D-1

             On my first internship day (11/07/12), I finally was able to meet my mentor, Linda. Although this visit consisted primarily of introductions, I was able to get a peek of what I would be doing for all throughout my internship experience. Although my mentor is Linda, I soon found out that I would be, for the most part, working with a 4-year graduate student named Yolanda.

            While conversing with both Linda and Yolanda, I found out that their field of specialty was titled, “analytical chemistry”. They explained to me that for the past several years, they had been researching on how to separate DNA by sequences. In addition to this, I was also told where I would come into play within all this. I would be helping Yolanda with her current project on the very topic stated above (separating DNA [and RNA] by sequences). Whether it be measuring out ingredients, creating gels for the lab, or more, I was excited to do it all. Curious to know more about this particular field of science, I can not wait until my next visit—in which I will actually get the chance to take part in the research process!