My research continues to focus on the total cell count of Chlorella vulgaris throughout a two week testing period dealing with typical overcast light intensities of Mars and Earth. Throughout a two week period, I checked constantly check the algae for viability and add nutrients as needed keeping all four petri dishes constant. 

I took the cell count of the inital sample before culturing both environments beneath the high light intensities, and my data is attached below: 

I counted each square in each of the four outermost squares of a hemocytometer. The square I attached below is the topmost right square in each of the images. The last image is a picture of the whole hemocytometer.

After counting the cells in my initial sample, I was able to get 30 samples of a hemocytometer cell count for both the Earth and Mars environments. My cell count of each large square among the hemocytometers are attached below:

Afterwards I will take the sum of the four large square chambers of the hemocytometer across each row and then use those 30 samples of each environment to calculate statistical significance among my data. While the Earth values were diluted by a factor of two to ensure an accurate count, the Mars count was not diluted so those values are exactly as recorded.

I have faced many challenges throughout the research process so far. Initially my calculations stated that using a parallel light intensity theorem that I would be able to simulate Earth's highest intensity at noon, which would reach 100,000 lux. To do this, I had to solder led strips together to ensure I would have the right calculations. However, when I tested my strips with appopriate tools, I realized that my calculations weren't matching up with the pre trial data. I instead decided to focus on studying what a typical day with overcast would look like in both simulated environments as overcast was more common and realistic and would align with my pre-trial data. My calculations are attached below:

Another challenge I've dealt with is the uncertainty of the viability of my algae cultures. Despite thoroughly sterilizing all the glassware and lab equipment I used for the sterilization process, the possibility of spores not diminishing and taking over my algae cultures still exists. Since I do not have access to typical Biotech materials such as an autoclave machine, I cannot ensure that my algae cultures won't die off, which poses a significant roadblock.

Overall, my research project has taught me a lot about the Mt. Everest analogy we learned about at the beginning of the year. Multiple times throughout the year, I felt as if I was making significant process and getting past peaks or roadblocks. However, when another challenge came up, I felt myself returning back to the starting point and having to figure out a new method or technique to get to the destination. I now understand that I need to have patience as a researcher because things don't usually go the way you want them to, and that you must always have faith in yourself to find another solution.