A thought.

This Wednesday we had the founding president of the Danforth Center come and talk during our intern meeting. I could go on and on about what he's done and what he's doing now. Let's just say he's a big deal and had done a lot of good, through science and beyond.

At one point, he said something rather compelling.

"It's amazing how long we've assumed food"

Think about it.

Especially as Americans, we assume that there will always be food at the grocery store, in our pantries, served at our school cafeteria. In fact, we demand it. Not only do we demand food, but we demand high quality, safe, nutritious and tasty food.  I think this often causes us to assume that the world will have enough food forever - and then we cast this perspective on the rest of the world, much of which is struggling just to harvest enough for their family.

It's dangerous to think that food will always be there. Take this summer for instance- we've had drought. Who knows how that will effect the fall's harvest and how that, in turn, will effect our food supply. Do I think there will be famine across America? No. But there could still be some adverse side effects that we are completely unaware of now.

I think it is important to remember that we live in an incredibly blessed society.  I have the privilege to walk to Trader Joe's to pick of bananas for the morning or go to my sink to fill my water bottle with potable water. We have the ability to assume food, but we must remember the portion of the world who cannot. And we must work towards continual improvement so that, one day, maybe the entire world can assume food.

Higher than our Protest Lines and Dollar Signs.

Yesterday the interns went on a tour of the Monsanto world headquarters here in Creve Coeur. Going into the tour, I wasn't sure what to think because I didn't feel well versed enough in the controversy and scandal that surrounds Monsanto. All I know is that I have heard locals deem it "The Most Evil Corporation" and that they own a lot of land around here.  Before the tour, I did some quick reading on the issues but was more just interested to see what they do first hand -- or at least what they would show us.


It was fascinating to see some of the technologies they have developed to improve crops, improve the process of improving crops, and, well, to improve their profit. And while I still am not an expert by any means, I feel like I can make a better verdict on where I stand on this issue.


I'm not against the science Monsanto is doing. I believe that GMOs are a viable way to improve crop yield, nutrition and health. There are layers of regulations that these crops have to go through before they reach the market, and I feel that they are suffecient. They have designed ways to protect agains spread to of resistance and plans of actions incase tragedy strikes. (Which they've never had to use). The Danforth Center is pursuing GMOs as well- but it's their motive that's different. It's Monsanto's motive that makes me a little uncomfortable.


Monsanto is involved in two fields: Science and Agriculture. Both of these fields are intensely collaborative. Both these fields are also essential to humanity, agriculture as our food science as a way to understand and improve this life source. How, then, can one company remain so isolated and profit driven? They say their goal is to increase yields and feed the world... but only for their benefit? For their profit? They have developed incredible technology - but refuse to let others use them. How much faster could we solve world hunger if they would share?


Maybe it's just the way I'm wired because of my faith, my upraising, my beliefs. I believe that feeding the world should be a united effort, not focused on making a profit, but on saving lives and bringing peace. 


I understand that this is how the business world, capitalism if you wish, works; everyone is out for their own benefit. I just wish more people would see how much greater collaboration is than competition. How much more could be accomplished if we were allies rather than enemies. This world is full of problems, but I think the greatest problem is selfishness. If people constantly only work for their profit, how will we ever help those who cannot work for themselves?


On my morning run I was listening to Hillsong and the song "Solution" came on. This song has always been an anthem of mine but today I was struck by one lyric in particular:

Higher than our protest lines and dollar signs-

Your love is all we need

This is what I yearn to see in this world. People putting down their angry posters and megaphones, putting aside the need for profits and status and working together towards God's kingdom. This is what I have dedicated my life to, this is the world I will try to create. May God be the solution, but may I be his servant.  

Abandoning the Protocol

Science and cooking have so many parallels - maybe that's why I like both so much. Other than the fact that cooking produces something delicious and what I make in lab... well it's not often something you want to consume.

Throughout school our labs consist of following protocol and hopefully getting the anticipated results. Once in a while we'll stray from this model, but most of the time it's always following the lab report. 

It's just like following a recipe. Add this, mix that, and create exactly what you wanted. This is how I started cooking and how most people cook.  I always thought that following a recipe was rather straightforward and you should always get something tasty. Heck, it wast just like doing a lab.

In the lab now, however, we have no recipe. We have a goal, we have an idea and we have an arsenal of techniques to try to create something new. In particular, I'm trying to create gene. We're using basic skills and ideas to try to accomplish something new. There is no direct protocol to follow, no one's done this before. 

In the kitchen, I'm starting to do the same thing. I have my tactics and ingredients and I can use these to make something completely new, without a recipe. I'm having tons of fun.

Even though my lab work isn't quite cooperating yet, my experiments in the kitchen are delicious.

Tonight I made a balsamic, tomato, spinach chicken. Here's a mediocre photo:

I took a chicken breast and seasoned it with salt, pepper, garlic powder & italian seasoning. Then I marinated the spinach and tomatoes in balsamic vinegar, olive oil and the same spices. I baked the chicken for a bit then added the topping. The last few minutes of baking I added a bit of mozzarella cheese and let it melt. Yum.

