Lab Reports and lecture projects
Surface Materials
MEMS Lab Reports
Spring 2013
1. Fabrication and Testing of Two Microfluidic Designs: A Concentration Gradient Generator and a Cell Seeding/Perfusion Device
2. Fabrication, seeding, and testing of a cell perfusion microdevice
3. Cell micropatterning using PDMS
1. Fabrication and Testing of Two Microfluidic Designs: A Concentration Gradient Generator and a Cell Seeding/Perfusion Device
2. Fabrication, seeding, and testing of a cell perfusion microdevice
3. Cell micropatterning using PDMS
Biochemistry Lab Reports
Fall 2012
1. Isolation and Quantification of Capsaicin from Hot Sauce
The capsaicin levels in different brands of hot sauce were extracted and compared via spectroscopy.
2. Identification of Genetically Modified Foods Using PCR and Gel Electrophoresis
DNA samples from different foods was extracted and amplified using PCR. The samples were then run through gel electrophoresis to determine which were genetically modified.
3. Expression, Purification, and Characterization of a Carbohydrate-Active Enzyme
E. coli were cultured and used as a source of the enzyme Cps2L which was purified using affinity chromatography. The enzyme was then analyzed for purification using SDS-PAGE and HPLC.
4. Enzyme Kinetics of Cellobiase, a Biocatalyst Used in the Biofuel Industry
The reaction kinetics of the enzyme cellobiase were studied by changing temperature, pH, and other parameters regarding the reaction. The reaction created a colored product, which allowed for analysis via spectroscopy.
5. Proteolytic Enzymes in Detergents: Evidence of Their Presence through Activity Measurements Based on Electrophoresis
Experiment Handout
This experiment's protocol came from an academic paper and was then tested several times and modified by myself and a team member for other students to follow. The study involved identifying which parts of a well-known detergent product contained enzymes for breaking up protein through AU-PAGE.
Lecture Project:
Amino acids in space: How meteors may have affected amino acid chirality on Earth (PowerPoint link)
1. Isolation and Quantification of Capsaicin from Hot Sauce
The capsaicin levels in different brands of hot sauce were extracted and compared via spectroscopy.
2. Identification of Genetically Modified Foods Using PCR and Gel Electrophoresis
DNA samples from different foods was extracted and amplified using PCR. The samples were then run through gel electrophoresis to determine which were genetically modified.
3. Expression, Purification, and Characterization of a Carbohydrate-Active Enzyme
E. coli were cultured and used as a source of the enzyme Cps2L which was purified using affinity chromatography. The enzyme was then analyzed for purification using SDS-PAGE and HPLC.
4. Enzyme Kinetics of Cellobiase, a Biocatalyst Used in the Biofuel Industry
The reaction kinetics of the enzyme cellobiase were studied by changing temperature, pH, and other parameters regarding the reaction. The reaction created a colored product, which allowed for analysis via spectroscopy.
5. Proteolytic Enzymes in Detergents: Evidence of Their Presence through Activity Measurements Based on Electrophoresis
Experiment Handout
This experiment's protocol came from an academic paper and was then tested several times and modified by myself and a team member for other students to follow. The study involved identifying which parts of a well-known detergent product contained enzymes for breaking up protein through AU-PAGE.
Lecture Project:
Amino acids in space: How meteors may have affected amino acid chirality on Earth (PowerPoint link)
Tissue Engineering Lab Reports
Fall 2012
1. Collagen Fiber Extrusion
2. Scaffold Fabrication via Freeze-Drying
3. Determining cell viability using a Live/Dead assay and fluorescence microscopy
4. Salt leaching and gas foaming for chitosan-based scaffold production
5. Subculturing adherent cells on GAG (glycosaminoglycans) modified surfaces
Lecture Project:
Mesenchymal stem cells mechanically stimulated in vitro may provide enhanced healing in vivo
A self-designed study.
1. Collagen Fiber Extrusion
2. Scaffold Fabrication via Freeze-Drying
3. Determining cell viability using a Live/Dead assay and fluorescence microscopy
4. Salt leaching and gas foaming for chitosan-based scaffold production
5. Subculturing adherent cells on GAG (glycosaminoglycans) modified surfaces
Lecture Project:
Mesenchymal stem cells mechanically stimulated in vitro may provide enhanced healing in vivo
A self-designed study.
Bioethics
Spring 2012
Completed in a team of three.
Cultural Influences on Patient Autonomy
End-of-Life Issues: Brain Death and Organ Donation
Completed in a team of three.
Cultural Influences on Patient Autonomy
End-of-Life Issues: Brain Death and Organ Donation