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It's a team effort.
It's a team effort.
Each student in the lab works on their own aspect of an existing research project. Several students may be working together collectively on one bigger project or using similar techniques, but no students have redundant projects. We always aim for student work to be presented at a meeting or be included in a publication, but being a published author is not a guarantee. The greater goal is to learn about the research process and what it means to do lab research as a career.
Working safely with pathogens.
Working safely with pathogens.
We work with Biosafety Level 2 (BSL-2) pathogens. This means that the bacteria are associated with human diseases that pose a moderate health hazard if inhaled, ingested, or exposed to the skin. There are clinical treatments for these bacteria in case of accidental exposure. If you are concerned about working with potentially infectious organisms for any medical reason, this may not be the lab for you.
Working with BSL-2 pathogens means that there is a lengthy training process in order to know how to safely work with pathogens to minimize any potential risks. Training usually takes one full semester before students are able to work on research projects. Because this training process requires my time, I ask that students who go through the training process be committed to the lab during the remainder of their time at Oxy. Training students can receive 1 unit of credit through Bio 193 Directed Research.
It takes time.
It takes time.
Lab periods are scheduled for 3 hour blocks because it takes that dedicated block of time to execute a full protocol. Students working in the lab are similarly expected to commit 6 hours per week to lab work. This includes 1) a 3-4 hour block of time (plan it like a lab period in your schedule), 2) 1 hour prep time, 3) ~1 hour data processing/experimental completion time, and 4) 1 hour weekly lab meeting time. Students can enroll in Bio 293 Directed Research for 2 credits for this work.
Experienced students also have opportunities to participate in our 10-week summer research program, apply for the Science Scholars Program, enroll in Bio 393 Directed Research for 4 credits and/or do Honors theses.
How the lab is structured.
How the lab is structured.
Students are expected to have completed Bio 130 Introduction to Cell and Molecular Biology before starting work in the lab.
Students typically start research in the lab as sophomores or juniors. There are usually 10 research students during the academic year and 2-3 students during the summer. Lab space availability is dependent on class year (~4 students per class year). Due to our BSL-2 work, I am unable to work with high school students. Due to limited space, I prioritize working with Oxy students.
Training is done with Prof. Okumura. After training, students can structure their time according to the guidelines above. We have lab meetings weekly on Thursdays from 12-1pm and attendance is expected. We also have lab parties at the end of each semester!
Lab skills.
Lab skills.
Some lab-specific skills students learn in our lab are:
Mammalian cell culture
Microbial culture and techniques
Biosafety Level 2 lab skills
Cellular activity assays
Western blot
Immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy
No mater which lab you're in, a research experience teaches you:
Critical paper reading skills
Oral presentation skills to general and peer audiences
Oral and visual presentation skills to scientific audiences
Technical writing skills (peer-reviewed journal format)
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