The following two documents are from Introduction to Cell Biology/Genetics and Microbiology, respectively. The first introductory level course focused on further building upon basic cellular mechanisms with a significant portion covering genetics. Microbiology was offered as a junior level course and focused on many bacterial processes, host interactions, and metabolism.
In Introduction to Cell Biology/Genetics, I completed a semester-long project focusing on the microbial diversity of the waterways in Farmville, VA. The first document is the final lab report that I completed at the end of the semester. Through this project, I learned how to obtain microbial samples from the field and culture them in the lab. I learned more advanced lab techniques and how to apply them to the research I am conducting, such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, species identification through sequencing, and identification of the characteristics of bacterial colonies.
In Microbiology, I completed a semester-long project focusing on the microbial communities inhabiting the lab that we were working in. The second document is the poster that I presented alongside my peers at a research showcase at the end of the given semester. In this project, I learned more advanced bacterial culturing techniques, such as performing the proper aseptic technique, analyzing and identifying organisms through Gram staining and various metabolism tests, operating an autoclave, and preparing Petri dishes with proper nutrients.
Through both of these courses, I am very confident in my knowledge of cell and molecular biology, as well as the laboratory techniques associated with the field. Going forward, I am very confident that I can correctly and appropriately utilize this knowledge that I have acquired.