Clarisse Yee 24’ Conducting Biological Research at Walla Walla University
This summer I am doing research at Walla Walla University under Dr. Lindsey on understanding the role of ubiquitin-dependent proteolytic pathways in multicellular development. In simpler terms, we are analyzing the function of proteins using an amoeba called Dictyostelium discoideum that could help us understand the molecular mechanisms that underlie the conversion of stem cells to differentiating cells.
I usually am in the lab five to six days a week, however this research is not your typical 9-5. Some days I would be in the lab for as little as 2 hours to upwards around 9 hours. In a sense, the days can vary depending on what our goal would be for the week and the procedures in which we would have to follow. That is all because our research involves using bacteria cultures in order to help grow our DNA samples. When it comes to bacteria, there is a specific incubation period we have to follow in order for the bacteria to grow and yield results. Sometimes it would be only 90 minutes while other times we would have to wait for a full twelve hours for it to grow before we could use it. Thus, a typical day would be to go to the lab in the morning and prepare or begin a research procedure, then come back later in the afternoon or evening to complete it. So far, we’re almost finished through the first goal of our research process. We’ve accomplished making clones of DNA, doing Restriction Enzyme Analysis for different DNA Samples, and transforming E. Coli with our target DNA. We will soon begin the second phase which is learning and conducting the protein purification process. This process will definitely be a lot more longer and complicated, but it will mostly build upon the skills we’ve learned from our previous accomplishments. This experience has definitely helped me with my time-management and scheduling skills. Some of the research procedures such as protein purification and DNA transformation can take from 2-5 consecutive days to complete, so timing is absolutely crucial. Poor planning can lead you and your fellow researchers to being in the lab at 3am trying to pipette eighteen samples of DNA into test tubes(and now that was a whole experience in itself). With good planning, it can minimize the chances of errors occuring and allows you to at least have a decent sleep schedule. Speaking of making errors, dealing with delicate samples of enzymes and DNA has also taught me to be very vigilant about the small details. Before you begin a specific procedure plan, you have to make sure that there are enough materials needed for it and that all the necessary lab equipment is set-up. Since bacteria, enzymes, and DNA can be time-sensitive and very particular, if you don’t start your incubation bath(water bath) early and have it set to the right temperature, it can negatively affect the end results. And since samples can be pretty costly, it’s important that you lower the chances of making easy-to-spot mistakes. Beyond the enriching experience it has given me, being able to spend a lot more time in the lab has given me a better understanding on what I would be interested in pursuing after Whitman. I am interested in either working at a biotechnology start-up or using my experience to become a biotech patent attorney. I also plan on continuing this research project throughout the year and using it as the basis for my thesis since I will be a senior BBMB major.
In all honesty, I never thought I would find myself at Walla Walla University conducting research.
Instead, I thought I would be doing research at Whitman or at one of the multiple internships I have applied to. But, life always works in the most interesting of ways, and let’s just say full-
sending some cold emails can be an absolute game-changer. So, to all the students out there looking or struggling to get an internship, never hesitate to reach out. Overall, this research opportunity has been a blessing in disguise and I really enjoy working
under Dr. Lindsey and the other Walla Walla University students I had the opportunity to meet.