Physically.. well here's my update I'm in Panama City been here since the end of September. I applied for a 3-month internship at Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute and so far it's been the best decision I've made, career wise. Working on a project on the molecular evolution of sea urchins with Dr. Lessios. I was suppose to leave last year on December. Luckily at work they liked me as much as I loved working there. So when they offered me too stay 2 more months I couldn't say NO... impossible. You see what I do here is exactly everything I want, it's Monday for example and I couldn't be happier, yes I have to wake up early, and work for 8 hours but I couldn't imagine having a better job to do. I've learn so much in the past six months and had so much fun at the same time.
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| Last but not least on the list ;) |
January-February 2013
Ok. So I stayed for two more months this time working with Dr. Hiller which is part of Dr. Lessios lab also and therefore involves molecular work too. But with cute little crabs, porcelain crabs. Testing primers to find the best to amplify and sequence specific DNA fragments in various class of porcelain crab species. Then sequencing this DNA and analyzing the DNA sequence through a special software (Sequencher) which I learned to use. Yes I feel like I'm part of an investigation team and most days it's like CSI only I'm looking at crab, starfish or sea urchin DNA instead of the classic murder suspect.
March-April 2013
3+2+2= yes 7 months living in Panama City. I got another extension for 2 more months, so my not-so-short internship turned into this wonderful experience in which I learned so much I'll just have to write another entry about it. I promise to keep you updated, but hey it's Monday gotta get back to work. Wish you all a wonderful week!
