Hawai'i Summer Science Camp (University of Hawai'i)

I have been interested in science, particularly biology, so I was excited to participate in the Hawaii Summer Science Camp at the University of Hawaii. This camp offered the opportunity for me to explore my academic interests while enjoying the surroundings of Hawaii. The purpose of this CAS project was to deepen my understanding of nutrition through laboratory activities. I wanted to improve my research skills in data collection and understand the principles. At the same time, I aimed to push myself physically and socially by participating in activities like hiking, surfing, and volleyball. I believed that through this experience, I would not only grow academically but also develop important life skills, such as communication, collaboration, and perseverance.

This experience was both challenging and rewarding, and I felt that I had to develop new technologies and overcome the initial uncertainty. At first, I was nervous to work in a specialized laboratory environment because I had limited experience in advanced laboratory equipment and technology. However, while practicing, I gained the confidence to deal with scientific tools and perform experiments accurately.

One of the most challenging and rewarding parts of the experience was cell staining. At first, I had difficulty applying hematoxylin and eosin staining correctly. Excessive staining on the slide darkened the cells too much, which made it difficult to distinguish the structure. Without enough staining, the details were too faint to analyze. After many attempts and guidance from the instructor, I found the right balance. Finally, when I observed clear and clear cell structure under the microscope, I felt rewarded. This process allowed me to learn how much small adjustments in lab technology can affect the outcome, and to reinforce the importance of precision and patience in scientific research.

Gel electrophoresis was another experiment that tested my technical skills and attention to detail. I had to pipet the DNA sample carefully so that it wouldn't hole or overflow and put it into the gel's well. When I first tried it, my hands were a little unstable, so the sample flowed down. I found out that even a small error could affect the accuracy of the results. After practice, I improved my pipetting technique and successfully loaded the sample. Watching the DNA band separate under UV rays was an interesting moment for me to realize how this technology is used in genetics, forensics, and medical diagnosis. This experiment allowed me to understand more clearly how scientists analyze DNA and proteins, and to feel much more specific about the complex concepts in the textbook.

The calorimeter experiment was particularly interesting because it combined biology, chemistry, and physics. Using a bomb calorimeter, the energy content of various feed samples was measured to measure large calories, macronutrient composition, total feed energy, and final pellet calories. One of the biggest challenges was to ensure consistent sample preparation because the results could be changed due to differences in sample size or moisture content. Initially, the energy measurements were inconsistent, so I had to carefully adjust the sample handling techniques. Through trial and error, I came to understand that scientific measurements require controlled variables and careful data collection. In addition, this experiment also led me to realize how important nutrient analysis is not only for human but also for animal feed formulations, affecting agriculture and food production.

Throughout these experiments, I also experienced the importance of problem-solving. When results didn’t match expectations, I had to analyze possible errors, ask for feedback, and adjust my methods. For example, in the cell staining experiment, I compared my slides with those of my peers and ask advice on improving my technique. In gel electrophoresis, I adjusted my hand positioning to improve accuracy.

This experience has also helped me grow personally beyond the scientific aspect. One of the biggest lessons I learned was the importance of collaboration. I worked with other students to discuss the results, solve problems, and learn from each other's mistakes. Science is often seen as an individual pursuit, but this experience has shown that teamwork is just as important in research. The support and guidance from my peers and instructors made the learning process more engaging and helped me feel more confident when facing challenges.