Entering the Lab

I just finished my first week of my internship at the Donald Danforth Plant Science Center in St. Louis, MO. Talk about science overload.

I'm super excited to have the opportunity to learn, study and research at the Danforth Center whose mission is "to improve the human condition through plant science." Since, well, that's my life goal. Eventually, I want to solve world hunger through scientific research and it is super exciting to be able to learn from scientists who are already doing just that. It's really an honor.

That being said, I've never been part of the research lab setting before. It's a completely new and intimidating environment. Slowly I've become more comfortable, but I haven't had enough time to truly settle into a routine and habit where I truly know what I'm doing. I'm still learning.... A LOT.

I'm working under a post doc member who is doing research with the oil seed crop, Camelina, that will eventually help create new biofuels. It's fascinating research, but it's a lot of biochemistry and genetics techniques that I have not yet been exposed to in my classes. Therefore, there's a lot to learn. My post doc is very helpful at explaining everything, but I feel like a science baby. However, I should dominate my lab courses next year :)

I know that I'm fully capable of the lab work, I just need practice. I'm trying to absorb everything the scientists around me say and do to learn as much as possible. It can seem daunting when everything they say is new.

The Danforth Center also took the group of summer interns to their annual Science Retreat. Basically, it's a bunch of scientists presenting their work. Oh, and some karaoke.

Being able to hear about plant research going on throughout the center and around the world (they brought in a scientists from the UK- science is so much more exciting with a british accent) was inspiring. I learned a lot about plants, science and how the scientific community works. It's a very dynamic, interwoven field and it excites me for my future.

However, hearing all the research made me a tad bit more nervous for graduate school. The thought that one day I will have to be responsible for designing and performing my own experiment and project is TERRIFYING. I think I can do it, I hope this summer will help me prepare.

Tomorrow I start my first 'normal week' in the lab. Let's hope that I will be able to remember everything, learn everything...oh and not mess anything up.

Hopefully I'll get better at this blogging thing so that I don't bombard you with one post about EVERYTHING.

For now, I'll curl up with my first batch of cookies (baking in a sparse kitchen is an adventure) and a good cup of tea. :)

-K