My name is Emma Riordan and I go to Hendrix College. This summer I worked in the Dr. Zhuang Lab at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville. I spent the summer investigating the variation of diabetic-like traits in Drosophila melanogaster, as part of a larger effort to understand the genetic basis of diabetes. I learned and practiced essential biological lab techniques, such as gel electrophoresis, DNA extractions, and nanodrop spectrophotometry. The INBRE Mentored Summer Research Program expanded my ability to engage with research and explore unsolved topics, while learning the laboratory skills I will need to succeed in graduate school. 

Hello. I’m Julie Schwartz from Hendrix College. This Summer I worked in a cancer research lab at the University of Arkansas through the INBRE research program. I conducted experiments to analyze the relationship between two proteins involved in cell apoptosis, and I learned about working in a lab from my principal investigator, the lab manager, and the other undergraduate researcher on our team. In addition to conducting experiments, I worked with my principal investigator to improve my scientific writing skills. By the end of the summer, I completed two INBRE reports and a description of my experiments to be included in a published paper on this project. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have participated in the INBRE program!