Reflexion EssayBy Amanda M. Icazatti-Burtell

Throughout this Spring Semester (January thru May 2014) I have taken the Biology course called Seminar in Biology: Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Biomedical Research. This course have been very helpful since its main focus is to train undergraduates and giving them the necessary tools to understand and undergo through research techniques. We had laboratory and research experience in a variety of fields such as Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, and Chemistry. Every week we were exposed to different laboratory experiences in which we learned and acquire new knowledge about laboratory equipment and techniques used in them.

During the semester we work on the isolation, purification, and characterization of bacteriophages found in Tropical Soils. As part of the experience a bacteriophage named Gemeos was adopted and I was able to work with its isolation and purification. A Scientific Paper had to be written in order to document everything that was made. This was very helpful because it help me develop a better understanding of what I made. In addition, it was a very challenging process in which I learned how to express myself to a group of people (readers or listeners) about novel scientific research.

As part of the seminar I also had the opportunity to isolate Plasminogen Activator (PA) from Hela cells using Magnetic Nanoparticles in a Biochemistry laboratory session. I also understand how electro-spinning system and nanotechnology work, their benefits, and how they compliment each other towards creating things in a Physic laboratory session. For a Chemistry experience I had the opportunity to create my own metallic compounds to experiment if anything could be synthetized from them as part of a Solid State Synthesis experience. Water Quality was also studied by using coliphages as indicators of Escherichia coli, which would mean that the water site is contaminated with warm-blooded animal feces.

For additional exposition to Scientific Research I had the opportunity to participate in a variety of Workshops. The first one was a dedicated on explaining how barcoding is being implemented in the identification of species such as fishes. In addition I also had the opportunity to work on an innovative science research that studies the Selective transport in cell membranes and Osmosis. Finally, a Microscope Workshop was organized to trained students in the identification and correct use of the different microscopes that exist.

Being part of this experience has been very rewarding for me. It served as a great support for my classes and has awakened a passion in me towards research. It has certainly been a great tool to develop myself as a scientist. I feel that I have all it takes and that I am prepare to face my research experience this summer in North Carolina State University.