Vials, Vials, Vials

Fastest Pipettte in the West, Part One

Bunny Suits

Fastest Pipette in the West, Part Two

Practice Makes Perfect

Hands On

Paperwork!

Media Pour

Professor Wolf Looks On

Hair Nets Optional

Self Study and Collaboration

Students worked with their own set of back stock reagents. Dozens of vials, each with a specific reagent, often with only a drop or two, required exacting attention to detail.

One milliliter of water weighs about one gram. This relationship allows for technicians to check their technique by weighing volume transferred, the students could assess how accurate they were with this crucial technique.

Students get first hand experience working in cleanroom garments as they conduct various labs.

Students had to transfer 10 volumes, totaling 40mls. If it weighted 40 grams (plus or minus one percent) they passed this technique assessing activity.

Students need to learn how to transfer small volumes into a gel (without touching the gel). Later, this practice activity (done with colored dyes and jello) is used in the creation of a DNA fingerprint.

Students poured their own gels in preparation for a DNA fingerprint. From working with the tools of the trade to preparing their own reagents, students did it all in this workshop!

Actual protocols from industry as well as biotechnology labs were scoured for relevant information. During the three day workshop, students completed over 15 lab exercises.

Practicing sterile technique, students poured their own plates of media needed to cultivate a wide range of microbes from contaminants to genetically engineered bacteria.

While encouraged to work (and think) on their own, students were also encouraged to ask questions if not sure. Better to ask than to make a big mistake!

During the long lab hours, some students shed the hair nets for comfort. In a real lab setting, these garments are not to be removed under any circumstances.

Students need to walk a line between reading protocols on their own as well as asking for assistance if unsure.