S-STEM TRAIN Scholar Emerson Turensky

 Introduction:     This past week in lab, we took out our plates of E. coli and D. sonorensis we had left to incubate. Alongside Brian and Diana, we prepared three different strengths of R2A and TGY to inoculate our sonorensis in. Our group overviewed the different tests that are involved with a full characterization of a bacteria, and learned the procedures that come with each. As the week ended, we prepared some tests to get us started in the characterization process for the upcoming week.  Method:      Our group prepared 3 flasks containing 250 mL of R2A and 3 flasks same volume of TGY.  1. We first weigh out the initial concentration one would use to prepare 250 mL R2A medium.  2. For the next flask, we prepare a media with half the concentration usually used.  3. For the third flask, we weigh out double concentration one would use.  4. We repeat steps 1-3 creating flasks of TGY at these different concentrations.  5. We use...

  Introduction:                 Last week during lab, we were introduced to the projects we would be working on. For my main project, I am working alongside Brian, Diana, Madison, and Alex. We are working with Deinococcus Sonorensis, with our main goal being to test the species to see how it reacts in different conditions, with hopes of getting a better understanding of its characteristics through how it behaves under different variables. We made thirteen different types of media to compare the different growth rates of Sonorensis against the different recipes. I will also be working on Ryan and Lani’s CRISPR project, with CAS10 & CAS1 proteins. Last week I got an overview of what this project looks like and got the chance to help perform the RNA extraction process of Cas-10 proteins at 30 °C. Between these projects, I got the chance to make a 1% Agarose gel for Aland and Micheal’s project, to retest e...

 Introduction: This past week in lab, I worked alongside Aland and Micheal in their project with the 7KB plasmid from Aquaticus and the CMR gene from the P-RAD1 plasmid in E. coli. I got the chance to break down the process of the PCR machine and better understand what factors are involved within DNA replication. We worked with the electrophoresis process, to see what method of 7KB collection to move forward with, also giving me a chance to see step-by-step how to complete the procedure on my own. I learned the recipe for LB broth, and how to distribute them equally amongst the agar plates. Method: Working with Micheal and Aland, I got the opportunity to learn about their project, and learn how to perform some of the procedures involved with its experimentation. We worked with a plasmid native to aquaticus called 7KB. The aim is to add the CMR gene from E. coli onto this plasmid, giving it resistance to chloramphenicol, a powerful antibiotic. We first had to establish whether it wa...

Introduction: For the first week in a lab as grandiose as this, a solid introduction that covers what is expected of the student and outlines the structure for the semester is the first step to starting on track in the S-STEM train program. This past week, we learned common protocol and procedure in the lab bootcamp, overviewing what is to come for the semester. I was taught the common procedure for completing a gram stain, and how to make sense of the results. The procedure for creating media was also outlined to me along with the inoculation process. I also shadowed a project that tested the survival rates of e coli under direct UV radiation. Method: On the first day of training camp, as a class we discussed how to be prepared before entering the lab. It is important to always come in prepared with goggles, a notebook, and a pen. Make sure everything that can be done at home, such as research, is done at home. It is important to utilize all the lab time with things that can only be d...