S-Stem Scholar Jaira Munoz Zavala's Blog

On the second day of the first week, we worked with three gels and 16 samples of DNA. First, we wrote down how we were going to set up everything for the 16 samples. We decided to put each gel next to the other, so we would know which gel contained which sample.            (1) (2) Each of the gels contained a ladder in the first space. Only the third gel contained the blank. This is after we filled the eight spaces in the gel with the samples of DNA.   The pictures show our progress while working with the gels.  In order to avoid mistakes while working with multiple samples, we worked with one gel at a time. We decided not to move the gels from the initial positions, so we wouldn't get confused. We kept interchanging the pipette. In this way, one could take a break while the other pipetted one DNA sample into the gel. Results: Extra pictures: ME! WHILE PIPETTING! :) ...still working i...

In the first week of the Spring semester, we worked with one gel with the DNA samples of Chad, and  we helped to fill some flasks GEL: First, we did a 1.7% gel for 3 DNA samples. We work with samples 19, 20 and 24. Here, we were preparing the 1.7% gel after mixing TAE Buffer and Agarose. We used to use a microwave to heat it up in time sections. Now, we were using a hot plate. Every few seconds, we hold the flask (using a glove) and move it, so the heat wouldn't be concentrated in just the bottom.  After we had the Gel solid, we prepared the dye for the DNA samples.  We used 2 μL of dye, 5 μL of distilled water, 5 μL of DNA sample. For the Blank, we used 5 μL more of distilled water instead of DNA.    This is after we finish pipetting the DNA samples into the gel. This is the time when we just need to check the DNA doesn't go past the arrow.                     ...

The following days in the lab we learned about P-Glow transformation. On this day, we prepared media, made labels and learned how to prepare before any experiment.  (Sept. 17th, 2019) The most important things we always have to do every time we go into the lab are: sanitize the table where we are going to work (with ethanol 70%) wash our hands before we start working.   Have a list ready for the materials we will need during the day.  This will prevent cross-contamination and mistakes during the experiment (we will have everything close to us while working in the experiment). LABELS: In order to keep track of all the experiments, everything has to be labeled correctly.  THE LABELS HAVE TO BE AROUND THE DISH, BUT NOT IN THE MIDDLE (IT SHOULDN'T COVER WHAT IT CONTAINS) Labels have: Name of the person (or Initials) Date of when it was done. What it contains  MEDIA: There are different recipes for media, the one wo...

This is the second part of my second day in the STEM program: "Dilution experiment." Also, I learned how to properly mix a solute in a solvent.  (Sept. 13th, 2019) CALCULATE DILUTION: The first dilution experiment we did was to practice using micropipettes. Later on, we used this equation for another experiment. That is why I included it here: Equation: M 1 V 1 =M 2 V 2 During the experiment, we pipetted different amounts with different pipettes. First, we pipetted from the solution with a high concentration of food colorant to a tube with water. Then, we pipetted from the second solution to another tube with water, and so on. We ended up with 5 tubes with different colors (that showed different dilutions): red, dark orange, orange, yellow, pale yellow. Later on, we learned how to properly mixed solutions. We mixed glucose in water for future media. We measured .25g of glucose. We threw to the trash the excess because you never put back to t...

On my second day in the STEM-TRAIN program. I learned "how to use a micropipette" through a "Dilution experiment."   (Sept. 13th, 2019) The micropipettes have different volumetric measurements. They all measure in microliters ( μl = 1 microliter) (1000 μl = 1 ml) There are 4 different types of micropipettes in the lab, with different ranges each one. They are also color-coded, BUT ALWAYS MAKE SURE TO CHECK THE RANGES BEFORE USING THEM. ALSO!! I had a hard time reading the small lines in the pipettes. :  PARTS OF A PIPETTE: DO NOT THIS WITH THE PIPETTES!!!! Never go below or above the ranges of the micropipettes. You can break them if you do this, or they will need to be recalibrated.  Do not let the tip attachment to touch anything, not even the substance you are working on. It can contaminate future experiments, or ruin the mechanism of the pipette. Do not let the disposable tip to touch anything but the substance you're working on. I...

First day in the STEM-TRAIN program. I learned about the “Streak Plate Method”, the “Gram Stain Test” and how to use a microscope. (Sept. 10th, 2019) V-Fisheri bacteria At the beginning of the class, Shawn, a senior student, explained to me the experiment he was working on. He was working with V-fisheri bacteria that have as bioluminescent properties. The goal of his experiment is to find some components that can stop the bacteria from releasing AHL molecules. The V-fischeri bacteria is a gram-negative bacterium found in marine environments When it multiplies and it is ready to communicate with each other, it releases QS molecules. When these molecules are released, the biofilm glows. If the biofilm doesn’t glow there is “something” that stops the communication among these bacteria Pathogenic bacteria also release molecules when it tries to communicate with the others; however, these molecules are toxins. The V-fisheri experiment is successful, it can be applied to p...

Hi! My name is Jaira (Ha-e-rA) Munoz Zavala. I'm an undergraduate in Arizona State University. I'm double majoring in Forensic Science and Fine Arts, Sculpture. It has been interesting to drive between the Tempe and the Glendale campuses. At ASU West, I volunteer in Dr. Weidner's Forensic Entomology laboratory. Thanks to her, I had the opportunity to present in ESA (Entomology Society of America), NAFEA (North American Forensic Entomology), and WAESO (Western Alliance to Expand Student Opportunities). I started by assisting in a decomposition research to analyze the initial arrival of insects and arthropods to remains in Phoenix. Now, I'm focusing in Chrysomya Rufifacies, This is an invasive blow fly that eats the larvae of other native blow flies. Right now, I'm researching their oviposition preferences. Also, last semester, I started volunteering in Dr. Kanthaswamy DNA Laboratory. Here, I assist during the DNA extraction of blood samples. I used to focus in surr...