The Life of an Intern is Busy

It has been a quite some time since my last post. I have been extremely busy working on the projects that I have been given.  I am still in the lab on a daily basis extracting RNA for the qPCR that should be starting within the week.  I have also started a new project involving cell segmentation.  At this stage in the process, I am basically outlining and filling in cell parts with different colors. Eventually, the cells with be compiled into a detailed 3D model that will allow for data to be collected from the cell.  It is a rather tedious process and there are around 400 images that have to be filled in before the cell can become a 3D model.  I have been working with the Vision Group for a little over a month now and I am so thankful that I have had this opportunity.  I just presented a presentation that explains some of what I have been working on at a local lab meeting, I will add my presentation to the Dropbox link below so you can have a better idea of what I have been doing with my time here at Southampton.  I have still been exploring the city and have taken some more photos so I will add those to the dropbox as well.  I have a little over two weeks left and I still have a lot to do.  Wish me luck!

Here's the dropbox link if you want to see the photos I have taken, or look at my presentation. 

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l9bgv8j0xqfh0xc/AAANnCS1uj8NvUxWUyhQALr0a?dl=0

The Adventure Continues

My time seems to be flying by here in Southampton.  As the second week of my internship begins, I have learned a lot and still have quite a bit to learn.  As far as my project is concerned, I will be using qPCR to help identify gene expression of certain enzymes within the retinal pigment epithelium.  I will be working with a PhD candidate from the university.  In the lab, we are in the initial stages of the experiment and are extracting RNA to be used at a later time.  When I'm not working, I have had the opportunity to explore some of Southampton.  I usually walk home from work and explore a little bit each day.  The Southampton Common is usually where I end up.  There are tons of trails that all eventually lead somewhere close to where I'm staying.  I usually have my camera with me and have been able to get some really nice pictures.  So far, I have really enjoyed my time here and anticipate many more adventures to come.  On a side note, I am about 4 hours away from the site of the Manchester attack and there is no apparent danger close to where I am staying.  

Here's a dropbox link to some of the pictures I took, I'll be adding more as I take them.  

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/l9bgv8j0xqfh0xc/AAANnCS1uj8NvUxWUyhQALr0a?dl=0

The Adventure Begins (Almost)

With only 3 finals left, I have almost completed my sophomore year of college.  In a week, I will begin my journey to the UK.  For two months, I will be interning in the lab of Dr. Anjura Ratnayaka, who is based out of Southampton University.  I have been given an awesome opportunity and look forward to learning everything I can from  Dr. Ratnayaka's  lab team.  If you are interested in following my journey, you can stop back here for periodic updates as my adventure unfolds.