Research Experience
My research experience has been one of the most rewarding experiences I have had during my undergraduate education. It has allowed me to experience what a career in research might look like for me and has also allowed me to develop as a scientist. Further it has helped me fine tone some of the most important lab techniques.
Puig-Saus Lab
PI: Cristina Puig-Saus
Department: Jonsson Cancer Center
Objective: UCLA lab investigating the development of novel T-cell therapies for the treatment of solid tumors.
Techniques Learned:
- I perform melanoma cell dilutions where I move the cells to new plates to ensure they have ample
space to grow and regularly check for new growth. I also to make new media for the cells and look at the cells under the microscope to determine what type of dilution should be conducted.
I run DNA gel electrophoresis to determine the size of plasmids to ensure there was no cross contamination of plasmids during experiments.
I conduct PCR to amplify a desired stretch of DNA to run through gel electrophoresis for verification of the right genetic material.
I preform bacterial transformation to multiply desired plasmids that are then extracted to put in retroviruses to infect melanoma cells.
I have learned how to properly autoclave lab equipment, discard bio-hazardous waste, and how to aliquot liquid reagents.
Conference Posters
Clubs
Involvement in clubs has been a great for me to venture outside of my comfort zone and foster community. Here are some of the clubs I am involved in!
Hermanas Unidas
On campus club that combines academic, community service, and social activities to unite and support Chicana/Latinas along their pursuit of a degree in higher education
DIG at UCLA
On campus club that teaches students the process of growing food and food systems through hands- on learning, whose goal is to foster the relationship between nature, humans, and fresh, healthy food.