finally! i'm getting paid...

When I first came to OSU, I knew that I wanted to gain some experience in a research lab. At OSU there is a well-known micronutrient research center called the Linus Pauling Institute (LPI), after the famous Vitamin C researcher. Since my major is Nutrition Science, I sought after a position in the Vitamin E lab. After about a year of attending lab meetings, then almost nine months of training and trying to prove myself, I will finally be getting paid for my work!

This has been one of the most challenging things I have ever done. The actual test I run is to measure how much Vitamin E is in a plasma or tissue sample. I do a lot of pipetting which is all about accuracy. It has taken awhile to be sufficient enough with the technique. Then, I analyze the data I collect, and try to understand the knowledge and reasoning behind the processes I am involved in. I often leave the lab with my brain completely exhausted from trying to make sense of it all. Although it is really hard work, it is very rewarding, and I enjoy the challenge.