In the five-day residential research course held during January winter break, students learned to use microscopy and quantitative PCR, a process to help understand biological pathways and diseases, to detect Bivalve Transmissible Neoplasia (BTN) in steamer clams. Students also introduced a gene through transfection for green fluorescent protein into a eukaryotic marine parasite that affects oysters and saw expression of this gene using fluorescent microscopy.
“Electroporation of cells is so cool. Zapping cells to insert DNA? I had no idea it was even possible,” SMCC student Lucas Girard said of the research experience. “I feel like I’m thriving here; being around passionate peers is just the best.”
Photo credits: SMCC