Bryttan !!

Contributed by Bryttan Adams​

Hello, my name is Bryttan Adams, and I am about to enter my third year at K-State. I joined K-State as a medical laboratory science major, but after a few months working in the Lee lab, I transferred to medical microbiology. I began working in the lab during my second semester of freshman year. A few weeks into the semester, my TA for General Microbiology, Anna, was helping me with a technique when she mentioned the lab. She told me a little about the work she did and proposed that I come work with her. 

Working under Anna has been an amazing experience. She personally took the time to teach me several different techniques and protocols. Working in the lab, I started out by learning DNA quantification, then moved on to DNA extractions, which I became very familiar with. We extracted and measured the DNA from bacteria living in plant rhizospheres across a multitude of samples. During this time, another graduate student was growing hundreds of single-cell isolates, which I helped harvest, extract, and quantify. Additionally, I began learning new techniques, including cell culture of Caco-2 cells, which is one of my favorite things to do in the lab. The following semester, with the support of the lab, I applied for the Johnson Cancer Research Award and was lucky enough to have been selected. 

This opportunity allowed me to work on my own research project, studying Akkermansia muciniphila. Throughout this experience, I learned numerous techniques and skills in both the wet lab and outside of it. This project provided valuable insight into what goes into planning and preparing for experiments, as well as demonstrating the importance of science communication. One of the first experiments I did was a growth curve observation of my bacteria. This opportunity meant I was fortunate enough to come in and measure my cells every four hours for 24 hours. I also began working with a variety of different in vitro tests, including Griess, LDH assays, and wound healing, which were very interesting. Each of these tests was accompanied by its own set of issues and questions, but thanks to the help of graduate students, Sonny, and trial and error, I learned the importance of persistence and problem solving. Following the encouragement and guidance of the Lee Lab, I created posters recounting my project, which I presented at both the Division of Biology’s Undergraduate Research Forum and the campus-wide Undergraduate Research Symposium. Both of these experiences were very exciting. 
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After graduating, I plan to attend graduate school and earn my PhD. The experiences I have gained through both this project and my work in the lab as a whole are invaluable. Every technique I have learned here at the lab will help me be successful in my future research. In this lab, I have learned so much thanks to the continued support from all members.