On a weekly basis, I try to find out which chemical can inhibit biofilm formation. I also help with the upkeep around the laboratory, by completing any tasks that are needed to maintain a clean and well maintained laboratory; along with organizing and stocking. So, thanks to this RA experience, along with working with Dr.Chung, I have officially learned how to take care of a BSL-2 lab. Which is considered to be a lab that covers working with different agents that could potentially be harmful to people and the environment, which requires a lot of knowledge on how to properly handle any pathogenic procedures or materials.
The project that Dr. Chung and I are working on, is a very dense and a thorough process. Together, in the the Lopac Chemical Library, Dr. Chung and I try to find which chemical or pathway will inhibit Biofilm formation, among thousand of others. Dr. Chung and I have made a collection of progress in our project and are beginning to see results for a few chemicals that we have narrowed down to.
I hope to one day work in a BSL-4 lab, a lab with much more dangerous biological threats. For example, Ebola would be studied in a BSL-4 lab. Somebody has to fight these infectious diseases! I would like to do research in order to find cures and study diseases, that currently do not have cures at the moment, such as HIV or Cancer. I also hope to see that my research helps future generations and helps to form more innovative ideas to create cures. Some people have lost complete hope for a cure to their disease, and I have a passion to help cure these people. As long as researchers use their knowledge and abilities for the better health of the world, we may find a cure in the near future with a lot of hard work. Working with Dr. Chung has helped me see many unresolved issues in the medical industry, and has helped me gain a passion to look harder for cures in the lab. I have also been introduced to many innovative thinkers and scholars throughout this assistant-ship, which have worked to only add to my aspirations and peaking interest.
I have definitely developed a new perspective and gained deeper knowledge through research for current issues in the medical industry. I have learned a lot about a lab, and what it is like to work with a professional team. Not only has this experience given me knowledge, but it has also made me aware of what to expect after college. This Research Assistant-ship has helped get a good grasp on to the issues in the medical industry, and I have become a part of the conversation. I really enjoyed working in the lab, and it is always great to meet important people, and to get your name out there. The Research Assistant-ship was a wonderful opportunity, and I feel very fortunate to have worked with such a passionate scientist, biochemist, and mentor, Dr. Myung Chung.
