully injecting frog embryos after countless broken needles or finding a perfect looking embryo in a chick egg and extracting it without damaging it) really worthwhile and rewarding. Lab can be frustrating sometimes, but I enjoy reflecting and seeing how much I (and my lab skills) have improved so far.
Below are some pictures that I've collected over the last month from various tasks.
-Savita Chapman
Below are some pictures that I've collected over the last month from various tasks.
-Savita Chapman