Week 5:
Exploring and Some Data

July 8, 2021

   Work Hard

This week I began testing the large number of samples I had taken last week. The lab and I began by analyzing the data from some of the samples we tested during our sample collection. I had the opportunity to practice analyzing antibody ELISPOT assay plates. This test is done to mark antibody-producing cells, which we then count in a machine.

I practiced counting spots for antibody ELISPOT. There are a few improvements we will make to help us distinguish between real and fake spots easily in the future. This small step in sample testing gave me a taste of what is to come. I am super excited for the coming weeks when we get to put all our hard work and samples to good use and run all the tests on them. After that, I will be able to help with data analysis and summarization. This is something biochemistry classes at Cornell have allowed me to do from day one and something I now realize I have taken for granted until now. Working with samples I have personally collected and worked hard to process, I am so excited to make something out of them and then analyze the data. It is an amazing feeling to make conclusions about data and provides a sense of accomplishment and finality to the study. Even more exciting, the current study the Yuan lab is working on has done multiple rounds of this study, so I get to analyze the new data along with the old data. This is one thing Cornell has not given me the chance to do, so I am extremely excited to experience this and make some preliminary conclusions of my own.

Play Hard

After last week’s chaos, I took this week to explore Blacksburg and the surrounding areas more than I have since moved here this summer. I went on a bike ride on the Huckleberry trail had a nice conversation with a couple who lives in Blacksburg. They gave me recommendations about where to hike and bike ride nearby and were very interested in my work this summer. They also lived in Colorado for a time, about two hours North-East of where I live. It was a breath of fresh air to meet someone from home after all this time away from my family and my hometown. We also thought we saw a bear cub running into the trees, but later found out it was a black cat…I think we all get caught up in the Colorado talk…

I went hiking at Cascade Falls outside of town, which was a different type of fresh air. It was beautiful and super nice to get out in the country instead of staying in town like usual for the day. As the name implies, there is a large waterfall at the end that pools in the rocks. The water is FREEZING cold, but that didn’t stop a few other people and me from taking a swim.

I also made an effort to try some of Blacksburg’s local restaurants… and they did not disappoint. I can’t wait to enjoy my new favorite restaurants for the next month.