Cornell and Beyond

the lab and the undergrads -or- “Excuse me Professor, but my negative controls aren’t very negative”

I realized that I never really discussed what I’m doing with most of my time this summer. I am working in a lab in the Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, doing the 9-5 grind in hopes of ironing out an honors thesis.

I used Cornell Tradition funding for this summer. Nothing too spectacular but it pays the bills. I was left speechless by the salaries some of my friends are getting for summer internships with big companies -larger salaries than I’ll be making for the next 10 years of my life!

But I’ll tell you this, you don’t go into science for the money. I’m really enjoying what I’m doing, which, at a broad level, is looking at the molecular consequences of stress. I’m being purposefully vague for two reasons: One I’m making an attempt not to bore anyone to tears, as this entry could easily do if I tread too heavily on this topic. Two, I need to do a pretty major experiment before I can get a handle on a more discreet area to focus on. I think it’s sufficient to say that I’m excited about what I’m doing, which is the most important thing. I’ve quickly realized that this is pretty vital when you are working 8 hours a day, 5 days a week.

What’s also great about the lab that I’m working in is that there are 2 other undergraduates, someone in summer college, a graduate student and two professors currently associated with the lab. I love talking with all of them, and I’m always learning something new from someone. Just today the other undergraduates and I were huddled over a diagram of an action potential, trying to untangle some puzzling aspect or another. Why were we thinking about this? It had no direct relevance to any experiment any of us were running. I think that’s just what happens when you put 4 science lovers together in a small room. Best quote of the year from an unnamed undergrad I work with. “I think every PCR is a little miracle.”

So, in sum, what you might want to take away from this entry: I’m working in a lab. It’s fun. I like learning. I like science.

If any of those things interest you, and you’d like to know more about working in a lab at Cornell, or anything that relates to Biology and Cornell, or anything that relates to Cornell at all, give me a holler! It is summer after all, so I have plenty of time to give long and detail-rich replies to questions, which I can’t promise during the school year. Although I will admit that I’m such a Cornell enthusiast I probably will anyway

and here’s….

Patrick! Of course, everything makes sense now

introducing…

Rachel and I got a new roommate!  His name is Patrick, and he is just about the nicest guy I’ve ever met!

He’s got an amazing personality: he’s friendly, outgoing and not at all shy.  I only met him Monday but I already feel like I’ve known him forever.  He’s talkative and great company.  But he’s also a bit of a practical joker, he loves to run around and has already gotten into a bunch of shenanigans.  You can’t get mad at him though, he’s just too cute!  He’s also a sweetheart and talking to him in the morning really gives me a pep in my step. (Is that even a phrase?)He doesn’t have a job so he mostly sits around all day doing who knows what, but Rachel and I don’t mind, since he seems really glad to see us when we come back from work.  He eats about everything that he sees in front of him, but don’t all guys?  Rachel was a little afraid he might mess up the bathroom but so far he’s been very discreet and hygienic, which is always a plus for a roommate.

a giant freezer would be divine right now

I just thought you might like to know that it is HOT HOT HOT here in Ithaca.

I’m going to go STUDY STUDY STUDY in the living room where there is fortunately A/C.

That is all…my computer may explode from overheating if I try anything longer

Happy 4th!

Here in Ithaca, for some insane reason, we have no fireworks on the 4th of July. Will someone please explain that to me?

It’s also raining. Pouring actually, if you want to be accurate.

Oh Ithaca, only you.

PS- Went to the gorge this past weekend for some swimming. Apparently the gorges are the place to be during the summer, as it was quite the happening waterfall. I’ll try to remember my camera next time so I can prove once and for all that Ithaca is NOT depressing : )