Successes and challenges
On this page you'll find the answers to some questions regarding my successes and challenges as an intern. Through this experience, I've encountered a handful of both successes and challenges, all of which have helped me evolve and learn for my future career(s).
What skills and strengths have you developed through this experience?
I have been working on developing my scientific literacy (i.e. when having discussions in the lab or reading papers)
I tested pipettes for accuracy
I practiced reading, digesting, and presenting scientific papers and their findings
I counted cells and bacteria colonies.
I have learned how to culture cells, specifically wildtype immortal macrophages.
I learned how to PCR DNA and run gels for the purpose of genotyping, as well as, how to read the bands that we're interested in.
I practiced the relevant mouse surgery
What have you been most successful at as an intern?
Becoming more confident and independent in the lab. Now there are several tasks in the cell culture room and lab that I do on my own. I am really good at filling the seventy percent alcohol bottles.
Asking questions and making sure I understood procedures, findings, etc. This ensured that data was being collected correctly and that I understood the basis of the findings and the meaning of the projects as a whole.
What has been the most challenging parts of your experience?
Time management has been tricky at times, especially when I have a lot schoolwork or upcoming tests. I was also really bad at assuming how much time certain tasks would take me to complete.
Writing everything down has been the trickiest thing by far, especially when I was genotyping. If one detail wasn't documented it could take anywhere form a couple of seconds to a couple on minuets to clear up. I probably took a year off of Ed's life just through stressing over my documentation.
There were a couple other small challenges, for example, there was a period of time where I struggled with missed time sheet punches. Although it might seem insignificant, this is important to remember and practice for my future jobs.