I wish my results in the lab were as successful as the kitchen. I guess it's easier to use natures products  than to try to force nature to do what we want. It's also much more palatable. 

Experimenting in the lab is making me a better scientist.

Experimenting in the kitchen is making me a better cook.

I guess life is better when you forget about the protocol.

-K

Finally. A post about plants! 


On Thursday we went to the Missouri Botanical Garden. We were given a tour of their herbarium (which, if you don't know is a collection of dried plant specimens). They have millions of plant specimens from around the world preserved there, including some from the 1800s (The one in this picture is one of those). Scientists use these plant specimens to work on taxonomy, species classification, phylogeny and such. I was in awe that some of the specimens are so old and so delicately preserved that we can still refer to them. It is also a testimony to the great diversity of plants. Even though they have millions of samples it is only a small fraction of the total flora that currently grow on the planet and an even smaller fraction of all the plants that have ever grown.  We also got to see their rare botanical books. Books from the 1400s on agriculture, plants and such. They even have a first edition of Darwin's "On the Origin of Species" and a first edition of "Micrographia" (which has some of the first drawings of images seen through a microscope which I think is really cool).


Enough with the boring science stuff. Onto the pretty plants.


 I can't tell you the names or species of most of the plants that I saw but I can tell you that they were stunning.  I ranted on an on before about how the zoo shows God's creativity. I think plants show God's appreciation of beauty, his ingenious artistry.


 The array of colors was marvelous- a whole spectrum of pink just in the rose garden alone.

Some flowers hung, others crawled, some sprawled while others climbed. 

Scents as sweet as starfruit, bold as basil, light as lavender. 

And then there were quirky plants like these "living rocks"

I think there's a reason Eden was a garden. It really would be paradise. I'm a little peeved at Adam and Eve for getting humanity kicked out of it. But, if I were Adam and Eve, I would have run to the banana tree to make my wardrobe. I mean really, look a the size of those leaves.

It was tremendously refreshing to escape the urban environment for a stroll through nature. Sometimes I forget how enlivening nature is until I'm once again embraced in is peacefulness. 

-K

The Zoo: God's Art Gallery?

Yesterday, we went to Forest Park and explored the Art Museum, Zoo and then went to the Shakespeare festival. It was a full, fun, sun-filled day. I finally got to see more of St. Louis than just the one road from my apartment to the lab.

The zoo was absolutely delightful.  While at the art museum we were able to see beautiful art created by human hands, at the zoo we were able to see God's artistry in the form of his creation.

Whenever I really observe nature I cannot help but chuckle at the goofy creativity of God. I say that his creations are goofy because you cannot help but smile when you see tortoises that look like boulders and don't move much faster, and frogs that are so neon they belong in the 80s, and birds wearing such ornate feathers on their head they could've gotten into the royal wedding. At least, I can't.

God must take so much delight in his creation. Everything that he has formed has a purpose, a story and a unique design. He created it for his glory and when I see how brilliant his artistry is, I cannot help but return the glory to him.

Perhaps God's creativity can translate into our lives.  If our God could imagine around 10,000 species of birds, what unimaginable plans could he have for our lives? This, of course, leads me to Ephesians 3:20

"Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we can ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us"

Just as I do not have the ability to envision 28,000 different species of fish, I cannot comprehend all that God can do in my life. It's comforting to know that a God who is genius enough to create our world is in charge of the chaos that seems to be my life.  Even though I have no idea what God may be doing through me and I've run out of inspiration, his spirit is at work and he is dreaming up all sorts of incredible plans for me.  I just need to follow his leadings and trust in the power of the Holy Spirit working in my life. The same power that catalyzed creation dwells within me, and I can trust that it will not lead me astray.

Avoiding The Cereal

I love to cook. Love love love it. But there is something about a stressful, slightly disappointing, overwhelming day in the lab that makes pots and pans look like the devil's instruments. 

Yesterday, I had lofty ideas of what I was going to make for dinner. It involved couscous, spinach, tomatoes, chicken. mmm. It was going to be delicious. 

After a day full of PCR, gels, gels and more gels all I could think about was my box of Dierberg's brand Cheerios. One bowl, one spoon, instant gratification. And some whole grains to boot.

No. I would not let myself succumb to the cereal for dinner habit. At least not this early into my adventure. I always reprimand my siblings for having cereal for dinner when "it's not that hard to just making something." 

I still stuck to the one-bowl meal - tuna salad. Probably a little bit more satisfying to body and soul than a bowl of plain Cheerios. It was quite delightful, actually. I threw together some good ol' canned tuna, a dollop of greek yogurt, a few sliced grapes, tomatoes, chopped spinach and celery. Add some pepper and spices, grab some pita chips and you're good to go.  Nothing too strenuous, but still pleased my tummy far more than a bowl of cereal. 

Now- cereal is still one of my favorite things...don't think I'm knocking it. But there was something soothing about preparing and enjoying an actual meal, simple though it was.  Good food can always ward of the long day blues.

Heck, it even gave me the desire to go work out...Nothing like a few endorphins to ward off a strenuous day of work. 

I beat the 'cereal for dinner' siren song.... this time. 

-K

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