This is my last week in the Genomics lab. We started the day by taking all of our samples and measuring out 0.25 grams of the soil near the root (in two samples). In the third sample, we only dug near the root and did not uproot the dandelion plant. All of the plants were replanted and placed back under the grow lights. In the afternoon, we actually extracted DNA from two sets of our samples. This was amazing. We each worked with our mentors during this process. On Tuesday, we extracted DNA from our last four samples and tested the quality using the nano drop machine. The results were impressive and we will know more once we run our gels. We also performed PCR using the Earth Microbiome project. We will be sending our final samples along with samples from Dr. Urban’s plant hopper experiment to NCState to be analyzed. All of our samples willbe in one test tube but will be marked with alumina markers. We will get about 15 million copies for $1300. This is remarkable. In three years this could be $600. On Wednesday, we ran the gel for our 39 samples and did not notice any bands. Dr. Stevens decided to run the gel electrophoresis again with just five samples. We also plated nine soil samples on our four agar plates (nutrient, fungi soil, bacteria soil, and rose bangle agars).  On Thursday, we worked on the curriculum in the morning and went to a lab meeting with our mentors. We were able to discuss how we would incorporate our project within our curriculum. We also ran another gel electrophoresis on eight samples. We had another lunch discussion with Liz Baird and the director  of the museum. I am getting a little emotional about the fact that tomorrow is our last day. This experience has truly enriched my life in so many ways. I have enjoyed learning new laboratory techniques and procedures, working with my mentors, collaborating with Laura and Amy (and other Kenan Fellows), and working at the museum. I would love to be a mentor or in some other way to help the future Kenan Fellows!  Friday amazing and sad at the same time. As my fellow Student Discover cohorts will agree, goodbyes are difficult. It is as if you are closing a chapter in your life. I would like to think the the museum, my mentors, my fellow Kenan members, and all of the people associated with my externship are part of my extended family. I will truly miss going to the museum each day and doing scientific research. It was nice to hear from my mentors that we are a part of the museum now and can return anytime.  I had my face tested for mites and surprisingly, they were none. We also took pictures of our agar plates. There was a great deal of growth within the last 48 hours. In addition, Dr. Stevens gave a Daily Planet Talk on the lion fish. That was extremely interested. Lastly, we set up our last PCR. Well, I hope it is not my last PCR set up because I am on the volunteer list and would love to come back to do additional projects in the genomics laboratory.  I cannot reiterate how fortunate I feel to be a part of the Kenan Fellow’s program. Working at the museum was a dream. I will also cherish the relationships and memories of this experience. It has been one of the best experiences of my life. Science is so awesome and the Kenan Fellow’s Program rocks!