The practicum experience provided me with the tools to enter the professional world. I spent a semester in The Department of Environmental Engineering at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County. Under my site supervisor, Dr. Upal Ghosh, I learned the techniques necessary to measure the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in local area fish. These contaminants are prevalent in marine life and can be very dangerous to the one's health if ingested in high concentrations. In collaboration with the Maryland Department of the Environment, my advisor's laboratory was given the task of monitoring samples that were acquired by the state from several local locations. I was given the task of formulating a method for determining how much of these contaminants were in a sample of fish. The task required that learn many new techniques, including sonication, column chromatography clean-ups, acid clean-ups, as well as gas chromatography techniques.
I discovered a great deal about the environmental factors that can affect local wild life. I also learned the many techniques that were required to measure various contaminants. I conducted research on the origins of PCBs as well as information on how these molecules ended up in marine life. The biggest impact of my experience was the realization of the scientific process. Determining the method took a great deal of trial and error as well as weeks of research to understand the background on the experiment. I developed a great deal of knowledge in how to properly conduct research in the scientific arena. Combing scientific journals, I found prior research that would support the inferences I made in the laboratory. There had been previous research on extracting PCBs from fish, but I had to build a method that would conform to the materials that were available to me in the lab. It is important to understand the meticulous process one must take to find the information he or she is looking for. Becoming acclimated with the equipment in the laboratory and the techniques involved in the experiment was also a long progression. I had never done many of the procedures and they were difficult initially to grasp. It took many trials to become accustomed with each of the instruments and receive valid results. I developed a new work ethic that has given me a greater understanding how research is conducted in the real world.
Working in a laboratory setting has provided me the means to value patience and diligence when working towards a goal. I was told that I must determine the method for extracting polychlorinated biphenyls from a sample and it became my goal to follow through with my best efforts. I have gained a great deal of understanding of how scientific research can be advantageous for everyone in the community. The fish that we are to eventually measure for contaminants are found in community lakes, rivers, and streams. It is the responsibility of the lab to tabulate and report these levels in an effort to provide warnings to the public on the dangers of contaminated fish. The experience has reignited my efforts into receiving my bachelor's degree in cell biology and continuing on to medical school. I would like to thank my site supervisor Dr. Upal Ghosh, who gave me the opportunity to be a part of research that I was passionate about devoting my time and effort to. I would also like to thank Piuly Paul, who took time out of her research to guide me through the process. I have gained valuable experience from my semester in the scientific world and I hope to continue my research at the lab in the future.