In the lab

Today marks the start of my second full week in my biochemistry lab were I am currently working on my 4th year project investigating pathways used to tell cells in the body to self destruct. I was very excited when I organised my final year project at the end of my third year. For my research project (the science equivalent of a dissertation) in 3rd year I had two supervisors and I was very excited and pleased that one of them was kind enough to offer me a lab based project for this year. I have always enjoyed lab work and so am pleased that this course has given me an opportunity like this! I have been excited to start in the lab since last year and I have not been disappointed so far!

So far I have tried my hand at a number of different biochemistry lab techniques, some of which I have had a go at before in ISci labs and some of which are completely new to me. So far things have been going pretty well and, despite a few silly mistakes and forgetting where to find equipment in the seemingly massive lab, I feel like I am getting the hang of it all. Although, working in the lab all day everyday is certainly a change from the 4 hours a week of labs in my previous 3 years on the IScience course!

Tomorrow I will be attending my first lab meeting. These are set up to allow everyone in the lab to keep each other up to date on what projects they are currently working on and how they are getting on. I am one of just 2 masters students in the lab whereas everyone else is either a phd student or a post doctorate researcher so it is a little daunting. Everyone in the lab is really lovely though so hopefully it will be fine but wish me luck nevertheless!