Last month, I wrote a post about Genecure’s “Gene Research for a Week” program. After just finishing spring break, I think it’s time to chronicle my journey in the labs of the UofC…
With a notebook in one hand, a pen in the other, and an open mind I studied genetics in the C. elegans developmental biology and genetics lab of the University of Calgary with Dr. Jim McGhee during my spring break. The experience was beyond my expectations and the knowledge I learned about the research and genetics is indispensible.
Upon first entering Dr. McGhee’s lab, I did not know what to expect. I was immediately immersed in genetics research and jargon during the lab’s weekly “worm meeting”, where the researchers and graduate students discuss the progress of their work and scientific literature. Later that morning, Dr. McGhee gave us a tour of the lab, showing us equipment and introducing us to the researchers. Under the lens of microscope, I was able to gaze upon the foundation of Dr. McGhee’s research: The C. elegans nematode. He taught us the qualities of C. elegans that made it an optimal model organism in biology, explained his work, and allowed us to practice transferring the worms between petri dishes. As someone who aspires to be a surgeon, I enjoyed meticulously picking up the worms with the pick tool. We ended day one with the preparation of a gel for use in a well-known technique in genetics: gel electrophoresis. Dr. McGhee patiently taught us how electrophoresis worked, and walked us through the procedure of preparing a gel and samples of DNA fragmented by restriction enzymes.
The second day was equally exciting. Dr. Logan, a professor in the department of cell biology and anatomy, gave us a tour of the teaching labs in the Health Sciences centre and introduced us to her third year Health Science students. They discussed their projects with us, letting us have a taste for undergraduate-level research through hands-on activity: such as working with snails, zebrafish, and chick embryos.
Our third day at the lab was especially jam-packed. Dr. McGhee allowed us to experiment with a stain called DRAQ-5, a stain that could possibly replace the lab’s conventional stain. We were able to see the effect of DRAQ-5 on C. elegans cells using Dr. McGhee’s “Elyra” superresolution microscope, the most high-tech microscope in the building. The experience of observing the worm cells under such high-resolution microscopy was fascinating, and it was exciting to observe the effects of DRAQ-5. Later in the day, we were given a tour of the fly, frog, and then zebrafish lab of the university. Being able to see all of the model organisms that the researchers work with was astounding.
On the final day of my placement, I was able to work on everyday lab work including pipetting worm strain fragments for gel electrophoresis, preparing slides for C. elegans strains, and scanned a sample of worms under a fluorescent microscope to search for red fluorescent protein.
The highlight of my week was definitely working with the worms and being able to observe them under the microscope. As well, working along side the researchers gave me a real feel for the lab and I felt like a true researcher. I now know that research will be a part of my life, and that I truly enjoy the curiosity and enquiry that I experience in the lab. My experience in Dr. McGhee’s lab were unforgettable and I will carry on the lesson I have learned for the rest of my life.
Richard Chen, 2013.
