Project Updates

05/06/2025

I have been connected with my mentor Dr. Hiroshi Maeda for almost 5 months now. Today we had a meeting to go though my project proposal and follow up with a few questions I had about the collection process. We tested out the freeze dryer last week (with some freeze fruit and candy!) and I am planning to start collecting within the next two weeks! 

05/19/2025

I just completed my second round of collection! So far I have collected 21 total samples (7 different types of plants). There were 3 "fails" (2 dropped into the liquid nitrogen, one broke). However with help from Charlie, we created a device that makes the liquid nitrogen step way easier. I learned greatly from these mistakes and have gotten down a protocol that works really well. I am excited to keep continuing collection. 

05/28/2025 

Today I collected 50 samples! 2/3 of the way done now! I also went to the senior MARC presentations! They were super interesting and insightful. It is really cool to see where I will be at in just a year. Tomorrow I am going to freeze dry the first batch of samples.

This is a screenshot of my sample collection data. It includes sample nunmber, date collection, location collected, scientific and common name, sample type, plant type, identification source, if the identification is confirmed, time collection, time put in liquid nitrogen, and date into freeze dryer.

07/14/2025

I just started my first day in the Maeda lab and everything is going really well! We have started the process of extracting plant metabolites in 10 plants. Brant, an undergrad student, is helping me through the process. So far it is really cool! 

07/15/2025

Today I had a REALLY busy day. After just doing 10 extractions the first day, today I completed 48! This was a big jump but I was able to get it done. With experience this process has slowly become easier. 58/150 samples complete! 

07/16/2025

I completed another 40 extractions today!  98/150

07/17/2025

Today was another large sample today. I completed the rest of the samples! The next step is to prep them for the LC-MS and load the trays on! 

07/18/2025

My last day in the lab was great! I had such a good time with the other lab members. Today I mainly worked on prepping the samples. I also got the computer set up to read the samples! 

Post lab:

I had such a great time in Wisconsin! Not only did I complete all of my extractions and prep them for the LC-MS I also got some great in-lab expierences. I had such a great time getting to know Brant, Carly, and Madelyn. Additionally, I got to sit in the lab meeting where Dr. Suoyang Yung practiced her presentation for an upcoming convention. It was really cool to see her research! I also had the opportunity to talk to Marcos, one of the reserachers for the sota mutation paper that helped me find the Maeda lab. We had a great conversation about the potential of this mutation in the future! I know am at a great where I just need to do a LOT of data analysis when I get back!