|
|
|
The IMSD Summer Research Laboratory Program is directed at introducing IMSD scholars
to basic concepts and techniques, which are very educational in nature. Thus, the
students will have a better understanding of the scientific method. More sophisticated
techniques will be introduced to the scholars during the second part of the IMSD
Program, which is the mentor-research laboratory.
|
|
|
|
In addition to gaining valuable lab experience, a summer seminar series will also
take place. In weeks 1 to 3, scholars attend general lectures on personal development
and scientific careers. During weeks 3 to 7, scholars attend lectures from potential
faculty mentors. These lectures facilitate the selection of laboratories for the
second step in the IMSD Program. Two investigators per session talk about their
research interests in 15 minute presentations, followed by questions. It is expected
that two to three lectures will be given each week at lunch time.
|
|
|
|
Detailed IMSD Summer Research Laboratory Program
|
|
Week 1
|
Day 1. Scholars are welcomed by Summer Research Laboratory Director, Dr. Percy Russell.
During this initial event, Dr. Russell will introduce students to the scientific
rationale, including formulation of the working hypothesis, followed by a discussion
of career goals. After lunch, students are pre-tested for knowledge regarding laboratory
safety and attend a two-hour lecture on environmental health and safety.
|
|
Day 2. Students are tested for knowledge gained at the environmental health and
safety lecture from the day before. Scholars attend presentations on the use and
handling of radioactive material and vertebrate animals. During the afternoon, scholars
attend a lecture and practicum on library skills, including computer searching of
references and topics.
|
|
Days 3-5. Scholars are instructed in the preparation of standard solution (buffers,
enzyme assay “cocktails”), followed by hands-on preparation of solutions. These
solutions are used in spectrophotometric enzymatic assays. Practices on volumetric,
gravimetric, and centrifugal methods are also learned. Following the practice sessions,
lectures are provided in an orderly manner for each of the methods. The use of graphic
and statistical analyses of data is introduced. Research projects are assigned to
groups of two students
|
|
Week2
|
Initial hands-on experience begins with the purification of phosphofructokinase
(PFK)-1 from frozen rabbit tissue. This experience provides experience in tissue
homogenization, salting proteins out of solutions, desalting protein solutions with
molecular sieves, separation of proteins by ion exchange, and establishing criteria
of protein purity using SDS-PAGE. Lectures on the theory of molecular sieves, salting
out, ion exchange, and PAGE are provided at appropriate times.
|
|
Week 3-6
|
Each group begins with their individually assigned research project using purified
PFK-1 or another related enzyme. Discussion of the projects begins with an emphasis
on experimental design, followed by discussions of initial results with Dr. Russell.
General research projects include the following:
|
|
a) Separation of enzyme oligomers (PFK-1, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and adenylate
kinase (AK)) by centrifugal device techniques. Outcomes relate to an understanding
of the role of enzyme concentrations in the muscle glucose metabolism.
|
|
b) Comparisons of kinetic properties (Km of substrates, Ki of ascorbate) among oligomeric
forms of the enzymes.
|
|
c) Determination of conditions for transitions of globular actin (G-actin) to fibrous
actin (F-actin) and for complex formations with PFK-1, LDH, AK, aldolase and actin,
utilizing the newly developed centrifugal device techniques.
|
|
Week 7-8
|
Students are assisted in the preparation of PowerPoint oral presentations and posters.
Several practice sessions with Dr. Russell are used as part of the training. Preparation
of their scientific journals also continues during this period. Post-tests are given
on laboratory safety and attitudes about science and current career goals.
|
|
Week 8
|
Scholars attend lectures on personal development and research opportunities at UCSD.
Scholars will meet individually with Dr. Russell to evaluate the summer experience
(Exit Interview). Each group gives a PowerPoint presentation of their summer research
results and experiences before an audience of faculty, friends, relatives, and peers.
Posters are also displayed. The oral presentations are followed by an informal reception
(ethnic potluck party).
|
|
|