This essay reflects on the author's experience in a biology seminar course throughout the spring 2014 semester. The course focused on training undergraduates in biomedical research techniques. Students conducted laboratory work in fields like biology, biochemistry, physics, and chemistry. They isolated and characterized bacteriophages found in tropical soils. The author specifically worked with isolating and purifying a bacteriophage named Gemeos. Additional experiences included isolating plasminogen activator from HeLa cells and learning about electrospinning and nanotechnology. The course helped develop the author's understanding of scientific research and their ability to communicate their work. It served to prepare the author for an upcoming research experience at North Carolina State University that summer.

1. Reflexion Essay
By Amanda M. Icazatti-Burtell
Throughout this Spring Semester (January thru May 2014) I have taken the Biology
course called Seminar in Biology: Theoretical and Practical Aspects of Biomedical
Research. This course have been very helpful since its main focus is to train
undergraduates and giving them the necessary tools to understand and undergo
through research techniques. We had laboratory and research experience in a
variety of fields such as Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, and Chemistry. Every week
we were exposed to different laboratory experiences in which we learned and
acquire new knowledge about laboratory equipment and techniques used in them.
During the semester we work on the isolation, purification, and characterization of
bacteriophages found in Tropical Soils. As part of the experience a bacteriophage
named Gemeos was adopted and I was able to work with its isolation and
purification. A Scientific Paper had to be written in order to document everything
that was made. This was very helpful because it help me develop a better
understanding of what I made. In addition, it was a very challenging process in
which I learned how to express myself to a group of people (readers or listeners)
about novel scientific research.
As part of the seminar I also had the opportunity to isolate Plasminogen Activator
(PA) from Hela cells using Magnetic Nanoparticles in a Biochemistry laboratory
session. I also understand how electro-spinning system and nanotechnology work,
their benefits, and how they compliment each other towards creating things in a
Physic laboratory session. For a Chemistry experience I had the opportunity to
create my own metallic compounds to experiment if anything could be synthetized
from them as part of a Solid State Synthesis experience. Water Quality was also
studied by using coliphages as indicators of Escherichia coli, which would mean that
the water site is contaminated with warm-blooded animal feces.
For additional exposition to Scientific Research I had the opportunity to participate
in a variety of Workshops. The first one was a dedicated on explaining how
barcoding is being implemented in the identification of species such as fishes. In
addition I also had the opportunity to work on an innovative science research that
studies the Selective transport in cell membranes and Osmosis. Finally, a
Microscope Workshop was organized to trained students in the identification and
correct use of the different microscopes that exist.
Being part of this experience has been very rewarding for me. It served as a great
support for my classes and has awakened a passion in me towards research. It has
certainly been a great tool to develop myself as a scientist. I feel that I have all it
takes and that I am prepare to face my research experience this summer in North
Carolina State University.