Week 5-6: Finishing the Project
Reaching my fifth week of research felt very strange, it was time for me to begin thinking about any clear trends in my data that were starting to show in order to produce my final conclusions. Once I figured this out, I needed to manage the time I had left to collect all data I wanted. This led to a full on week as I also had to fit in a job interview, Laidlaw leadership development day and an education outreach day- where some other scholars and I volunteered at a local primary school. Efficient planning was once again an important aspect of the week.
Following this came week 6, which I was excited for as it was going to be quite different from the previous weeks. My supervisor Liz allowed me to do some molecular work, catering my project to have a better relation to my course at university (Biotechnology).
Some of my cages had reacted differently than expected to certain pesticide doses, to investigate this I prepared antennae samples for qPCR. This is a method used to look at expression of specific genes. To begin with, on Monday one of the PhD students, Anthony, helped me to extract RNA samples. I then got to use a very expensive spectrophotometer to measure the concentration of RNA in each sample. Liz then helped me with cDNA synthesis on Tuesday and on Wednesday I got to perform the RT-qPCR assays in order to measure the expression of 4 specific genes.
Conducting this molecular work made me realise how much I had missed my course (and pipetting surprisingly), I am now so excited to go back. I am also really grateful that Liz allowed me to integrate this work into the research project as it provided me with 1-on-1 guidance whilst practicing techniques commonly used in my field of work. Additionally, the qPCR produced some promising results that I am looking forward to including in my research poster!
My final weeks of practical work could not have ended in a more ideal way (especially with Liz providing an amazing farewell picnic). In fact, it felt strange saying goodbye, leaving Anthony and Kane as they continue to work on their PhDs. I am planning to meet with Liz in the coming week to discuss my final results, and will be posting my research report and poster on the network soon!
Hi, I'm Elena and I am a part of Laidlaw's 2023-24 cohort at the University of Leeds.
I am currently studying Biotechnology with Enterprise which focusses on applying aspects of molecular and cellular biology to solve current problems. This can be in the form of using genetic modification to improve food security, discovering useful antibiotic properties of bacteria or the creation of vaccines via investigation of viruses. Along side this I also have begun learning about various areas of business in my enterprise modules.
I have chosen to work on a pre-defined research project: 'Bees, Pesticides and Insect declines: defining the sublethal effects of pesticides on honeybees'. I am excited for this project as I will be able to expand my biological knowledge into the field of entomology and continue to develop my lab-skills independently as I will be observing effects of sulfoxaflor and biological chemicals on young honey bees whilst also analysing their DNA to investigate any genetic mutations.
I enjoy spending time walking and running (especially around my home in the Peak District), making me motivated to make a difference in conserving and rebuilding our world's natural environments. Additionally outside of my studies I love to dance (ballet, jazz, lyrical, musical theatre...), sing, attend classes with Uni's yoga society, bake and explore in & around leeds (including finding good places to eat) with my friends.
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