Lessons Learned Working in a Lab

Lily Samborska Verrazzano Class of 2023, completed major in Ecology, Evolutjon & Behavioral Biology and minor in Philosophy

Joining a lab for my capstone was one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences during my time at CSI. After taking Cell Biology with Professor LaMassa in 2022, I asked to join her lab to see if I could contribute something valuable enough to use for my capstone.

Working in an environment that is so completely out of your comfort zone forces you to reevaluate whether or not the challenge is worthwhile. Despite reading the recommended journals that were assigned to me in order to learn about the lab’s previous findings and future goals, I still felt uncomfortable with the material as there was so much that was foreign to me. Over time though, I became acquainted with other members of the lab and picked up on their techniques. I also got to see how supportive they were of each other, as they helped keep each other’s cells alive during the week, took turns restocking materials, and showed up to celebrate each other’s birthdays and achievements.

A lot went wrong with my project; I changed it multiple times and had to deal with tedious obstacles. The cell line I was using required special attention, and after accidentally sub-culturing them too low density on one occasion, I had to wait three weeks for them to grow enough to continue my project. I also had to work around a busy schedule, going to the lab on weekends, holidays, or after a ten-hour workday. Although this wasn’t required, I felt it was necessary in order to produce the highest quality of work possible.

Despite any setbacks I faced, I began to love the time spent in the lab by myself, and found myself asking questions to further understand the subject even though it had nothing to do with my own future goals or career.

My favorite part of the experience was learning to use the Leica SP8 confocal microscope. When it was finally time to use the microscope and take images of my results, it felt so rewarding to be physically shown that my efforts paid off. When working with something as delicate and stubborn as cells, it is possible to technically do everything right and still be left with poor results. The number of cells I’ve worked on and taken photos of only to discard because they weren’t good enough, is humbling. Gaining confidence in using the microscope and repeating laboratory techniques helped me take charge of my project.

By pressing forward and being stubborn, I have gained a whole new set of skills that will undoubtedly aid me in laboratory settings in veterinary school, and I possibly may even consider continuing research in graduate school as a result.

This experience has left me with a newfound confidence in my ability to persevere through academic challenges. It challenged my bad habit of procrastinating schoolwork and forced me to be proactive to give myself the best chances of success. Despite it for the most part being an uphill climb, it feels fantastic to be finished and wonder what I could have done better.

I hope that when choosing a lab or mentor, students will take it as a challenge for themselves and use it to become more well-rounded. The experience will also hopefully leave you with deep connections and appreciation for research as well.