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A member of Group #2, Zac Volo, finishing up the DNA Extraction process.

We began an extraction of DNA using Qiagen Protocol with subtle modifications. We did this extraction on a Daphnia Magna sample.

Today in class we are practicing DNA Extraction. We have been doing a lot of practice to lead up to extracting DNA from zooplankton but it isn’t easy. You have to practice so that you know how to extract the DNA, prepare and run gel electrophoresis and PCR (polymerase chain reaction). Next week we hopefully begin working with the samples given to us by Dr. Dzialowski. Guess I’ll write about it next week if we do the real thing.

Today we began doing the Qiagen protocol for the first time on a Daphnia Magna sample.

Last week in class, we gave presentations over various topics pertaining to DNA barcoding. For example, my group’s topic was the development of DNA sequencing techniques. It was interesting to learn from my peers about these different subjects as well as receive critiques from Dr.’s Ren and French on our presentation and poster design. On a lighter note, we also received our very own OSU printed name tags, which adds a feeling of being a little more official here on campus.

Today was one eventful day. When we all got to class today we finally received our long awaited name tags to wear on our lab coats. I feel like an official scientist wearing mine. I posted to snapchat and one of my friends said I was an official nerd now. Not that I’m denying it so that’s pretty cool.

We also presented our midterm posters in class today. It was my first scientific poster and it’s safe to say that there was a bit of a learning curve for my lab partner, Aiden Moore, and I. This was a good lesson in how to make scientific posters that would actually be presented in a conference. While our posters didn’t present lab research they still presented information and gave us good research experience and presentation experience which includes answering questions that we may or may not have know the answer to. Next semester I will be taking part in the Life Science Freshman Research Program and will have to present my research in a more official environment than in a class room. In other words, I’m grateful for the poster experience.

More experience gained in this lab has been using equipment that I haven’t used before. We have learned how to calibrate micro pipettes, collect samples of zooplankton, and prepare and run Gel Electrophoresis and PCR. Coming soon we should combine all of these learning experiences and as the course title implies: “Use DNA Barcoding to Caracterize Zooplankton Communities.” Attached is a picture of me practicing inserting a sample DNA into the gel electrophoresis system.

Today, at the beginning of our lab, our research group received our official name tags! Many of us immediately showed them to our family members and friends, hoping to draw some sort of pride or attention from their response(s), while also validating our efforts.

In this photo, I, Gabby Barber, am working with my lab partner, Lily Harrel, to run gel electrophoresis from PCR products we have combined in class. This image shows me excitedly holding our tray with various test tubes that we will need to run the gel as I sport a pink lab coat with lavender gloves. Science is both fun and fashionable, and I love every second of it. Thanks, Drs. Ren and French for such a great opportunity!

Got our name badges!! We’re feeling very official now!!

We received our name tags in class today! This was very exciting as it began to show that the work we have done in class is official.