Bridges
My research is to focus on the genetic differences between ethnic groups specifically, to study, mircroRNA-27, to understand specific disparities at a genetic level. Disparities are the differences in prostate cancer risk or outcome between a group of people. The disparities could be caused by culture diet, lifestyle, and/or the distance from the nearest hospital. Knowing about these disparities helps to understand the progression and treatment of prostate cancer. I will be testing Native American DNA and possibly Hispanic DNA that has been affected with prostate cancer. So far, all I know about microRNA-27 is that it is a RNA molecule that acts as a switch that has the ability to either promote or inhibit prostate cancer.
In the beginning of my internship, my mentor Dr. Wilder assigned me to work with Kristi, a graduate student, who has taught me how to perform various testings and the purpose for each of them. It seems as if I was her first internee who she taught because she frequently asked if her instructions were clear. Not that I don’t like her questioning, I just find it amazing how great of a teacher she is. She is nice and cares that I get enough exposure working with a variety of lab equipment that will be used for my research.
There are six lab students that I work in Dr. Wilder’s lab. The students are all nice and mindful that I am an intern who hardly has any experience working with DNA. I enjoy working with them because they are willing to not only help me but also each other since we are all doing similar testings. The only difference is that we are given different genes to work with. Right now Amber and I are helping Angelique complete her research. We are both given a region of a gene to work with. It is reassuring to know that their is always help that can be provided if Dr. Wilder is unavailable.
During the week, once I am done working at the lab I usually return to my apartment and eat dinner. I make sure to eat three times a day and drink plenty of water throughout the day. Not eating and not staying hydrated would not benefit my health. I find it important to eat, that way you are able to function and think clearly. I also make sure to cook dinner, rather than warm up pizza bagels. Mmm.. pizza bagels are really good, but not a good idea to eat consecutive nights. Living on my own, I thought now I can buy myself pizza bagels, something that I hardly eat. However, it only lasted for the first week. I keep myself occupied with reading, browsing through the internet, and watching some Korean Drama. Korean Drama (a.k.a. Kdrama) is basically tv shows that are filmed in Korean that is similar to a ‘chick flick.’ When it comes to being active, I hardly go to the fitness center. But when I do go, I like to begin my workout with the elliptical and then lift weights. I would focus on lifting weights that strengthens my arms and legs. Before I sleep, I make sure to set my alarm otherwise I would be late. So far, I don’t think that I was more than 10 minutes late for class and I have been completing enough hours of work each week. I am familiar with the main part of Flagstaff. I was born here, lived here until I was two years old, and I completed my last semester of college here, so I know how to make my way around town. However, there are places that I haven’t explored. So far, I have visited two restaurants, which are Nadli Korean BBQ Cuisine and Grimaldi’s Pizza which I never visited before. Other than that last weekend, I enjoyed watching Finding Dory, The Shallows, and Independence Day. On saturday, my parents let my younger brother stay with me, while they traveled to Phoenix. My younger brother, Caleb, choose to stay with me because he dislikes travelling, especially in the extreme temperature. I enjoyed watching Jurassic World, and shopping at Barnes and Noble with him. Seeing my parents and younger siblings as they drop off and picked up Caleb was comforting. We mainly hugged and chatted for a while. Sunday was when I ate at Grimaldi’s Pizza with my friend and her family. Overall, it is nearly halfway through the program now and I am enjoying my lab with Dr. Wilder as my mentor. I can’t believe how fast these past four weeks have gone by. Caleb and I
9 Comments
7/6/2016 02:20:30 pm
Hi Joshelle,
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Joshelle Tsinnijinnie
7/6/2016 10:29:37 pm
Thank you. Yes, it does sound intimidating and at times it is difficult to carry out samples (specific region that is being tested) of the gene. Navajo and Hispanic are apart of the Native American Cancer Prevention. Hispanic DNA is also included because it is closely related to the Native Americans, due to the location. These are the only two genes that can be tested.
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Jose Martinez
7/15/2016 06:00:10 pm
Hi Jenille, again, another solid comment. If anything be more specific in explaining why you find your peers' research "fun" and "very interesting". Also, nice question as it got a response! Your thoughtful comment allows for the conversation and for learning to continue. Keep up all the hard work!
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Christelle
7/6/2016 05:24:11 pm
Joshelle! I am impressed with your work and jealous that you get to use all kinds of different instruments. :) I think I could live in your labs. The process of analyzing your samples seem interesting. I kind of want to visit you at work now. I like that you are also working with a graduate student. This gives you more guidance because they have been where we are. As for the food, the photos look delicious. I can eat them. (Haha, just kidding) All in all, keep up the good work and take it all in. Good luck with the remainder of your project.
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Jose Martinez
7/15/2016 06:29:47 pm
Hi Christelle, nice job commenting. In this comment you state your reactions to the post and specifically explain why you feel that way. For example, you say you're jealous because of all the lab equipment that Joshelle gets to use. Be sure to be this specific in all your posts. Keep up the nice work.
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Deionna Vigil
7/6/2016 09:18:54 pm
Your research is so interesting! It almost reminds me of the nature vs. nurture argument. It will be cool to see how much of an impact genetics play in the acquisition of prostate cancer and maybe even epigenetics in the future. That is good that you get a long with and are bonding with your lab group and that you have such a great teacher to work with. Even though you were born and raised here it is cool that you are still venturing out and exploring new places. I am excited to hear more about your project as it comes together!
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Marsha Bitsui
7/7/2016 03:02:08 pm
Hey Joshelle,
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Lillian Bedonie
7/13/2016 09:12:46 pm
Hey Joshelle! Your research project sounds very interesting. The whole microRNA-27 and what you have to do with it. I want to hear more about it, it would be like a bedtime story to me while we talk in our room. Glad you are enjoying the program too and exploring Flagstaff. You must take me to this Korean place someday before the end of the program because picture of the food looks so good that I am getting hungry just by looking at it. I know you will enjoy the ramen noodle shop in downtown so I must take you there one day.
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Jose Martinez
7/15/2016 10:53:43 pm
Hi Lillian, your comments are articulate and reflect that you have spent time reading posts. However, in future posts be sure to be more specific. Especially in discussions of academic topics. For instance, you open by stating that Joshelle's work is "very interesting" and that you want to hear more about it, but you never state what you find interesting or what you'd like to hear more about. Be sure to be more specific in your future responses.
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