Kim Seguin, a second year Biology student, shares her thoughts about her I-CUREUS experience in Biology.
As an I-CUREUS participant, I have provided support to Dr. Alex Wong’s research. As a part of this research, I have been gaining experience working as a research assistant in a microbiology laboratory. I’m responsible for setting up and running an experiment for Dr. Wong.
Part of Dr. Wong’s research involves studying antibiotic resistance genes in E. coli. I’m a second year biology major and so this project relates strongly to my course work here at Carleton, and it also relates to the part-time position that I hold outside of the school. I’m aware that antibiotic resistance is a problem that scientists are facing. The bacterial world is fascinating in terms of evolution and E. coli makes a great model for studying the predicament that resistance causes.
I have been put into a position of responsibility and it has provided me with an amazing hands-on experience to experiment on a topic that is of importance to me. I have gained valuable time management skills from this experience. As is the case with most university and college students: I have a busy schedule. At first I had some doubt as to whether or not I’d be able to harmonize everything – it felt a little overwhelming. But I’m passionate about the research, and I figured out a way to make it work. I may not get as far into the experiment as I would have liked, but this made me realize that experiments take time.
I would tell future students considering I-CUREUS that it has been a very positive experience for me. I met a great group of people – all so smart and talented. I would encourage future students to consider participating in I-CUREUS because it offers students invaluable experience. I’m very grateful to the Discovery Centre, and to my supervisor and Department.